THE CONTEXT: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has played a pivotal role in maintaining consumer price inflation within its target range of 4±2 percent, contributing significantly to India’s financial stability and economic growth. The collaborative efforts between the RBI and the government, particularly in implementing monetary and trade policies, have been instrumental in achieving a balance between high GDP growth and inflation control, despite challenges in the agricultural sector.

ISSUES:

• Decline in Agricultural Imports: India’s agricultural imports have seen a notable decrease of 8% in 2023-24, shifting from an average annual growth rate of 14% during the UPA government to 9% during the Narendra Modi government’s tenure. This raises questions about India’s move towards self-reliance in agriculture.
• Significant Drop in Edible Oil Imports: The value of edible oil imports plummeted by 28.5% in a single year, primarily due to increased palm oil prices internationally. This significant reduction in import values despite stable import quantities highlights the impact of global market fluctuations on India’s import bill.
• Pulses Import Policy and MSP Integration: The sudden doubling of pulses imports in 2023-24 to $3.7 billion and the resultant inflation in pulses prices underscore the need for a rational trade policy that aligns with the domestic Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy. The article suggests a more calibrated approach to import duty adjustments and emphasizes ensuring that landed prices do not undercut MSPs.
• Impact on Farmers: The liberalization of pulse imports at zero import duty, intended to tame consumer prices, may adversely affect farmers by depressing domestic prices below MSP. This highlights a consumer bias in trade policy and raises concerns about the sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods and their motivation to produce.
• Policy Recommendations for Edible Oils and Oilseeds: To support the domestic production of oilseeds and achieve self-sufficiency in edible oils, recommendations ensure that the landed price of imported edible oils does not fall below the domestic MSP of oilseeds. This approach is crucial for initiatives like the National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm (NEOM-OP).
• Integration of Trade Policy with MSP Policy: There is a need for a coherent integration of trade policy and MSP policy, particularly for crops like pulses and oilseeds that are less water—and fertilizer-intensive. This integration is essential for balancing farmers’ interests with environmental sustainability and achieving self-sufficiency in crucial agricultural commodities.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Dynamic Import Duty Structure: Implement a dynamic import duty structure for pulses and edible oils that adjusts based on domestic production levels and market prices. This structure should ensure that import duties are reduced when domestic production is insufficient to meet demand, thereby preventing price spikes. Conversely, when domestic production is abundant, import duties should increase to protect local farmers from cheap imports. This approach requires close monitoring of domestic and international market prices and production levels.
• Strategic Buffer Stock Management: Expand and strategically manage buffer stocks for pulses and edible oils through agencies like NAFED. This involves procuring these commodities at MSP when domestic prices are low and releasing them into the market when prices are high. This ensures price stability and provides a safety net for farmers. The government could use advanced analytics and forecasting models to accurately predict market demand and supply, ensuring efficient stock management.
• Promotion of Crop Diversification: Encourage crop diversification towards less water-intensive and fertilizer-dependent crops like pulses and oilseeds. This can be achieved through targeted subsidies, technical support, and awareness campaigns about the benefits of diversification for farmers and the environment. Additionally, research and development should be intensified to improve seed varieties and farming practices that increase the yield of these crops.
• Enhanced Support for Edible Oil Production: To reduce dependency on edible oil imports, particularly palm oil, the government should intensify support for the National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm (NEOM-OP) and other initiatives aimed at increasing domestic production of traditional oilseeds like mustard, groundnuts, and soybeans. This includes providing farmers with financial incentives, technical assistance, and infrastructure support. Given the land constraints, innovative approaches such as vertical farming and using marginal lands should be explored.
• Trade Policy Coordination with MSP Policy: Ensure that trade policy is closely coordinated with MSP policy, particularly for sensitive commodities like pulses and edible oils. This involves setting import duties and quotas so that the landed price of imports does not undercut the MSP, thereby protecting farmers’ incomes. This coordination requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Commerce, and other relevant bodies to align policies effectively.

THE CONCLUSION:

India’s approach to integrating trade policy with minimum support price (MSP) policy highlights the complexities of managing inflation while supporting domestic agriculture. The recent adjustments in import policies, particularly for pulses and edible oils, reflect a strategic move towards stabilizing prices and ensuring farmer welfare. However, the journey towards self-reliance in agriculture, especially in edible fats, underscores the need for a nuanced policy framework that aligns trade liberalization with domestic agricultural support, ensuring the sustainability of the economy and the environment.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q.1 What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap? 2018

Q.2 What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to the farm sector in India? Discuss the issues the World Trade Organization (WTO) raised about agricultural subsidies. 2023

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Examine the impact of India’s agricultural import policies on domestic agriculture, mainly focusing on pulses and edible oils. Discuss how these policies align with the Minimum Support Price (MSP) policy and suggest measures to ensure the welfare of farmers while maintaining consumer price stability.

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/import-policy-must-be-well-integrated-with-minimum-support-policy-9353662/

THE CONTEXT: On May 20, 2024, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, made public his application to a pre-trial chamber of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against five individuals linked to the conflict in Gaza. The five are Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the outfit. The announcement caused a furor, which could have adverse consequences for the ICC.

ISSUES:

• Legal Basis and Jurisdiction of the ICC: The ICC operates under the Rome Statute, which allows it to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The Prosecutor’s allegations against the Israeli and Hamas leaders are based on these categories of crimes committed in the context of the ongoing conflict. Despite Israel not being a party to the Rome Statute, the ICC asserts jurisdiction over its territory based on Palestine’s status as a state party and previous court decisions affirming jurisdiction over Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
• Nature of the Alleged Crimes: The allegations against Hamas leaders involve war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, taking hostages, and sexual violence, stemming from attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The allegations against Israeli officials include persecution, extermination, murder, starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, and intentionally directing attacks against civilian populations since October 8, 2023.
• Evidence and Expert Panel: The applications for arrest warrants are supported by evidence collected by the Prosecutor’s office, including interviews, authenticated videos, photos, and satellite imagery. An independent panel of international humanitarian and criminal law experts has also provided legal analysis to support these applications.
• Implications for International Law and Cooperation: The ICC’s issuance of arrest warrants would obligate all states parties to the Rome Statute to cooperate with the court, including arresting the indicted individuals if they enter their territories. This highlights the tension between international legal obligations and political considerations, as seen in past instances where states failed to arrest individuals despite ICC warrants.
• Jurisdictional Challenges and Criticisms: The ICC’s jurisdiction over non-state parties, like Israel, is contentious. Critics argue that the ICC should not exercise jurisdiction over countries that have not ratified the Rome Statute. However, precedents exist where the ICC has exercised jurisdiction over non-state parties based on crimes committed in the territory of a state party or a state that has accepted its jurisdiction.
• Potential Impact on Diplomatic Relations and International Perception: The ICC’s actions could have significant diplomatic repercussions, affecting relations between Israel and its allies and the broader international community’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision to issue arrest warrants against leaders of both Israel and Hamas may also influence public and political perceptions of the ICC’s role in addressing international crimes and the principle of accountability.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement: International actors, especially those with influence over Israel and Hamas, should intensify diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and encourage both parties to engage in meaningful peace negotiations. This could involve leveraging the ICC’s actions to push for a ceasefire and initiate dialogue to address the conflict’s root causes.
• Support for ICC’s Jurisdiction and Process: The international community, particularly states parties to the Rome Statute, should reaffirm their support for the ICC and its mandate to prosecute individuals for international crimes. This includes respecting and enforcing the court’s arrest warrants and reinforcing the principle that no individual is above the law. Support for the ICC’s jurisdiction over the situation in Palestine, as affirmed by a pre-trial chamber in 2021, is crucial.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Access: Given the allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare, there is an urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance to the affected civilian populations. International actors should work to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach Gaza in sufficient quantities and without obstruction. This includes advocating for the lifting of blockades and providing safe passage for aid workers.
• Accountability and National Investigations: Israel and the Palestinian authorities should be encouraged to conduct their own credible and independent investigations into the alleged crimes. If these investigations meet international standards, they could serve as a basis for deferring ICC proceedings, per the Rome Statute. However, the ICC should closely monitor these national proceedings to ensure they are not used to shield individuals from international justice.
• Utilization of Article 16 of the ICC Statute: The United Nations Security Council has the power under Article 16 of the ICC’s statute to suspend investigations or prosecutions for 12 months, renewable. This provision could be used as a diplomatic tool to negotiate a ceasefire or peace agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, any suspension should be conditional on tangible steps towards ending the conflict and should not be used to delay justice for the victims of alleged crimes indefinitely.

THE CONCLUSION:

The decision by the ICC Prosecutor is of great significance. International law is being severely tested in this crisis. While this step may not be an immediate panacea, it signals that there is value in the rule of law, in the idea that no one should be able to commit international crimes with impunity, and that accountability should not be a mere mirage.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1 Several outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, a zone of interest to India. In this context, discuss the implications of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement in 2018. 2018

Q.2 The will to power exits, but it can be tamed and be guided by rationality and principles of moral duty.’ Examine this statement in the context of international relations. 2020

Q.3 Strength, peace, and security are pillars of international relations. Elucidate. 2017

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1 Discuss the legal basis and implications of the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to seek arrest warrants against Israeli and Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the context of the Gaza conflict.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-great-significance-of-the-step-by-the-international-criminal-court/article68218124.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: On June 3, 2024, a rare and spectacular astronomical event will occur as six planets—Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—align in the sky.

EXPLANATION:

• This planetary alignment offers a unique opportunity for skywatchers and astronomy enthusiasts to witness a remarkable display in the early morning hours.

What is a Planetary Alignment?

• A planetary alignment occurs when the orbits of several planets bring them to the same side of the Sun simultaneously.
• From Earth’s perspective, these planets appear to form a line in the sky.
• According to a lecturer at University College London’s Physics & Astronomy Department, this visual alignment, or “planetary parade,” should not be confused with a true orbital alignment, known as syzygy, which is much rarer.
• On June 3, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune will appear in a line across the sky.
• The best time to observe this alignment is approximately one hour before sunrise.
• The event provides an excellent chance to see all six planets at once, a rare occurrence that enhances its significance.

How to Spot the Alignment

• To maximize the viewing experience of this planetary alignment, consider the following tips:
  • Location: Choose a location with minimal light pollution and a clear, unobstructed view of the eastern horizon.
  • Timing: The alignment will be most visible an hour before sunrise on June 3, and potentially a few days before and after.
  • Equipment: Binoculars are essential for spotting all six planets, especially the fainter Uranus and Neptune. Mercury, due to its proximity to the horizon, might also require optical aid. Jupiter, being the brightest, will be easiest to identify.
  • Identification: Unlike stars, planets do not twinkle. Using a night sky app such as Sky Map, Star Chart, or Sky Tonight can help accurately pinpoint each planet’s location in the sky.

Significance and Rarity

• Planetary alignments of two, three, or even four planets are relatively common.
• However, alignments involving five or more planets are less frequent.
• The last notable alignment occurred on April 8, 2024, visible during a total solar eclipse across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
• Visual Alignment: The planets will appear in a line from Earth’s perspective, due to their positions in the Plane of the Ecliptic, the flat plane in which most planets orbit the Sun.
• Not a True Alignment: As emphasized by Kate Pattle, the planets are not forming a straight line in space but are merely aligned visually from our viewpoint on Earth.

Mercury:

• Mercury, the innermost planet of the solar system and the eighth in size and mass.
• Its closeness to the Sun and its smallness make it the most elusive of the planets visible to the unaided eye.
• Because its rising or setting is always within about two hours of the Sun’s, it is never observable when the sky is fully dark.
• Mercury is designated by the symbol ☿.

Mars:

• Mars is no place for the faint-hearted. It’s dry, rocky, and bitter cold.
• The fourth planet from the Sun, Mars, is one of Earth’s two closest planetary neighbors (Venus is the other).
• Mars is one of the easiest planets to spot in the night sky – it looks like a bright red point of light.
• Despite being inhospitable to humans, robotic explorers – like NASA’s Perseverance rover – are serving as pathfinders to eventually get humans to the surface of the Red Planet.

Jupiter:

• Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in the Solar System.
• A gas giant, Jupiter’s mass is more than two and a half times that of all the other planets in the Solar System combined and slightly less than one one-thousandth the mass of the Sun.
• Jupiter orbits the Sun at a distance of 5.20 AU (778.5 Gm) with an orbital period of 11.86 years.
• It is the third brightest natural object in the Earth’s night sky after the Moon and Venus and has been observed since prehistoric times.
• Its name derives from Jupiter, the chief deity of ancient Roman religion.

Saturn:

• Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second-largest in the Solar System, after Jupiter.
• It is a gas giant with an average radius of about nine-and-a-half times that of Earth.
• It has only one-eighth the average density of Earth, but is over 95 times more massive.
• Even though Saturn is nearly the size of Jupiter, Saturn has less than one-third of Jupiter’s mass.
• Saturn orbits the Sun at a distance of 9.59 AU (1,434 million km) with an orbital period of 29.45 years.

Uranus:

• Uranus is one of two ice giants in the outer solar system (the other is Neptune).
• Most (80% or more) of the planet’s mass is made up of a hot dense fluid of “icy” materials – water, methane, and ammonia – above a small rocky core. Near the core, it heats up to 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit (4,982 degrees Celsius).
• Uranus is slightly larger in diameter than its neighbor Neptune, yet smaller in mass. It is the second least dense planet; Saturn is the least dense of all.
• Uranus gets its blue-green color from methane gas in the atmosphere. Sunlight passes through the atmosphere and is reflected back out by Uranus’ cloud tops.
• Methane gas absorbs the red portion of the light, resulting in a blue-green color.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/witness-rare-celestial-magic-on-june-3-as-six-planets-align-in-a-straight-line-heres-how-to-spot-them-101716359244492.html

TAG: GS 3: ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The advent of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) represents a significant leap in transportation technology.

EXPLANATION:

• These aircrafts, capable of taking off, hovering, and landing vertically, promise to revolutionize urban mobility with their low maintenance and operating costs, and potential applications in emergency situations.

What is eVTOL?

• An eVTOL is an electric aircraft designed for vertical takeoff and landing.
• Unlike helicopters, eVTOLs do not require high fuel and maintenance costs or elaborate helipads.
• They can operate from any open ground or rooftop, making them highly versatile and potentially transformative for urban environments.
• Several companies and institutions are at the forefront of eVTOL development:
• Lilium:
  • A German company producing battery packs for its Lilium Jet, aiming for European Union Aviation Safety Agency type certification by 2026.
• ePlane Company:
  • An Indian Institute of Technology, Madras-incubated startup expected to launch e-flying taxis in Bengaluru, pending Directorate General of Civil Aviation approval.
• Airbus:
  • European corporation Airbus is working on its CityAirbus project, with a maiden flight scheduled for later in 2024.
  • The vehicle will have an 80 km operational range and a cruise speed of 120 km/h, designed for quiet city flights.
• United Kingdom:
  • Anticipating its first eVTOL flying taxi flight by 2026.

Potential Benefits

• eVTOLs offer numerous advantages:
• Low Maintenance and Operating Costs: Being electric, eVTOLs are cheaper to maintain and operate compared to traditional helicopters and aircraft.
• Emergency Situations: Ideal for urgent medical care and other emergencies, eVTOLs can quickly transport patients or supplies in congested urban areas.
• Urban Mobility: eVTOLs can cut through road traffic, offering faster commutes and cargo delivery, significantly enhancing urban mobility.
• Environmental Impact: As electric vehicles, eVTOLs contribute to reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution.

Challenges and Considerations

• Despite their potential, eVTOLs face several challenges:
• Regulatory Hurdles: Many countries, including India, have yet to establish clear policies regarding eVTOL flying taxis. This technology requires precise route planning, collaboration with public works departments, and a dedicated air traffic control unit.
• Infrastructure Requirements: Although eVTOLs can take off and land vertically, integrating them into urban landscapes will necessitate the development of suitable takeoff and landing zones.
• Safety and Certification: Ensuring the safety and reliability of eVTOLs is crucial. Certification by aviation authorities will be a rigorous process.
• Market Acceptance: Public acceptance and trust in eVTOL technology will be vital for its widespread adoption. Educating the public on its benefits and safety will be essential.
• Future Prospects
• The rapid research and development in eVTOL technology suggest a promising future. Some potential uses include:
  • Daily Commutes: eVTOLs can offer a faster alternative to traditional road transport, alleviating traffic congestion in cities.
  • Cargo Delivery: With their ability to bypass ground traffic, eVTOLs can revolutionize last-mile delivery services.
  • Military Applications: The flexibility and quick deployment capabilities of eVTOLs make them suitable for various military operations.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/science-technology/is-evtol-a-boon-or-bane-it-depends-on-how-we-put-it-to-use-96280

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Spain has officially become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), marking a significant milestone in the global effort to promote solar energy.

EXPLANATION:

The International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilise efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.
• It was presented by the leaders of the two countries at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015.
• Headquarters: India
• The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of the ISA. It meets annually at the Ministerial level at the seat of the ISA.
• Signatory Countries: 119 countries have signed the ISA Framework Agreement.
• Member Countries: 98 countries have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement.
• The primary objectives of the ISA include:
• Mobilizing $1 trillion in investments for solar energy by 2030.
• Reducing the cost of solar power and technologies.
• Facilitating the deployment of solar energy solutions in member countries.
• Promoting collaborative research and development in solar technologies.
• Providing a common platform for cooperation among solar-rich countries.
• The ISA is a collaborative platform aimed at increasing the deployment of solar energy technologies across its member countries.
• The alliance focuses on bringing energy access to underserved regions, ensuring energy security, and driving the global energy transition towards sustainable and renewable sources.

Significance of Spain’s Membership

• Spain’s accession as the 99th member of the ISA underscores the growing global commitment to renewable energy and climate action.
• As a country with significant expertise and infrastructure in solar energy, Spain’s participation is expected to contribute to the ISA’s goals in several ways:
• Expertise and Innovation: Spain’s advanced solar technology and innovation can enhance the ISA’s research and development initiatives.
• Investment and Development: Spain’s involvement can attract more investments into solar projects, particularly in developing countries.
• Policy and Governance: Spain can share its experience in policy-making and regulatory frameworks that support renewable energy growth.

Impact on Global Solar Energy Deployment

• The inclusion of Spain in the ISA is a strategic step towards achieving the alliance’s ambitious targets.
• It reflects a broader trend of international cooperation in the face of climate change and energy challenges.
• Key impacts include:
• Enhanced Collaboration: Spain’s membership will likely foster greater collaboration among ISA members, facilitating the exchange of best practices and technologies.
• Increased Investment: The entry of a significant European player into the ISA could spur increased investment in solar energy projects worldwide.
• Energy Access: Spain’s participation will support the ISA’s mission to provide energy access to remote and underserved regions, particularly in developing countries.

Strategic Importance of the ISA

• The ISA’s strategic importance lies in its potential to transform the global energy landscape. By focusing on solar energy, the alliance aims to:
• Mitigate climate change by reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources.
• Promote sustainable development by providing clean energy solutions.
• Foster international cooperation and collective action on renewable energy deployment.

Initiatives of ISA:

• One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG):
  • The OSOWOG focuses on a framework for facilitating global cooperation, building a global ecosystem of interconnected renewable energy resources (mainly solar energy) that can be seamlessly shared.
  • The vision behind the OSOWOG is ‘The Sun Never Sets’ and is a constant at some geographical location, globally, at any given point of time.
• ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C):
  • STAR C is a stellar example of ISA’s capacity-building and institutional strengthening initiative in developing Member Countries.
  • A priority strongly recognised in ISA’s Theory of Change.
  • STAR C initiative aims to cultivate the desired human capacity and skills among a Member Country’s populace to encourage the significant undertaking of energy transition activities, creating jobs and ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth.
• What is a STAR Centre?
  • STAR Centres act as hubs of technology, knowledge, and expertise on solar energy and are a go-to place for a Member Country at the regional or country levels.
  • STAR Centre initiative caters to a Member Country’s capacity-building needs in one or a combination of ways:
    • Building capable solar workforces
    • Sensitising policymakers and financial institutions
    • Incubating enterprises, standardising products and services
    • Creating a knowledge repository on information related to solar energy
    • Acting as an interface between countries sharing solar energy development experiences, undertaking joint research, promoting development & demonstration, capacity building, and creating regional & global networks

SOURCE: https://www.newsonair.gov.in/spain-becomes-99th-member-of-international-solar-alliance/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: In a proactive measure to secure water for the future, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has initiated a Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) model on a pilot basis.

EXPLANATION:

• This project aims to address critical issues such as groundwater depletion, the drying up of borewells, and the quick flooding of city streets.

Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM) Model

• It is a sustainable urban water management technique It involves drilling shallow water borewells to pump out water.
• The underneath layers are recharged during rainfall causing rise in water tables.
• The primary goal of the SAM model is to implement sustainable urban water management techniques.
• The initiative falls under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
• By focusing on shallow aquifers, the project seeks to:
• Recharge underground water layers.
• Enhance the water table levels.
• Mitigate urban flooding.
• Ensure a sustainable water supply for urban areas.

Pilot Project Sites

• The GHMC has selected five municipal parks for the SAM project, with two parks in the LB Nagar zone being chosen for pilot implementation:
• Kakatiya Park at Habsiguda
• E-sector Park at Sainikpuri
• These sites will serve as testbeds for the SAM model, which will be overseen by the National Institute of Urban Affairs, the nodal implementation agency.
• The SAM model involves the following technical interventions:
• Drilling Shallow Water Injection Borewells: Borewells will be drilled to a depth of 100-120 feet to access shallow aquifers.
• Water Injection and Recharge: Water will be pumped into the shallow aquifers, allowing the layers underneath to recharge during rainfall. This process will collect water from the surrounding watershed and channel it through recharge pits.
• Recently, the SAM team conducted a demonstration at the Kakatiya Nagar colony park to explain the solution to local residents.
• The park boasts a watershed capacity of 44.6 crore litres and an annual rainfall potential of 53 lakh litres.
• Additional Commissioner (Urban Biodiversity) Sunanda Rani and Kalpana Ramesh from The Rainwater Project highlighted how the SAM model will:
  • Recharge groundwater aquifers in the surrounding areas.
  • Gradually improve the groundwater levels.
  • Provide a sustainable solution to water management in urban areas.

Expected Impact

• The SAM project is expected to have several positive impacts:
• Groundwater Recharge: By injecting water into shallow aquifers, the project aims to significantly enhance groundwater recharge.
• Increased Water Table: The recharged aquifers will help raise the water table, making groundwater more accessible.
• Flood Mitigation: Improved management of rainwater will help reduce the incidence of urban flooding.
• Sustainable Water Supply: The initiative will contribute to a more reliable and sustainable water supply for the city’s residents.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme:

• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was launched on 25th June 2015 in selected 500 cities and towns across the country.
• The Mission focuses on development of basic infrastructure, in the selected cities and towns, in the sectors of water supply; sewerage and septage management; storm water drainage; green spaces and parks; and non-motorized urban transport.
• A set of Urban Reforms and Capacity Building have been included in the Mission.
• AMRUT Mission has been subsumed under AMRUT 2.0, which was launched on 1^st October, 2021and ongoing projects of AMRUT 1.0 will be funded with CA till 31st March, 2023.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 scheme, which has been launched on 01 October, 2021 for the period of 05 years i.e. from the financial year 2021-22 to the financial year 2025-26, is designed to provide universal coverage of water supply through functional taps to all households in all the statutory towns in the country and coverage of sewerage/septage management in 500 cities covered in first phase of the AMRUT scheme.

Purpose

• Ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection
• Increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (e.g. parks)
• Reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling).
• All these outcomes are valued by citizens, particularly women, and indicators and standards have been prescribed by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) in the form of Service Level Benchmarks (SLBs).

Thrust Areas

• Water supply
• Sewerage facilities and Septage management
• Storm water drains to reduce flooding
• Pedestrian, non-motorized and public transport facilities, parking spaces
• Enhancing amenity value of cities by creating and upgrading green spaces, parks and recreation centers, especially for children.
• Since GMDA, Jal Board are involved in number of water supply projects hence no project is submitted for water supply. On the basis of mandatory component Parks & Open Spaces SLIP has been proposed.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/shallow-aquifer-management-pilot-models-at-habsiguda-and-sainikpuri/article68201060.ece

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Australia has reported its first confirmed human case of bird flu (avian influenza A (H5N1)).

EXPLANATION:

• The case involves a child who is believed to have contracted the virus while in India and was diagnosed in Victoria, according to a media report.
• This announcement marks a significant development in Australia’s public health landscape, especially since it coincides with a separate outbreak of a different avian influenza strain on a Victorian egg farm.
• This is the first case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) in Australia.
• The last detection of bird flu in poultry in the country was in 2020, highlighting the relative rarity of such outbreaks.
• The current situation demonstrates the effectiveness of Victoria’s enhanced surveillance system in detecting novel or concerning flu virus strains promptly.
• The child, who returned to Australia from India in March 2024, experienced a severe infection but has since made a full recovery.
• The Victorian Department of Health confirmed the case and assured the public that there is no evidence of transmission within Victoria, noting that the avian influenza virus does not easily spread between people.
• Contact tracing efforts have not identified any further cases connected to this child.

The Victorian Department of Health provided several key points:

• The child had the H5N1 strain of avian influenza, which is the first detected case of this strain in Australia.
• Enhanced surveillance systems in Victoria detected the virus through further testing of positive influenza samples.
• There is a very low chance of additional human cases since avian influenza typically requires direct contact with infected birds or their secretions for transmission.
• There is no evidence that the H5N1 strain can easily spread from human to human.

Concurrent Outbreak on a Victorian Farm

• On the same day the human case was reported, a bird flu outbreak was detected on a farm in Victoria.
• However, the strain identified on the farm was H7N7, not H5N1.
• This outbreak led to the euthanization of hundreds of thousands of chickens to prevent further spread. The farm, located near Meredith in the state’s west, is under quarantine.

Public Health Impact and Response

• The Victorian Department of Health emphasized that humans are not at risk from this virus unless they have had direct contact with infected birds, animals, or their secretions.
• Despite the severity of the infection in the child, the health officials reassured the public that the overall risk of human-to-human transmission remains very low.

Bird flu and H5N1:

• Bird flu, also known as avian flu, refers to an infectious viral illness that mainly infects and spreads among poultry and some wild birds.
• There are different strains of bird flu virus, which have been circulating for a very long time among at least 100 bird species, including wild waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, without much harming them.
• From time to time, a form of the flu virus jumps from wild birds to poultry farms, and replicates in cramped warehouses of farmed birds.
• It then quickly evolves into a highly pathogenic flu virus that causes a larger wave of illness and death than usual among birds.
• The currently circulating type of H5N1 is one such highly pathogenic flu virus.
• It has “descended from a virus that caused an outbreak on a goose farm in Guangdong, China, in 1996.
• That virus — one of a type of virus known as H5N1 — was highly pathogenic and killed more than 40 per cent of the farm birds it infected.
• The new version of H5N1 first emerged in Europe in 2020 and then rapidly reached Europe, Africa, and Asia.
• By late 2021, it had spread to North America and in the fall of 2022, it appeared in South America.
• In February 2024, the virus stormed through mainland Antarctica.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/first-human-case-of-bird-flu-reported-in-australia-in-a-child-who-acquired-it-while-in-india/article68205248.ece