THE CONTEXT: The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the sixth consecutive meeting. The MPC’s decision is influenced by uncertainties in food prices, which continue to affect the headline inflation trajectory. The recent trends in retail inflation and the potential impact of food price gains on inflation expectations are also highlighted.

ISSUES:

• Monetary Policy and Inflation Control: The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.5% for the sixth consecutive meeting. The committee is committed to maintaining a monetary policy to reduce inflation and stabilize prices.
• Food Prices and Inflation: Food prices greatly impact inflation. In December, retail inflation was 5.69% due to uncertainties. The Consumer Food Price Index rose 9.53%, much higher than October’s 6.61%.
• Inflation Projections and Policy Response: The MPC has predicted that retail inflation in the first quarter of the year will be around 5%. To meet the target of 4%, policymakers must keep up their efforts to control price increases.
• Economic Growth and Consumption: Despite inflation, the economy remains strong. However, high inflation could negatively impact growth by reducing consumption.
• Food Prices as Core of India’s Inflation: Food prices can sometimes increase in a way that affects inflation similarly to other basic goods. This can lead to people expecting more price increases, undermining the goal of stabilizing prices.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Monetary Policy Measures: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) can employ various monetary policy tools to control inflation. These include adjusting the Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, and Bank Rate and employing Open Market Operations, Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF). However, it’s important to note that while these measures can help manage inflation, they are not a complete solution and have limitations.
• Investment in Infrastructure: Road infrastructure can foster efficient and stable food markets, which can help stabilize food prices.
• Crop Diversification: Diversifying the types of crops grown can help stabilize the yield of the crops in the system, which can help control food prices.
• Improving Supply Chain Management: Short-term food inflation is often caused by limited yield or poor supply chain management. Therefore, improving supply chain management can help control food inflation.
• Providing Targeted and Flexible Food Safety Nets: This can ensure access to healthy diets and national food security, particularly for the most vulnerable groups.
• Addressing Long-Term Threats to Food Production: These include water scarcity, soil degradation, the environmental impacts of climate change, and competition for productive land due to urban expansion.
• Regulating Biofuels: Biofuels add stress to the weak supply and demand equilibrium of world food market commodities, so regulating them could help reduce food price volatility.
• Strengthening the Supply Side: It is necessary to strengthen the supply side rather than concentrate only on the demand side. The RBI can lay certain regulations to direct funds for improvement in supply.

THE CONCLUSION:

The MPC’s decision reflects its commitment to ensuring that inflation aligns with the target of 4%, particularly in the face of volatile food prices. However, the article suggests that policymakers must remain steadfast in their resolve to slow price gains towards the target or risk dampening consumption and undermining growth momentum. There is a need for a balanced approach to manage inflation while supporting economic growth.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q. Do you agree that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (2019)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Discuss the impact of keeping the repo rate unchanged on the various sectors of the economy, considering the current inflationary trends and the need for economic growth.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/prudence-prevails-on-keeping-monetary-policy-disinflationary/article67828996.ece

THE CONTEXT: The budget reflects the government’s narrative of “transformative growth” during the 2014-24 decade under the Modi administration. However, the focus of welfare schemes and fiscal consolidation may not align with actual spending and resource allocation. The fiscal deficit for 2023-24 is projected to be 5.8% of GDP, marginally below the budgeted level.

THE ISSUES:

• Introduction of an interim budget: The Interim Budget for 2024-25 was presented due to the upcoming elections, as Prime Minister stated. The Interim Budget is seen as a vote-on-account, which could be perceived as an attempt to influence voters before the elections. This indicates that the budget may not fully reflect the government’s long-term vision and plans.
• “Transformative growth” narrative: The Economic Survey presented in the budget portrays 2014-2024 as a decade of “transformative growth.” It suggests that previous periods of growth were inadequate, either due to unaddressed structural challenges or unsustainable credit booms.
• Focus on welfare schemes: The Interim Budget speech primarily focuses on various welfare schemes attributed to the Prime Minister in housing and food. However, apprehensions are raised about these schemes’ implementation and effectiveness, given the discrepancies between the claims and the actual expenditure. For instance, the total food subsidy has fallen from ₹5,41,330 crore in 2020-21 to ₹2,88,060 crore in 2021-22 and a projected ₹2,87,194 crore in 2023-24.
• Fault lines in spending: A significant deviation exists between the actual expenditure and the revised estimates for schemes such as MGNREGA and PM-KISAN. The budgeted expenditure for MGNREGA was ₹1,57,545 crore for 2023-24. The revised estimates are placed at a higher ₹1,71,069 crore. However, the actual expenditure till December 2023 amounted to only ₹1,07,912 crore, or 63% of the total projected in the revised estimates. The budgeted expenditure for the PM-KISAN scheme was ₹1,15,532 crore for 2023-24. The revised estimate is projected at ₹1,16,789 crore. The actual expenditure till December 2023 was ₹70,797 crore or 61% of the revised estimate.
• Pre-election blitz: There are two possible interpretations: either the finance minister is inflating the revised estimates to support farmers and rural workers, or the government plans to initiate pre-election spending to gain political advantage.
• The decline in food subsidies: Despite claims of expanding food support, the data made available by CGA points out that the total food subsidy has declined from 2020-21 to 2021-22 and is projected to decrease further in 2023-24. For instance, the total food subsidy has fallen from ₹5,41,330 crore in 2020-21 to ₹2,88,060 crore in 2021-22 and a projected ₹2,87,194 crore (RE) in 2023-24. This raises concerns about the government’s commitment to food security.
• Revenue projections and fiscal deficit: The government claims to manage its receipts and keep the fiscal deficit below the budgeted level. There is an expected increase in non-tax revenue receipts, mainly driven by income from dividends and profits. The government expects to raise its non-tax revenue receipts by 25% relative to the budget, with income from dividends and profits slated to rise from ₹99,913 crore in 2022-23 to ₹1,54,407 crore in 2023-24 (RE). However, uncertainties remain regarding the realization of disinvestment proceeds.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: Implement more rigorous and transparent accounting and reporting practices to ensure that budget estimates, revised estimates, and actual expenditures are accurately reported and easily understandable. Regular audits and public disclosures of government spending can help maintain transparency and accountability, ensuring funds are utilized as intended.
• Addressing Deviations in Spending: Close monitoring of implementing schemes like MGNREGA and PM-KISAN to ensure that allocated funds are spent within the financial year and reach the intended beneficiaries. Establishing a real-time monitoring system and a dashboard accessible to the public can help track the progress of fund utilization and scheme implementation.
• Focusing on Effective Implementation of Welfare Schemes: Conduct impact assessments of welfare schemes to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving their goals, such as poverty alleviation and employment generation. Based on the assessments, refine and redesign schemes to make them more effective. Engage with stakeholders, including beneficiaries and local governments, for feedback and suggestions for improvement.
• Balancing Welfare Spending and Fiscal Prudence: While welfare spending is crucial, it is equally important to maintain fiscal discipline to ensure economic stability. The government could explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure projects, to reduce the fiscal burden while continuing to invest in critical areas.
• Strengthening the Food Security System: Address the concerns regarding the decrease in food subsidies and ensure that the National Food Security Act’s objectives are met effectively. Enhance the efficiency of the Public Distribution System (PDS) through technology integration to reduce leakages and ensure the benefits reach the eligible population.
• Rationalizing Non-Tax Revenue Expectations: Set realistic targets for non-tax revenues, including dividends and profits from PSUs and disinvestment proceeds, to avoid overestimation that could lead to fiscal slippages. A strategic approach to disinvestment focuses on enhancing the value of PSUs before disinvestment and ensuring that disinvestment proceeds are used for productive purposes, such as infrastructure development.
• Promoting Sustainable Growth: Focus on addressing structural economic challenges to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth. Invest in education, healthcare, and skill development to improve human capital and research and development (R&D) to foster innovation, laying the foundation for long-term economic growth.
• Fiscal Prudence: The government could focus on maintaining fiscal discipline by avoiding pre-election spending sprees that could undermine the fiscal health of the economy.
• Public Engagement: Engaging the public and stakeholders in the budget process could help set priorities that reflect the needs and aspirations of the population, leading to more effective and accepted fiscal policies.

THE CONCLUSION:

The interim Budget for 2024-25 reflects a eulogy of the two governments of the last ten years, focusing on welfare schemes and infrastructure spending. However, a closer look at the actual expenditure figures reveals discrepancies and potential pre-election spending blitz. The government’s claims of pro-poor initiatives and fiscal prudence may not align with reality. The impact of these strategies on voters and the upcoming elections remains to be seen.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:

Q.1) Public expenditure management is a challenge to India’s government in budget-making during the post-liberalization period. Clarify it. (2019)

Q.2) One of the intended objectives of Union Budget 2017-18 is to ‘transform, energize and clean India’. Analyse the measures proposed in the Budget 2017-18 to achieve the objective. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) Discuss the implications of the Interim Budget 2024 on welfare schemes, infrastructure spending, and fiscal deficit.

SOURCE:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/interim-budget-2024-in-campaign-mode/article67801178.ece

THE CONTEXT: –“Ram Rajya” is an ideal state associated with moral values such as justice, equality, and truth. As envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, it was not limited to a particular religion but was about respect for all faiths and religious harmony. Mahatma Gandhi believed that Ram Rajya meant the kingdom of God, where even the most marginalized would receive swift justice. He associated it with democracy, equality, and non-violence.

ISSUES:

• Misinterpretation of Gandhian Ideology: Risk of Gandhi’s concept of ‘Ram Rajya’ being misunderstood or misrepresented, aligning it with religious connotations rather than the broader moral governance he advocated for.
• Political Symbolism versus Reality: The risk of political leaders using the term ‘Ram Rajya’ for symbolic value rather than committing to its underlying principles of justice, equality, and truth in policy and governance.
• Religious Pluralism and Secularism: Challenges to secularism with the promotion of symbols associated with a particular religion, which may lead to feelings of alienation or discrimination among minority communities.
• Economic and Social Disparities: Although leaders speak of ‘Ram Rajya’ in the context of development and prosperity, actualizing these ideals amidst persistent economic inequality and poverty remains an issue.
• Justice and Access to Rights: The complexity and cost of legal procedures contrast Gandhi’s vision of a system where the most marginalized can swiftly obtain justice.
• Communal Harmony: The invocation of ‘Ram Rajya’ comes at a time of heightened communal sensitivity in India, potentially disrupting harmony if the term is seen as exclusionary.
• Constitutional Values: Upholding the fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution in the light of Gandhian philosophy, emphasizing equality and non-discrimination across all spectrums of society.

WAY FORWARD: –

• Enhancing Constitutional Understanding and Moral Governance: Strengthen civic education to enhance understanding of constitutional values and the vision of ‘Ram Rajya’ as a moral and ethically governed state. Educational reforms incorporate teachings on justice, equality, and truth in the curriculum to build a socially conscious citizenry.
• Enforcing Secularism and Religious Harmony: Reinforce the secular ethos through policies and public discourse, emphasizing the state’s neutral stance on religion. Encourage interfaith dialogue and initiatives that promote mutual respect and understanding among diverse religious communities.
• Bridging Socio-Economic Inequalities: Implement equitable economic policies to minimize disparities and ensure that the benefits of growth reach the most marginalized segments. Monitor and address the root causes of poverty and social injustice to realize the welfare state envisioned in ‘Ram Rajya’.
• Streamlining Access to Justice: Simplify legal processes and improve access to justice for all, particularly the impoverished and marginalized communities. Invest in legal aid services and judicial infrastructure to ensure fairness and efficiency in dispensing justice.
• Promotion of Non-Violence and Peaceful Coexistence: Adopt Gandhian principles of ahimsa (non-violence) in conflict resolution at both domestic and international levels. Engage civil society and community leaders in peace-building efforts to foster non-violent advocacy and action.
• Inclusive Development and Political Integrity: Development policies must be people-centric, focusing on improving the quality of life for every citizen, irrespective of their socio-economic status. Uphold political integrity and accountability, ensuring that governance is transparent, responsive, and corrupt-free.
• Fostering Self-Introspection and Personal Growth: Promote self-introspection for personal and societal growth inspired by Gandhian philosophy. Encourage self-improvement and community service to contribute to collective welfare. Achieve “Ram Rajya” – where everyone is treated with dignity, has rights, and can live harmoniously.

THE CONCLUSION: –

The ‘Ram Rajya’ concept advocated by Mahatma Gandhi represents a secular framework that upholds justice, equality, and truth. It aligns with the constitution and promotes democratic values, moral governance, and non-violent reform for all citizens, irrespective of their socio-economic background.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q.1) “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” Mahatma Gandhi (2018)

Q.2) Throw light on the significance of Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts in the present times. (2018)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.1) What were some key elements of Gandhi’s “Ram Rajya” concept, and how did he interpret it? How did Gandhi link Ram Rajya to principles such as justice, non-violence, and democratic governance?

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/this-quote-means-ayodhya-ram-temple-gandhi-ram-rajya-9120495/

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: As per an annual report published on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28 at Dubai recently, India has been effectively ranked fourth in climate performance 2024.

EXPLANATION:

• India secured the seventh rank in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) for 2022, exhibiting an improvement from its eighth position last year.
• Despite this, India effectively stands fourth as no country occupies the top three ranks in the ‘very high’ performance category.
• The report was released during COP28 in Dubai, highlighting India’s score of 70.25% in climate performance, a notable increase from its 67.35% score the previous year.

Top Performing Countries and India’s Position

• Denmark retained the top position in the index with a score of 75.59%, followed by Estonia and the Philippines in the second and third positions, respectively. India closely followed, securing the fourth position in the rankings. However, it is imperative to note that most developed countries witnessed a decline in their performance compared to the previous year.

Global Trends and Concerns Highlighted in the Report

• Global Emissions and Targets:
  • The report emphasizes the urgency for countries to peak their emissions by 2025 and halve their emissions by 2030 in comparison to 2020 levels to maintain the 1.5°C goal set in the Paris Agreement.
  • Despite this urgency, global greenhouse gas emissions increased in 2022, and atmospheric CO2 levels are now 50% higher than pre-industrial levels.
• Lack of Improvement in Global Performance:
  • An analysis showed that out of 64 assessed countries, 37 countries regressed in their performance from the previous year, and the positions of five countries remained unchanged.
  • This stagnation in progress toward reducing emissions is a significant concern outlined in the report.

Parameters Considered in Assessing Climate Performance

• The CCPI evaluates countries based on four key categories, each contributing to a percentage of the overall ranking:
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions (40%):
    • India ranked ninth in this category, attributed to its lower per capita energy use.
  • Renewable Energy (20%):
    • India ranked 37th, signalling a slight decline in performance from the preceding year, despite remaining within the ‘high’ performance category.
  • Energy Use (20%):
    • India ranked tenth due to its low per capita benchmark, contributing to a favorable assessment in this category.
  • Climate Policy (20%):
    • India also ranked tenth in Climate Policy, indicating moderate progress in policy initiatives for climate change mitigation.

India’s Energy Landscape and Coal Dependence

• Renewable Energy Progress:
  • While India shows a positive trend in renewable energy, the report highlights this progress as slow, leading to its 37th rank in the category.
• Challenges with Coal Usage:
  • India’s heavy reliance on coal to meet its escalating energy demands remains a significant concern.
  • The report underscores that despite efforts to meet its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) through promoting renewable energy, the reliance on coal and fossil fuels leads to substantial greenhouse gas emissions and severe air pollution, particularly in urban areas.

Comparative Analysis with BASIC Group (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) and Developed Nations

• Performance of BASIC Countries:
  • Apart from India, other BASIC countries like China, Brazil, and South Africa showcase varying performances.
  • China retained its position from the previous year, while Brazil improved significantly by 15 positions.
  • South Africa experienced a slight decline in rank.
• Challenges for Developed Nations:
  • Developed countries like Italy, United Kingdom, France, Japan, and the United States witnessed a decline in their rankings, reflecting challenges in meeting climate goals and reducing emissions.

Conclusion and Concerns for Future Climate Action

• The CCPI report highlights India’s commendable performance in certain parameters but emphasizes the need for accelerated progress in renewable energy, reduced reliance on coal, and more robust climate policy measures.
• Globally, the report underlines the stagnation in climate performance and the urgency for countries, especially developed nations, to ramp up efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve emission reduction targets.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/cop28-india-had-fourth-best-ranking-in-climate-performance-among-countries-during-2022-says-report-93276

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. BELAGAVI BORDER DISPUTE

TAGS: GS-II-POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT:Recently, the Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the state of Maharashtra’s plea in a border row with Karnataka, as Justice Aravind Kumar recused himself.

THE EXPLANATION:

When did the dispute begin?

• Maharashtra and Karnataka have sparred over the inclusion of some towns and villages along the state border ever since the State Reorganisation Act was passed by the Parliament in 1956.
• The Act was based on the findings of the Justice Fazal Ali Commission, which was appointed in 1953 and submitted its report two years later.
• On November 1, 1956, Mysore state – later renamed Karnataka – was formed, and differences between the state and the neighbouring Bombay state – later Maharashtra – erupted.
• Maharashtra was of the view that the northwestern district of Karnataka, Belagavi, should be part of the state, leading to a decade-long violent agitation and formation of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samithi (MES), which still holds sway in parts of the district and the eponymous city.

What was the Centre’s response?

• Amid protests and pressure from Maharashtra, the Union government set up a commission under retired Supreme Court judge Justice Mehar chand Mahajan on October 25, 1966. S Nijalingappa was the Karnataka Chief Minister then and VP Nayak was his Maharashtra counterpart.
• The report was expected to be a binding document for both states and put an end to the dispute. The commission submitted its report in August 1967, where it recommended merging 264 towns and villages of Karnataka (including Nippani, Nandgad and Khanapur) with Maharashtra, and 247 villages of Maharashtra (including South Solapur and Akkalkot) with Karnataka.

Legal issues in court

• Maharashtra approached the Supreme Court in 2004, challenging the State Reorganisation Act. It demanded 865 villages and towns from five Karnataka districts to be merged with the state. The five districts are Belagavi, Karwar, Vijayapura, Kalaburagi and Bidar.
• However, almost two decades after the petition, its maintainability remains challenged. Karnataka has resorted to Article 3 of the Indian Constitution to argue that the Supreme Court does not have the jurisdiction to decide the borders of states, and only Parliament has the power to do so.
• Maharashtra has referred to Article 131 of the Constitution, which says that the Supreme Court has jurisdiction in cases related to disputes between the Union government and states.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

2. HUMAN COMPOSTING: A GREENER WAY TO DIE

TAGS: GS-III- ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, New York became the sixth state in the US to legalise human composting as a burial option.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, is a process of transforming the human body into nutrient-rich soil that has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation.
• It has gained popularity, especially among the younger generation, for being an eco-friendly alternative to dispose of a corpse.

Process of human composting:

• The body is first washed and dressed in a biodegradable grown.
• It’s then placed in a closed vessel, usually measuring 8 feet by 4 feet, along with selected materials such as alfalfa, straw, and sawdust.
• The body is left to decompose for the next 30 days.
• To speed up the decay, oxygen is added to the vessel, which results in the unfolding of a process called “aerobic digestion”, in which microbes start to consume organic matter.
• Temperature inside the container is kept around 130 degrees Fahrenheit or 55 degrees Celsius to kill off contagions.
• By the time aerobic digestion is over, the body has been transformed into a soil-like material, containing nutrients, bones, and some medical devices — these are taken out from the compost pile and recycled.
• As the microbial activity comes to an end, the temperature inside the pile drops, marking the transformation from an active composite pile into the soil.

Concerns:

• The biggest opponent of this process has been the Catholic Church and called it an “unfortunate spiritual, emotional, and psychological distancing from the deceased.
• It has been believed that the ‘transformation’ of the remains would create an emotional distance rather than a reverence” for the remains.
• Even cremated remains must remain in a communal place befitting of the dignity inherent in the human body and its connection to the immortal soul.

GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

3. REVISION SERIES

PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA

TAGS: GS-II-GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INTERVENTIONS

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) scheme was launched in India by Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers welfare, New Delhi from Kharif 2016 season onwards.
• National Insurance Company started participating in PMFBY from Rabi 2016 onwards and covered 8 States and 2 Union Territories during the past 5 seasons namely, Rabi 2016-17, Kharif & Rabi 2017 and Kharif & Rabi 2018 covering 70,27,637 farmers.
• Farmers share of premium is Rs. 453 crores and with subsidy from State/Central Govts RS.1909 Crores, gross Premium is Rs.2362 Crores for the 5 seasons together.

Objective of the Schemes

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) aims at supporting sustainable production in agriculture sector by way of:

• Providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen events
• Stabilizing the income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming
• Encouraging farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices
• Ensuring flow of credit to the agriculture sector which will contribute to food security, crop diversification and enhancing growth and competitiveness of agriculture sector besides protecting farmers from production risks.

Who can be covered?

• All farmers who have been sanctioned Seasonal Agricultural Operations (SAO) loans (Crop Loans) from Financial Institutions (FIs), i.e. loanee farmers, for the notified crop(s) season would be covered compulsorily.
• The Scheme is optional for non-loanee farmers.
• The insurance coverage will strictly be equivalent to sum insured/hectare, as defined in the Govt. notification or /and on National Crop Insurance Portal multiplied by sown area for notified crop.

Coverage of Crops

• Food crops (Cereals, Millets and Pulses),
• Oilseeds
• Annual Commercial / Annual Horticultural crops.

In addition for perennial crops, pilots for coverage can be taken for those perennial horticultural crops for which standard methodology for yield estimation is available.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

4. CHICHEN ITZA

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVES

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Archaeologists in Mexico have uncovered an intricately carved stone they believe was used as a scoreboard for pelota, a ball game played by the Maya hundreds of years ago.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The circular stone was found at the Chichen Itza archaeological site and is thought to be around 1,200 years old.
• At its centre are two players in elaborate headgear surrounded by hieroglyphic writing.
• Experts are now analysing the writing to decipher its possible meaning.
• The 40kg-stone (88lb) was found by archaeologist Lizbeth Beatriz Mendicut Pérez in an architectonic compound known as Casa Colorada (Red House).
• Casa Colorada is the best preserved of the buildings surrounding the main plaza in the pre-Columbian city of Chichen Itza.
• Experts believe the stone would have adorned an archway at the entrance to the compound during the late 800s or early 900s.
• It was found face down half a metre underground, where it is thought to have fallen when the archway collapsed.

5. EXERCISE COPE INDIA 23

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVES

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Exercise Cope India 23, a bilateral Air Exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) is begins at Air Force Stations Arjan Singh (Panagarh), Kalaikunda and Agra.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding between the two Air Forces and share their best practices.
• The first phase of exercise commenced on April 10, 2023. This phase of the exercise focused on air mobility and involved transport aircraft and Special Forces assets from both the Air Forces.
• Both sides fielded the C-130J and C-17 aircraft, with the USAF operating an MC-130J, as well. The exercise also included the presence of Japanese Air Self Defence Force aircrew, who participated in the capacity of observers.

US-India War Games Amid China Threat

• Meanwhile, India and United States Special Forces are also carrying out wargames with a focus on supporting fighter aircraft operations in forward areas. The war games came in view of an ongoing military standoff with China.
• The operations are likely to have focused on supporting the fighter aircraft operations including designating targets in frontline areas by laser so that the precision-guided bombs can reach their designated target accurately.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. SUHELWA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

TAGS: GS-III-ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: In the recently released report on the tiger census in the country, it is said that Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary is a new area where photographic evidence of tigers has been recorded for the first time.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Located in Shravasti, Balrampur and Gonda districts of Uttar Pradesh, Suhelwa was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1988
• Occupying an area of 452 sq km, the sanctuary is covered with Sal, Sheesham, Khair, Sagaun (Teak), Asna, Jamun, Haldu, Phaldu, Dhamina, Jhingan and Bahera trees. The fauna found in the sanctuary includes Leopard, Tiger, Bear, Wildcat, Wild Boar and various birds.
• Sohelwa Wild Life Division is situated on the Indo-Nepal International Border.
• Fauna:Different types of mammals are found here viz. Leopard, Bear, Wolf, Hyena, Jackal, Wild Boar, Sambhar, Spotted Deer, Neelgaya, Barking Deer along with Monkeys of different types.
• Flora:In this Wild Life Sanctuary the main tree species are Sal, Asna, Khair, Teak etc. With these speciese Black Sheesham, Jamun, Haldu, Faldu, Zigna, Harra, Bahera, Rohani are other important species. The Sanctuary area is very rich in medicinal plants.

2. THE INTERNATIONAL BIG CATS ALLIANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Prime Minister of India recently launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) during an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger in Mysuru, Karnataka.

Aims and Objectives:

• The IBCA aims to conserve the planet’s seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
• India has extensive experience in big cat conservation, from the ongoing efforts for tigers, lions, snow leopards, and leopards to the recent translocation of the Cheetah to restore this extinct species to its natural habitat.
• The Alliance will expand its reach to 97 range countries, covering the natural habitats of these big cats, and strengthen global cooperation and efforts for their conservation.
• Big Cats as Mascots for Sustainable Development: The big cats can serve as mascots for sustainable development and livelihood security. Through the IBCA, India and other big cat range countries can promote environmental resilience and climate change mitigation.

Significance:

• The importance of conserving big cats and their habitats could secure crucial natural ecosystems, provide water and food security for millions, and support the livelihoods of forest communities.
• The Alliance will enhance global efforts and partnerships on big cat conservation while creating a platform for knowledge convergence, best practices, and support for existing species-specific intergovernmental platforms. It will also provide direct assistance to recovery efforts in potential range habitats.
• The initiative aims to ensure natural ecosystems continue to thrive and become central to economic and development policies in the “Amrit Kaal.”

The Seven Big Cats:

TIGER(PANTHERA TIGRIS)

SIZE:75-300 KG | STATUS: ENDANGERED

Tiger is the largest living cat species and a member of the genus Panthera.It is most recognisable for its dark vertical stripes on orange fur with a white underside. An apex predator, it primarily preys on ungulates, such as deer and wild boar. Tigers are the largest cat species and is both flagship and Umbrella species. It is the national animal of India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and South Korea.

LION (PANTHERA LEO)

SIZE: 100-250 KG | STATUS: VULNERABLE

Native to Africa and Asia, the lion is the most social cat, and lives in groups called ‘prides”. They prefer open forests such as males have a prominent mane. The widely recognised of animal symbols-from the pillar of Ashoka to the main entrance of Buckingham Palace.

CHEETAH (ACINONYXJUBATUS)

SIZE:20-70 KG|STATUS: VULNERABLE

The fastest land mammal and it is the only cat without retractable claws-the grip helps it accelerate faster than a sports car (0-100km/hr in 3 secs). They are not aggressive towards humans; they have been tamed since the Sumerian era. They don’t breed well in captivity-females play hard to get. Cheetahs are not big; they hunt during the day to avoid competing with other big cats.

JAGUAR (PANTHERA ONCA)

SIZE: 50-110 KG | STATUS: NEAR THREATENED

The largest cat in the America’s, the jaguar has the strongest bite the leopard was force of all wild cats, enabling it to bite wild cats and the most scrubland, and adult directly through the all animals” for its “grace cannot roar, and has the skull of its prey. Melanistic(black) animal, its range is the lion is among the most jaguars are common, most adaptable of all big for balance while hunt- and are often called black panthers. Jaguar was a powerful motif in the Mayan civilisations.

COUGAR (PUMA CONCOLOR)

SIZE:40-100 KG | STATUS:LEAST CONCERN

The Cougar is the second-largest cat in the Americas: jaguar is largest. Cougars are also called mountain lion/panther across their range from the Canadian Yukon to Southern Andes.

LEOPARD (PANTHERA PARDUS)

SIZE:30-90KG | STATUS: VULNERABLE

Leopards are similar in appearance to the jaguar with a rosette patterned coat, described by Jim Corbett as “the most beautiful of movement and beauty of colouring”. The cats, they occupy diverse habitats at all altitudes across Africa and Asia. Like black jaguars. melanistic leopards are called black panthers.

SNOW LEOPARD (PANTHERA UNCIA)

SIZE:25-55KG | STATUS: VULNERABLE

Snow Leopards known as Ghost of the mountains. This Smokey-grey cat lives above the snow line in Central and South Asia. The most elusive of big cats, it longest tail of all which comes in handy for balance while hunting along cliffs, and also gives warmth when wrapped around the body. The snow leopard is the state animal of Ladakh and Himachal.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

3. RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY

TAGS: GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, Scientists have developed a new low-cost substrate that can increase the sensitivity of Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) — a vital analytical and sensing tool for detecting molecules. It can aid rapid detection of toxic pollutants present in water, food, etc.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a vital analytical and sensing tool for detecting molecules. When molecules near the noble metal nanoparticles of gold, silver, platinum, etc., their Raman signals will substantially increase, which can help detect trace amounts of analyte molecules.
• However, as noble metals are expensive, have poor uniformity, and cannot be reused, there is a quest for alternative SERS active substrates involving non-noble metals. In this regard, semiconductor oxides have emerged as promising materials for the fabrication of SERS substrates.

What is Raman Spectroscopy?

• Raman Spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis technique which provides detailed information about chemical structure, phase and polymorphy, crystallinity and molecular interactions. It is based upon the interaction of light with the chemical bonds within a material.
• Raman is a light scattering technique, whereby a molecule scatters incident light from a high intensity laser light source. Most of the scattered light is at the same wavelength (or color) as the laser source and does not provide useful information – this is called Rayleigh Scatter.
• However a small amount of light (typically 0.0000001%) is scattered at different wavelengths (or colors), which depend on the chemical structure of the analyte – this is called Raman Scatter.

4. JUICE MISSION

THE CONTEXT: The JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) is a mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) set to launch on April 13, 2023, from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

THE EXPLANATION:

Science Goals of JUICE

• The primary focus of JUICE’s science goals is the Jupiter system, with a particular emphasis on Ganymede as a planetary body and potential habitat.
• The mission objectives for Ganymede include the characterization of the ocean layers and detection of putative subsurface water reservoirs, topographical, geological, and compositional mapping of the surface, studying the physical properties of the icy crusts, characterizing the internal mass distribution, dynamics, and evolution of the interiors, investigating the exosphere, and studying Ganymede’s intrinsic magnetic field and its interactions with the Jovian magnetosphere.
• JUICE’s investigations on Europa will be focusing on the chemistry essential to life, including organic molecules. It will help in the understanding the formation of surface features and the composition of non-water-ice material.

Mission Profile and Launch Details

• After launch, JUICE will take 7 to 8 years to reach Jupiter, utilizing Earth and Venus gravity assists. During the journey, the spacecraft will undergo multiple tests to ensure it can withstand the harsh conditions of space.
• Upon arrival at Jupiter in 2031, JUICE will flyby Ganymede and Callisto to optimize its orbit around Jupiter. These flybys will also include a flyby of Europa. After studying Jupiter and its moons, JUICE will enter a highly elliptical orbit around Ganymede, which will evolve to a 5000 km circular orbit, and will then be lowered into a 500 km circular orbit. After it maps and conducts other investigations at this altitude, it will move to a 200 km circular orbit.
• The nominal mission length for JUICE is about 3 years, with the possibility of an extension of 200 or more days. It will conclude with an impact on the Ganymede’s surface.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVES

5. INTERNATIONAL PRIZE IN STATISTICS 2023

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVES

THE CONTEXT: The Indian-American statistician Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao has been awarded the 2023 International Prize in Statistics, which is statistics’ equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Rao, who is now 102 years old, is a ‘living legend’ whose work has influenced, in the words of the American Statistical Association, “not just statistics” but also “economics, genetics, anthropology, geology, national planning, demography, biometry, and medicine”.

About the Prize:

• The International Prize in Statistics is awarded every two years to an individual or team “for major achievements using statistics to advance science, technology and human welfare”. The International Prize in Statistics, along with the COPSS Presidents’ Award, are the two highest honours in the field of Statistics.
• The prize is modelled after the Nobel prizes, Abel Prize, Fields Medal and Turing Award and comes with a monetary award of $80,000. The award ceremony takes place during the World Statistics Congress.

The prize recognizes a single work or body of work, representing a powerful and original idea that had an impact in other disciplines or a practical effect on the world. The recipient must be alive when the prize is awarded.

Organisation:

The prize is awarded by the International Prize in Statistics Foundation, which comprises representatives of the following major learned societies:

1. American Statistical Association
2. International Biometric Society
3. Institute of Mathematical Statistics
4. International Statistical Institute
5. Royal Statistical Society

In addition to recognizing the contributions of a statistician, the Foundation also aims at educating the public about statistical innovations and their impact on the world and gaining wider recognition for the field.