Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kuiper Belt
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Two Japanese astronomers have uncovered potential evidence of an “Earth-like planet” within our solar system.
- This mysterious planet is believed to have resided in the Kuiper Belt, a circumstellar disk beyond Neptune’s orbit that consists of outer solar system objects.
- The Kuiper Belt, like the planets, orbits the Sun.
What is the Kuiper Belt?
- The Kuiper Belt, also known as the Edgeworth-Kuiper belt, is a flat ring of small icy bodies orbiting the Sun beyond Neptune’s orbit.
- Gerard Kuiper, a Dutch-American astronomer, first hypothesized its existence in the 1950s.
- This belt contains millions of icy objects, collectively referred to as Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs) or trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs).
- It is considered a remnant from the early history of our solar system.
- The Kuiper Belt is thought to be the source of many short-period comets that orbit the Sun in less than 20 years.
- It primarily consists of small icy bodies, including dwarf planets, asteroids, and comets.
- Pluto, once classified as the ninth planet, is one of the most well-known objects in the Kuiper Belt but was reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in 2006, partly due to its location within this belt.
The Astronomers’ Findings
- The Japanese researchers suggest that if this new planet exists, it would be 1.5 to 3 times the size of Earth.
- The discovery challenges previous theories of a distant “Planet Nine” and posits the possibility of a planet closer to us, within the Kuiper Belt.
- The astronomers predict the existence of an Earth-like planet and several trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) on unique orbits that could serve as observational signatures of this potential planet’s perturbations.
- They estimate that this planet could be situated between 200 and 500 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, tilted about 30 degrees. For reference, Pluto is 39 AU from Earth.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced a range of groundbreaking features on the popular Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform.
Hello! UPI: Voice-Enabled UPI Payments
- Hello! UPI, a remarkable addition, facilitates voice-enabled UPI payments in Hindi and English.
- Users can make UPI payments through voice commands via apps, telecom calls, and IoT devices.
- Future plans include expanding this feature to support several regional languages, further enhancing accessibility.
Credit Line on UPI: Streamlined Access to Credit
- The RBI Governor introduced Credit Line on UPI, an initiative aimed at promoting financial inclusion and innovation.
- This offering allows users to access pre-sanctioned credit from banks via UPI, simplifying the credit acquisition process.
- Features include interest-free credit periods, defined charges, and seamless customer engagement channels.
- The goal is to expedite the credit access process, driving economic growth and digital banking efficiency.
UPI LITE X: Offline Money Transfers
- UPI LITE X introduces offline money transfers, enabling users to send and receive funds even without internet connectivity.
- This feature empowers transactions in areas with poor network coverage.
- UPI LITE payments are known for their speed and efficiency, making them a preferred choice for users.
UPI Tap & Pay: Convenience Redefined
- UPI Tap & Pay offers a new way to complete payments at merchant locations.
- In addition to traditional scan-and-pay, users can now tap Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled QR codes.
- This feature enhances convenience, making transactions swift and effortless.
Conversational Payments: AI-Enabled Transactions
- Conversational UPI Payments and Conversational Bill Payments represent a paradigm shift in human-machine interaction.
- These AI-enabled transactions aim to deepen the adoption of digital payments across India.
- Users can make voice-enabled UPI payments through UPI Apps, telecom calls, and IoT devices in Hindi, English, and regional languages.
- NPCI has collaborated with AI4Bharat at IIT Madras to develop language models for Hindi and English payments.
BillPay Connect: Simplified Bill Payments
- BillPay Connect introduces a nationalized number for bill payments across India.
- Customers can conveniently fetch and pay bills through messaging apps with a simple ‘Hi.’
- Even users without smartphones or immediate data access can pay bills via a missed call, followed by a verification call.
- Voice Assisted Bill Payments via smart home devices offer added convenience and instant confirmation.
- This innovation enhances security and reassurance for both customers and collection centers.
Conclusion
- These pioneering features unveiled by NPCI mark a significant leap in India’s digital payment landscape.
- They not only enhance accessibility but also redefine convenience, making digital transactions more user-friendly.
- With innovative offerings like voice-enabled payments and streamlined credit access, NPCI continues to play a pivotal role in India’s technological advancement.
- The journey towards a digitally empowered India takes a giant stride forward with these game-changing UPI features.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Electron Scattering Experiment
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In the world of atomic and nuclear physics, the quest to understand the inner workings of matter has been a constant journey of discovery.
- Scientists have long sought ways to unravel the mysteries hidden within atomic nuclei, and recent breakthroughs in experimental techniques have taken us one step closer to achieving this goal.
Historical Milestones
- 150 years ago, scientists like Ernest Rutherford, Hans Geiger, and Ernest Marsden conducted experiments exposing a thin gold foil to radiation.
- These experiments revealed that every atom has a dense central nucleus where mass and positive charge are concentrated.
- Seven decades ago, physicist Robert Hofstadter led a team that bombarded thin foils with high-energy electrons, allowing scientists to probe atomic nuclei’s inner structure.
Recent advancements
- Researchers at the RIKEN Nishina Center for Accelerator-Based Science in Japan have demonstrated a setup using electron scattering to investigate unstable nuclei.
- This advancement opens new avenues for understanding the fundamental building blocks of matter.
- The SCRIT (Self-Confining Radioactive-isotope Ion Target) setup is more sophisticated than previous experiments using thin foils.
- SCRIT can hold caesium-137 atom nuclei in place and facilitate electron interactions, a critical innovation.
The Experimental Process
- Electrons are accelerated in a particle accelerator to energize them.
- These energized electrons are directed at a block of uranium carbide, resulting in a stream of caesium-137 ions (atoms stripped of electrons).
- The ions are transported to the SCRIT system, which traps target ions along the electron beam path using electric attractive forces.
- This “overlap” ensures a high probability of electron-ion collisions.
Probing Nuclear Structure
- Understanding the experimental setup’s probe into nuclear structure requires exploring interference patterns.
- When light passes through a small hole, it creates concentric circles of light and dark patches due to interference.
- Similarly, when an electron scatters off an atomic nucleus, it behaves like a wave during the interaction, resulting in interference patterns.
- A magnetic spectrometer is used to record these interference patterns, offering advantages in clean and fine-tuned interactions.
Results and Implications
- The experimental results confirm the internal structure of the caesium-137 nucleus, aligning with previous studies and theoretical calculations.
- The real significance lies in the development of the “femtoscope,” which can probe the femtometer scale (10^-15 meters) of atomic nuclei, unlocking new possibilities in nuclear physics.
Unresolved Nuclear Structure
- The challenge in nuclear physics is the absence of a unified theory explaining atomic nuclei’s structure, despite various existing models.
- Scientists encounter intriguing properties, such as the “island of stability,” where heavier nuclei of unstable elements defy the trend of faster decay via radioactivity.
- This phenomenon raises questions about nuclear structure and the existence of stable clusters.
Future Prospects
- Researchers aim to use femtoscopes to explore nuclei with irregular shapes, bridging the gap between expected and unexpected nuclear structures.
- This promises to illuminate the fundamental nature of atomic nuclei and advance our understanding of the universe at its most basic level.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in 2017 revealed India’s highest-ever recorded unemployment rate at 6.1%.
- The 2021-22 PLFS indicated a reduction to 4.1%, still higher than some developed economies like the U.S., where unemployment rates varied from 3.5% to 3.7% between July 2022 and July 2023.
- Comparing India and the U.S. unemployment rates is complex due to their vastly different economies.
About Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
| Established |
2017 (The PLFS was initiated in 2017 as part of the larger National Sample Survey (NSS) program) |
| Administered by |
National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India |
| Objective |
To collect data on labor force participation, employment, and unemployment in India. |
| Key Data Collected |
– Workforce Participation
– Employment Types and Sectors
– Unemployment
– Demographic and Socioeconomic Characteristics |
| Significance |
Provides vital information for policymaking, research, and analysis related to the labor market in India. |
| Frequency |
Periodic surveys conducted at regular intervals. |
Defining Unemployment
- Unemployment, as per the International Labour Organization (ILO), involves being jobless, available for work, and actively seeking employment.
- The unemployment rate is the ratio of the unemployed to the labor force, but it can decrease if the economy lacks job creation or people stop job hunting.
Measuring Unemployment in India
- In developing economies, like India, social norms can limit job search decisions.
- The 2009-10 National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) survey revealed that many women who engaged in domestic work would work if opportunities were available within their households but are not considered unemployed since they aren’t actively seeking jobs.
- Measuring unemployment in India is complicated due to the informal job market, where individuals hold various roles throughout the year.
Different Metrics for Classification
- The Usual Principal and Subsidiary Status (UPSS) and the Current Weekly Status (CWS) are two major measures for classifying individuals in India.
- UPSS considers an individual employed even if they worked for more than 30 days in a subsidiary role.
- CWS counts an individual as employed if they worked at least one hour on one day within the past week.
- UPSS typically yields lower unemployment rates than CWS since finding work over a year is more likely than in a week.
Impact of Informal Economy
- The low bar for classifying individuals as employed means that unemployment rates are lower in rural areas than urban regions in agrarian economies.
- Definitions may ‘underestimate’ unemployment but are designed to capture the informal economy’s nuances.
The Lockdown Effect
- The lockdown in March 2020 disrupted the Indian economy, but PLFS unemployment rates did not reflect this immediately.
- UPSS status may still consider those who lost jobs during the lockdown as employed if they spent most of the previous year working.
- CWS criteria show higher unemployment rates due to shorter reference periods but may not fully capture the long-term impact of the lockdown when aggregated across different periods.
Conclusion
- Unemployment is becoming a significant factor in upcoming elections, making it crucial to understand its definition and measurement complexities in developing economies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: VGF
Mains level: EV infrastructure promotion
Central Idea
Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme
- VGF means a grant to support projects that are economically justified but not financially viable.
- The VGF scheme was launched in 2004 to support projects that come under Public-Private Partnerships.
- The scheme is designed as a Plan Scheme to be administered by the Ministry of Finance and amount in the budget are made on a year-to-year basis.
- Such a grant under VGF is provided as a capital subsidy to attract the private sector players to participate in PPP projects that are otherwise financially unviable.
- Projects may not be commercially viable because of the long gestation period and small revenue flows in future.
|
VGF for Battery Infrastructure
- This scheme aims to create 4,000 megawatt hours (MWh) of BESS projects by 2030-31, offering financial support of up to 40% of the capital cost in the form of VGF.
- It is expected to lower battery storage costs, enhancing their practicality.
- Designed to leverage renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, the scheme aims to provide clean, dependable, and cost-effective electricity to the public.
How would it work?
- By offering VGF support, the scheme targets achieving a levelised cost of storage (LCoS) ranging from ₹5.50-6.60 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
- It would thus make stored renewable energy a viable option for managing peak power demand across the country.
- The VGF disbursement will occur in five stages linked to BESS project implementation milestones.
Benefits to Consumers and Infrastructure
- To ensure consumer benefits, a minimum of 85% of BESS project capacity will be allocated to distribution companies (Discoms).
- This strategy enhances renewable energy integration into the electricity grid, minimizes wastage, and optimizes transmission network usage, reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
- This approach stimulates healthy competition and encourages BESS ecosystem growth, drawing substantial investments and generating opportunities for related industries.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN
Mains level: India-ASEAN Relations
Central Idea
- Prime Minister departed for Indonesia to participate in the 20th ASEAN-India summit and the 18th East Asia Summit (EAS) in Jakarta.
- During the visit, he will meet with leaders from the ten ASEAN countries and attend the EAS, including leaders from ASEAN nations, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the U.S.
Why discuss this?
- India-ASEAN relations have evolved significantly over the years, moving from a distant past to a robust partnership.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
|
| Established |
August 8, 1967 |
| Member Countries |
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam |
| Objective |
To promote political and economic cooperation and regional stability among member countries. |
| Key Areas of Cooperation |
– Economic Integration
– Political and Security Cooperation
– Social and Cultural Cooperation |
| Significance |
Promotes economic growth, stability, and peace in the Southeast Asian region. It is also a forum for diplomatic dialogue and conflict resolution. |
| ASEAN Secretariat |
Jakarta, Indonesia (The ASEAN Secretariat is the organization responsible for coordinating ASEAN activities.) |
Evolution of India-ASEAN Relations
- 1950s and Early 1960s: During this period, India played a significant role in supporting the decolonization efforts of Southeast Asian countries.
- 1960s to 1980s: India maintained some distance from the region due to internal issues and viewed ASEAN as a product of the Cold War.
- 1990s to 2010s: India adopted the ‘Look East Policy,’ leading to a full dialogue partnership with ASEAN in 1995 and becoming a full member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in 1996.
- 2010s to Present: India-ASEAN cooperation intensified with the ‘Act East Policy,’ resulting in the elevation to a Strategic Partnership in 2012 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Trade Relations: The India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA) and substantial trade volumes have strengthened economic ties, with commodity trade reaching $98.39 billion in the period April 2021-February 2022.
- Business & Investment: ASEAN is a major source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for India, with cumulative FDIs from ASEAN to India totaling $117.88 billion between 2000-2021. The ASEAN India-Business Council (AIBC) promotes collaboration between private sector players from India and ASEAN.
- Socio-Cultural Cooperation: Cultural affinities between ASEAN and India foster people-to-people interactions through initiatives like student exchange programs.
- ASEAN-India Projects: Collaboration in agriculture, science & technology, environment, renewable energy, and defense promotes mutual growth. The ASEAN-India S&T Development Fund (AISTDF) contributes $1 million to support joint collaborative R&D research projects.
- Strategic Cooperation: Platforms like the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference (ASEAN PMC) and ADMM-Plus facilitate dialogue on security issues.
- Defense Cooperation: India is enhancing arms sales and defense ties with ASEAN countries to promote regional security, such as the recent approval by the Philippines for a USD 374 million purchase of the BrahMos shore-based anti-ship missile system in January 2022.
- Technological Cooperation: ISRO’s collaboration supports ASEAN countries in space science and technology.
- Connectivity: Projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multimodal Project enhance regional connectivity.
Why India Needs ASEAN?
- Significant Trade & Commercial Relations: ASEAN is a major destination for India’s service sectors and a vital source of foreign investments.
- Development of North East India: ASEAN provides an alternate route for India’s access to North Eastern India, facilitating development and strategic interests.
- Countering Chinese Expansion: Strengthening ties with ASEAN countries helps India counter Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Maritime Freedom: Collaboration with ASEAN ensures a free and peaceful Indo-Pacific region based on a rules-based order.
- Facing Politico-security Challenges: Cooperation in addressing security threats like climate change, terrorism, and refugee crises benefits both sides.
- Support for Indian Initiatives: ASEAN’s support is crucial for India’s success in regional policies and initiatives.
- Emerging Market: India benefits from ASEAN’s agricultural and industrial products, while ASEAN relies on India’s demographic dividend.
- Global Reforms: ASEAN’s global influence aligns with India’s vision for reforms in international forums.
- Diaspora: Southeast Asia’s significant Indian diaspora fosters cultural ties and people-to-people relations.
- Elevating India’s Global Status: Partnership with ASEAN enhances India’s geopolitical standing.
Challenges to Stronger Cooperation
- Large Trade Deficit: Trade imbalance and issues with the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have impacted India’s economic relations with ASEAN, with the trade deficit rising from around $5 billion in FY11 to USD 21.8 billion in FY19.
- Balancing China: ASEAN countries’ engagement with China and concerns over military capabilities impact the depth of cooperation with India.
- Delays in Connectivity Projects: Long gestation periods for connectivity projects hinder progress.
- Issues within ASEAN: Different political systems and human rights issues pose challenges to stronger cooperation.
Way Forward
- Enhance Trade Relations: Focus on the blue economy and sustainable development to boost economic ties.
- Accelerate Connectivity Projects: Expedite the completion of infrastructure projects and build new trade and transport linkages.
- Strengthen Regional Role: India must play a more prominent role in the region to address geopolitical challenges.
- Establish Dedicated Departments: Dedicated departments under central ministries can facilitate better cooperation with ASEAN.
Conclusion
- India’s commitment to ASEAN signifies its strategic engagement with the Indo-Pacific region.
- Despite challenges, enhancing cooperation in trade, connectivity, defence, and socio-cultural aspects can pave the way for mutual growth and regional peace.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ISRO missions
Mains level: Rapid commercialization of Space and governance, India's role
What’s the news?
- Chandrayaan 3’s landing on August 23 is a significant development in India’s space exploration efforts. This event prompts reflection on recent developments in outer space activities and their implications for peaceful purposes.
Central idea
- The year 2023 has seen India make significant strides in the realm of outer space activities. From becoming a signatory to the US Artemis Accords, which focus on the responsible use of outer space, to deepening engagements with the United States through initiatives like the US-India Civil Space and Commercial Space Working Groups, India has emerged as a key player in the global space arena.
Evolution of Outer Space Governance
- Historical Initiatives: The journey of outer space governance began with the historic launch of Sputnik in 1957. This event spurred the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolutions 1721 A and B in 1961. These resolutions marked the early acknowledgment of the need for international collaboration in space exploration.
- Consolidation of Principles: Over the years, space-faring nations consistently upheld the principles enshrined in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967. These principles have gradually evolved into customary international laws. This evolution signifies the transformation of outer space into an inclusive and democratized domain.
- Widespread Participation: Presently, outer space is accessible to more than 80 countries, each deriving various advantages from space-based satellite services. This widespread participation reflects the successful international cooperation that has expanded access to space resources.
Outer Space as a Global Common
- The concept of a global common traditionally applies to areas beyond the sovereignty of any single nation, inspired by ideas like Grotius’s Mare Liberum (free sea).
- In the United Nations framework, outer space is recognized as one of the global commons alongside the high seas, the atmosphere, and Antarctica.
Two Perspectives on Global Commons
- From a geopolitical and military standpoint, considering outer space as a global common facilitates international cooperation and security.
- Nations worldwide recognize that areas beyond their jurisdiction, such as outer space, are vital for maintaining international order and regional security.
- Rejecting the idea of outer space as a global common could undermine the freedom of navigation, a fundamental principle upheld by initiatives like the QUAD.
- Constraining Perspective:
- Alternatively, viewing outer space as a global common can limit the economic and commercial exploitation of its resources.
- It implies shared ownership, public governance, and restrictions on usage, aligning with the concept of the common heritage of mankind concept as expressed in the Moon Agreement of 1979.
- This concept extends beyond outer space, applying to the high seas and deep-sea beds, emphasizing the need for responsible resource management.
Challenges and Complexity in Outer Space Governance
- Commercial Planetary Resource Extraction: Private companies and nations are exploring the potential for mining resources from celestial bodies such as the moon and asteroids. This raises complex questions about property rights, resource allocation, and environmental concerns in outer space.
- Resource Management: As commercial interests grow, the management of outer space resources becomes increasingly intricate. Determining how to allocate resources fairly and sustainably while avoiding overuse or exploitation poses a significant challenge. Balancing the interests of different nations and entities in resource-rich areas like the Moon adds to the complexity.
- Environmental Concerns: Space debris and orbital congestion pose environmental risks to space activities. With an increasing number of satellites and space missions, managing space debris and ensuring the long-term sustainability of space activities have become pressing challenges.
- Security and Militarization: The militarization of outer space and concerns about security in space have grown. Nations are developing space-based capabilities for defense and surveillance, raising questions about the potential weaponization of space and the need for arms control measures.
- International Collaboration: Ensuring effective international collaboration in space governance can be challenging due to differing national interests, technological disparities, and political tensions.
- Technological Advancements: Rapid technological advancements in space exploration, including the development of reusable rockets and miniaturized satellites, change the landscape of space activities. Keeping regulatory frameworks up-to-date with these advancements is a constant challenge.
India’s Crucial Role in Space Resource Management
- Involvement in International Agreements: India is both a signatory to the Moon Agreement of 1979 and the Artemis Accords. This dual commitment places India in a unique position to influence and contribute to the development of international frameworks for space governance.
- Complex Decision-Making: The complexity arises from the fact that while India has signed the Artemis Accords, it has not yet ratified the Moon Agreement. This highlights India’s need to carefully evaluate its stance on these agreements and the implications for its future space activities and resource management.
- Global Impact: India’s decisions and actions in the realm of space resource management have global implications. As one of the major space-faring nations, India’s approach will significantly influence the international framework for managing space resources, including lunar and celestial bodies.
- International Cooperation: India’s robust international cooperation in space programs, including multilateral and bilateral engagements, positions it as a key collaborator with advanced space powers and emerging space nations.
- Balancing Competing Objectives: India’s role is vital in striking a balance between competing objectives in the use of outer space for peaceful purposes. This involves ensuring responsible resource utilization, promoting equitable access, and upholding international law and principles.
Conclusion
- India’s growing prominence in the field of outer space activities requires a thoughtful approach to its role in shaping the future of space resource management. Balancing competing objectives, promoting peaceful use of outer space, and contributing to the development of an international framework are essential steps to ensure the responsible and equitable exploration and utilization of space resources for the benefit of all humankind.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Climate change
Mains level: The problem of air pollution, serious threat, efforts in progress and viable solutions
What’s the news?
- According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Earth has entered an era of global boiling, marked by scorching heatwaves, devastating floods, and erratic weather patterns.
Central idea
- With scorching heatwaves, devastating floods, and erratic weather patterns becoming the new normal, the urgency to address the triple-planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution has never been more apparent. Amidst this global turmoil, it’s crucial to recognize that one silent but deadly adversary is among us: air pollution.
The Silent Killer: Air Pollution
- Global health statistics are grim, with lung cancer claiming 10 million lives worldwide in 2020, a number projected to rise by another 3.2 million by 2050, according to a report by the Indian National Institute of Health.
- South Asia, home to two billion people, is a grim example, hosting nine of the world’s ten most polluted cities, with Delhi topping the list.
- Despite some progress in terms of Air Quality Index (AQI) improvements, Delhi remains in the grip of perilous air pollution, especially during the winter months.
The Looming Threat of Air Pollution
- Lung cancer, cardiovascular disorders, respiratory ailments, and mental health issues continue to devastate lives.
- Delhi’s air, laden with sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, high particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, deprives over 30 million residents of their basic human right to breathe clean air.
- Vulnerable groups like immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, children, and the elderly suffer disproportionately.
- In 2019, a Lancet report attributed 1.67 million deaths in India to air pollution, accounting for a staggering 17.8% of total deaths in the country.
Efforts in Progress to Combat Air Pollution
- PUSA Decomposer: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed the PUSA Decomposer, which employs biotechnology to tackle agricultural pollution. This innovative solution addresses the burning of crop residues, a significant contributor to air pollution.
- State-level Policies: Many state governments have implemented policies like GRAP 3 (Graded Rapid Action Plan) to monitor air quality in pollution hotspots. The establishment of Green War Rooms represents a proactive approach to managing and mitigating air pollution in these regions.
- Startups and Innovation: Numerous startups, often led by young entrepreneurs, are actively engaged in finding sustainable solutions to air pollution. These initiatives include the conversion of agricultural waste into valuable products, reducing the environmental impact of farming practices.
International Initiatives and Collaborations to Combat Air Pollution
- UNESCO Initiatives: UNESCO has undertaken various initiatives to address air pollution. One notable initiative is the implementation of an internal carbon tax on all flight tickets. This tax aims to reduce carbon emissions from air travel, a significant contributor to global air pollution.
- World Air Quality Project: The World Air Quality Project provides real-time air quality data, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their activities and travel based on current air quality conditions. This empowers individuals to protect their health by avoiding areas with poor air quality.
- Collaboration with UNEP: UNESCO collaborates with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on environmentally conscious practices. For example, the ‘Virtual Meetings’ project promotes digital working to reduce the need for travel and its associated carbon emissions.
- Clean-Air-For-Schools: UNESCO’s Clean-Air-For-Schools program focuses on spreading education and awareness about clean air among students and the wider community. This initiative aims to engage future generations in the fight against air pollution.
- Promotion of Sustainable Practices: International initiatives also promote sustainable practices in various sectors. This includes the adoption of electric vehicles, the replacement of traditional lighting systems with energy-efficient LED arrangements, and the implementation of solar-powered offices to reduce carbon emissions.
- Protection of Historical Sites: Efforts are underway to protect historical and cultural sites from the harmful effects of air pollution. Developing strategies to curb air pollution in the vicinity of these sites is essential for their preservation.
- Green Solutions: UNESCO encourages the development of green solutions, such as urban forests, parks, and green corridors, to mitigate air pollution in urban areas.
Viable solutions to combat air pollution
- Urban Planning and Design: Cities worldwide are adopting innovative urban planning and design strategies to prioritize human health and environmental sustainability. Car-free zones, green spaces, and smart urban layouts can significantly reduce air pollution by promoting alternative transportation methods and reducing traffic congestion.
- Public Transportation: Electrified public transportation systems, including electric buses and trains, offer a sustainable and low-pollution alternative to traditional fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. These initiatives reduce emissions and contribute to cleaner air in urban areas.
- Nature-Based Solutions: Integrating nature-based solutions, such as urban forests, parks, and green corridors, into urban landscapes can help absorb pollutants and improve air quality. These green spaces also provide additional benefits for public health and well-being.
- Biotechnology: Innovative biotechnology, like the PUSA decomposer mentioned earlier, can play a crucial role in reducing agricultural pollution, a significant contributor to poor air quality.
- Renewable Energy: Transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources can significantly reduce the air pollution associated with fossil fuel combustion. China’s shift to clean energy and electrified mobility serves as a prime example of this transition’s positive impact.
- Sustainable Farming Practices: Initiatives like Indonesia’s Carbon Efficient Farming Project and efforts in Thailand and Vietnam to reduce open straw burning demonstrate the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices to minimize air pollution.
- International Collaboration: Global initiatives, such as those by UNESCO and the World Air Quality Project, facilitate international cooperation to combat air pollution. These efforts include measures like implementing carbon taxes on flight tickets and promoting environmentally conscious practices.
- Youth-Led Advocacy: Young activists worldwide are actively raising awareness about air pollution and advocating for cleaner air. Their efforts, including real-time air quality data monitoring and environmental education, play a vital role in inspiring change.
Conclusion
- The time for action is now. The problem of air pollution was created by people, and it is people who must find and implement solutions, supported by effective air quality policies and action plans. The choice is ours, and it is one that demands urgency, resolve, and a collective commitment to securing a cleaner, healthier world for all.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: G20 Initiatives
Mains level: the complex nexus of food security, climate variability, and sustainable agriculture for a resilient and sustainable future.
What’s the news?
- The interconnected challenges of food security, climate change, and sustainable agriculture emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach. The G20 Indian Presidency can play a pivotal role in fostering international cooperation to address these issues.
Central idea
- The intricate link between food security, climate variability, and sustainable agriculture has far-reaching consequences for the Earth and its inhabitants. Climate change threatens food security through erratic weather and extreme events, while agricultural practices exacerbate climate change, creating a damaging feedback loop.
Climate Variability and Food Insecurity
- Climate variability, characterized by erratic weather patterns such as droughts and floods, directly impacts agriculture. It can lead to crop failures, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased food insecurity.
- Erratic weather patterns disrupt traditional farming practices and make it challenging to predict and plan for successful harvests.
- Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by extreme weather events like droughts and floods.
How does land use play a significant role in both climate change and food security?
- Unsustainable land use practices, such as deforestation and the expansion of agriculture, release carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
- On the other hand, practices like reforestation, agroforestry, and land conservation can sequester carbon and improve soil health, benefiting both agriculture and climate change mitigation.
The Role of Sustainable Agriculture
- Mitigating Environmental Impact: Sustainable agriculture focuses on practices that aim to minimize the environmental degradation associated with conventional farming. This includes reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm ecosystems and water quality.
- Maintaining or Improving Productivity: Sustainable agricultural practices are designed to maintain or even improve agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm. This is essential to ensuring a stable and sufficient food supply, particularly in the face of climate change-related disruptions.
- Enhancing Climate Resilience: Sustainable agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, organic farming, and reduced pesticide use, can enhance the resilience of farming systems. These practices make agriculture less susceptible to disruptions caused by climate variability, such as extreme weather events.
- Carbon Sequestration: The article suggests that sustainable land use practices, such as reforestation, agroforestry, and land conservation, can sequester carbon from the atmosphere. This not only helps mitigate climate change but also improves soil health, benefiting both agriculture and the environment.
How can agriculture be made more sustainable and resilient in communities in developing countries?
- Increasing Crop Diversity: Encouraging farmers to diversify their crop choices can improve resilience. Growing a variety of crops can increase the risk of crop failure due to unpredictable weather patterns and pests. Crop diversity also enhances nutrient cycling in the soil, improving overall soil health.
- Diversifying Farming Systems: Promoting mixed farming systems that include livestock and aquaculture alongside traditional crops can enhance resilience. These integrated systems can optimize resource use, provide multiple sources of income, and improve nutrient cycling.
- Efficient Irrigation Systems: Investing in efficient irrigation systems can help farmers cope with changing rainfall patterns and water scarcity. These systems can improve soil health and water conservation, reducing vulnerability to climate-related challenges.
- Promoting Organic Farming Practices: Encouraging organic farming practices, which minimize the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, can reduce environmental harm and improve the resilience of agricultural systems. Organic practices often focus on building healthy soils, which can better withstand climate variability.
- Cultivating Climate-Resistant Crops: Promoting the cultivation of climate-resistant crop varieties and drought-resistant seeds, such as millets, can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions. These crops are often better suited to withstand droughts and extreme temperatures.
- Strengthening Market Links: Facilitating connections between farmers and markets can help ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their produce. This can improve the economic resilience of farming communities and incentivize sustainable practices.
- Microfinance Opportunities: Providing access to microfinance opportunities can assist farmers in investing in sustainable agricultural practices. Financial support can help farmers acquire the resources they need to adopt more resilient and sustainable farming methods.
- Policy Support: Implementing policies that emphasize sustainable agriculture and provide incentives for sustainable practices can create an enabling environment for farmers. These policies can include subsidies for sustainable practices, access to credit, and support for climate adaptation.
Global Prospects through the G20 Indian Presidency
- International Cooperation: The G20 Indian Presidency offers a platform for international cooperation. G20 countries can collaborate and coordinate efforts to address pressing global challenges, including climate change and food security.
- Knowledge Sharing: The G20 provides a forum for knowledge sharing among member nations. Countries can exchange best practices, share research findings, and pool resources to tackle common issues more effectively.
- Policy Advocacy: G20 member countries can use their collective influence to advocate for policies that promote sustainability, resilience, and equity in global food systems. This can include advocating for climate-resilient agricultural practices and sustainable land use.
- Resource Mobilization: The G20 can facilitate resource mobilization to support initiatives aimed at creating a more sustainable and resilient global food system. This includes financial support for sustainable agriculture projects and climate adaptation efforts.
- Innovation and Research: G20 countries can promote international cooperation in agriculture research and innovation. By working together, they can accelerate the development of sustainable crop varieties, pest-resistant crops, and advanced farming technologies.
- Global Food Security: The G20 can play a pivotal role in enhancing global food security. This involves coordinating efforts to improve food distribution systems, reduce food losses and waste, and promote sustainable agriculture to ensure a stable food supply for vulnerable populations worldwide.
- Agricultural and Rural Development: G20 member nations can leverage their resources and expertise to support agricultural and rural development in developing countries. Investments in infrastructure, capacity development, and financial assistance to smallholder farmers can alleviate poverty and promote sustainable farming practices.
Conclusion
- Fostering international cooperation is essential to addressing the complex nexus of food security, climate variability, and sustainable agriculture for a resilient and sustainable future. The G20, with its potential to drive global strategies, should play a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to mitigate climate change, adapt agricultural practices, and ensure food security on a global scale.
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