Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bletchley Park Declaration
Mains level: Global consensus building on AI Regulation
Central Idea
- The recent AI Safety Summit held at Bletchley Park, the historic site of World War II code-breakers, brought together nations, computer scientists, and tech leaders to address the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence (AI).
- India, a significant participant alongside countries like the US, UK, and China, played a pivotal role in shaping the global AI governance landscape.
Bletchley Park Declaration
- Global Agreement: The Bletchley Park Declaration aims to establish a shared understanding of the risks and opportunities posed by “frontier AI.”
- Partners: The summit led to a groundbreaking agreement signed by 28 major countries, including India, the US, China, and the European Union.
- Frontier AI Defined: Frontier AI refers to highly advanced generative AI models with potentially dangerous capabilities that can pose significant risks to public safety.
India’s Stance
- Global Action: India emphasized the importance of international cooperation to address AI risks effectively, aligning with the views of other participating nations.
- Prioritizing Safety and Trust: Indian Minister of State for IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, highlighted the need to ensure that AI represents safety and trust. India’s perspective has evolved from initially hesitating to regulate AI to actively formulating risk-based regulations.
- Global Framework: India’s PM had earlier called for a global framework on “ethical” AI tools, signalling a shift towards proactive regulation.
Global Opinion on AI Governance
- Diverse Responses: The AI policy response varies across nations. The EU has proposed a comprehensive AI Act, while the UK adopts a “light-touch” approach to foster innovation. The US positions itself between these extremes, focusing on safety and ethics.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: Policymakers worldwide have increased regulatory scrutiny of generative AI tools, prompted by concerns related to privacy, bias, and intellectual property rights.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: White Hydrogen
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists searching for fossil fuels beneath northeastern France stumbled upon a vast reservoir of hydrogen.
- Initial calculations suggest that this deposit of “white hydrogen” is among the largest ever found, estimated to range from 6 million to 250 million metric tons, holding immense promise for clean energy applications.
Understanding White Hydrogen
- White hydrogen is a naturally occurring gas found within the Earth’s crust.
- While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it typically combines with other molecules.
- Hydrogen is hailed as a promising clean energy source for industries such as aviation, shipping, and steel production.
- Its combustion produces only water, making it a highly eco-friendly energy option compared to solar or wind energy.
Other types of Hydrogen
|
Obtained from |
Production Method |
Carbon Emissions |
| Green Hydrogen |
Water and renewable energy sources |
Electrolysis with renewables |
Very low to zero |
| Blue Hydrogen |
Natural gas |
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) |
Reduced, but captured |
| Gray Hydrogen |
Natural gas |
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) without CCS |
High |
Significance of the Discovery
- Shifting Paradigm: Historically, scientists believed that large-scale hydrogen production required lab-based processes. Hydrogen was categorized into different types based on their origin, such as gray, brown, blue, and green.
- Untapped Potential: White hydrogen, as a naturally occurring and abundant resource, offers a significant source of clean-burning energy.
- Natural and Cost-Effective: Unlike energy-intensive production methods, white hydrogen is naturally occurring and more cost-effective. Estimated costs for white hydrogen production are approximately $1 per kilogram, while green hydrogen costs around $6 per kilogram.
Back2Basics: Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) Process
SMR is the most widely used method for industrial hydrogen production, accounting for the majority of global hydrogen production.
- Feedstock: It uses methane (CH4) from natural gas as its primary feedstock, making it a cost-effective and readily available source of hydrogen.
- Reaction: SMR involves the reaction of methane with high-temperature steam (H2O) in the presence of a catalyst. The primary chemical reactions produce hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
- Endothermic Process: The reactions in SMR are highly endothermic, meaning they absorb a significant amount of heat energy, typically supplied through external heating.
- By-products: In addition to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, SMR also produces carbon dioxide (CO2) and unreacted methane.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 1951 Refugee Convention
Mains level: Refugee crisis in the world
Central Idea
- Pakistan’s government has recently implemented an order mandating the expulsion of all foreigners, with a significant impact on Afghan refugees, the largest refugee group in Pakistan.
- This move has raised questions about the fate of Afghan migrants returning to a country facing numerous challenges, including a collapsed economy, natural disasters, food insecurity, and human rights issues under Taliban rule.
Afghan Refugees in Pakistan
- Historical Background: Afghan refugees have sought shelter in Pakistan since the late 1970s, primarily due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. Subsequently, they fled during the Afghan civil war in the 1990s and the Taliban regime’s rule.
- Afghan Refugee Population: Pakistan is home to over 4 million Afghans, with an estimated 1.7 million lacking proper documentation.
- Deportation Deadline: The government set a deadline of October 31 for illegal migrants to leave Pakistan, after which they would face arrest and expulsion.
- Deportation Process: Hours before the deadline, authorities began rounding up undocumented migrants, demolishing some homes to compel them to leave.
- Border Crossings: Thousands of Afghans crossed into Afghanistan through border crossings, including Torkham and Chaman.
Reasons for Deportation
- Economic Concerns: Pakistan cites economic strain as a key reason for deportation, asserting that undocumented migrants who do not pay taxes strain its limited resources.
- Security Concerns: Authorities claim that Afghan migrants have been involved in terror attacks, street crimes, and organized crimes like drug trafficking. They are accused of participating in attacks against the government and the army.
- Political Timing: The deportation coincides with Pakistan’s caretaker government, insulating it from potential political or electoral repercussions.
Refugee Convention,1951
- The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees is one of the cornerstone instruments of refugee protection. It defines who a refugee is and outlines their rights and responsibilities.
- It also provides a non-refoulement principle, which prohibits states from returning refugees to a country where they would face persecution.
- The 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees expanded the geographic scope of the 1951 Convention and removed the temporal and geographic limitations, making the Convention universally applicable.
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Challenges for Returnees
- Uncertain Future: Afghan migrants returning to Afghanistan face an uncertain future amid economic collapse, earthquakes, food shortages, and human rights violations under Taliban rule.
- Education and Employment: Women and girls returning to Afghanistan may be denied education and job opportunities.
- US-Affiliated Migrants: Those who worked for the US before the Taliban’s takeover are particularly vulnerable.
Taliban’s Response
- Criticism and Request for Time: The Taliban has criticized the deportations and asked for more time to prepare for the returnees.
- Humanitarian Efforts: Afghan authorities are establishing temporary camps near the border to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and SIM cards to returnees. The Taliban has expressed a willingness to assist them in finding jobs.
Conclusion
- This deportation is a contentious move driven by economic and security concerns.
- The international community, including the Taliban, is grappling with the challenges posed by this situation, particularly as winter approaches and Afghanistan faces additional hardships.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Work Productivity
70 hours Work: Narayana Murthy Suggests
- Infosys founder N.R. Narayana Murthy’s recent call for young Indians to work 70 hours per week has ignited a debate on worker productivity in India.
- He cited Japan and Germany as examples of nations that prospered due to longer working hours post-World War II.
- However, his views raise questions about worker productivity, its relationship with economic growth, and India’s unique context.
Worker Productivity vs. Labour Productivity
- Conceptual Difference: Worker productivity involves mental activities, while labour productivity is associated with manual tasks.
- Measurement: Productivity is typically measured as the output value per unit of labor cost.
- Complexity in Services: In intellectual labor, measuring output independently is challenging; hence, worker income often proxies productivity.
- Fallacious Assumption: Murthy’s assertion that increased working hours lead to higher productivity is contentious, as it could exploit workers without commensurate pay.
Link between Worker Productivity and Economic Growth
- Complex Relationship: While productivity improvements impact economic growth positively, the relationship is intricate.
- Distribution of Income: India’s economic growth hasn’t necessarily benefited all income groups; wealth disparities persist.
- Income Inequality: Income gains have disproportionately favored the top income strata, suggesting a disconnect between productivity and income distribution.
- Factors Influencing Wealth: Factors like hereditary wealth transfers and arbitrary compensation for the super managerial class have contributed to income disparities.
Is India’s Worker Productivity One of the Lowest?
- Proxy Fallacy: Using income as a proxy for productivity can yield misleading conclusions.
- Indian Workforce: Indians are among the hardest working employees globally, but they receive comparatively lower wages.
- Contradictory Statements: Narayana Murthy’s claim about low productivity seems unsubstantiated, possibly driven by motives to push labor reforms.
What data shows?
- In 1980, India’s Gross Domestic Product was about $200 billion, which by 2015 exceeded $2,000 billion.
- Income distribution data from 1980 to 2015 in India:
-
- Bottom 50% income groups experienced a 90% increase in income.
- Top 10% income group’s share increased from 30% to 58%.
- Top 0.01% experienced an increase of 1699%.
- Top 0.001% had an increase of 2040%.
Impact of Informal Labor on Worker Productivity
- Rise in Informal Employment: Economic reforms have witnessed a surge in informal employment.
- Limited Formalization: Formalization efforts have mostly focused on tax compliance and not labor standards or conditions.
- Exploitation in MSMEs: Even within the formal manufacturing sector, Micro-Small-Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engage in wage cutting to maximize profits.
- Outsourcing Practices: Large corporations outsource production to smaller labour-intensive units, exacerbating labor exploitation.
Comparing India with Japan and Germany
- Inadequate Comparisons: India’s unique context, including its labor force, technological trajectory, socio-cultural dynamics, and political structures, makes direct comparisons with Japan and Germany inapt.
- Unique Development Path: India’s sustainable development requires enhancing social investments, tapping domestic consumption potential, and focusing on human-centric development.
Conclusion
- The call for extended working hours to boost worker productivity raises complex issues regarding labor exploitation, income distribution, and India’s economic context.
- Direct comparisons with Japan and Germany overlook India’s unique challenges and opportunities.
- A comprehensive approach that addresses these intricacies is essential to ensure sustainable and equitable development in India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: State Food Safety Index (SFSI)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Four years after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) introduced a state-wise index to encourage improvements in food safety, alarming trends have emerged.
- A significant number of large Indian states have witnessed a drop in their food safety scores in 2023 compared to 2019.
- This analysis delves into the details of these findings, highlighting the key parameters, their weights, and how the states fared.
Understanding the State Food Safety Index (SFSI)
- FSSAI has developed the State Food Safety Index to measure the performance of states on various parameters of Food Safety.
- It was first rolled in 2018-19.
- This index is based on the performance of the State/ UT on five significant parameters set by the Health Ministry, namely
- Human Resources and Institutional Data
- Compliance
- Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance
- Training & Capacity Building and
- Consumer Empowerment
- In 2023, a new parameter, ‘Improvement in SFSI Rank,’ was added, altering the weightages of existing parameters to maintain a total score of 100.
- The Index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.
Highlights of the 2023 Report
[A] Steepest Decline in Scores:
- Maharashtra: Witnessed the most significant drop, with a score of 45 in 2023 compared to 74 in 2019.
- Bihar: Scored 20.5 in 2023, down from 46 in 2019.
- Gujarat: Recorded a score of 48.5 in 2023, a sharp decline from 73 in 2019.
[B] Key Parameter Findings:
- Food Testing Infrastructure: Witnessed the most substantial decline, with the average score dropping to 7 out of 17 in 2023 from 13 out of 20 in 2019.
- Compliance: Received the highest weightage in 2023 but experienced a drop in scores for states like Jharkhand, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
- Consumer Empowerment: Scored the highest in Tamil Nadu, while Bihar saw a significant decrease in this parameter.
- Human Resources and Institutional Data: Experienced a decline in scores for states like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
- Training and Capacity Building: Recorded an improvement, with the average score increasing to 5 out of 8 in 2023 from 3.5 out of 10 in 2019.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Commerce and Industry Minister has strongly criticized the European Union’s (EU) proposed Carbon Tax on imports, deeming it “ill-conceived” and warning of potential consequences for the EU’s manufacturing sector.
- He asserted that even if the plan, set to take effect in 2026, proceeds, India will counter it by imposing its own carbon tax.
What is the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
| Proposed by |
European Union (EU) |
| Purpose |
To reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and prevent competitive disadvantage against countries with weaker environmental regulations |
| Objectives |
Reduce carbon emissions from imported goods
Promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners
Protect EU companies that have invested in green technologies |
How does CBAM work?
| Coverage |
Applies to imported goods that are carbon-intensive |
| Integration |
Covered by the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which currently covers industries like power generation, steel, and cement |
| Implementation |
CBAM taxes would be imposed on the carbon content of imported goods at the border, and the tax rates would be based on the carbon price in the EU ETS |
| Exemptions |
Possible exemptions for countries that have implemented comparable carbon pricing systems |
| Revenue Use |
Revenue generated from CBAM taxes could be used to fund the EU’s climate objectives, such as financing climate-friendly investments and supporting developing countries’ climate efforts |
Who will be affected by CBAM?
|
Details |
| Countries |
Non-EU countries, including India, that export carbon-intensive goods to the EU |
| Items |
Initially covers iron and steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, and electric energy production |
| Expansion |
The scope of the CBAM may expand to other sectors in the future |
Advantages offered
- Encourages non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations, reducing global carbon emissions.
- Prevents carbon leakage by discouraging companies from relocating to countries with weaker environmental regulations.
- Generates revenue that could be used to support EU climate policies.
Challenges with CBAM
- Difficulty in accurately measuring the carbon emissions of imported goods, especially for countries without comprehensive carbon accounting systems.
- Potential for trade tensions with the EU’s trading partners, especially if other countries implement retaliatory measures.
Consequences for EU Manufacturing
- Auto Sector Impact: The minister suggested that the European auto sector could be one of the first casualties, particularly affecting steel and aluminum usage.
- Opportunity for India: Goyal saw this as an opportunity for India to develop a robust auto sector, leveraging cost advantages in the global market.
India’s Response and Carbon Tax Strategy
- Counteractive Measures: India intends to neutralize the impact of the EU’s carbon tax by imposing its own.
- Investing in Green Energy: Revenue from the Indian carbon tax would be channelled into the country’s green energy transition, which, indirectly, could help exporters transition to cleaner energy and reduce their carbon footprint.
- Negotiations with EU: The government is engaged in dialogues with EU counterparts regarding the levy’s fairness and pricing disparities.
Conclusion
- The EU’s proposed Carbon Tax and India’s counterstrategy highlight the complexities of international trade, environmental concerns, and the potential consequences for various industries.
- India’s strong stance underscores its commitment to safeguarding its economic interests while engaging in constructive negotiations with the EU to ensure a fair and mutually beneficial outcome.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs), Global Innovation Index
Mains level: Challenges in Innovation Infrastructure
Central idea
India’s innovation journey, seen in Global Innovation Index (GII) progress and Amul’s community success, faces challenges in maintaining Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). Collaborative clusters like ATL Sarthi highlight the need for a community-driven shift. The way forward involves community ownership, dialogue, and resource provision for continued success in innovation.
Key Facts:
- ATL Sarthi Impact: Over 90% of schools in clusters demonstrating high attendance and performance.
- Green and White Revolutions: Past successes serving as inspiration for future triumphs.
- ATL Utilization: Challenge of uniform and effective utilization addressed in the ATL Sarthi experiment.
- Government Vision: Push towards liberating innovation and entrepreneurship from complex processes.
Key Terms:
- GII: Global Innovation Index, measuring a nation’s innovation capabilities.
- ATL: Atal Tinkering Labs, fostering innovation in middle and high schools.
- ATL Sarthi: Clusters of ATLs overseen by a guidance committee for efficiency.
- Neoteric Innovators: Term defining students keeping pace with rapidly changing technology.
Key highlights of India’s innovation landscape
- GII Leap: From 81 to 40 India’s substantial improvement in the Global Innovation Index showcases a dedicated commitment to fostering innovation.
- Community-Driven Success Lessons from Amul: Examining the cooperative model of Amul as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in achieving global milestones.
- ATLs Nurturing the Next Generation Innovators : Understanding the role of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in cultivating a million “neoteric innovators” among middle and high school students.
- Government’s Vision of Liberating Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Analyzing the impact of the government’s push towards liberating innovation and entrepreneurship from complex processes.
Key Data:
- GII Progress: India’s notable rise from 81 to 40 in the Global Innovation Index.
- ATL Impact: Over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) engaging more than 75 lakh students.
- Rural Emphasis: 60% of ATLs strategically located in rural areas.
- ATL Sarthi Clusters: Implementation in states like Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
Challenges in Innovation Infrastructure
- Infrastructure Expansion: The challenge of efficiently expanding and maintaining the infrastructure of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs).
- Rural-Urban Disparities: The disparities in ATL infrastructure between urban and rural areas, with 60% of ATLs located in remote regions.
- Ensuring Effective Use of ATLs: The challenge of uniform and effective utilization of ATLs, particularly in schools facing economic and geographical constraints.
- Innovation Hubs: The ATL Sarthi experiment, exploring the creation of clusters overseen by a guidance committee to enhance ATL efficiency.
Way Forward
- Unlocking Maximum Potential: Emphasizing the timeless lesson that community ownership is essential to unlock the maximum potential of government-led initiatives.
- Green and White Revolutions Redux: Drawing parallels with past successes like the Green and White Revolutions, envisioning a similar triumph in the age of innovations.
- Fostering Dialogue: Advocating for the importance of fostering dialogue between government bodies, schools, and communities for sustained success.
- Resources and Support: Exploring the need for providing resources and support to communities, ensuring their active participation in the innovation ecosystem.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: United Nations and its structure
Mains level: UN's effectiveness in maintaining global peace
Central idea
The article discusses the escalating conflicts in the Israel-Hamas and Russia-Ukraine situations, questioning the UN’s effectiveness in maintaining global peace. It highlights challenges such as the post-Cold War dilemma, erosion of the liberal order, and veto impasse, emphasizing the need for innovative conflict resolution mechanisms, UN reforms, and global public engagement to address the complexities in today’s geopolitical landscape.
Key Highlights:
- Escalating Conflicts: Israel-Hamas clashes intensify post-October 7 attack. Simultaneous Russia-Ukraine conflict adds global complexity.
- Strategic Dialogue: Rakesh Sood and Vivek Katju discuss UN’s peacekeeping challenges. Moderated by Kallol Bhattacherjee, the dialogue addresses current geopolitical unrest.
- Global Impact: UN’s role questioned in resolving modern conflicts. Increasing doubts about UN’s effectiveness in maintaining global peace.
- Diverse Perspectives: Perspectives on the liberal international order and its alleged demise. Shift from unipolarity to multipolarity examined in the post-Cold War era.
Challenges:
- Post-Cold War Dilemma: Diminished UN conflict resolution post-Cold War. Major powers’ discord paralyzes UN decision-making.
- Erosion of Liberal Order: Dispute over the existence of a liberal international rules-based order. Unipolar moment disappears by 2008, raising concerns.
- Veto Impasse: UNSC’s efficacy hampered by veto powers. National interests obstruct addressing conflicts effectively.
- Internal Israeli Complexities: Netanyahu’s divisive leadership influences Israel’s stance. Domestic protests and judicial reforms contribute to complexity.
- Global Power Discord: Lack of consensus among major powers hinders UN efforts. Veto powers in the UNSC obstruct conflict resolution.
- Nuances in Israel’s Approach: Israel’s response to Hamas extends beyond national security. Commitment to eliminating Hamas reflects deep resolve.
- UN’s Passive Role: Criticism for UN’s passive role in recent conflicts. Major powers’ differences render the UN a bystander.
- Shift to Multipolarity: Multipolarity after 2008 presents challenges. Multipolarity without multilateralism leads to chaos.
Concerns:
- Global Power Discord: Lack of consensus hinders UN’s conflict resolution. Veto powers impede the organization’s ability to act decisively.
- Nuances in Israel’s Approach: Israel’s response to Hamas goes beyond national security. Commitment to eliminating Hamas reflects a profound resolve.
- UN’s Passive Role: UN criticized for passive role in recent conflicts. Major powers’ differences render UN a bystander.
- Shift to Multipolarity: Transition to a multipolar world after 2008 presents challenges. Multipolarity without effective multilateralism leads to chaos.
Analysis:
- Inert UN Dynamics: UN’s perceived ineffectiveness raises questions. Major powers’ disagreements cripple the UN’s active role.
- Multipolarity Challenges: Emergence of a multipolar world introduces complexities. Lack of a new order suited for a multipolar world contributes to global unrest.
- Strategic US Interventions: US interventions post-Cold War questioned for legitimacy. Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali, and Libya conflicts showcase UN’s limited role.
- Dilemmas in Conflict Resolution: Complexities in resolving conflicts beyond traditional UN approaches. Calls for exploring alternative mechanisms acknowledging evolving geopolitical landscapes.
Key Terms:
- UN, Israel-Hamas conflict, Russia-Ukraine crisis, liberal international order, multipolarity, major powers, ceasefire.
Way Forward:
- Revamping Conflict Resolution: Urgency in exploring innovative conflict resolution mechanisms. Recognition of complexities beyond traditional UN paradigms in today’s geopolitical scenario.
- India’s Global Role: Acknowledges India’s increasing global significance. Emphasizes the need for realistic expectations given the superior dynamics at play.
- Multilateral Diplomacy: Strengthening multilateral diplomatic efforts for conflict resolution. Encouraging dialogue and cooperation among major powers to overcome discord.
- UN Reforms: Advocating reforms in UN structures for increased agility. Addressing veto-related challenges to enhance the UN’s role in global peacekeeping.
- Global Public Engagement: Fostering global public engagement in conflict resolution. Leveraging public sentiment to influence diplomatic decisions and encourage peaceful solutions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Biosphere Reserve Day
Mains level: global importance of UNESCO-designated reserves in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change
Central idea
World Biosphere Reserve Day on November 3 emphasizes the global importance of UNESCO-designated reserves in conserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change. With 748 reserves in 134 countries, challenges like deforestation persist, necessitating local collaboration, sustainable tourism, and international cooperation for effective conservation.
Key Highlights:
- World Biosphere Reserve Day: Annual celebration on November 3 to raise awareness and promote the conservation of biosphere reserves.
- UNESCO Designation: Biosphere reserves designated by UNESCO for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and research.
- Global Impact: 748 biosphere reserves in 134 countries, influencing the lives of over 250 million people.
- Transboundary Collaboration: 22 transboundary sites fostering cooperation between neighboring countries.
Key Organizations:
- UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization): Initiator and supporter of the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programm Designates and recognizes biosphere reserves globally, promoting conservation and sustainable development.
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): Collaborates with biosphere reserves to support sustainable development initiatives.
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): Engages in activities to enhance environmental sustainability within biosphere reserves.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Supports UNESCO in biodiversity conservation efforts and sustainable development.
| Prelims focus
UNESCO MAB Award:
-
- The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust received the UNESCO Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management in 2023, recognizing exemplary efforts in conservation.
Origin of Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme:
Inception: Established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1971.
Inspiration: Evolved from the recommendations of the International Biological Programme (IBP), recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the human-environment relationship.
MAB’s Foundation: Launched during the 16th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 1971, with the primary goal of integrating natural and social sciences for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation.
Key Drivers: Emerged as a response to growing concerns about the impact of human activities on the environment and the need for a coordinated effort to balance conservation and development.
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