Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV)
Mains level: Measures to improve sustainable material
Why in the News?
Recently, post COVID-19, India is experiencing a sudden increase in construction. Although expansion offers economic prospects and enhanced living conditions, yet it also presents notable environmental hurdles.
The Major Environmental Concerns Due to the Construction Sector:
- The cement sector is a hard-to-abate sector in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but it is an equally critical contributor to the economic development of the country.
- India is the second largest producer of cement in the world and plans to almost double its production by 2030. It accounts for over 33% of India’s electricity usage, contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
- Globally, about 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions can be traced back to the built environment sector, which includes buildings, the distribution systems that supply water and electricity, and the roads, bridges, and transportation systems.
- The UNEP report makes a case for “Avoid-Shift-Improve” strategies to reduce emissions.
Government Initiatives to make the Construction Sector become energy efficient:
- The India Cooling Action Plan: It forecasts an eight-fold increase in cooling demand between 2017 and 2037, emphasizing the need for thermal comfort while reducing active cooling demand. Reducing cooling demand by 20-25% and refrigeration demand by 25-30% by the year 2037 are the goals of this plan.
- Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS): Initiatives like the Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) and Residential Energy Conservation Building Code are crucial steps towards improving energy efficiency in residential buildings.
- Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV): Introducing metrics such as the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV) play a significant role in measuring heat transfer through a building’s envelope, thereby enabling better energy efficiency. Lower RETV values are associated with cooler indoor environments and reduced energy consumption. The recommended RETV of 15W/m2 or less promotes optimal efficiency, improved occupant comfort, and lower utility expenses.
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Materials used in the Construction sector
- Popular Building Materials: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks, red bricks, fly ash, and monolithic concrete (Mivan) are commonly used materials in construction.
- Preference for Monolithic Concrete: Despite sustainability concerns, monolithic concrete construction is favored by developers for its speed, strength, quality, and scalability, particularly in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.
- AAC Blocks as Thermally Efficient: RETV evaluation shows AAC blocks consistently have the lowest RETV across all climatic conditions, indicating their potential as a thermally efficient material.
- Embodied Energy Differences: The literature review reveals substantial differences in embodied energy among materials, with monolithic concrete having an embodied energy 75 times greater than AAC blocks.
- Sustainability Concerns: Sustainability concerns are prominent across all materials. Red bricks contribute to resource depletion, emissions, and waste, while AAC blocks and monolithic concrete also have environmental impacts
Measures to improve sustainable material
- Adopt “Avoid-Shift-Improve”: Implement policies and regulations that incentivize the use of sustainable building materials and practices, such as tax incentives, subsidies, and green building certifications.
- Investing in R&D: Allocate resources for research and development initiatives aimed at creating new, sustainable building materials with improved thermal performance, reduced embodied carbon, and enhanced climate resilience.
- Promote Market Collaborations: Foster partnerships between academia, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, in sustainable construction practices and materials development.
- Awareness: Create consumer awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of sustainable construction and encourage demand for eco-friendly building materials, driving market demand and adoption.
Conclusion: India’s construction boom poses environmental challenges. Initiatives like Eco-Niwas Samhita improve energy efficiency. AAC blocks show promise for thermal efficiency. Future steps include R&D, industry collaboration, policy support, and fostering market demand for sustainable materials.
Mains PYQ
Q) Adoption of PPP model for infrastructure development of the country has not been free of criticism. Critically discuss the pros and cons of the model. (UPSC IAS/2013)
Q) Smart cities in India cannot sustain without smart vilages. Discuss this statement in the backdrop of rural urban integration. (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Economy; Trends in FDI
Mains level: Indian Economy; Trends in FDI
Why in the News?
India’s net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows have dropped almost 31% to $25.5 billion over the first ten months of 2023-24 as per the Finance Ministry
Recent key Observations related to FDI inflow as per the Finance Ministry
Recent FDI in the context of India:
- From April 2023 to January 2024, the net inflows decreased more significantly due to increased repatriation of investment.
- India remains one of the top destinations for global greenfield projects, with a stable number of new project announcements.
- The country received significant FDI in sectors like services, pharmaceuticals, construction, and non-conventional energy.
- The Netherlands, Singapore, Japan, the USA, and Mauritius contribute around 70% of total FDI equity inflows into India.
- There’s a possibility of a modest increase in global FDI flows in the current year, driven by a decline in inflation and borrowing costs in major markets. However, significant risks remain, including geopolitical issues, high debt levels in many countries, and concerns about further economic fracturing.
Recent FDI scenario in the context of the world:
- Overall, global FDI flows rose by 3% to an estimated $1.4 trillion in 2023 due to economic uncertainty and higher interest rates led to a 9% fall in FDI flows to developing countries.
- Drivers of Global FDI: Capital-intensive projects, particularly in renewable energy, batteries, and metals sectors, drove a large proportion of global FDI in 2023, highlighting the importance of energy transition.
- Decline in International Investment Projects: Both greenfield projects and project finance (mainly infrastructure) and cross-border Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) saw declines in 2023, attributed to higher financing costs. International project finance and M&A activity decreased by 21% and 16%, respectively.
What is Foreign direct investment (FDI)?
Foreign direct investment (FDI) is a category of cross-border investment in which an investor resident in one economy establishes a lasting interest in and a significant degree of influence over an enterprise resident in another economy.
Government Bodies regulating FDI:
India offers an automatic route for FDI in several sectors, simplifying the investment process for foreign investors in India. However, certain sectors require government approval, and reporting requirements, in line with the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), are in place to ensure transparency in foreign investments in India. FDI in India is subject to regulation and oversight by various government bodies, such as:
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): DPIIT formulates and implements policies to promote and regulate foreign investment in India across sectors.
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI): RBI manages the monetary aspects of foreign investments in India.
- Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): SEBI regulates FDI in the capital market.
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Conclusion: India remains a top destination for greenfield projects, but international investment projects declined due to higher financing costs. This is indeed a silver lining for the Indian government to plan and execute for targeting more FDI inflow considering the Global scenario.
Practice Question for mains
Q- Explain the reasons for India’s decline in net FDI inflows in 2023-24 and analyze its implications amid global trends
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Reason behind the maintaining in China-Taiwan conflict
Why in the News?
India, with growing national interests, faces entanglements in disputes like Taiwan. While China claims Taiwan, India is unlikely to engage militarily, focusing on safeguarding its economic and security interests.
Context:
- The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) recently achieved an unprecedented third consecutive term in Taiwan’s legislative elections, defying China’s threats and hostilities.
- Taiwan’s legislative assembly faces a unique scenario with no clear majority for the first time in twenty years, which complicates policymaking and interactions with China.
Three reasons for Indian Government to maintain the Status quo:
- Firstly, India is interested in maintaining the current state, wherein Taiwan operates as a self-governing territory without asserting independence.
- Secondly, Chinese aggression against Taiwan would be catastrophically costly for India. A recent Bloomberg study estimates that the costs of a conflict would amount to over 10% of global GDP. India’s economy would suffer a greater shock than the U.S. economy and its most valuable sectors, from electronics to pharmaceuticals, would run dry of components and materials.
- Thirdly, if China wins, it could become more confident and expand its influence, possibly reaching the Indian Ocean. This could pose significant challenges to India’s strategic interests and territorial integrity, potentially leading to increased tensions, especially in Arunachal Pradesh.
Scope for Indian Government:
- Utilize International Law: India can leverage international legal frameworks to advocate for peaceful resolutions and oppose aggression against Taiwan.
- Narrative Building: India can shape narratives against aggression, highlighting the risks and consequences of military conflict.
- Diplomatic Coordination: India can work with other nations to coordinate diplomatic efforts aimed at dissuading China from military action.
- Economic Measures: India can undertake economic de-risking measures to minimize vulnerabilities and reduce dependence on China like economic relations with other countries
- Information Operations: India can engage in information campaigns to support the Taiwanese people and raise awareness about the situation.
- Military Support: India can support U.S. forces in the Indian Ocean, enhancing deterrence capabilities and signalling commitment to regional stability.
Conclusion: India, prioritizing economic and security interests, maintains the Taiwan status quo. To prevent conflict, it leverages international law, builds narratives against aggression, coordinates diplomacy, and considers economic diversification while supporting regional stability.
Mains PYQ
Q China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Q With respect to the South China sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affaire the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and ever flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. ( UPSC IAS/2014)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mohiniyattam and its features
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has unanimously lifted gender restrictions allowing boys for learning Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form.
About Mohiniyattam
|
Description |
| Name Meaning |
Mohini – female enchantress avatar of Vishnu;
Aattam – rhythmic motion or dance (Malayalam) |
| Roots |
Natya Shastra, ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on performance arts |
| Style |
Lasya Style – delicate, eros-filled, and feminine |
| Performers |
Traditionally women, but men also perform in contemporary times |
| Music |
Includes Carnatic music, singing, and enactment of plays through dance |
| Language |
Manipravalam : a Malayalam-Sanskrit hybrid |
| Posture |
Parted feet, gentle swaying of body, soft footwork synchronized with music beats |
| Gestures |
Follow the classical text of Hastha Lakshanadeepika with elaborate mudras (hand gestures) |
| Costumes |
Plain white or off-white sarees with golden brocade, pleated sheets for freedom of movement, adorned with jewellery |
| Accessories |
Jewellery on fingers, wrists, neck, and ears, ankle bells (for female performers), dhotis and similar accessories (for male performers) |
| Makeup |
Natural with brilliant red lips, tikka (Gobi) on forehead, lined eyes |
| Music |
Various rhythms and compositions in Manipravalam, accompanied by instruments like Mridangam, Idakka, flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam |
| Ragas |
Rendered in the Sopana Style, a slow melodic style rooted in the Natya Shastra |
PYQ:
2012: How do you distinguish between Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam dances?
- Dancers occasionally speaking dialogues is found in Kuchipudi dance but not in Bharatanatyam.
- Dancing on the brass plate by keeping the feet on its edges is a feature of Bharatanatyam but Kuchipudi dance does not have such a form of movements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Practice MCQ:
Which of the following statements about Mohiniyattam is not true?
- Mohiniyattam derives its name from “Mohini,” the female enchantress avatar of Vishnu, and “Aattam,” meaning rhythmic motion or dance in Malayalam.
- Its roots can be traced back to the Natya Shastra, an ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on performance arts.
- Mohiniyattam is characterized by the Tandava style, known for its vigorous movements.
- Performances of Mohiniyattam typically include enactment of plays through dance, accompanied by singing and Carnatic music.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Magnetofossils, Magnetotactic bacteria
Mains level: NA
What is the news?
Scientists from the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa have found in the Bay of Bengal a 50,000-year-old sediment containing giant magnetofossils, shedding light on ancient geological conditions.
What are Magnetofossils?
- Magnetofossils are fossilized magnetic particles created by magnetotactic bacteria, aiding scientists in understanding past environmental conditions.
- Described initially in the 1960s and 1970s, magnetotactic bacteria utilize iron-rich minerals to navigate the Earth’s magnetic field, leaving behind distinctive fossil remnants.
- These unique creatures were first described in 1963, by Salvatore Bellini, an Italian doctor and then again in 1975 by Richard Blakemore of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
- These organisms were believed to follow the magnetic field to reach places that had optimal oxygen concentration.
- Using an electron microscope, Blakemore found the bacteria contained “novel structured particles, rich in iron” in small sacs that essentially worked as a compass.
- These magnetotactic bacteria create tiny crystals made of the iron-rich minerals magnetite or greigite, aiding them in navigating changing oxygen levels in the water body they reside in.
Special Attributes of Bay of Bengal Sediment
- Previous studies on magnetofossils often ascertained their origins to be hyperthermal vents, comet impacts, changes in oceanic ventilation, weathering or the presence of oxygen-poor regions.
- Sediments deposited at the core site originate from the Godavari, Krishna, and Penner Rivers, highlighted on the map.
Findings of the Study
- Scientific Approach: In the study, combined magnetic analyses and electron microscopy to study the sediment sample.
- Sediment Characteristics: The three-metre-long sediment core from the southwestern Bay of Bengal consisted mainly of “pale green silty clays,” they wrote in their paper. They also reported finding abundant benthic and planktic foraminifera — single-celled organisms with shells found near the sea bed and free-floating in water.
- Microscopic Revelations: High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed the fossil to be in the shape of needles, spindles, bullets, and spearheads.
- Environmental Insights: Earlier, studies of sediments suggested that nearly 29,000 to 11,700 years ago, during the last Glacial Maximum-Holocene period, the northeast and southwest monsoon strengthened and resulted in significant weathering and sedimentation.
PYQ:
Consider the following kinds of organisms:
- Copepods
- Cyanobacteria
- Diatoms
- Foraminifera
Which of the above are primary producers in the food chains of oceans?
- 1 and 2
- 2 and 3
- 3 and 4
- 1 and 4
Practice MCQ:
Which of the following statements is correct about the ‘Magnetofossils’?
- They are fossilized magnetic particles created by magnetotactic bacteria.
- They follow the magnetic field to reach places that have optimal oxygen concentration.
- They are tiny crystals made of the iron-rich minerals magnetite or greigite.
- All of these.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ILO, India Employment Report 2024
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
According to the India Employment Report 2024 released by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD), India’s youth account for almost 83% of the unemployed workforce.
About the International Labour Organization (ILO)
- The ILO is a UN agency whose mandate is to advance social and economic justice through setting international labour standards.
- Founded in 1919 under the League of Nations (under Treaty of Versailles) it is the first and oldest specialised agency of the UN.
- India was one of the founding members of the ILO, joining the organization in 1919.
- The ILO has 187 member states: 186 out of 193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands.
- Its international labour standards are broadly aimed at ensuring accessible, productive, and sustainable work worldwide in conditions of freedom, equity, security and dignity.
- The Governing body is the apex executive body of the ILO which decides policies, programmes, agenda, budget and elects the Director-General.
- It meets 3 times a year, in March, June and November.
- ILO has received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1969.
Major Conventions of the ILO:
- Forced Labour Convention (No. 29)
- Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No.105)
- Equal Remuneration Convention (No.100)
- Discrimination (Employment Occupation) Convention (No.111)
- Minimum Age Convention (No.138)
- Worst forms of Child Labour Convention (No.182)
- Freedom of Association and Protection of Right to Organised Convention (No.87)
- Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No.98)
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Highlights of the India Employment Report 2024:
- Labour Market Dynamics
- Long-Term Deterioration: The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and the Unemployment Rate (UR) showed a long-term deterioration between 2000 and 2018, but witnessed an improvement after 2019.
- Education Impact: The share of youngsters with secondary or higher education in the total unemployed youth has almost doubled from 35.2% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2022, indicating a significant shift in educational qualifications among job seekers.
- Challenges and Insecurities
- Informal Workforce: Almost 90% of workers remain engaged in informal work, while the share of regular work declined after 2018, leading to widespread livelihood insecurities.
- Contractualisation: There has been a rise in contractualisation, with only a small percentage of regular workers covered by long-term contracts, exacerbating job insecurities.
- Skills Gap and Gender Disparities
- Skills Deficiency: Despite being a demographic dividend, the report notes a skills gap among India’s young workforce, with a significant percentage unable to perform basic digital tasks or mathematical operations.
- Gender Gap: India faces substantial gender disparities in the labour market, with low rates of female labour force participation and high levels of unemployment among highly educated young women.
PYQ:
2018: International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to:
- Child labour
- Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
- Regulation of food prices and food security
- Gender parity in the workplace
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Monuments of National Importance (MNI)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to remove 18 “centrally protected monuments” from its list of Monuments of National Importance (MNI), citing a lack of national significance.
- ASI currently has 3,693 monuments under its purview, which will fall to 3,675 once the current delisting exercise is completed in the next few weeks.
What are Monuments of National Importance (MNI)?
- MNI in India are legally protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
- This act empowers the Centre to declare certain monuments as MNIs through official notifications published in the Gazette of India.
- It mandates the protection, preservation, and maintenance of MNIs to ensure their integrity and authenticity for future generations.
- The Act empowers the central government to appoint authorities, such as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to oversee the protection and management of MNIs.
Key Features of MNI Protection
- Prohibited Activities: The Act prohibits certain activities within the precincts of MNIs, such as construction, excavation, and removal of artifacts, without prior permission from the relevant authorities.
- Designated Zones: Within a 100-meter radius of the monument, construction activities are prohibited to prevent encroachment and damage. An additional 200-meter radius (100 + 200 meters) constitutes a regulated area where construction is subject to specific regulations to maintain the monument’s integrity and surroundings.
- Maintenance of Records: The Act requires the maintenance of records and registers documenting the history, conservation, and management of MNIs.
Understanding Monument Delisting
- Once delisted, monuments are no longer subject to ASI conservation efforts, allowing for regular construction activities in the vicinity.
- Section 35 of the AMASR Act allows for the delisting of monuments deemed to have lost national importance.
- The delisting process involves official notifications, with a two-month public feedback period to address objections or suggestions.
PYQ:
2015: With reference to art and archaeological history of India, which one among the following was made earliest?
- Lingaraja Temple at Bhubaneswar
- Rock-cut Elephant at Dhauli
- Rock-cut Monuments at Mahabalipuram
- Varaha Image at Udayagiri
Practice MCQ:
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to remove 18 “centrally protected monuments”. This essentially implies:
- The site will no longer be conserved, protected, and maintained by the ASI.
- Activities related to construction and urbanisation in the area can be carried out in a regular manner.
Which of the given statements is/are correct?
- Only 1
- Only 2
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hambantota Port, String of Pearls
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
Sri Lanka’s PM said that China has pledged to develop the island nation’s strategic Hambantota Seaport and the capital’s airport after talks with his counterpart in Beijing.
About Hambantota Seaport
- The Hambantota Seaport, also known as the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, is a deep-sea port.
- It is situated on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and lies strategically along major international shipping routes, particularly connecting Asia with Africa and Europe.
- The construction of the Hambantota Seaport began in 2007 and was completed in multiple phases in November 2010.
- Sri Lanka in a controversial move signed an agreement in 2017 wherein a Chinese state-owned enterprise, acquired a 70% stake in the port on a 99-year lease.
How does this port benefit China?
- The port is anticipated to assume a crucial role within China’s Belt and Road initiative (BRI), aiming to connect ports and roadways spanning from China to Europe.
- BRI’s foundation lies in a network of harbors worldwide, positioning China to challenge the United States as the foremost maritime superpower.
- The port forms part of China’s ‘string of pearls’ strategy, potentially encircling India and accommodating its military vessels.
PYQ:
2022: Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue with Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news?
- It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea.
- China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea.
- A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities.
- Though International Court of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them.
Practice MCQ:
Which of the following statements regarding important seaports in Asia are correct?
- Port of Singapore is the world’s busiest transshipment port and a major hub for global shipping.
- Port of Shanghai, located in China, is the busiest container port in the world.
- Port of Colombo in Sri Lanka serves as a major transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean region.
- Port of Yokohama, situated in Japan, is the largest port in terms of cargo tonnage handled annually.
Select the correct option:
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, and 3 only
- All of the above
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