Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Unclassed forests;
Mains level: Forest coverage in India; Issues related to identification and protection of unclassed forests;
Why in the news?
SC ordered MoEFCC to upload State Expert Committee reports on unclassed forests due to concerns over the Forest (Conservation) Act Amendment 2023 constitutionality, impacting protection and potential diversion of these forests.
What are unclassed forests?
- Unclassed forests, also known as deemed forests, are forest areas that may belong to various entities such as government bodies (forests, revenue departments, railways), communities, or private owners. However, these forest areas have not been officially notified as forests.
- The State Expert Committees (SECs) were tasked with identifying all such unclassed forests across the country (referring to Forest Working Plans and Land Revenue Records).
- Additionally, SECs were required to physically identify any land patches that exhibit characteristics of forests, as per the dictionary meaning of forests, irrespective of their ownership status.
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What are the present issues?
- The missing forests in SECs
- Undermined the previous judgment: MoEFCC informed a Parliamentary Committee that SECs had identified unclassed forests, aligning with the proposed Forest (Conservation) Act Amendment, despite earlier criticism that the law undermined the Godavarman judgment.
- However, an RTI application revealed that MoEFCC claimed not to have the SEC reports, raising questions about its assurance to the Parliamentary Committee.
- Lack of verified data: Following a Supreme Court order, MoEFCC uploaded the SEC reports, but they showed a lack of verifiable data on the identification, status, and location of unclassed forests.
- States not constituted SECs: Seven states and Union Territories, including Goa, Haryana, and Tamil Nadu, hadn’t constituted SECs, while others hadn’t fully complied with Supreme Court directives.
- Non-traceable Forest: Ladakh formed an SEC only after the dissolution of Jammu & Kashmir, and Puducherry’s report was declared “not traceable”, further highlighting inconsistencies in the process.
- Disagreement with FSI data
- Insufficient timeline: Many states argue that the one-month timeline provided by the Supreme Court was insufficient for comprehensive work due to the voluminous nature of the task.
- Relied on Existing data: Instead of conducting ground-truthing, physical cadastral surveys, and demarcation of unclassed forest lands, most states relied on existing data from forest and revenue departments. Some states, like Manipur and Sikkim, simply quoted figures from the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
- Question on Data: The reliability of data is questioned, with Haryana’s report lacking clarity on data sources and creation dates. Only nine states provided the extent of unclassed forests, while others focused on different types of forest areas specified in the order.
- Lack of clarity in the Reports:
- Failed to specify the geographic locations: Most states and UTs failed to specify the geographic locations of forests in their SEC reports, rendering the information provided largely unhelpful for accurate identification and protection.
- But Tripura was an exception, providing Khaitan numbers for forest areas beyond those officially recorded, but the classification of land remained unclear.
- Lack of on-ground verification: SEC is lagging that on-ground verification may have led to the widespread destruction of forests that should have been identified and protected nearly three decades ago.
- Instances like Kerala’s SEC excluding ecologically significant areas like Pallivasal unreserve and Chinnakanal unreserve, critical for wildlife corridors and conservation, showcase the lack of diligence in identifying and protecting vital forest areas.
Suggested Measures:
- Extended Timeline: Provide states with a more realistic timeline to conduct comprehensive surveys and data verification, considering the voluminous nature of the task and the need for accuracy.
- Ground Truthing and Surveys: Mandate states to conduct ground-truthing, physical cadastral surveys, and demarcation of unclassed forest lands to ensure accurate identification and mapping of forest areas.
- Data Verification: Implement mechanisms for verifying and cross-referencing data obtained from various sources, such as forest and revenue departments and the Forest Survey of India, to ensure reliability and consistency.
Main PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change.(UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: H5N1 Virus
Mains level: Scale of spreading H5N1 virus
Why in the news?
The current outbreak of H5N1 was a disaster waiting to happen, as experts have been sounding alarm bells on the unsafe conditions at industrial livestock production for more than 10 years now.
Scale of spreading H5N1 virus:
- Global Spread of H5N1 in humans: The H5N1 virus has spread globally, affecting various species including humans, polar bears in the Arctic, and seals and seagulls in Antarctica.
- In India Spread of H5N1 in humans: The first H5N1 patient was reported in Maharashtra in 2006. An outbreak in December 2020 and early 2021 spread across 15 States
- Human Fatality Rate: As per WHO, the fatality rate for H5N1 among humans is estimated at 52%, with 463 deaths recorded since 2003 out of 888 diagnosed cases.
- Transmission from Birds and Contaminated Environments: Almost all human infections with H5N1 are linked to close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments, emphasizing the importance of biosecurity measures.
- Spread in other species: This pathogen has crossed many species barriers, causing mortality among the polar bears in the Arctic and seals and seagulls in Antarctica.
Causes for the spread of H5N1 (avian influenza or bird flu) infection:
- Contact with infected birds: Humans can contract H5N1 if they come into direct contact with the body fluids, such as saliva, respiratory droplets, or feces, of infected birds.
- Poultry Trade and Movement: The transportation and trade of infected poultry, poultry products, and crowded live poultry markets provide an environment for the virus to spread between birds and potentially to humans.
- Antibiotic Resistance: The 269th Law Commission of India Report in 2017 highlighted evidence from the Tata Memorial Centre regarding the use of non-therapeutic antibiotics in poultry farming, leading to antibiotic resistance due to unhygienic living conditions.
- Environmental Factors: Factors like proximity to bodies of water, reduced rainfall, and presence near major highways have been associated with increased risk of H5N1 outbreaks. These environmental conditions may facilitate the spread of the virus.
Regulation: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has classified poultry units with more than 5,000 birds as a polluting industry that requires compliance and regulatory consent to establish and operate.
Way Forward:
- Draft Rules for Welfare: The Law Commission 269th recommended a set of draft rules for the welfare of chickens in the meat and egg industries, aligning with existing laws and international best practices for animal care, waste management, and antibiotic use.
- Weaknesses in Draft Rules: The Draft Rules for the egg industry released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in 2019 were criticized for being weak and tokenistic, failing to meet the recommendations of the Law Commission.
- Need for Oversight and Enforcement: Given the reclassification of the poultry industry as a highly polluting ‘orange category’ industry by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), strict oversight for compliance and enforcement of environmental regulations is essential.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the basic principle behind vaccine development? How do vaccines work? What approaches were adopted by the Indian vaccine manufacturers to produce COVID-19 vaccines? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trend related to Taxes in India
Mains level: Concerns due to the rising share of personal income tax and indirect tax
Why in the news?
Recent data show that Personal Income Tax Collections have increased, while collections from Corporate Taxes have reduced.
The present context of the rising share of Personal Income Tax and Indirect Tax:
- Shift in Tax Composition: The data illustrates a significant shift in the composition of tax revenue, with personal income tax forming a larger share compared to corporate tax. This trend is accentuated by the sharp decline in corporate tax following the 2019 tax cuts.
- Progressive vs. Regressive Taxation: Direct taxes, such as personal income tax, are considered progressive as they are based on income levels, whereas indirect taxes, like GST, are regressive, impacting all consumers uniformly regardless of their income.
- The increasing share of indirect taxes implies a heavier burden on lower-income individuals.
- Trend in Tax Composition: Chart 2 demonstrates a historical trend where indirect taxes had been decreasing since the 1980s, whereas direct taxes were on the rise. However, recent years have witnessed a reversal of this trend, with indirect taxes increasing and direct taxes declining.
- International Comparison: Comparisons with BRICS economies indicate that India’s effective personal income tax rate is among the highest. This implies that Indian taxpayers may face relatively higher tax rates compared to individuals in other emerging economies.
Concerns due to rising share of Personal Income Tax and Indirect Tax:
- Impact on Middle and Lower Income Groups: The rising share of personal income tax and indirect taxes places a greater burden on poorer citizens and the middle class. This is particularly concerning as the majority of personal income tax filers fall within the ₹1 lakh-₹5 lakh annual income bracket, indicating that middle-income earners are disproportionately affected.
- Comparison with BRICS Economies: Data comparisons with BRICS economies reveal that India’s effective personal income tax rate is among the highest. This suggests that individuals in India may be facing relatively higher tax rates compared to their counterparts in other emerging economies.
- Concern for Equity and Economic Stability: The data underscores a growing concern regarding the equitable distribution of the tax burden. The heavier reliance on personal income tax and indirect taxes may exacerbate income inequality and strain the finances of middle and lower-income households.
Way Forward:
- Progressive Tax Reforms: Implementing progressive tax reforms can help alleviate the burden on middle and lower-income groups. This could involve revising tax brackets and rates to ensure that higher-income individuals contribute proportionally more to tax revenue.
- Enhanced Direct Tax Compliance: Improving direct tax compliance measures, such as increasing tax enforcement efforts and reducing tax evasion loopholes, can help enhance revenue collection from high-income individuals and corporations.
Mains PYQ
Q What is the meaning of the term ‘tax expenditure’? Taking housing sector as an example, discuss how it influences the budgetary policies of the government. (UPSC IAS/2013)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Health; Government Initiatives;
Mains level: Challenges in benchmark for pricing
Why in the news?
The SC while hearing a PIL in February’24, directed the Central Government to find ways to regulate the rates of Hospital Procedures in the Private sector.
- The SC also warned against applying Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates for treatment services at private healthcare facilities until standardized rates are set.
About Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Rates:
CGHS is a health care scheme provided by the Indian Government for its central government employees and pensioners.
- Commencement Year: 1954
- Objective: To provide comprehensive health coverage to Central Government Employees (Allopathy/Homoeopathy)
- Present change: The rates of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) for general surgery have been revised since February 2024.
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Benchmark for Pricing:
- Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs): These can establish relevant clinical needs, the nature and extent of care, and the costs of total inputs required.
- They address confounders and ensure clinical autonomy while enabling the valuation of healthcare resources consumed for precise cost determination.
- Pooled payments by government: Formulating and adopting STGs require providers’ revenues to be tied to fewer payers.
- This necessitates reimbursements from pooled payments with low Out-Of-Pocket (OOP) payment levels, supported by the government.
- Coordination between payers and providers: Governments can support the agreement on pricing that provides a reasonable and sustainable surplus over input costs.
- However, the ability of providers to access markets with OOP payments could hinder this effort.
Challenges faced during benchmarking of the price:
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- Private sector dominance: In India, over half of the total health expenditure is OOP, with the private sector predominantly composed of small-scale providers. Standardizing rates faces implementation uncertainties, and enforcement mechanisms for adherence remain unclear.
- Resistance from providers: Concerns arise about the feasibility of regulatory measures if providers do not adhere to prescribed procedure rates, as seen in various health schemes.
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- Limitations of regulations: While price caps can influence behavior in the short term, weak enforcement mechanisms lead to temporary effects as the overall environment remains unchanged.
- Enforcement challenges: Despite suggested measures, enforcement remains weak, with only a fraction of states and union territories implementing the Clinical Establishment Act.
- Data-related issues: Although the insurance industry initiated STGs for hospitals in 2010, progress was hindered by a lack of representative and accurate costing data due to limited participation from private hospitals.
Government Initiatives:
- Developing STGs: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Department of Health Research have made significant strides in developing STGs for common conditions and adopting a comprehensive costing framework.
- Efforts are also ongoing to create an Indian version of Diagnostics-Related Groups (DRGs)
Way Forward:
- Addressing anticipated challenges: Anticipated challenges in implementing rate standardization policies need to be identified and addressed proactively to ensure successful outcomes.
- Evidence-based policy: Conduct rigorous research and evaluation to generate evidence on the impact of regulatory measures on affordability, care quality, and provider behavior, informing future policy decisions.
- Ensuring broader stakeholder participation: It is essential to involve a wide range of stakeholders in the development and implementation of rate standardization policies to increase their effectiveness and acceptance.
Mains PYQ
Q Public health system has limitation in providing universal health coverage. Do you think that private sector can help in bridging the gap? What other viable alternatives do you suggest? (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Manipur CM took it to social media where he alleged an “unnatural growth” in the population of the “Chin-Kuki-Zo” tribes in the state, posing a perceived threat to indigenous communities and national security.
About Chin-Kuki-Zo Tribes
|
Chin Tribe |
Kuki Tribe |
Zo Tribe |
| Ethnic Composition |
Major ethnic group in Myanmar’s Chin State; known for distinct customs and language. |
Heterogeneous group in Northeast India; recognized for diverse subtribes. |
Diverse ethnic group in Northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Bangladesh. |
| Geographical Distribution |
Primarily in Myanmar’s Chin State; significant populations in Indian states like Mizoram. |
Mainly in Northeast India; also found in Chin State, Myanmar. |
Inhabits Northeast India, particularly Mizoram and Manipur; also in parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh. |
| Language |
Chin language, part of Kuki-Chin subgroup of Tibeto-Burman family. |
Kuki-Chin languages; various dialects with distinct variations. |
Mizo-Kuki-Chin languages; different dialects within Tibeto-Burman family. |
| Culture and Traditions |
Vibrant music, dance, festivals; celebrates Chin National Day. |
Rich oral traditions, folk music; celebrates festivals like Chavang Kut. |
Rich oral literature, vibrant festivals; celebrates Chapchar Kut and Mim Kut. |
| Livelihood |
Historically practiced subsistence agriculture; now diversified livelihoods. |
Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now engaged in various occupations. |
Historically practiced shifting (Jhum) cultivation; now diverse livelihood patterns. |
| Religion |
Predominantly Christianity with some traditional animistic beliefs. |
Predominantly Christianity with traditional animistic practices. |
Predominantly Christianity with remnants of traditional beliefs. |
| Socio-Political Organization |
Advocates for cultural identity and rights; e.g., Chin National Front. |
Promotes Kuki identity; active organizations like Kuki National Organization. |
Promotes Zo identity; e.g., Zomi Council and Mizo Zirlai Pawl. |
Issues with their migration
The Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur are contributing to the conflict in the state due to various factors.
- There have been longstanding demands from various tribal groups for greater recognition of their ethnic identity and autonomy within Manipur.
- Land ownership and control are significant issues among the Chin-Kuki-Zo tribes in Manipur.
[2016] Consider the following pairs: (2016)
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Community sometimes mentioned in the news |
In the affairs of |
| 1. |
Kurd |
Bangladesh |
| 2. |
Madhesi |
Nepal |
| 3. |
Rohingya |
Myanmar |
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asset Reconstruction Companies, SARFAESI Act, 2002;
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The RBI has introduced updated guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) through a master direction, effective from April 24, 2024.
What is an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC)?
|
Description |
| About |
ARC is a special financial institution that acquires debtors from banks at a mutually agreed value and attempts to recover the debts or associated securities. |
| Regulation |
- ARCs are registered under the RBI.
- Regulated under the SARFAESI Act, 2002 (Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act).
|
| Objective |
ARCs take over a portion of the bank’s non-performing assets (NPAs) and engage in asset reconstruction or securitization, aiming to recover the debts. |
| Functions |
- Asset Reconstruction: Acquisition of bank loans or other credit facilities for realization.
- Securitization: Acquisition of financial assets by issuing security receipts.
|
| Foreign Investment |
100% FDI allowed in ARCs under the automatic route. |
| Limitiations |
- ARCs are prohibited from undertaking lending activities.
- They can only engage in securitization and reconstruction activities.
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| Working |
- Bank with NPA agrees to sell it to ARC at a mutually agreed value.
- ARC transfers assets to trusts under SARFAESI Act.
- Upfront payment made to bank, rest through Security Receipts.
- Recovery proceeds shared between ARC and bank.
|
| Security Receipts |
Issued to Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) for raising funds to acquire financial assets. |
| Significance |
- Banks can clean up their balance sheets and focus on core banking activities.
- Provides a mechanism for resolution of NPAs and debt recovery.
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What are the new guidelines laid out by the RBI?
- Enhanced Capital Requirements:
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- Minimum Capital Requirement Increase: ARCs are now mandated to maintain a minimum capital requirement of Rs 300 crore, a significant increase from the previous Rs 100 crore stipulation established on October 11, 2022.
- Transition Period for Compliance: Existing ARCs are granted a transition period to reach the revised Net Owned Fund (NOF) threshold of Rs 300 crore by March 31, 2026.
- Interim Requirement: However, by March 31, 2024, ARCs must possess a minimum capital of Rs 200 crore to comply with the new directives.
- Supervisory Actions for Non-Compliance:
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-
- ARCs failing to meet the prescribed capital thresholds will face supervisory action, potentially including restrictions on undertaking additional business until compliance is achieved.
- Expanded Role for Well-Capitalized ARCs:
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- Empowerment of Well-Capitalized ARCs: ARCs with a minimum NOF of Rs 1000 crore are empowered to act as resolution applicants in distressed asset scenarios.
- Investment Opportunities: These ARCs are permitted to deploy funds in government securities, scheduled commercial bank deposits, and institutions like SIDBI and NABARD, subject to RBI specifications. Additionally, they can invest in short-term instruments such as money market mutual funds, certificates of deposit, and corporate bonds commercial papers.
- Investment Cap: Investments in short-term instruments are capped at 10% of the NOF to mitigate risk exposure.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the governance of public sector banking in India, consider the following statements:
- Capital infusion into public sector banks by the Government of India has steadily increased in the last decade.
- To put the public sector banks in order, the merger of associate banks with the parent State Bank of India has been affected.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical Minerals, Mineral Security Partnership (MSP)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Ministry of Mines has organized a pivotal summit in New Delhi aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving innovation in Critical Mineral beneficiation and processing.
What are Critical Minerals?
- Critical Minerals are indispensable for economic development and national security, with their scarcity or concentration in specific regions posing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
- The declaration and identification of Critical Minerals is an ongoing process, influenced by technological advancements, market dynamics, and geopolitical factors.
Critical Minerals in India:
- India has identified 30 Critical Minerals (July 2023) based on factors like disruption potential, import reliance, and cross-sectoral usage.
- Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
Global Perspective:
Various nations have outlined their lists of Critical Minerals based on unique circumstances:
- The US recognizes 50 minerals critical for national security and economic development.
- Japan has identified 31 minerals crucial for its economy.
- The UK, EU, and Canada have their respective lists, reflecting their strategic priorities.
India became the 14th member of the Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) in June 2023.
- MSP seeks to bolster critical minerals supply chains to support economic prosperity and climate objectives.
- It seeks to ensure that critical minerals are produced, processed and recycled by catalyzing investments from governments and private sector across the full value chain.
- Members: The other member countries are United States, Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the European Commission.
Note: Copper, gold and silver are not on the list of minerals under MSP (Wiki). |
Various Government Initiatives:
- MMDR Act Amendment (2023): 24 minerals were designated as critical and strategic under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
- National Mineral Policy (2019): The updated policy emphasizes the exploration and exploitation of Critical Minerals to harness India’s mineral potential effectively.
- Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL): A joint venture comprising National Aluminium Company Ltd (NALCO), Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), and Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd (MECL), KABIL aims to secure a consistent supply of Critical Minerals by acquiring and developing assets overseas.
- Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL): It is a PSU that plays a significant role in the research and production of rare earth minerals.
India’s Critical Mineral Imports:
- Lithium Imports: In FY23, India imported 2,145 tonnes of lithium carbonate and lithium oxide, costing Rs 732 crore.
- Nickel and Copper Imports: The country imported 32,000 tonnes of unwrought nickel and 1.2 million tonnes of copper ore, costing Rs 6,549 crore and Rs 27,374 crore, respectively.
- Import Dependence: India relies entirely on imports for lithium and nickel, and 93% for copper.
Country-wise dependence:
- China: India heavily relies on China for the import of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.
- Australia: India is actively engaged with Australia for acquiring mineral assets, particularly lithium and cobalt, to secure its supply chain for critical minerals.
- Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile: India is engaging with these countries, known for their reserves of battery metals like lithium and cobalt, to diversify its sources for critical minerals.
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PYQ:
[2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:
- Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
- State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
- State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Thar Desert, Desert National Park;
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
Rajasthan’s barren Thar Desert may turn green, says a recent study in the journal Earth’s Future.
Thar Desert
- The Thar Desert is the 18th largest subtropical desert globally and is one of the most densely populated deserts.
- Approximately 40% of the human population in Rajasthan resides in the Thar Desert.
- It extends from the Sutlej River and is bounded by the Rann of Kutch, the Aravalli Mountains, and the Indus River.
- About 85% of the Thar Desert is located in India, with the remainder in Pakistan.
- In India, it spans across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab as well.
- Civilizations are believed to have thrived in the Thar region around 50,000 years ago across the extinct Saraswati River.
- The Desert National Park (home to the endangered Great Indian Bustard, desert fox, desert cat, blackbuck, and Indian gazelle) is situated in the Thar Desert in the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan.
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Why is the Thar desert getting greener?
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-
- Alteration of Weather Patterns: Climate change is causing shifts in rainfall distribution in the thar desert area.
- Potential for Vegetation Growth: The increased precipitation could provide favorable conditions for vegetation growth, contributing to the greening of the desert.
-
-
- Westward Extension of Indian Monsoon: The Indian monsoon, known for bringing heavy rainfall to eastern India, is now extending further westward into regions like the Thar Desert.
- Impact on Moisture and Rainfall: This change in monsoon dynamics could lead to increased moisture and rainfall in the desert region, facilitating the growth of vegetation.
- Expansion of Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP):
-
-
- Influence on Monsoon Patterns: The Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP) influences monsoon patterns and rainfall distribution over the Indian subcontinent.
- Westward Expansion due to Climate Change: Climate change is causing the IOWP to expand westward, potentially resulting in increased rainfall over semi-arid regions like the Thar Desert and promoting greening.
- Water Management Practices:
-
-
- Contribution to Greening: Effective water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and irrigation techniques like johad, kuis, and kunds, may be playing a role in the greening of the Thar Desert.
- Utilization of Water Resources: By harnessing and efficiently utilizing available water resources, local communities and authorities can support vegetation growth and ecosystem restoration efforts in the desert.
- Introduction of Irrigation
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- Commercial Cropping: Irrigation was introduced during British colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries to convert arid and semi-arid ecosystems into cropland.
- Restrictions on Grazing: The right to graze animals was restricted to landowners who cultivated crops, leading to the transformation of nomadic pastoralists into sedentary agro-pastoralists.
PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?
- Hard and waxy leaves
- Tiny leaves
- Thorns instead of leaves
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
[2020] The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.
[2013] Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why? |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: LSAM 20;
Mains level: NA
Why in the News?
The Indian Navy has inducted the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130) into its fleet.
What is LSAM 20?
- LSAM 20 (Yard 130) is the Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge (Storage) inducted by the Indian Navy. (built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane).
- LSAM 20 facilitates transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles/ammunition to IN Ships.
- These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping.
Objective
- A Torpedo Cum Missile Barge is a specialized vessel used by the Indian Navy to transport various types of ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles to operational areas.
- These barges play a crucial role in providing logistical support to naval vessels by ensuring the uninterrupted transportation of essential military supplies.
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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