From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Location of Gardi Sugdub
Mains level: How fast is the global sea level rising?
Why in the news?
In early June, approximately 300 families were relocated from the island of Gardi Sugdub in Panama’s Guna Yala province due to concerns about rising sea levels.
What is happening in Gardi Sugdub?
Location and Community: Gardi Sugdub, home to about 1,300 members of the Guna community, is an island in Panama’s Guna Yala province.
Sea Level Rise: The Caribbean region, where Panama is situated, is experiencing sea level rise at an average rate of 3 to 4 millimetres per year. This rate is expected to accelerate to 1 centimetre per year or more by 2100.
Flooding: Annually, particularly in November and December, seawater floods houses and streets on Gardi Sugdub, despite efforts to fortify the island.
Relocation: The Panamanian government constructed 300 new houses on the mainland in a development called Nuevo Cartí to relocate affected families.
How are other island nations affected by sea level rise?
Small island developing states (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable due to their low elevation and reliance on marine resources. SIDS in the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea face existential threats from rising sea levels.
Examples of Impact: Islands such as Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati are experiencing significant land loss and threats to their culture and economies.
Consequences: Coastal erosion, salinization of freshwater resources, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events due to rising sea levels, storm surges, and ‘king tides.’
How fast is the global sea level rising?
Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by approximately 21–24 centimeters. The rate of increase has accelerated in recent decades.
Causes: The primary drivers are global warming, thermal expansion of seawater, and the melting of land-based ice such as glaciers and ice sheets.
Due to the Global Temperature Increase: The global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880, contributing to rising sea levels.
Way forward:
Strengthen Coastal and Environmental Defenses: Construct seawalls, breakwaters, and other barriers to protect against storm surges and coastal erosion. Restore and preserve natural coastal barriers such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands to enhance natural protection.
Develop and Implement Climate Adaptation Strategies: Create comprehensive climate adaptation plans that include relocation strategies for vulnerable communities.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (UPSC IAS/2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Why Are Methane Emissions a Problem?
Mains level: Significance of tax
Why in the news?
Denmark will impose a tax on its livestock farmers for the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs from 2030.
What is it?
Denmark plans to impose a tax on livestock farmers for greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs starting in 2030.
Tax Rates: Farmers would initially pay about $43 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent produced by their livestock, increasing to around $108 by 2035.
Actual Cost: Due to a 60% income tax deduction, the actual cost per ton will start at 120 kroner ($17.3) and rise to 300 kroner ($43) by 2035.
Use of Tax Collection: The funds collected from the tax between 2030 and 2031 will be returned to the industry to support its green transition. The handling of proceeds will be revisited in 2032. The proposal includes the development of over 600,000 acres of new forest areas.
How Do Cows and Sheep Produce Methane?
Ruminants like cows, sheep, goats, and buffaloes have a specialized digestive system with four stomach compartments, including the rumen. In the rumen, partially digested food ferments, producing methane.
Methane is released primarily through burping and farting as the animals regurgitate and chew cud to complete the digestive process. Ruminant digestive systems are responsible for 27% of all methane emissions from human activity.
Why Are Methane Emissions a Problem?
Climate Impact: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for 30% of warming since preindustrial times, second only to carbon dioxide. Over a 20-year period, methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.
Ground-Level Ozone: Methane is the primary contributor to ground-level ozone formation, a highly irritating gas just above the Earth’s surface, contributing to 1 million premature deaths annually.
Rising Levels: Atmospheric methane levels have dramatically increased in recent years, with the NOAA reporting a record 17 parts per billion increase in 2021, surpassing the previous record set in 2020.
Way forward:
Dietary Adjustments: Introduce feed additives, such as seaweed or other natural supplements, that can reduce methane emissions during digestion in ruminants. This approach can significantly lower methane production without negatively impacting livestock health or productivity.
Improved Manure Management: Utilize advanced manure management practices, such as anaerobic digestion, to capture and convert methane emissions from decomposing animal waste into biogas. This not only reduces methane emissions but also provides a renewable energy source.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Panchsheel policy
Why in the News?
China is set to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, a foreign policy concept initially outlined in a 1954 agreement with India, with special events scheduled for Friday, June 28th.
How it started?
Historical Context: India attained independence from British rule in 1947, and the People’s Republic of China was established in 1949 after a civil war victory by the Chinese communists. Nehru aimed to establish good relations with China based on trust and mutual respect, a sentiment reciprocated by China initially.
Origins and Proposal: The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, known as Panchsheel in India, were proposed by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai during bilateral talks with India over Tibet in 1954. This initiative was favored by Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Panchsheel Agreement: The agreement, formally titled “The Agreement on Trade and Intercourse with Tibet Region,” was signed on April 29, 1954. It was intended to enhance trade and cooperation, establishing trade centers and pilgrimage routes while recognizing Tibet as part of China.
Principles: The five guiding principles laid out in the agreement were mutual respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.
Bandung Conference: The Five Principles featured prominently in the 1955 Bandung Conference in Indonesia, which included 29 Asian and African countries. The principles were co-opted into a 10-point declaration and later became central to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Present Scenario:
After the India-China War of 1962: The principles of Panchsheel were severely undermined by the Sino-Indian War in 1962, leading to criticism of Nehru for misjudging Chinese intentions.
China’s Foreign Policy Shift: Over the past three decades, especially under President Xi Jinping, China has adopted a more aggressive foreign policy. This includes territorial claims in the South China Sea and hostile situations with neighbouring countries.
China’s Relations with the U.S: China’s relationship with the United States has been marked by hostility, characterized by trade and diplomatic challenges to American dominance globally.
India-China Relations Today: Since 2020, Indian and Chinese forces have been in a standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, with repeated but unsuccessful attempts to resolve the conflict.
Commemoration of 5 Principles by China: Despite the current strained relations, China commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles with a forward-looking theme, emphasizing building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Way forward: (What can India do?)
Engage in Diplomatic Dialogue: Despite historical tensions, maintaining open lines of diplomatic communication with China is crucial. India can continue efforts to engage in dialogue at multiple levels to manage and resolve bilateral disputes, including the ongoing situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
Strengthen Regional Alliances: Enhancing partnerships with other countries in the region and beyond can provide India with strategic leverage. Strengthening alliances through economic cooperation, military partnerships, and cultural exchanges can help counterbalance China’s influence and foster stability in the region.
Focus on Economic and Technological Development: Investing in economic growth and technological advancement can bolster India’s position on the global stage. Developing robust infrastructure, promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and advancing sustainable development goals can strengthen India’s resilience and competitiveness in the face of geopolitical challenges.
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)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Starliner mission
Mains level: Cause of delay of Starliner Crew Flight Test mission
Why in the News?
The scheduled return of the Starliner spacecraft, which transported NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) earlier this month, has been delayed.
What is the Starliner mission?
Objective: The Starliner Crew Flight Test mission aimed to transport NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) and demonstrate the spacecraft’s capability to safely ferry crew to and from low-Earth orbit (LEO).
Craft Description: CST-100 Starliner, developed by Boeing in collaboration with NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, is designed to accommodate up to seven passengers or a mix of crew and cargo for LEO missions. It is reusable up to 10 times with a turnaround time of six months.
Significance: Marks Boeing’s contribution to NASA’s efforts since the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program in 2011, alongside SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which first delivered cargo in 2012 and transported astronauts in 2020.
What has caused the delay?
Technical Issues: Multiple setbacks delayed the mission, including a faulty pressure valve on the Atlas V upper stage, engineering problems with other mechanisms, and issues with a spacecraft valve regulating oxidisers.
Specific Challenges: Post-launch, Starliner encountered five helium leaks, malfunctioning maneuvering thrusters, and a propellant valve failure, necessitating mid-mission fixes and assessments.
What would happen to the astronauts?
Current Status: Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore remain aboard the ISS, where they are conducting research and experiments. The spacecraft can stay docked for up to 45 days, and the ISS has sufficient supplies for extended periods.
Contingency Plan: If safety concerns persist or the Starliner issues cannot be resolved in time, the astronauts may return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, currently also docked at the ISS.
Way forward ( what can NASA do?)
Thorough Technical Review: NASA should conduct a comprehensive technical review of the Starliner spacecraft’s systems and components to identify the root causes of the multiple issues encountered during the mission.
Enhanced Mission Preparedness: NASA should prioritise enhancing mission preparedness protocols for commercial crew missions, including stricter pre-launch checks, contingency planning for mid-mission anomalies, and robust communication and coordination between mission control and astronauts aboard the ISS. This proactive approach can mitigate risks and ensure smoother operations in future missions.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC IAS/2019)
Karnataka’s Tourism Department plans to highlight Somanathapura Temple, part of the Hoysala temples, in the Mysuru tourism circuit ahead of Dasara, leveraging its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Note: There are 42 World Heritage Sites in India. Out of these, 34 are cultural, seven are natural, and one, Khangchendzonga National Park, is of mixed type.
About Keshava Temple, Somanathapura
The Keshava Temple is considered one of the last grand structures built by the Hoysala dynasty.
This Trikuta (three-shrined) temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is represented in three forms: Janardhana, Keshava, and Venugopala.
The main Keshava idol is missing, and the Janardhana and Venugopala idols are damaged.
Historical Background:
The Keshava Temple was constructed by Somanatha, a commander of the Hoysala Army, during the reign of Hoysala King Narasimha III.
Somanatha, who had established a town named Somanathapura after himself, sought the king’s permission and resources to build this grand temple.
With the king’s blessing, construction commenced and was completed in 1268 AD.
An inscription in old Kannada on a stone slab in the temple provides details of its construction and consecration.
After demolitions by invaders, it no longer serves as a place of worship.
Architecture:
The temple is constructed from soapstone, which allows for the fine detailing seen in the carvings.
It is built on a raised platform with an outer Pradakshina pathway, allowing devotees to circum-ambulate the sanctum.
The temple features a stellar (star-shaped) plan, which creates multiple corners and niches, providing numerous canvases for the sculptors to showcase their intricate work.
The temple has three shrines, each crowned with a Vimana (tower).
The Hoysala emblem, depicting a warrior fighting a lion, is prominently displayed.
The walls of the temple are adorned with beautiful friezes depicting scenes from Hindu epics, figures of elephants, and battle scenes with cavalry.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FATF, Mutual Evaluation; Grey and Black Lists
Why in the News?
India has achieved an outstanding outcome in the 2023-24 Mutual Evaluation by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
India is placed in the “regular follow-up” category, a distinction shared by only four other G-20 countries.
FATF Evaluation:
The reason behind India’s Achievements
High Level of Compliance: The FATF stated that India reached a high level of technical compliance with its requirements.
Effective Regimes: India’s AML (anti-money laundering), CFT (countering the financing of terrorism), and CPF (counter-proliferation financing) regimes achieved good results.
International Cooperation: Notable achievements include international cooperation, access to basic and beneficial ownership information, use of financial intelligence, and depriving criminals of their assets.
Need Improvement
Non-Financial Sectors: The FATF noted that improvements are needed to strengthen the supervision and implementation of preventive measures in some non-financial sectors.
Prosecution Delays: India needs to address delays in concluding ML (money laundering) and TF (terrorist financing) prosecutions.
Non-Profit Sector Risks: Ensure CFT measures prevent the non-profit sector from being abused for TF, including conducting outreach to NPOs on their TF risks.
Mitigation Efforts taken
Mitigating ML/TF Risks: FATF recognized India’s efforts in mitigating risks from ML/TF, including corruption, fraud, and organized crime.
Digital Economy Transition: Effective measures have been implemented to transition from a cash-based to a digital economy, reducing ML/TF risks.
JAM Trinity Implementation: The JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) Trinity, along with stringent cash transaction regulations, has increased financial inclusion and digital transactions, making them more traceable.
About Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
FATF was established in 1989 through the initiative of the G7 nations.
Its Secretariat is headquartered at the OECD headquarters in Paris, France.
FATF conducts 3 Plenary meetings during each of its 12-month rotating presidencies.
As of 2019, FATF consists of 37 member jurisdictions.
India’s Engagement with FATF
Observer Status: India became an Observer at FATF in 2006, marking the beginning of its association with the organization.
Full Membership: On June 25, 2010, India officially became the 34th country to attain full membership in FATF, signifying its active participation and commitment to the organization’s objectives.
Understanding the Mutual Evaluation Process
FATF’s mutual evaluation assesses countries’ frameworks against money laundering and terrorist financing, reviewing compliance with its 40 recommendations and effectiveness, resulting in a report with strengths, weaknesses, and improvement suggestions.
FATF’s Evaluation of India
Comprehensive Assessment: FATF’s evaluation of India encompasses various aspects, including the nation’s legal framework, regulatory system, law enforcement efforts, and international collaboration.
Alignment with Global Standards: Central agencies in India have been actively working to ensure that the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing laws align with international standards and that their practical implementation is effective.
Back2Basics: FATF Grey and Black List
FATF maintains two primary lists to identify countries with deficiencies in their anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing (AML/CTF) regimes: the Grey List and the Black List.
Grey List (Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring):
It includes countries that have strategic deficiencies in their AML/CTF regimes but have committed to resolving these issues swiftly within agreed timeframes. These jurisdictions are subject to increased monitoring by the FATF. Ex. Turkey, Panama etc. (Pakistan and UAE have exited this list.)
Impact:
Countries on the Grey List are required to work closely with the FATF to address the identified deficiencies.
Being on the Grey List can lead to economic repercussions such as reduced foreign investment and increased scrutiny from financial institutions and regulators globally.
The FATF regularly reviews the progress of these countries and updates the list accordingly.
Black List (High-Risk Jurisdictions subject to a Call for Action):
It includes countries with significant strategic deficiencies in their AML/CTF regimes and have not made sufficient progress in addressing these issues. These jurisdictions are subject to a call for action to protect the international financial system from the risks emanating from these countries.
Impact:
Countries on the Black List face severe economic and financial consequences. They are subject to enhanced due diligence and, in the most serious cases, counter-measures by FATF member states.
This listing can result in limited access to the international financial system such as IMF, World Bank; reduced foreign investment, and increased difficulty in conducting international business.
Current Black List Countries:
North Korea
Iran
Myanmar (Burma) (added in February 2023)
PYQ:
[2021] Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhuvan Panchayat; NDEM
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Science and Technology launched two Geoportals: ‘Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)’ for rural land records and ‘National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)’.
These portals were developed by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
These geospatial tools provide high-resolution satellite imagery of 1:10K scale for various locations across the country.
About Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0)
This portal supports “Space-based Information Supportfor Decentralized Planning (SISDP)”.
It aims to empower citizens at the grassroots level by providing real-time land record data and reducing dependency on local administration and corruption.
It promotes ease of living through digitalisation and better land revenue management.
By providing real-time data accessible to citizens, it reduces opportunities for corruption at the local level.
It enhances transparency and efficiency in land record management, aiding in effective governance and planning.
About National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0)
This portal provides space-based inputs on natural disasters, aiding in disaster risk reduction in India and neighbouring countries.
It establishes an effective early warning system to proactively prevent disasters and monitor land use changes.
A command centre has been established to monitor situations and provide valuable inputs continuously.
The portal is designed to assist not only India but also neighbouring countries in disaster management.
It enhances coordination between various agenciesand local authorities for effective disaster response and management.
PYQ:
[2023] With reference to the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme, consider the following statements :
To implement the scheme, the Central Government provides 100% funding.
Under the Scheme, Cadastral Maps are digitized.
An initiative has been undertaken to transliterate the Records of Rights from local language to any of the languages recognized by the Constitution of India.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MND and its causes; NIMHANS.
Why in the News?
The annual conference on Motor Neuron Disease (MND) ‘Awareness, Care and Management’ was held at NIMHANS.
What is Motor Neuron Disease (MND)?
MND is a condition that affects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord, which are responsible for controlling your muscles.
Over time, these nerves (called motor neurons) stop working properly, leading to muscle weakness and wasting away.
Types of MND:
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): The most common type. It affects both upper and lower motor neurons, leading to weakness in various body parts.
Progressive Bulbar Palsy (PBP): Affects the nerves in the brainstem, leading to problems with speaking and swallowing.
Progressive Muscular Atrophy (PMA): Affects only the lower motor neurons, causing muscle weakness and wasting.
Primary Lateral Sclerosis (PLS): Affects only the upper motor neurons, causing stiffness and movement difficulties.
Causes of MND:
Genetic Factors: In some families, MND can be inherited due to specific gene mutations.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain toxins, viruses, or physical injuries might contribute, but this is less clear.
Age and Gender: It usually affects people between the ages of 50 and 70 and is slightly more common in men.
Symptoms:
Muscle Weakness: Starts in one part of the body, like an arm or leg, and gradually spreads.
Muscle Cramps and Twitching: Small, involuntary muscle movements.
Difficulty Speaking and Swallowing: Due to weakness in the muscles used for these functions.
Breathing Problems: In advanced stages, muscles that control breathing can be affected.
Emotional Changes: Some people might experience changes in behavior or thinking.
Diagnosis:
Clinical Examination: A doctor examines your symptoms and medical history.
Electromyography (EMG): Tests the electrical activity of your muscles.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Checks how well your nerves send signals.
MRI: Scans to rule out other conditions.
Genetic Testing: To check for inherited forms of MND.
Treatment:
There is no cure for MND, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Medications:
Riluzole: Can slow down the progression of ALS.
Edaravone: Another drug that may slow down the decline in daily activities.
Symptomatic Treatments: For muscle cramps, excess saliva, and emotional symptoms.
Therapies:
Physical Therapy: Helps maintain muscle strength and mobility.
Occupational Therapy: Aids in performing daily activities.
Speech Therapy: Assists with speech and swallowing difficulties.
Respiratory Therapy: Supports breathing issues.
Back2Basics: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS)
Details
Location
Bangalore, India
Affiliation
Autonomous institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
Ranking
Ranked 4th best medical institute in India by the “National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)”
History
Founded in 1847 as the Bangalore Lunatic Asylum.
Renamed as the Mental Hospital in 1925.
Amalgamated with the All India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH) in 1974 to form NIMHANS.
Conferred with deemed university status by the University Grants Commission in 1994.
Declared an Institute of National Importance by an act of parliament in 2012.
Governance
Operates with academic autonomy under the “Societies Registration Act, 1860”.
Prioritises service, manpower development, and research in mental health and neurosciences.
A multidisciplinary integrated approach was adopted for translating research results into practice.
Funding
Receives resources for academic and research activities from national and international funding organisations.
Outreach
Engages in mental health outreach initiatives including critiquing mental health reports and collaborating with government agencies for training and counseling.
Known for diagnosing and treating various mental health conditions including depression and neurobiological disorders.
