From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ZSI, Key highlights of the report.
Why in the News?
A report titled “Animal Discoveries 2023” by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) highlights significant new species findings in Maharashtra and across India.
New Species in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra recorded 14 new animal species in 2023, with two species reported for the first time in India.
Notably, among the 25 Arachnid species reported for the first time in India, two belong to Maharashtra—Steatoda Erigoniformis and Myrmarachne Spissa.
Steatoda Erigoniformis: It is a species of spider known for its resemblance to the more dangerous black widow spiders. They are commonly referred to as “false widow spiders.”
Myrmarachne Spissa: It is part of a group of spiders that mimic ants in appearance and behaviour, a trait known as myrmecomorphy. Previously reported in Sri Lanka, Myrmarachne Spissa’sdiscovery in Pune marks its first report from India, highlighting the region’s biodiversity significance.
Key Findings from the ZSI Report:
National Discoveries:
In 2023, Indian scientists reported a total of 641 new discoveries, including 442 new species and 199 new records for India.
This includes the discovery of 19 new genera. As of January 1, 2024, India’s faunal diversity stands at 104,561 species, with the additions in 2023 constituting 6.65% of the global faunal diversity.
Categories of Discoveries:
Invertebrates accounted for the majority of new discoveries with 564 species, while vertebrates contributed 77 species.
Among invertebrates, insects led with 369 new species, while vertebrates were dominated by fish with 47 species, followed by reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
Regional Distribution:
Kerala reported the highest number of new discoveries (101), followed by West Bengal (72), Tamil Nadu (64), Arunachal Pradesh (45), Karnataka (45), and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (36).
Southern India consistently reports the highest number of species.
Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to India’s Biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Upper Siang; Brahmaputra River.
Why in the News?
Activists are protesting against the Upper Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal.
About Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project
The Upper Siang project is a proposed 11,000 MW hydropower project on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Siang, originating near Mount Kailash in Tibet (Tsangpo), flows over 1,000 km eastward, enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, and laterbecomes the Brahmaputra in Assam.
Initially proposed as two separate projects, it was consolidated into one larger project in 2017, to be built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), featuring a 300-metre high dam.
Strategic Importance:
The Upper Siang project is seen as a strategic move to counter China’s hydel projects on the Tsangpo, particularly a 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet’sMedog county.
This super dam’s capacity is nearly 3x that of the Three Gorges Dam in China and is intended to divert water to northern China.
Environmental and Social Concerns
Anti-dam organizations express concerns about the project’s environmental and social impact in their memorandum.
The memorandum highlights the threat to delicate ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh, which already hosts numerous dams.
The activists are particularly worried about the displacement of communities, as the project could submerge over 300 villages of the Adi tribe, including the district headquarters of Yingkiong.
Activists are also wary of the project’s portrayal as a national interest endeavor and are troubled by a provision in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, which exempts strategic projects within 100 km from India’s borders from clearance requirements.
Land declared as forest under the Indian Forest Act or any other law, or notified as a forest after 25th October 1980.
Land converted from forest to non-forest use before 12th December 1996.
Exemptions from the Act
Allows exemptions for:
Up to 0.10 hectares of forest land for connectivity purposes along roads and railways.
Up to 10 hectares for security-related infrastructure.
Up to 5 hectares in Left Wing Extremism Affected Districts for public utility projects.
Additionally, strategic projects within 100 km of international borders, LAC, and LoC are also exempted.
Permitted Activities in Forest Land
Includes conservation, management, and development efforts.
Activities like zoos, ecotourism facilities, silvi-cultural operations, and specified surveys are exempted from non-forest purposes.
Assignment/Leasing of Forest Land
Extends the prerequisite for obtaining prior approval from the central government for the assignment of forest land to any entity, broadening the scope beyond private entities.
It also grants the central government the authority to stipulate the terms and conditions governing such assignments.
PYQ:
[2011] The Brahmaputra, Irrawady and Mekong rivers originate in Tibet and flow it through narrow and parallel mountain ranges in their upper reaches. Of these rivers, Brahmaputra makes a “U” turn in its course to flow into India. This “U” turn is due to:
(a) Uplift of folded Himalayan series
(b) Syntaxial bending of geologically young Himalayas
(c) Geo-tectonic disturbance in the tertiary folded mountain chains
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Gopal Ratna Award
Why in the News?
The National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) 2024 has been awarded by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
The awards are conferred annually on National Milk Day, which is celebrated on 26th November.
What is the National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA)?
NGRA is an initiative under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, launched by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Objective: The award aims to promote the conservation and development of indigenous bovine breeds, which are crucial for the sustainability of the dairy sector in India.
Categories: NGRA is awarded in several categories:
Best Dairy farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds.
Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company (MPC)/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
Other aspects of the Award
Special Recognition: In recent years, a special award category has been included for the North Eastern Region (NER) states to encourage dairy development activities in these regions.
Nomination and Recognition: Nominations for the NGRA are submitted online through the National Award portal.
Award Details:
NGRA 2024 will confer awards in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ranks, and one Special Award for the NER States in each category.
Cash prizes for Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPC categories:
Rs. 5,00,000/- (1st rank)
Rs. 3,00,000/- (2nd rank)
Rs. 2,00,000/- (3rd rank)
Rs. 2,00,000/- (Special Award for NER).
Best AIT category: Certificate of merit and a memento, without any cash prize.
Back2Basics: Rashtriya Gokul Mission
Details
About
Implemented for development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds since December 2014.
Continued under the umbrella scheme Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana from 2021 to 2026 with a budget of Rs.2400 crore.
Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Objectives
Enhance productivity of bovines and increase milk production sustainably using advanced technologies.
Propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
Enhance artificial insemination coverage by strengthening the breeding network and providing services at farmers’ doorsteps.
Promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.
PYQ:
[2015] Livestock rearing has a big potential for providing non-farm employment and income in rural areas. Discuss suggesting suitable measures to promote this sector in India.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Robot Tax
Why in the News?
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), wants a ‘robot tax’ to help employees who lose their jobs because companies are using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
SJM’s Proposals and Suggestions
Robot Tax Proposal: SJM proposes a ‘robot tax’ to create a fund supporting workers displaced by AI adoption to upskill and adapt to new technologies.
Tax Incentives for Job Creation: Suggestions include tax incentives for industries based on their employment-output ratio to encourage job creation.
Fund for Worker Upskilling: Emphasizes the need for economic measures to cope with the human cost of AI. SJM suggests using a ‘robot tax’ to fund worker upskilling programs.
Additional Budgetary Recommendations
Incentivise job creation: SJM suggests tax incentives for industries generating more employment, based on an employment-output ratio.
Subsidies for Small Farmers: SJM proposes subsidies for micro irrigation projects to boost productivity among small farmers.
SJM recommends that micro-irrigation projects be made eligible for funding via CSR by adding them to Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Wealth tax on Vacant Lands: SJM suggests a wealth tax on “vacant land” to discourage unnecessary landholding for future requirements.
What is a Robot Tax?
A robot tax is a proposed tax on companies that use automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to replace human workers.
The idea behind this tax is to generate revenue that can be used to support workerswho lose their jobs due to automation.
This can include retraining programs, unemployment benefits, and other forms of social support.
Need for a Robot Tax
Job Displacement:
Automation Impact: AI and automation can lead to significant job losses in various industries as machines and software perform tasks previously done by humans.
Worker Support: A robot tax can provide financial resources to support displaced workers, helping them transition to new roles or acquire new skills.
Economic Inequality:
Wealth Distribution: Automation tends to concentrate wealth among those who own the technology, leading to increased economic inequality.
Redistribution: Taxing companies that benefit from automation can help redistribute wealth more fairly across society.
Funding for Public Programs:
Social Safety Nets: Revenue from a robot tax can fund social safety nets such as unemployment benefits, retraining programs, and other social services.
Infrastructure: It can also support public infrastructure projects and other initiatives that benefit society as a whole.
Incentivising Human Employment:
Employment Decisions: By imposing a tax on automation, companies might be more inclined to consider human workers over robots for certain tasks.
Balanced Approach: This can help maintain a balance between technological advancement and human employment.
Examples and Proposals
Bill Gates’ Proposal: Bill Gates in 2022 advocated for a robot tax, suggesting that the revenue could fund job retraining and other social benefits.
European Parliament: In 2017, the European Parliament considered a robot tax as part of broader regulations on AI and robotics, though it was ultimately not implemented.
Criticisms and Challenges
Implementation: Determining how to effectively implement and enforce a robot tax can be challenging.
Innovation Stifling: Critics argue that a robot tax could hinder innovation and technological progress.
Global Competition: There are concerns that companies might relocate to countries without such a tax, affecting global competitiveness.
Conclusion
A robot tax is a controversial yet potentially beneficial approach to addressing the economic and social impacts of AI and automation.
It aims to provide support for displaced workers, reduce economic inequality, and ensure that the benefits of technological advancements are shared more broadly across society.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: How dengue spread?
Mains level: Are urbanisation and climate change fuelling dengue spread in the world?
Why in the news?
In recent weeks, there has been an increase in dengue cases, notably in Karnataka, with rising numbers also observed in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
What is the global situation of dengue?
Epidemiological Burden: In 2024, over 7.6 million cases of dengue were reported globally, with 3.4 million confirmed cases and significant numbers of severe cases and deaths. Dengue affects approximately half of the world’s population, with an estimated 100-400 million infections occurring annually.
Geographical Distribution: Dengue transmission occurs in 90 countries worldwide, predominantly in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease is endemic in more than 100 countries across WHO regions, including Africa, the Americas, the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and the Western Pacific.
Are urbanisation and climate change fuelling dengue spread in the world?
Urbanization:
Increased Population Density: Urban areas provide optimal conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito due to the availability of breeding sites like stagnant water in containers, tires, and other urban infrastructure.
Expansion of Cities: Rapid urbanization leads to unplanned growth, inadequate waste management, and inadequate water supply, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Human Movement: Urbanization facilitates increased human mobility, enabling the spread of the dengue virus through infected individuals travelling between urban centers.
Climate Change:
Temperature and Rainfall Patterns: Warmer temperatures and altered rainfall patterns associated with climate change create favourable conditions for mosquito breeding and survival.
Shifts in Geographic Distribution: Changing climate allows Aedes mosquitoes to expand their range to new regions previously unaffected by dengue, including temperate climates.
Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods provide breeding opportunities for mosquitoes and facilitate virus transmission.
Impact:
Health Impact: India accounts for an estimated 33 million clinically apparent dengue cases each year, contributing to a third of the global dengue burden
Economic Impact: A cost analysis study in southern India estimated the direct medical costs per hospitalized dengue patient at around ₹20,000 in 2017-18, with costs soaring to over ₹61,000 for complications requiring intensive care.
Impact on Individuals: Dengue can cause a wide spectrum of illness, from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications like internal bleeding, organ impairment, and potentially death if not treated promptly.
Way forward:
Enhance Urban Infrastructure: Improve urban planning to include effective waste management, regular clearing of stagnant water sources, and sustainable water supply systems to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Launch comprehensive public awareness campaigns focusing on urban populations to promote community involvement in mosquito control measures and encourage responsible waste disposal practices.
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)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Health Organization (WHO)
Mains level: Data related to infertility and What are the actual causes of infertility?
Why in the news?
Following World Population Day (July 11), amidst discussions on global population dynamics, it is essential to highlight a topic often overlooked in conversations about reproductive health: male infertility.
World Health Organization (WHO) Global Perspective on infertility:
Prevalence: WHO estimates that 60 million to 80 million couples worldwide experience infertility.
Male vs. Female Infertility: Globally, male infertility accounts for approximately 50% of all infertility cases.
Issues Specific to India:
Data Deficiency: Unlike global estimates, specific prevalence data for infertility in India are outdated (from ICMR guidelines in 2005) and not comprehensive.
Male Infertility: In India, male infertility constitutes a significant portion of all infertility cases, estimated to be around 50%, mirroring global trends.
Contributing Factors: Unique challenges in India include environmental pollution, pesticide exposure in agriculture, lifestyle changes including late marriages and stress, which contribute to rising infertility rates.
Access to Treatment: Disparities in access to advanced infertility treatments exist, with urban areas having better access compared to rural regions.
Cultural and Social Stigma: Infertility remains stigmatized in Indian society, affecting mental health and social well-being of affected couples, and hindering open discussions and seeking timely medical help.
What are the actual causes of infertility?
Male Factors: Low sperm count (oligospermia) or poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). Anatomical issues such as blocked sperm ducts or varicocele. Hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, and environmental influences like exposure to toxins.
Female Factors: Ovulation disorders, including hormonal imbalances like PCOS. Structural issues like blocked fallopian tubes or uterine abnormalities. Endometriosis, is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.
Shared Factors: Age-related decline in fertility. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity. Medical conditions like cancer and its treatments, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications affecting fertility.
Treatment options
Semen Analysis: Essential for diagnosing male infertility, conducted after a period of sexual abstinence.
Medical Consultation: Vital to identify underlying causes, whether physical (e.g., blocked sperm flow, anatomical issues) or genetic.
Corrective Surgeries: Address issues like blocked sperm ducts, undescended testicles, or anatomical abnormalities affecting sperm production and flow.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Effective for cases of severe male infertility where sperm count is extremely low.
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Suitable when sperm motility is good but count is low, facilitating fertilization within the uterus.
In vitro Fertilisation (IVF): Used when both sperm count and motility are low, involving fertilization outside the body before implantation.
Donor Sperm Insemination or Adoption: Options for couples where male infertility is irreparable, providing alternative paths to parenthood.
Way forward:
Enhanced Data Collection and Research: Update and expand prevalence data on infertility in India through national surveys and research initiatives. This should include both urban and rural populations to understand regional disparities.
Public Awareness and Support Programs: Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about infertility as a medical condition, debunk myths, and reduce stigma.
Mains PYQ:
Q In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EV policy
Mains level: Revised policy can align with India’s goals of enhancing local manufacturing
Why in the news?
The government plans to expand its EV policy to include retrospective benefits, incentivizing entities that have already invested, with a formal announcement expected in August.
Why is the government considering extending the EV policy?
Retrospective Effect: To include a retrospective effect, extending benefits to entities that have already made investments, aiming to reward and encourage early movers in the EV sector.
Encouraging Global Players: The policy seeks to prompt global players to localize production and invest in the domestic ecosystem.
Inclusive Incentives: Earlier, entities were eligible for incentives only if they set up local facilities within three years of receiving approval. The extension aims to make these incentives more inclusive.
EV Policy of India:
FAME Scheme: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme is India’s flagship program to incentivize EV adoption. FAME-II, the current phase, provides incentives of:
₹15,000 per kWh for 2-wheelers, up to 40% of the vehicle cost
₹10,000 per kWh for 3-wheelers and 4-wheelers
₹20,000 per kWh for electric buses
Phased Manufacturing Program (PMP): To boost local manufacturing, the government has implemented a Phased Manufacturing Program that gradually increases import duties on EV components over time, incentivizing domestic production.
About the New EV Policy 2024:
The key highlights of the new EV policy announced in 2024 include:
Reduced customs duty of 15% on imported EVs with a minimum CIF value of $35,000
A cap of 8,000 imported EVs per year
Requirement for manufacturers to invest at least ₹4,150 crore (~$500 million) and achieve 25% domestic value addition within 3 years, escalating to 50% in 5 years
Duty waiver capped at the investment made or ₹6,484 crore (equal to the PLI scheme incentive), whichever is lower.
How does the revised policy align with India’s goals of enhancing local manufacturing and technology adoption in the EV industry?
Domestic Value Addition: The policy mandates that half of the value addition in manufacturing be done domestically within five years, boosting local manufacturing.
Import Duty Reduction: Reducing import duty on EVs with a minimum CIF value of $35,000 from 70%-100% to 15% to make the transition commercially viable.
Strengthening EV Ecosystem: By encouraging local production and investment, the policy aims to strengthen the entire EV ecosystem in India.
Global Leadership: Positioning India as a leader in the global transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles by fostering a sustainable and technologically advanced manufacturing environment.
In what ways can the policy’s focus on localization and production volume increase competition and lower costs?
Economies of Scale: Higher volumes of production can lead to economies of scale, reducing the per-unit cost of EVs.
Healthy Competition: Encouraging competition among EV players to innovate and improve efficiency, thereby lowering production costs and prices for consumers.
Cost Reduction: Achieving higher production volumes and localized manufacturing will contribute to a significant decline in production costs, making EVs more affordable for Indian consumers.
Comprehensive Ecosystem: The focus on localization ensures the development of a robust supply chain and after-sales service network, further enhancing the viability and attractiveness of EVs in India.
Way forward:
Support Local Manufacturers: Provide incentives and support for domestic manufacturers to produce critical EV components such as batteries, motors, and controllers. This will reduce dependency on imports and enhance self-reliance.
R&D Investment: Increase investment in research and development to drive innovation in EV technology, ensuring that India remains at the forefront of advancements in the industry.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC IAS/2022)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: About BIMSTEC Countries
Mains level: Significance of BIMSTEC and the South Asian countries
Why in the News?
At the first BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ retreat, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that BIMSTEC must address regional challenges internally, fostering collaboration among member nations.
About BIMSTEC Countries
BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is a regional organization comprising seven member countries lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal. These countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Significance of BIMSTEC:
Economic Cooperation: Facilitates trade and investment among member countries.
Connectivity Projects: Enhances regional connectivity through road, rail, and maritime links.
Technical and Technological Collaboration: Promotes capacity building and technology sharing.
Security Cooperation: Addresses transnational crimes, terrorism, and humanitarian assistance.
Cultural Exchange: Strengthens cultural ties and people-to-people contacts.
India’s Stand on Myanmar Crisis
India has adopted a cautious and balanced approach to the crisis in Myanmar, emphasizing the following points:
Connectivity Projects: India focuses on the importance of ongoing connectivity projects for the future of BIMSTEC, which are crucial for regional integration.
Humanitarian Assistance: Discussions on humanitarian assistance remain limited to displaced populations and some military personnel seeking refuge in Mizoram, reflecting India’s cautious humanitarian stance.
Border Stability: India emphasizes maintaining stability along its border with Myanmar, considering the volatile situation and the control of trade routes by Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs).
Security Cooperation: Countering transnational crimes, including cyber, narcotics, and illegal arms, remains a priority, reflecting India’s security concerns.
India Pushes to Link South Asia with Southeast Asia via BIMSTEC
Enhanced Connectivity: Promoting infrastructure projects such as road and rail links, and port development to improve trade routes.
Encouraging cultural exchanges, tourism, and academic collaborations to strengthen regional bonds
Economic Integration: Facilitating trade agreements and economic cooperation to boost regional trade and investment.
Energy Cooperation: Exploring opportunities for energy trade and development, including renewable energy projects.
Security Collaboration: Addressing common security challenges, including terrorism, human trafficking, and maritime security.
Way forward:
Establish a Permanent Secretariat: Enhance coordination and efficiency by establishing a fully functional permanent secretariat for BIMSTEC with adequate resources and authority to implement and monitor projects.
Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Launch joint initiatives to combat climate change, focusing on disaster risk reduction, sustainable management of natural resources, and renewable energy projects, leveraging the diverse ecological systems within the member states.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? Waht are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (UPSC IAS/2022)
