Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Women Empowerment; Impact of solar energy production on society;
Why in the News?
Rooftop solar (RTS) can transform India’s energy landscape by providing a sustainable, decentralized, and affordable solution for rising electricity needs and could empower consumers (women and other sections of society) toward greater self-reliance.
How does solar energy contribute to women’s economic empowerment?
- Income Generation and Financial Independence: Solar technology enables women to generate income directly, especially in rural areas where traditional energy sources are scarce or costly.
- For instance, solar-powered pumps have empowered women salt farmers in Gujarat’s Little Rann of Kutch, who, after shifting from diesel to solar, saw a 94% income boost and lower CO₂ emissions.
- Employment Opportunities: The solar photovoltaic (PV) industry, employing around 4.9 million people in 2022, has been particularly impactful for women, who make up about 40% of its workforce.
- Empowerment Programs: Initiatives like Barefoot College in India and Solar Sister in Africa train women as solar engineers. These programs enhance skills, improve self-reliance, and create employment in remote communities.
What are the broader social implications of women’s involvement in the solar sector?
- Community Well-being and Social Development: Women’s participation in the solar sector promotes local economic growth and strengthens social structures.
- Leadership and Decision-Making: When women lead or actively participate in renewable energy projects, they often advocate for inclusive policies and better community engagement.
- Gender-Sensitive Energy Policies: Women’s involvement highlights the need for energy policies that address the unique needs of women, improving both economic participation and social inclusion.
What challenges do women face in the renewable energy sector, and how can these be addressed?
- Access to Training and Financing: Women often face limited access to training and funding.
- Overcoming these barriers requires accessible, affordable training programs in solar technology, as well as microfinance schemes specifically for women-led renewable energy projects.
- Gender Bias and Occupational Segregation: The renewable energy sector, like many others, is affected by gender biases that can limit women’s roles to lower-level positions.
- To address this, it’s important to promote women’s leadership and equal opportunities through gender-sensitive hiring practices and mentorship programs.
- Policy and Regulatory Gaps: Energy access policies frequently lack a gender perspective, which limits their reach and inclusiveness.
- Integrating gender-focused policies in energy and rural development sectors can enhance the socio-economic impacts of solar energy for women.
Conclusion: Governments should integrate gender-focused policies within renewable energy frameworks, ensuring accessible financing options and training programs specifically for women. Microfinance schemes and subsidies for women-led solar projects can foster broader participation.
Mains PYQ:
Q Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC IAS/2020)
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India’s Imports and Exports; Impact of global crises on fertilizer;
Why in the News?
As the crises in Ukraine and Gaza persist, experts and policymakers are increasingly concerned about further rises in the costs of components essential for producing petroleum-based chemical fertilizers.
Current Scenario of Fertilizer Imports:
- India’s domestic fertilizer production capacity does not meet the full demand, requiring substantial imports to bridge the gap.
- Urea: Approximately 20% of India’s urea requirement is met through imports.
- Diammonium Phosphate (DAP): Around 50-60% of DAP demand is fulfilled by imports.
- Muriate of Potassium (MOP or Potash): 100% of India’s MOP demand is met through imports, as there is no domestic production.
- The Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers (August 2023) expressed concern about India’s dependence on imports for fertilizers, recommending an increase in domestic production capacity.
|
How did the conflict in Ukraine impact the Global Fertilizer Market?
- Market Instability: Ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are disrupting the stability of the global fertilizer market, particularly affecting the prices of oil and petroleum-based fertilizers.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: These conflicts affect global supply chains, particularly for fertilizer-producing countries such as Russia, which has been a significant source of fertilizer imports for India.
- Price Volatility: Higher oil prices due to geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and Gaza indirectly drive up costs of fertilizers, as these are often by-products of petroleum.
Its effects on India
- Rising Import Costs: Increased global fertilizer prices lead to higher import costs for India, putting pressure on the fertilizer subsidy budget.
- Potential Supply Constraints: India’s reliance on imports from conflict-affected regions like Russia and West Asia (including the Middle East) poses risks of reduced fertilizer availability.
- Budget Strain: India’s fertilizer subsidy allocation for 2023-24 was ₹1.79 lakh crore, with substantial amounts dedicated to both indigenous and imported fertilizers.
- Need for Self-Reliance: The conflicts underscore the importance for India to reduce dependency on imports by increasing domestic production capacity, promoting alternatives like nano urea, and exploring sustainable practices like natural farming.
Steps taken by the government:
- New Investment Policy (NIP): NIP supports new urea manufacturing units by PSUs and private companies, boosting production capacity from 207.54 LMTPA in 2014-15 to 283.74 LMTPA.
- Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS): The government included Potash from Molasses under NBS in 2021, encouraging local production and reducing import dependency.
- Public-Private Joint Ventures: PSUs and private firms collaborate in urea production, establishing units like the Ramagundam Fertilizers in Telangana and Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan plants in northern states.
|
Way forward:
- Boost Domestic Production: Increase India’s fertilizer production capacity through investment in domestic infrastructure and support for nano urea and alternative sustainable fertilizers to reduce import dependency.
- Adopt Policy Reforms: Implement policies promoting self-reliance in fertilizers, with targeted subsidies and incentives for private, public, and cooperative sectors to enhance production and ensure affordable supply amidst global market volatility.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: United Nations; Role of UN peacekeeper;
Why in the News?
During mid-October, 34 UNIFIL troop-contributing Nations condemned attacks on peacekeepers and urged respect for UNIFIL’s mission. Although not listed, India expressed full alignment with the joint statement.
About UNIFIL:
UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) is a peacekeeping mission established in 1978, focused on monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting Lebanese stability, and ensuring security along the Lebanon-Israel Blue Line. |
What prompted the condemnation from India and Spain regarding the attacks on UN peacekeepers?
- Repeated Targeting of Peacekeepers: Peacekeepers, including Indian personnel, faced direct attacks, such as IDF tank fire on UNIFIL positions and deliberate disabling of surveillance systems. Spain, along with other European countries, condemned these attacks as “unjustifiable.”
- Violation of International Norms: These attacks on UN peacekeeping personnel and facilities violated the UN mandate, undermining the peacekeepers’ protection under international humanitarian law. Both India and Spain view this as a significant breach of norms that safeguard the sanctity of UN missions.
- Response to Escalating Risk to Peacekeepers: Statements from both India and Spain emphasized the need for respecting UN premises’ “inviolability” and maintaining safety for peacekeepers amidst escalations, underscoring the importance of ensuring the protection and security of peacekeepers.
What is the significance of UNIFIL’s role in Lebanon, and how do India and Spain view it?
- Peacekeeping and Stability: UNIFIL is crucial in mediating and maintaining peace along the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon. Its presence serves as a stabilizing force, helping prevent spillovers of conflict, which is essential for regional peace.
- India’s Role as a Major Contributor: With 903 personnel deployed, India plays a substantial role in peacekeeping efforts, reflecting its commitment to UN missions and highlighting the need for global respect toward UN mandates.
- Spain’s Support for UNIFIL’s Mission: Spain aligns with other European countries in reinforcing UNIFIL’s role in regional stability. By condemning attacks, Spain emphasizes the importance of this mission in Lebanon and, by extension, its support for UN peacekeeping mandates globally.
How do these events relate to broader geopolitical tensions in the region?
- Regional Escalations and Proxy Conflicts: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly in Lebanon, feeds into broader geopolitical dynamics involving Israeli security concerns, Lebanese stability, and Iran’s influence through Hezbollah.
- Impact on Global Diplomacy: The hostilities and targeting of UN peacekeepers may strain diplomatic relations, as countries urge Israel to respect international norms and safeguard peacekeepers. This may influence the UN Security Council’s approach, emphasizing a unified international stance against actions threatening UN missions.
- Pressure on Multinational Cooperation and Regional Security: The events underscore the risks of operating in volatile zones where multinational peacekeeping efforts face direct threats.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: India should actively engage with the UN Security Council and regional stakeholders to advocate for stringent measures ensuring the protection of UN peacekeepers and upholding the sanctity of UN mandates in conflict zones.
- Enhance Contingency Protocols for Peacekeepers: India should work with UNIFIL and other troop-contributing countries to strengthen on-ground security protocols and response mechanisms.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 9th National Ayurveda Day
Why in the News?
- On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister will launch several healthcare projects valued at Rs 12,850 crore.
- The focal theme for Ayurveda day-2024 has been decided as ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health’.
About Ayurveda:
|
Details |
| Origins |
• Rooted in four Vedas (5000–1000 BCE).
• References in Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
• Fully developed by 1000 BCE with Charaka Samhita and Susruta Samhita. |
| Foundational Texts |
• Brhattrayi (Three Major Treatises):
• Caraka Samhita (internal medicine)
• Susruta Samhita (surgery)
• Astanga Sangraha and Astanga Hrdaya (Vrddha Vagbhata and Vagbhata, 6th-7th century CE).
• Takshashila and Nalanda universities attracted foreign students. |
| Global Influence |
• Spread through Buddhism to Tibetan and Chinese medicine.
• Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans adopted concepts via trade and interactions.
• 8th century CE saw Nagarjuna study medicinal use of metals. |
| Integration of Modern Techniques |
• 16th century saw inclusion of modern diagnostics and treatment for new diseases. |
| Revival in India (19th-20th Cent.) |
• 1827: First Ayurveda course at Government Sanskrit College, Calcutta.
• 20th Century: Ayurveda colleges spread under regional patronage.
• 1970s: Ayurveda revived, with academic research, publications, and global symposia. |
| Current Status |
• Structured undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral education.
• Strong network of practitioners and manufacturers.
• Developed infrastructure for community outreach. |
| Global Influence |
24 countries recognize Ayurveda legally.
Collaborative platforms include:
• SCO Expert Working Group on Traditional Medicine
• BIMSTEC Taskforce on Traditional Medicine
• BRICS High-Level Forum on Traditional Medicine.
• Ayurveda products exported to 100+ countries. |
| WHO Standards and Milestones |
• ICD-11 Integration: WHO included Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani in ICD-11 TM Module 2.
• WHO set global standards for practice and training.
• GCTM, Jamnagar (Gujarat): Focuses on Ayurveda research, education, and practice. |
| Philosophical Foundations |
• Historical evidence dates to the first millennium BCE.
• Knowledge passed from gods to sages and then to human physicians.
• Central concepts align with Samkhya, Vaisheshika, Buddhism, and Jainism.
• Emphasis on balance and maintaining natural urges. |
|
Initiatives and Programs by the Govt.
- National Ayush Mission (2014): Aimed at promoting the development and growth of Ayush systems (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) in the country, focusing on strengthening educational institutions and enhancing the quality of services.
- Ayurveda Research Portal (2021): Promotes research in Ayurveda by providing a digital platform for researchers, practitioners, and institutions to access data, funding opportunities, and collaborative initiatives.
- Ayush Grid (2020): A digital initiative aimed at enhancing the accessibility of Ayush services and information through online platforms, connecting practitioners, patients, and educational institutions.
PYQ:
[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Similipal Tiger Reserve
Why in the News?
The Odisha government has translocated a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, the State’s largest, to enhance the genetic diversity of its tiger population.
Why discuss this?
- The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE-2023-24) says a total of 30 tigers were found in Odisha. Similipal has 27 of them.
- A total of 13 adult tigers (seven females and six males) were found to be pseudo-melanistic in Similipal, and no other wild habitat in the world has pseudo-melanistic tigers.
- Research indicates that a single mutation in the Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep) gene causes Similipal’s black tigers to develop distinctive striped patterns.
|
About Simlipal Tiger Reserve (STR):
|
Details |
| Location |
Located in the Mayurbhanj District, Northernmost part of Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills. |
| Highest Peak |
Twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini, at 1515 meters above mean sea level. |
| Designation |
Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; included in the Project Tiger national conservation program in 1973. |
| UNESCO Recognition |
Included as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves by UNESCO in 2009. |
| Terrain |
Mostly undulating and hilly, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas. |
| Vegetation |
A mix of different forest types, predominantly Northern tropical moist deciduous and semi-evergreen patches. |
| Tribal Communities |
Inhabited by various tribes including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara. |
| Flora |
Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal being the dominant tree species. |
| Fauna |
Diverse wildlife including Leopard, Gaur, Elephant, Langur, Barking and Spotted Deer, Sloth Bear, Mongoose, Flying Squirrel, Porcupine, Turtle, Monitor Lizard, Python, Sambar, Pangolin, etc. |
PYQ:
[2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?
(a) Corbett
(b) Ranthambore
(c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam
(d) Sunderbans |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Raigad Fort
![[pib] Raigad Fort](https://d18x2uyjeekruj.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/raigad.jpg)
Why in the News?
The Raigad Fort is among 12 forts nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status under the title “Maratha Military Landscapes of India.”
Why Raigad Fort is Nominated for UNESCO World Heritage?
- Historical and Strategic Importance: Raigad Fort served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, symbolizing Maratha resilience and independence.
- Architectural Excellence: The fort showcases Maratha military architecture, with well-developed structures adapted to the hilly terrain.
- Role in Maratha Legacy: As a hill fort, Raigad is emblematic of the Marathas’ unique fortification style, designed to withstand invasions and safeguard autonomy.
- Icon of Maratha Heritage: Known as Durgaraj (King of Forts), Raigad stands as a tribute to Shivaji Maharaj’s leadership and legacy and has become a pilgrimage site for Shivbhakts.
- Natural Defense and Innovation: The fort’s natural fortifications, steep escarpments, and strategic location atop an isolated hill embody military ingenuity and make it a model of Maratha defense architecture.
|
History of Raigad Fort:
|
Details |
| Location |
• Situated in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India.
• Elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level.
• Surrounded by natural cliffs and 1,500-foot escarpments. |
| Background |
• Originally known as Rairi.
• Captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1653 CE.
• Crowned Chhatrapati on June 6, 1674 CE.
• Served as the capital of the Maratha Empire until 1680 CE. |
| Significance |
• Part of the “Maratha Military Landscapes of India” nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.
• Referred to as the “Gibraltar of the East” by Grant Duff. |
| Architectural Highlights |
• Includes the Royal Complex with key structures like Ranivasa and Rajsadar.
• Jagadishwar Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Samadhi (final resting place) of Shivaji Maharaj located nearby. |
| Features |
• Accessible mainly through Naqqarkhana and Palkhi Darwaja.
• Features well-designed drainage systems and secret chambers. |
| Ecology |
• Surrounded by valleys shaped by the Kal and Gandhari rivers.
• Supported limited agriculture and had a self-sustained ecosystem. |
| Cultural Significance |
• Known as the Durgaraj (King of Forts), symbolizing Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
• Hosts annual celebrations for Shivrajyabhishek and Punyatithi. |
PYQ:
[2010] What was the immediate reason for Ahmad Shah Abdali to invade India and fight the Third Battle of Panipat?
(a) He wanted to avenge the expulsion by Marathas of his viceroy Timur Shah from Lahore
(b) The frustrated governor of Jullundhar Adina Beg Khan invited him to invade Punjab
(c) He wanted to punish Mughal administration for non-payment of the revenues of the Chahar Mahal (Gujarat, Aurangabad, Sialkot & Pasrur)
(d) He wanted to annex all the fertile plains of Punjab up to the borders of Delhi to his kingdom |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nature Conservation Index
Why in the News?
India has been ranked 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024 with a score of 45.5 out of 100, placing it among the five worst performers alongside Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177).
Reasons for India’s Low Ranking:
- High Rate of Land Conversion: 53% of India’s land is converted for urban, industrial, and agricultural purposes, contributing to deforestation and habitat fragmentation that severely impact biodiversity.
- Soil Pollution: India’s sustainable nitrogen index is 0.77, indicating high levels of soil pollution primarily due to extensive pesticide use, threatening soil health and agricultural sustainability.
- Minimal Marine Conservation: Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected, with no protected areas in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), highlighting limited efforts in marine biodiversity conservation.
- Illegal Wildlife Trade: India ranks as the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader globally, with an estimated annual trade value of £15 billion, putting added pressure on vulnerable wildlife species.
|
About the Nature Conservation Index (NCI):
|
Details |
| Developed By |
Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. |
| Purpose |
To assess each country’s progress in balancing conservation and development through data-driven analysis. |
| Aim |
To help governments, researchers, and organizations identify concerns and enhance conservation policies for long-term biodiversity protection. |
| Launch Date |
Launched on October 24, 2024. |
| Scope |
Ranks 180 countries based on their conservation efforts. |
| Pillars of the Index |
• Managing Protected Areas
• Addressing Threats Against Biodiversity
• Nature and Conservation Governance
• Future Trends in Natural Resource Management |
| Significance |
Provides insights into conservation policies and practices, aiding in the global effort to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development. |
Key highlights of the reports:
- Finland, Norway, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and New Zealand ranked highest, showing strong conservation practices and governance.
- Nations with advanced climate adaptation policies (e.g., Sweden and Denmark) are better positioned to mitigate biodiversity risks from climate change.
- Despite Protected Areas, 46.9% of terrestrial and 67.5% of marine species are in decline worldwide.
- High-density nations such as Bangladesh and the Netherlands face intense biodiversity pressures, driving them to implement urban greening and sustainable practices.
PYQ:
[2018] “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by:
(a) The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(b) The UNEP Secretariat
(c) The UNFCCC Secretariat
(d) The World Meteorological Organisation |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now