Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Coastal erosion; Climate change impact;
Why in the News?
During the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Environment Ministry presented data shedding light on the critical issue of coastal erosion in India.
What are the key findings of the report?
- Extent of Coastal Erosion Nationwide:
- 33.6% of India’s coastline has been affected by erosion over the past three decades.
- 26.9% of the coastline has shown growth (accretion), while 39.6% remains stable.
- Regional Variations in Karnataka:
- Dakshina Kannada: The most severely affected district in Karnataka, with 48.4% of its 36.66 km coastline eroded (17.74 km).
- Udupi: Reported 34.7% erosion of its 100.71 km coastline (34.96 km).
- Uttara Kannada: Reported the lowest erosion, at 12.3% of its 175.65 km coastline (21.64 km).
- Data and Methodology: The study, conducted by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), utilized satellite imagery and field surveys to monitor shoreline changes from 1990 to 2018.
- Risk Identification and Mapping: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS) has prepared Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps (MHVM), incorporating data on extreme water levels, sea level rise, and shoreline changes to highlight areas prone to disasters like tsunamis and storm surges.
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What are the causes of coastal erosion in India?
- Rising Sea Levels: Climate change has led to increased sea levels, which amplify storm surges and coastal flooding, significantly contributing to erosion.
- Sand Mining and Infrastructure Projects: Unregulated sand extraction and construction activities, such as ports and seawalls, disrupt natural sediment flow, exacerbating erosion in vulnerable areas.
- For example, illegal sand mining along the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River has reduced river channel width by up to 55%, significantly increasing erosion risks along the banks.
- Mangrove Depletion: The loss of mangroves, which act as natural barriers against wave action, leaves coastlines more exposed to erosion. For instance, after Cyclone Gaja in 2019, Muthupet mangroves in Tamil Nadu lost nearly three square kilometres of coverage due to uprooted trees.
- Cyclonic Activity: An increase in cyclonic events has destabilised coastal systems, further intensifying erosion. As per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that 75% of the Indian coastline is susceptible to cyclones and related hazards.
CASE STUDY: Mitigation Efforts in Karnataka
- Shoreline Management Plan: The Karnataka government has developed this plan under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2019 to address coastal erosion effectively.
- Karnataka Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (K-SHORE) Project: Funded by the World Bank, this initiative aims to enhance coastal protection, improve community livelihoods, and tackle marine plastic pollution along Karnataka’s coast.
- Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps (MHVM): Created by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS), these maps identify areas at risk from disasters like tsunamis and storm surges using data on shoreline changes and sea level rise.
- Community-Driven Conservation Programs: Experts advocate for community involvement in conservation efforts, along with real-time monitoring of erosion using artificial intelligence for sustainable solutions.
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Why there is a need for a paradigm shift?
- Ineffectiveness of Traditional Methods: Long-standing strategies like constructing concrete sea walls have proven ineffective over the past 30 years in preventing coastal erosion.
- Recommendations Against Human Habitation: Engineers recommend restricting habitation in vulnerable areas to mitigate risks associated with coastal erosion; however, political interests often overshadow these warnings.
- Investment in Sustainable Solutions: Environmental activists argue that funds currently allocated for traditional coastal structures would be better spent on creating safe townships away from vulnerable coastlines, ensuring community safety during extreme weather events.
- Holistic Approaches Needed: A multi-faceted strategy involving ecosystem restoration (e.g., mangrove replantation), stricter regulation of sand mining, and innovative solutions like artificial reefs is essential for effective long-term management of coastal erosion issues.
Way forward:
- Adopt Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Implement holistic strategies combining ecosystem restoration, stricter regulations on sand mining, and innovative measures like artificial reefs and eco-friendly breakwaters to ensure long-term coastal resilience.
- Promote Managed Retreat and Community Awareness: Relocate vulnerable communities to safer areas away from high-risk zones while fostering community-driven conservation efforts and leveraging real-time monitoring technologies like AI to mitigate erosion impacts effectively.
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)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related to GDP;
Why in the News?
India has been growing well even with global challenges. After growing by 8.2% in 2023-24 and 6.7% in the first quarter of 2024-25, growth slowed down to 5.4% in the second quarter.
Is the Slowdown in GDP Growth a Temporary Setback or a Sign of a Longer-Term Trend?
- Current Growth Trends: India’s GDP growth decelerated to 5.4% in the second quarter of FY 2024-25, down from 6.7% in the previous quarter and 8.1% in the same quarter last year. This sharp decline has raised concerns about the sustainability of growth, particularly given that industrial performance has been poor, especially in the mining, manufacturing, and electricity sectors.
- Sectoral Performance: The industrial sector’s growth slowed to 3.6% from 8.3%, indicating significant challenges in manufacturing and mining.
- While agriculture has shown recovery due to good Kharif harvests, and the services sector remains robust, the overall industrial slowdown suggests vulnerabilities that could impact future growth.
- Expectations for Recovery: Despite the current slowdown, there are expectations for GDP growth to rebound in the latter half of the fiscal year due to improved government expenditure and rural consumption. However, this recovery is contingent upon various factors, including global economic conditions and domestic consumption patterns.
- Long-Term Concerns: Analysts caution that while some recovery is anticipated, the overall GDP growth for FY 2024-25 is projected to be lower at around 6.5%, which is a decrease from the 7-8% range seen in previous years.
Measures to Stimulate Consumer Sentiment and Boost Household Spending
- Tax Benefits for Households: The government could consider implementing tax incentives aimed at increasing disposable income for households, thereby encouraging spending. This could involve direct tax cuts or enhanced deductions for certain expenditures.
- Job Creation Initiatives: A strong focus on job creation, especially in sectors vulnerable to automation, could bolster household incomes and consumer confidence. Initiatives could include skill development programs and incentives for businesses that hire more workers.
- Support for Agriculture: Given the positive impact of agricultural performance on rural consumption, enhancing support for farmers through subsidies or better access to markets could further stimulate spending in rural areas.
- Addressing Inflation Concerns: Moderating food inflation through effective supply chain management and price controls could help ease consumer spending pressures. Ensuring stable prices for essential commodities would improve overall consumer sentiment.
- Incentives for Private Investment: Encouraging private sector investment through favorable policies and easing regulatory burdens can lead to increased economic activity and job creation.
How Should Policymakers Respond to Current Economic Challenges? (Way forward)
- Enhance Public Investment: Policymakers should prioritize increasing government capital expenditure (capex), which has been weak due to election-related restrictions. A robust public investment strategy can stimulate economic activity and create jobs.
- Focus on Deregulation: Continued efforts to deregulate sectors can improve business confidence and attract private investments, fostering a more conducive environment for growth.
- Monitor Global Developments: Policymakers need to remain vigilant regarding global economic trends that could impact India’s economy, including potential trade wars or geopolitical tensions. Preparing contingency plans will be crucial in mitigating risks associated with global volatility.
- Strengthen Domestic Demand: Given the uncertain global environment, strengthening domestic demand through targeted fiscal policies will be essential for sustainable growth. This includes measures that directly enhance consumer spending power.
- Long-Term Growth Strategy: A comprehensive strategy focusing on enhancing productivity across sectors, investing in infrastructure, and fostering innovation will be critical for raising India’s potential GDP growth over the long term.
Mains PYQ:
Q Despite India being one of the countries of Gondwanaland, its mining industry contributes much less to its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in percentage. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to disabled people;
Why in the News?
December 3, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, promotes awareness of their rights, inclusion, and needs, emphasizing support for one of the world’s most marginalized and underrepresented communities.
What are the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities in accessing nutrition services?
- Physical Accessibility: Many individuals with disabilities face challenges in accessing physical locations where nutrition services are provided, such as grocery stores or health clinics. This includes barriers like lack of ramps, inaccessible transportation, and inadequate facilities.
- Lack of Knowledge and Skills: Individuals with disabilities may have limited knowledge about nutrition and cooking skills, which can hinder their ability to prepare healthy meals. This is often compounded by the need for assistance from caregivers who may not be well-informed about nutritional needs.
- Financial Constraints: Economic factors play a significant role; many individuals with disabilities experience financial instability, limiting their ability to purchase nutritious food. This is particularly true in low-income households where resources are scarce.
- Social Isolation and Stigma: People with disabilities often face social isolation and stigma, which can affect their access to community resources and support networks that provide nutritional assistance or education.
- Complex Health Needs: Many individuals with disabilities have specific dietary requirements or face challenges related to feeding, swallowing, or digestion, making it difficult to meet their nutritional needs without tailored support.
- Inadequate Public Health Support: In many regions, public health systems fail to provide adequate nutritional support for individuals with disabilities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources may be limited.
How can nutrition programs be adapted to ensure they are inclusive of individuals with disabilities?
- Tailored Nutritional Education: Nutrition programs should include educational components that cater specifically to the needs of individuals with disabilities, focusing on accessible cooking methods and meal planning that accommodate various dietary restrictions.
- Accessible Service Delivery: Programs should ensure that nutrition services are delivered in accessible locations and formats, including home visits for those unable to travel or online platforms for remote consultations.
- Community Engagement: Involving individuals with disabilities in the design and implementation of nutrition programs can help ensure that their unique needs are met. This could include feedback mechanisms to adapt services based on community input.
- Training for Caregivers: Providing training for caregivers on the specific nutritional needs of individuals with disabilities can enhance meal preparation and dietary management at home.
- Financial Assistance Programs: Implementing subsidies or financial assistance programs can help alleviate the economic burden on families caring for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to purchase healthier food options.
- Integration with Health Services: Nutrition programs should be integrated with broader health services to provide comprehensive support that addresses both nutritional needs and overall health outcomes.
What role do Anganwadi workers play in promoting disability inclusion in their communities?
- Early Identification and Referral: Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in the early identification of disabilities among children through monitoring developmental milestones and referring families to appropriate health services.
- Community Education: They engage communities through initiatives like podcasts (e.g., “Nanhe Farishtey”) to raise awareness about disabilities and promote inclusive practices within local settings.
- Nutrition Service Delivery: As frontline community nutrition providers, Anganwadi workers deliver vital nutrition services tailored to the needs of children with disabilities, ensuring they receive adequate dietary support.
- Collaboration with Other Health Workers: Anganwadi workers collaborate with Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers to create a network of support for families dealing with disabilities, facilitating access to medical care and government benefits.
- Capacity Building: Ongoing training on disability inclusion through protocols like the ‘Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children’ equips workers with the knowledge necessary to support children with disabilities effectively.
- Advocacy for Rights and Resources: They advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities within their communities, helping families navigate available resources such as disability certificates and pensions.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Inclusive Infrastructure and Services: Develop accessible infrastructure, including Anganwadi centres and transportation, while integrating nutrition programs with health services to provide tailored support for individuals with disabilities.
- Empower Community and Frontline Workers: Enhance training for Anganwadi workers and caregivers, promote community engagement to address stigma, and ensure financial support for families to improve access to nutritious food and essential services.
Mains PYQ:
Q The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 remains only a legal document without intense sensitisation of government functionaries and citizens regarding disability. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Why in the News?
The ICIMOD has launched Air Quality Dashboard for Indo-Gangetic Plain.
ICIMOD Air Quality Dashboard: Important Features
- The dashboard provides real-time and forecasted air quality data for the region.
- It uses a combination of ground sensor data and satellite imagery to give a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub-regional, and regional scales.
- A dynamic timelapse powered by the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) tracks the spread of PM2.5 across the region.
- This model highlights the spread of pollution from hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi, and Kolkata.
- It provides two-day forecasts, allowing communities, policymakers, and researchers to anticipate air quality conditions and take proactive measures.
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About the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD):
| Details |
- A regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge-sharing centre founded in 1981.
- Idea of creating ICIMOD was first discussed at the International Workshop in December 1974.
- 8 regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
- HKH region encompasses mountain ranges, including the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Tibetan Plateau, extending from northern Afghanistan to Myanmar.
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| Structural Mandate |
- Headquartered in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, and Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
- ICIMOD also has a Knowledge Park in Godavari, Lalitpur exhibiting ICIMOD’s research and field applications.
- Country offices in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
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| Functions and Powers |
- Collaborates with national and international scientific institutions, government agencies, donor agencies, and the private sector, both within the region and globally.
- Key Role: Promotes partnerships among regional member countries to secure a better future for the people and environment of the HKH region.
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PYQ:
[2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:
- Deep gorges
- U-turn river courses
- Parallel mountain ranges
- Steep gradients causing land sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gandhamardan Hills
Why in the News?
The Odisha government has clarified that it will not allow bauxite mining in the Gandhamardan hills after concerns arose when the Adani Group’s subsidiary acquired 112 acres of land near the hills.
About Gandhamardan Hills:
| Geographical Features |
- Situated in the western part of Odisha, spread across the Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
- Covers an area of 190 square kilometers.
- Dense forests and hill slopes.
- Plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.
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| Mines and Minerals Found |
- Bauxite: Primary ore of aluminum.
- Graphite: Used in industrial applications.
- Manganese: Important for steel manufacturing.
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| Significance |
Cultural Sites:
1. Nrusinghanath Temple: A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Nrusingha, a half-lion, half-human incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
2. Harishankar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, set amidst picturesque surroundings.
Hiuen Tsang described the hill shrine as a Buddhist heritage site named Parimalagiri in his chronicles.
– Flora: Rich in medicinal plants.
– Fauna: Rich biodiversity, including diverse wildlife species.
Dasycarpa and spider peucetia harishankarensis are endemic to this hill.
Declared as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) by the Odisha government in March 2023 (making 37th BHS in India). |
PYQ:
[2015] Consider the following pairs :
Place of Pilgrimage: Location
1. Srisailam : Nallamala Hills
2. Omkareshwar : Satmala Hills
3. Pushkar : Mahadeo Hills
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SHAKTI Yojana
Why in the News?
The SHAKTI Yojana plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of coal supply for India’s power sector.
About SHAKTI Yojana:
| Details |
• SHAKTI stands for Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India.
• Introduced by: Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
• Launched in 2018, with amendments in March 2019 and November 2023.
• Purpose: Ensure transparent coal allocation to the power sector, especially stressed power units facing coal shortages. |
| Objective |
Allocate coal supplies to power plants that are unable to secure adequate fuel, ensuring consistent and transparent coal supply to power plants.
Features:
Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA): Coal supplied through FSA with Letter of Assurance (LoA) holders, ensuring continuation of supply at 75% of the Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ).
Coal Linkages: Linkages granted to State/Central Generating Companies and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) with Long-Term PPAs. |
| Significance |
• Ensures coal supply to stressed units, supporting new power plants and promoting transparency in coal allocation.
• Supports uninterrupted power generation by ensuring consistent fuel supply. |
About India’s Coal Gasification Vision:
To achieve 100 MT of coal gasification by FY 2030, with a focus on sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.
- Incentive: Reimburse GST compensation cess on coal used for gasification projects for 10 years, contingent on cess extension beyond FY27.
- Target: Attract both Government PSUs and the Private Sector to drive innovation and investment in coal gasification.
- Process: Entities selected through a transparent bidding process; government support for eligible PSUs and private firms to implement projects.
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PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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