PM recently highlighted Lothal’s importance in India’s maritime history as the site of the world’s first dockyard, now home to the National Maritime Heritage Complex under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
About Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex:
Facts about Lothal
Dockyard Evidence: Recent IITGn study confirms existence of a dockyard (222 x 37 meters).
River Shift: Sabarmati River’s old course closer to Lothal during Harappan period, now 20 km away.
Trade Route: Linked Ahmedabad, Lothal, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann, and Dholavira.
Satellite Imagery: Revealed ancient channels of Sabarmati River, confirming Lothal’s strategic location.
Trade Connections: Traders might have used the Gulf of Khambhat, collecting materials from Ratanpura and transporting them to Mesopotamia.
Historical Significance
Built around: 2200 BC as a major trade center for beads, gems, and ornaments.
Lothal means “mound of the dead” in Gujarati similar to Mohenjodaro.
Discovered by S.R. Rao, excavated from 1955 to 1960.
World’s earliest known dock; connected to the ancient Sabarmati River.
Nominated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014; only port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Features of the Present Complex
Location: Bhal region, Gujarat, India.
Objective: Showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history, focusing on the first dockyard at Lothal.
Developed by: Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
Components: Exhibition halls, maritime park, amphitheater, and educational spaces.
PYQ:
[2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?
PM Modi inaugurated the 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.
About the CBG Plant
The plant is located in Laltipara, Gwalior, within the largest cowshed in the region, Adarsh Gaushala, which houses over 10,000 cattle.
It spans over 5 acres.
It is India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with a modern CBG plant, where cow dung and organic waste (such as vegetable and fruit waste from mandis and households) are processed into valuable biogas.
The project, developed at a cost of ₹31 crores, is a collaboration between Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation.
Working features:
Bio CNG: The plant produces 2 tons of compressed Bio CNG daily from 100 tons of cattle dung, providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Organic Manure: The plant also generates 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, which is a valuable by-product for organic farming.
Windrow composting: The plant incorporates windrow composting, located adjacent to the main facility, which enhances organic waste processing.
What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?
Details
About
CBG is a renewable natural gas produced from the biochemical conversion of organic waste into methane.
It is chemically similar to CNG (compressed natural gas) and can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, cooking, and power generation.
Process of Making CBG
Collection of Organic Waste: Organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste is collected from farms, industries, and households.
Anaerobic Digestion: Waste is placed in an airtight chamber, where microorganisms break it down without oxygen, producing biogas (methane, carbon dioxide, trace gases).
Purification: The raw biogas undergoes purification through methods like pressure swing adsorption, water scrubbing, or membrane separation to remove impurities like CO₂, H₂S, and water, leaving pure methane.
Compression: The purified methane is compressed to 200-250 bar pressure to form CBG, reducing volume for storage and transportation.
Storage and Distribution: It is stored in high-pressure cylinders or tanks and transported to fuel stations or industries for various applications.
Significance of CBG
Reduces fossil fuel dependence.
Mitigates landfill methane emissions.
CBG can replace CNG, reducing pollution.
Utilizes local organic waste.
Creates jobs, promotes organic farming, and provides eco-friendly fertilizers.
Q) Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Left Wing Extremism’ (2023), ‘Growth of Naxalism, and Radicalization’ (2022 and 2024).
The SATP report notes an increase in Maoist activities across 12 states, highlighting a rise from 10 states in 2022. Despite claims of declining violence due to the National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP), challenges remain.
But Why? What is the root cause?
Today’s editorial talks about the significance of vigilance and adaptability in combating extremist violence. This content can be used for ‘Rising Radicalization and Terrorism in India’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the key observations from the early post-independence history?
• The India-Pak partition in 1947 resulted in one of the largest mass migrations (14 to 18 million people displaced) that led to widespread communal violence, resulting in approximately one million deaths across religious communities. This continues to affect India-Pakistan relations even today. • Further, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the government employed a combination of negotiations and military action to integrate these states into the Indian Union. For example, Hyderabad through Operation Polo and Junagadh’s accession following a plebiscite. • The new Indian government emphasized secularism as a foundational principle, and the Constitution adopted a framework for democracy and civil rights while promoting equality among all citizens. The practice of untouchability was abolished, and reservations were implemented for marginalized communities. o But in the immediate years, agricultural productivity was low, exacerbated by droughts and inadequate infrastructure. o The government recognized the need for economic reforms to uplift the agrarian sector and improve living conditions. • This period (1950s-1960s) also witnessed the emergence of political movements addressing regional aspirations and demands for statehood, such as the formation of Andhra Pradesh following widespread protests after the death of Potti Sriramulu during a hunger strike.
How has the nature of extremist violence evolved in the digital age?
Increased Accessibility and Propagation: The internet has made extremist content more accessible than ever before. Individuals can easily find and engage with violent extremist materials online, which contributes to normalization and desensitization to radical ideas.
Social media platforms have become critical tools for extremists to disseminate their messages and recruit new members.
Research shows that social media played a role in the radicalization processes of nearly 90% of extremists in certain datasets between 2005 and 2016. It allows individuals to radicalize without physical contact, often leading to what is termed “lone actor terrorism”.
Use of Disinformation Tactics: Extremists have increasingly created echo chambers where their ideologies are reinforced without challenge. Right-wing extremists, in particular, have been noted to benefit from such tactics more than other groups, utilizing disinformation campaigns to further their agendas.
Role of Anonymity and Encryption: Encrypted messaging apps and decentralized platforms enable them to communicate securely, share resources, and organize activities without attracting attention from law enforcement. This shift has made it more challenging for authorities to monitor and counteract.
Gaming Platforms: Emerging trends show that gaming platforms are being leveraged by extremists as new venues for recruitment and radicalization. These environments allow for interaction with potential recruits in less scrutinized settings, where extremist ideologies can be presented in a more palatable manner.
What are the reasons behind the rise of new forms of extremist violence?
Socio-Political Factors: Ongoing geopolitical issues and perceived injustices within the country and the society, fuel extremist sentiments. Economic disparities and social inequalities drive individuals towards extremist ideologies.
Recruitment and Exploitation: Extremist groups generally prefer these isolated individuals, particularly children and youth, for recruitment.
Hybridization of Extremist Ideologies: Individuals combine various ideologies and conspiracy theories, creating complex motivations for violence. Their narratives are often tailored to personal experiences and grievances faced by the Indian society.
Covert Operations: Digital Encryption allows extremists to communicate and organize without detection. For Example, increased incidents of individuals committing violence independently, often using online resources for planning.
What strategies can be implemented to effectively counteract extremist violence?
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engage local communities through initiatives that foster trust between law enforcement and community members. Ensure that community engagement efforts are broad-based and inclusive, addressing all forms of ideologically motivated violence.
Education and Awareness Programs: Implement educational initiatives that promote respect for diversity, human rights, and critical thinking skills among youth. This can help counteract extremist narratives and reduce susceptibility to radicalization.
Countering Online Radicalization by PPP: The government can collaborate with technology companies to develop tools that can help identify and counter extremist content online while respecting privacy rights.
Socio-Economic Development: Focus on socio-economic development by offering effective alternatives to violence for at-risk groups. This includes enhancing participatory decision-making processes and strengthening local governance to address the root causes of discontent that can lead to radicalization.
The recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, featured the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty (referred to as “the Alliance”).
What are the primary objectives of the Global Alliance?
Eradication of Hunger and Poverty: The Alliance aims to eliminate hunger and poverty by 2030, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Support for Vulnerable Populations: It focuses on providing targeted assistance to vulnerable groups through various initiatives, including cash transfers and school meal programs.
Resource Mobilization: The initiative emphasizes large-scale resource mobilisation to support its objectives, aiming to reach 500 million people through income distribution programs by 2030.
Who are the key stakeholders involved in this initiative?
The Alliance has 148 founding members, including 82 countries such as India, Brazil, and Bangladesh.
It includes participation from 26 international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and UNICEF.
Nine financial institutions and 31 philanthropic foundations and non-governmental organizations are also involved in supporting the Alliance’s goals.
How will Alliance function?
The Alliance serves as a platform for countries to share best practices and access technical expertise or financial support from other member nations.
It offers more than 50 evidence-based policy instruments that member countries can utilize to develop their national strategies against hunger and poverty.
Unlike traditional funding bodies, the Alliance does not have an exclusive fund but acts as a matchmaking entity connecting countries in need with donors and technical support providers. Its operational costs are estimated at $2-3 million annually, funded by member contributions.
What challenges does the Global Alliance aim to address in combating hunger and poverty?
Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has exacerbated issues of hunger and poverty, reversing progress made toward the SDGs. The Alliance aims to counteract these setbacks by fostering international cooperation.
Global Inequalities: It addresses deepening social, racial, and gender inequalities that have been intensified by recent global crises.
Food Insecurity Projections: Current trends suggest that without intervention, millions will continue to live in extreme poverty and hunger by 2030—double the target levels set in the SDGs. The Alliance seeks to reverse these projections through coordinated action.
Conclusion: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty aligns with SDGs 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by mobilizing resources, fostering collaboration, and implementing targeted interventions to combat hunger, poverty, and inequalities, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future.
Mains PYQ:
Q Poverty and malnutrition create a vicious cycle, adversely affecting human capital formation. What steps can be taken to break the cycle? (UPSC IAS/2024)
Policymakers globally are addressing Big Tech’s dominance in AI by investing in sovereign cloud infrastructure, open data platforms, and supporting start-ups, yet these measures may inadvertently reinforce Big Tech’s control.
How can we ensure that AI is implemented in a way that upholds democratic values?
It promotes Open Data Initiatives: While open data can enhance AI systems, it must be safeguarded against commercial capture by larger entities. Initiatives should focus on making data accessible and usable for smaller players without allowing Big Tech to monopolize it.
It invests in Public Compute Infrastructure: Establishing public computing resources can provide alternatives to private cloud services dominated by Big Tech. However, these resources must be competitive in terms of cost and functionality to be effective.
It fosters Smaller AI Models: Shifting focus from large-scale deep learning models to smaller, theory-driven AI models can democratize development. This approach emphasizes domain expertise and lived experiences over sheer data volume, which aligns better with democratic values.
What role should public participation play?
Engagement in Policy Development: Involving diverse stakeholders, including community representatives and industry experts, can help create policies that reflect a broader range of interests and concerns regarding AI deployment.
Transparency and Accountability: Mechanisms should be established to ensure transparency in AI decision-making processes. Public oversight can help hold organizations accountable for their AI practices, particularly regarding data usage and algorithmic biases.
Community-Centric AI Solutions: Encouraging local communities to participate in the design and implementation of AI solutions can lead to more equitable outcomes. This involvement ensures that AI applications address specific community needs rather than serving corporate interests alone.
What are the risks associated with technocratic governance?
Concentration of Power: The dominance of Big Tech can lead to a concentration of power where a few entities dictate the terms of AI development and deployment. This scenario risks sidelining smaller players and reducing diversity in innovation.
Surveillance and Privacy Concerns: The use of AI for surveillance by powerful corporations can threaten individual privacy rights. Policymakers must carefully consider the implications of deploying AI technologies that could exacerbate existing inequalities or infringe on civil liberties.
Erosion of Public Trust: If the public perceives that AI governance is primarily driven by technocratic elites without adequate input from citizens, trust in these systems may erode. This distrust can hinder the effective implementation of AI technologies that could otherwise benefit society.
Way forward:
Establish Inclusive AI Governance: Create multi-stakeholder frameworks involving governments, communities, and smaller players to ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI resources, safeguarding against monopolistic practices.
Prioritize Ethical, Small-Scale AI Development: Shift focus from large-scale deep learning models to theory-driven, domain-specific AI solutions that respect privacy, foster community involvement, and address localized needs, promoting democratic values in AI deployment.
Mains PYQ:
Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
A sub-adult female tiger from Kamakhya Reserve Forest in Assam strayed near Kaziranga National Park and was attacked by locals.
All facts about Kaziranga National Park:
Details
About
• Located in the Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
• Spans 430 sq. km. (166 square miles).
• Established as a reserve forest in 1905, declared as a National park in 1974, and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site in 1985.
• Declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
Geographical Features
• The park is crisscrossed by the Brahmaputra River along with numerous small bodies of water.
• Dominated by tall elephant grass, marshland, and tropical moist broadleaf forests.
• Terrain includes sandbars, beels (flood-formed lakes), and chapories (elevated areas).
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Includes 4 main vegetation types: alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests.
Fauna: Home to 35 mammalian species(15 threatened), it also includes the world’s largest populations of Indian rhinoceros (2,613), wild water buffalo (1,666), swamp deer (468), elephants (1,940), gaur (1,300), and sambar (58).
• Important bird area with 57 species of birds, including migratory species.
• Rich biodiversity, including significant populations of chital, Indian muntjac, wild boar, and hog deer.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following pairs:
National Park River flowing through the Park
1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
India is set to host the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA)Global Cooperative Conference in Delhi this month.
It will mark the first time in the 130-year history of ICA that the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference are being hosted in India.
About theInternational Cooperative Alliance (ICA):
Details
About
• Established in 1895 to unite, represent, and serve cooperatives globally.
• Represents 315 cooperative federations and organizations from 107 countries.
• Estimated to represent about 1 billion individuals worldwide across various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, health, housing, insurance, and more.
• It has held consultative status with the UN Economic andSocial Council (ECOSOC) since 1946, making it the first NGO to receive this status.
• Custodian of the internationally recognized definition, values, and principles of cooperatives.
Structure of ICA
• Governing Board: A 20-member board responsible for overseeing activities.
• General Assembly: Highest governing authority, with representatives from member organizations, convened at least annually.
• ICA is divided into four regional organizations:
ICA Asia-Pacific (New Delhi, India),
ICA Africa (Nairobi, Kenya),
Cooperatives Europe (Brussels, Belgium), and
ICA Americas (San José, Costa Rica).
• 8 sectoral organizations representing cooperatives in various sectors like agriculture, banking, fisheries, and more.
• 5 thematic committees focused on cooperative development, economic sustainability, social responsibility, and advocacy.
Powers and Functions of ICA
• Represents cooperatives in international forums, particularly within the United Nations and other multilateral organizations.
• Influences international policies related to social and economic development and sustainable cooperative businesses.
• Promote and define cooperative identity globally, ensuring cooperatives adhere to internationally recognized principles.
• Collects and publishes data about the cooperative sector via reports like the World Cooperative Monitor and ICA Global 300 index.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrantforIsraeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
About theInternational Criminal Court (ICC)
Details
What is it?
• First international permanent court to prosecute individuals for serious international crimes.
• Established under the Rome Statute (1998, w.e.f 2002).
• 124 countries are States Parties to the Rome Statute.• Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands.
Structural Mandate
• Official languages: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.
• Members: 124 States Parties to the Rome Statute; Palestine (2015) and Malaysia (2019) became the latest members.
• Notable non-members: India, Israel, the US, Russia, Ukraine, and China.
• Funding: By contributions from member states and voluntary contributions.
• Enforcement: Relies on state cooperation for enforcement, as it does not have its own police force.
Composition
• Judges: Consists of 18 judges elected by the Assembly of States Parties for a term of 9 years.
• Prosecutor: Leads the Office of the Prosecutor and investigates crimes.
• Additional Components: Includes the Trust Fund for Victims (2004), Detention Centre, and the Assembly of States Parties.
Jurisdiction
Prosecutes 4 main crimes:
War Crimes: Violations of the laws of war.
Crimes against Humanity: Acts like murder, enslavement, and torture.
Genocide: Intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
Crimes of Aggression: Unjustified military action against another state.
• ICC can only prosecute crimes committed after the Rome Statute’sentry into force (July 1, 2002).
PYQ:
[2018] “Rule of Law Index” is released by which of the following?
Several dead fishare floating on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala due to illegal use of‘thotta’ (explosives) and ‘nanchu’ (poisons) for fishing.
About Ashtamudi Lake:
Details
About
• Brackish-water estuarine lake, located in Kerala, covering 5,700 hectares.
• Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
Geographical Features
• Encompasses 8 channels (arms) connecting to the lake, giving it the name “Ashtamudi.” (gateway to the backwaters of Kerala)
• Second largest lake in Kerala (first being the Vembanad Lake), drains into the sea via Neendakara estuary.
• Kallada River is the main water source for the lake.
• Historical significance as a major port city of Quilon, as recorded by Ibn Battuta.
Flora and Fauna
• Mangrove species: Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris.
• Endangered species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.
• 57 species of avifauna, including 6 migratory species and 51 resident species.
• In 2014, the Clam Governing Council became the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India for their sustainable clam fishing.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
PYQ Relevance: Q) “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has recently focused on Environmental Issues (2020) and regional Environmental Challenges (2023).
According to the Emissions Gap Report 2024 from the United Nations Environment Programme, India has seen over 6% more greenhouse gas emissions than the previous year.
Today at the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. These two examples show that India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
Today’s editorial talks about the challenges around the current environmental health governance in India. This content can be used for ‘Environmental regulations and challenges’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the current gaps in India’s environmental health regulations?
Fragmented Regulatory Framework: Current environmental governance is divided among multiple ministries, such as the Ministryof Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
This fragmentation results in a disconnect between environmental monitoring and health impact assessments, leading to ineffective responses to pollution-related health issues.
Outdated Legislation: Many existing laws, such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, have not been updated to reflect current environmental challenges.
They do not adequately address modern pollution sources or incorporate contemporary scientific understanding of environmental health risks.
Insufficient Data Collection and Research: There is a lack of reliable, comprehensive data on the health impacts of environmental pollutants.
While organizations like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conduct important research, there is no centralized body to synthesize this data into actionable policies. This gap hampers effective regulation and public health interventions.
Inadequate Enforcement Mechanisms: Although laws exist to regulate pollution, enforcement remains weak due to bureaucratic inertia, lack of resources, and sometimes political influence.
Compliance with pollution control measures is often not monitored effectively, allowing violations to persist without consequences.
Exemptions in New Regulations: Recent proposals, such as the Remediation of Contaminated Sites Rules, 2024, have notable exemptions that exclude certain types of contaminated sites from regulation (e.g., radioactive sites, abandoned mines).
This can leave significant areas unaddressed in terms of cleanup and remediation efforts
How would a dedicated environmental health regulatory agency improve public health outcomes?
Integrated Approach: The agency would combine environmental and public health oversight, ensuring that regulations address the interconnectedness of environmental factors and health outcomes.
Enhanced Regulation and Enforcement: It would enforce stricter regulations on pollutants and ensure compliance from industries, reducing harmful exposures to air and water quality issues.
Data Collection and Research: The agency would prioritize systematic data collection on environmental health impacts, leading to better-informed policies and timely interventions for pollution-related health issues.
Public Awareness and Education: By educating the public about environmental health risks, the agency would empower communities to advocate for cleaner environments and healthier living conditions.
What international best practices can India adopt for an effective framework?
Implementation of EHS Guidelines: India can utilize the World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines, which provide comprehensive standards for managing environmental health risks across various industries.
Framework for Environmental Public Health Functions: India can implement the EEPHF framework developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which outlines responsibilities for health actors and governance structures necessary for effective environmental health management.
Comprehensive Risk Management: Implementing a structured risk management framework similar to that outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would allow India to evaluate multiple contaminants and exposure pathways comprehensively.
Environmental Health Incident Management: India can adopt a coordinated incident management framework like the Australia’s system, which provides mechanisms for responding to environmental health incidents effectively. This includes preparedness measures, effective communication strategies, and collaboration across government sectors to minimize impacts on public health.
Way Forward: To improve environmental health in India, there is a need for an integrated regulatory approach that updates laws, enhances enforcement, engages communities, and ensures comprehensive monitoring of pollutants.
