Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Biogas , Natural Gas, LPG
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The Centre plans to enhance its domestic energy sustainability by introducing mandatory blending of compressed biogas (CBG) with Natural Gas.
Mandatory Biogas Blending
This initiative aims to reduce the country’s reliance on natural gas imports and lower emissions.
- Initial Phase (April 2025): The mandatory blending of CBG with natural gas will begin at 1%. This blend will be suitable for use in automobiles and households.
- Progressive Increase (By 2028): The government plans to gradually increase the mandatory blending percentage to around 5% by 2028. This step will further reduce the dependence on pure natural gas.
Why such move?
- India is among the world’s largest importers of oil and gas, with nearly half of its gas consumption relying on imports.
- The blending initiative is designed to curb import costs and enhance energy security.
- These measures align with India’s broader objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
Comparative Analysis of Biogas, Natural Gas, and LPG
|
Biogas |
Natural Gas |
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) |
| Composition |
Organic matter decomposition (mainly methane and CO2). |
Fossil fuel (primarily methane). |
Byproduct of natural gas processing (propane, butane). |
| Production |
Anaerobic digestion of organic waste. |
Extracted from underground, requires refining. |
Obtained during natural gas processing and refining. |
| Energy Content |
Lower due to high CO2 content. |
High, efficient for heating and power. |
High per volume, efficient in liquefied state. |
| Environmental Impact |
Renewable, carbon-neutral. |
Cleaner than coal/oil, but emits greenhouse gases. |
Fewer pollutants than gasoline/diesel, emits greenhouse gases. |
| Uses |
Heating, electricity, vehicle fuel, cooking in rural areas. |
Heating, electricity, industrial processes, vehicle fuel. |
Heating, cooking, vehicles, industrial applications. |
| Storage/Transport |
Stored as gas or liquid; requires tanks. |
Pipelines for gas; LNG for long-distance. |
Pressurized tanks as liquid. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Special Category Status
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Recently, Bihar govt passed a resolution seeking Special Category Status (SCS) for the state.
- This demand comes in light of the revelations from the “Bihar Caste-based Survey, 2022,” which unveiled that nearly one-third of Bihar’s population continues to grapple with poverty.
Special Category Status (SCS): An Overview
- Definition: SCS is a classification conferred by the Central government to support the development of states facing geographical or socio-economic disadvantages.
- Origins: SCS was instituted in 1969, based on the recommendations of the 5th Finance Commission (FC).
- Criteria: Five criteria are assessed before granting SCS, including factors like hilly terrain, low population density, and economic backwardness.
- Historical Allocation: Initially, three states—Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland—were granted SCS. Subsequently, eight more states, including Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, received this status.
Benefits of having SCS
- Financial Assistance: SCS states used to receive grants based on the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula, accounting for approximately 30% of total central assistance.
- Devolution of Funds: Post the abolition of the Planning Commission and the recommendations of the 14th and 15th FCs, SCS assistance has been subsumed into increased devolution of funds for all states (now 41% in the 15th FC).
- Funding Ratio: SCS states enjoy a favourable 90:10 Centre-State funding split for centrally sponsored schemes, compared to 60:40 or 80:20 for general category states.
- Additional Incentives: SCS states receive concessions in customs and excise duties, income tax rates, and corporate tax rates to attract investments.
Why Bihar’s Demand for SCS?
- Resource Challenges: Bihar attributes its poverty and underdevelopment to limited natural resources, irregular water supply for irrigation, recurring floods in the north, and severe droughts in the south.
- Industrial Shift: The state’s bifurcation led to the relocation of industries to Jharkhand, creating unemployment and investment voids.
- Per-Capita GDP: Bihar’s per-capita GDP, at around ₹54,000, consistently ranks among the lowest in India.
- Welfare Funding: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserts that Bihar houses approximately 94 lakh poor families and that SCS recognition would generate about ₹2.5 lakh crore, crucial for funding welfare initiatives over the next five years.
SCS Demands from Other States
- Andhra Pradesh: Since its bifurcation in 2014, Andhra Pradesh has sought SCS due to revenue loss post-Hyderabad’s transfer to Telangana.
- Odisha: Odisha’s appeal for SCS underscores its vulnerability to natural disasters, such as cyclones, and a significant tribal population (around 22%).
- Central Government’s Response: Despite these demands, the Central government, citing the 14th Finance Commission’s report, which recommended against granting SCS to any state, has consistently rejected them.
Is Bihar’s Demand Justified?
- Criteria Fulfillment: Bihar meets most SCS criteria but lacks hilly terrain and geographically difficult areas, crucial for infrastructural development.
- Alternative Solutions: In 2013, the Raghuram Rajan Committee proposed a ‘multi-dimensional index’ methodology instead of SCS, which could be revisited to address Bihar’s socio-economic challenges effectively.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kambala, Jallikattu
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Kambala races were held on this weekend in Bengaluru and many parts of Karnataka.
- This event has faced legal scrutiny in the past, with the Supreme Court temporarily outlawing Kambala, along with Jallikattu and bullock-cart racing, in 2014.
What is Kambala?
- Kambala is a folk sport predominantly practised in the coastal districts of Karnataka, especially where Tulu-speaking communities are prevalent.
- Traditionally, races were organized in slushy paddy fields post-harvest.
- The Kambala Samithi now hosts weekly events from late November to mid-April at various venues across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
- For many, especially the Bunt community, Kambala is a prestigious event.
- Buffalo pairs are meticulously groomed throughout the year in the hopes of winning major races.
Different Kambala Categories
- Negilu (Plough): Entry-level buffalo pairs participate in their first Kambala race using lighter ploughs.
- Hagga (Rope): Jockeys race buffaloes with just a rope tied to both.
- Adda Halage: Participants stand on a horizontal plank dragged by buffaloes, unlike Hagga and Negilu where jockeys run behind.
- Kane Halage: A wooden plank tied to buffaloes, with water gushing out through holes as it’s dragged. The height of splashing water determines the winner.
Kambala’s Popularity across Karnataka
- While Kambala’s popularity is concentrated in coastal Karnataka, movies like ‘Kantara’ in 2022 have widened its appeal across the state.
- The film’s success is credited with generating interest in the sport, making it more popular even beyond its traditional strongholds.
- Historically, the Koraga community faced discrimination during Kambala events. They were considered “untouchable” and ill-treated.
- Critics argue that the sport is still dominated by higher caste groups, while lower caste individuals often perform menial tasks during the event.
Why was Kambala banned by the Supreme Court?
- Several organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), alleged animal abuse during traditional sporting events.
- Concerns included the tying of buffalo noses with ropes and continuous whipping during races, seen as cruelty.
- The Supreme Court, hearing these petitions, banned Kambala, Jallikattu, and bullock-cart racing in 2014.
How was the ban lifted?
- In January 2016, the Environment Ministry issued a notification allowing the continuation of bull training for such traditional events, recognizing their cultural significance.
- Specific conditions were set to minimize bull suffering.
- State governments also amended the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, providing exemptions for these events.
- A five-judge constitutional bench upheld these amendments made by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra governments in May.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ozone Layer and Ozone Hole
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Recent research published in the journal Nature Communications has revealed a concerning trend in the Antarctic ozone layer during mid-spring (October).
- Contrary to previously reported recovery trends in total ozone, the core of the Antarctic ozone in mid-spring has experienced a significant 26% reduction since 2004.
Ozone Layer and Ozone Hole
| Location |
Stratosphere, approximately 10-30 km above Earth’s surface. |
| Composition |
Composed of ozone (O3) molecules.
Unit of measurement: Dobsob Unit (DU) |
| Function |
Acts as a protective shield, absorbing and blocking a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. |
| Importance |
Essential for protecting life on Earth by preventing excessive UV radiation, which can harm living organisms and the environment. |
| Ozone-depleting Substances |
Threatened by ODS like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other synthetic compounds commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants. |
| Montreal Protocol |
An international treaty adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ODS, resulting in significant recovery of the ozone layer. |
| Current Status |
The ozone layer is in the process of recovery due to the success of the Montreal Protocol. |
| Environmental Impact |
Protects ecosystems, prevents skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in humans. |
| Additional Facts |
• The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica varies annually, opening in August and closing in November or December.
• Special winds caused by the Earth’s rotation create a unique climate over Antarctica, preventing mixing with surrounding air.
• When these winds subside, the hole closes. |
Shift in Ozone Trends
- Mid-Spring Ozone Depletion: The study’s findings reveal a notable decline in mid-spring (October) ozone levels within the middle stratospheric layer, contrary to previous expectations of recovery.
- Early Spring Recovery: Surprisingly, early spring (September) still shows slight ozone increases or a modest recovery of the ozone hole.
Implications of Ozone Variability
- Antarctic Stratospheric Ozone: Antarctic stratospheric ozone plays a critical role in influencing climate patterns across the Southern Hemisphere.
- Understanding Ozone Variability: Ongoing research aims to understand the reasons behind the observed ozone variability, particularly in the context of the Southern Hemisphere’s atmospheric changes.
Key Findings
- Recovery Trends Re-evaluated: When considering satellite data from 2022, previously reported recovery trends in Antarctic spring total ozone, observed since 2001, no longer hold.
- Middle Stratosphere Impact: The middle stratosphere has witnessed continued, significant ozone reduction since 2004, culminating in a 26% loss within the core of the ozone hole.
- Potential Causes: The study suggests that changes in the mesosphere, the atmospheric layer above the stratosphere and the ozone layer, may be driving this reduction.
- Major triggers: Scientists speculate that the extensive ozone hole this year may be linked to volcanic eruptions in Hunga Tonga, Tonga, between December 2022 and January 2023.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Casgevy, Crispr-Cas9 technology
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The recent approval of Casgevy, a groundbreaking gene therapy utilizing Crispr-Cas9 technology, by the UK health authorities represents a monumental achievement in medicine.
- This therapy holds the potential to provide a lifelong cure for individuals grappling with sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, offering newfound hope and possibilities in the field of genetic medicine.
Casgevy: A Gene-Editing Marvel
- World’s First Licensed Gene Therapy: Casgevy stands as the world’s inaugural licensed gene therapy employing Crispr-Cas9 technology, an innovation that garnered the Nobel Prize in 2020.
- Targeting Faulty Genes: This revolutionary therapy specifically targets the flawed genes responsible for sickle cell disease and thalassaemia, offering the tantalizing prospect of a lifelong cure.
- A Paradigm Shift: In the past, the only permanent treatment option was a bone marrow transplant, contingent on discovering a closely matched donor.
Mechanism of Action
- Genetic Errors: Sickle cell disease and thalassaemia both stem from genetic abnormalities within the haemoglobin gene, impairing the structure and functionality of red blood cells.
- Precision Gene Editing: Casgevy harnesses the patient’s blood stem cells, meticulously edited using Crispr-Cas9, with a specific focus on the BCL11A gene.
- Boosting Foetal Haemoglobin: By stimulating the production of foetal haemoglobin, which lacks the irregularities found in adult haemoglobin, the therapy mitigates the symptoms of these debilitating conditions.
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia
Sickle Cell Disease: Characterized by crescent-shaped red blood cells, this condition disrupts smooth blood flow, resulting in excruciating pain, infections, anaemia, and even strokes. India bears witness to an annual influx of 30,000-40,000 children born with sickle cell disease.
Thalassaemia: This disorder leads to diminished haemoglobin levels, causing fatigue, breathlessness, and irregular heartbeats, necessitating lifelong blood transfusions and chelation therapy. India is home to the world’s largest population of children with thalassaemia major, numbering approximately 1-1.5 lakh. |
Clinical Trial Results
- Clinical trials of Casgevy showcased remarkable results, with participants afflicted by sickle cell disease reporting a substantial reduction in severe pain crises.
- Those with thalassaemia witnessed a remarkable 70% reduction in the need for blood transfusions.
Administration and Challenges
- One-Time Treatment: Casgevy involves a one-time treatment process, encompassing the collection of bone marrow blood stem cells through apheresis, followed by editing and testing over a span of approximately six months.
- Conditioning Medicine: Prior to the transplant with edited cells, conditioning medicine is administered to clear the bone marrow of existing cells.
- Challenges: Challenges include the expected high cost of the therapy, potentially around $2 million per patient, and the absence of local manufacturing facilities, necessitating the international transport of blood stem cells.
Future Prospects
- Price Reduction: Despite pricing challenges, experts hold the belief that ongoing research will lead to price reductions, making the therapy more accessible. Local manufacturing facilities are also anticipated to emerge.
- Indian Research: Researchers in India are actively pursuing gene therapies for sickle cell disease, with clinical trials on the horizon in the coming years.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has introduced the “Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative” (AGNI) to promote research and innovation among Ayurveda practitioners.
Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative
- AGNI aims to document and validate Ayurvedic medical practices, enhance evidence-based practice culture, and facilitate scientific research in the field.
- It provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to share their innovative practices, fostering an evidence-based culture.
- It also supports research to validate pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific methods.
Key functions
- CCRAS will document and publish reported medical practices and therapeutic regimens for educational and academic purposes in consultation with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
- AGNI provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to report their innovative practices and experiences across various disease conditions.
- The initiative encourages the culture of evidence-based practice among Ayurveda practitioners, ensuring that their methods are grounded in scientific research.
- AGNI seeks to identify interested Ayurveda practitioners willing to collaborate in creating a comprehensive database through applications.
- Capacity building through research methods and good clinical practice training will also be offered.
- AGNI will undertake research to mainstream pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific validation and evidence-based appraisal.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- NASA’s DSOC experiment onboarded to Psyche spacecraft, recently demonstrated successful transmission of data over near-infrared laser signals to Earth.
- This technology addresses the challenge of transmitting vast amounts of data over long distances from spacecraft, moving at high speeds in deep space.
Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)
- NASA’s DSOC experiment introduces near-infrared laser signals for spacecraft communication.
- DSOC promises data rates at least 10 times faster than conventional radio communication systems, leading to enhanced data transfer rates, higher-resolution images, increased scientific data volume, and even real-time video streaming.
- DSOC’s laser communication technology is comparable to how fiber optics revolutionized Earth-based telecommunications.
Psyche Spacecraft and DSOC
- The Psyche spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver, which will test high-bandwidth optical communication with Earth during its initial two years of travel to the asteroid belt.
- DSOC’s successful “first light” milestone was reached when the transceiver locked onto a powerful laser beacon transmitted from NASA’s Table Mountain Facility in California.
- Achieving high data rates relies on extremely precise pointing, which is akin to hitting a small target from a great distance while both are in motion.
- This precision is necessary for the laser transceiver to track its target despite vibrations on the spacecraft.
Key Components for Success
- The spacecraft must isolate the transceiver from vibrations to maintain precision.
- As Earth and the spacecraft change positions during data transmission, DSOC systems adjust to ensure accurate pointing.
- New signal-processing techniques are essential to extract information from weak laser signals transmitted across vast distances in space.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CREAMS Lab
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Farm fires, particularly paddy crop residue fires, contribute to air pollution in northern India. To monitor and address this issue, satellite data is utilized.
CREAMS Laboratory: Monitoring farm fires
- Agency: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s (IARI) Consortium for Research on Agro-ecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) Laboratory is responsible for collecting and disseminating daily bulletins on paddy residue fires.
- Coverage: Data covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.
- Information Provided: The bulletin includes district-wise fire incident numbers, comparative data from previous years, location, satellite details, time, and fire intensity.
Satellite Data Collection
- Satellites: Three NASA satellites (VIIRS on Suomi NPP, MODIS on Terra and Aqua) capture data by recording land surface temperatures.
- Coverage: These satellites pass over the Indian subcontinent twice daily, with varying times.
- Resolution: VIIRS offers higher resolution, while MODIS has coarser resolution.
- Data Use: Satellite data is used to differentiate farm fires from other types, such as forest fires or industrial fires.
Monitoring Protocols
- Standardization: In 2021, a standard protocol for monitoring farm fires using satellite data was established.
- Data Comparison: Comparative data is available from 2020 onwards.
- Punjab’s Data: The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre provides similar data specific to Punjab.
Identifying Paddy Fires
- Reflectance Signature: Paddy crop residue fires are distinguished based on the unique reflectance signature of paddy fields.
- Land Surface Temperature: Active fires are identified based on land surface temperature deviations from surrounding areas.
- Fire Intensity: Intensity, expressed as energy emitted per unit area per unit time, indicates the amount of residue burned.
Bulletin Dissemination
- Recipient Agencies: Bulletins are sent to central and state-level agencies, including the Commission for Air Quality Management, the Ministry of Agriculture, and state agriculture departments.
- Action Measures: Authorities use the data to identify hotspots and plan measures, such as machinery availability, to address farm fires.
- Targets: Some states, like Punjab and Haryana, set targets for reducing farm fire incidents based on satellite data.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CERT-In, RTI
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Centre has included the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005.
-
There are 26 other intelligence and security organisations established by the Central government such as the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, and National Technical Research Organisation that are exempt under RTI.
About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
|
Details |
| Nodal Agency |
Part of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Establishment |
Formed in 2004 under the Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B) |
| Inter-agency Coordination |
Works with NCIIPC (under NTRO and PMO) and NDMA (under Ministry of Home Affairs) |
| Functions |
Monitors cyber-attacks, issues security guidelines, liaises with national cybersecurity bodies |
| Recent Activities |
Hosted ‘Synergy’ exercise in 2022 with international participation |
| International Agreements |
MoUs with UK, Korea, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Uzbekistan; cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation |
| Notable Incidents |
Reported Android Jelly Bean flaw (2014), Chrome vulnerabilities (2020), WhatsApp vulnerability (2021); investigated AIIMS cyber-attack (2022) |
| Cyberattack Statistics (2021) |
Faced 11.5 million cyberattack incidents including attacks on infrastructure and government |
Back2Basics: Right to Information (RTI) Act
| Enactment |
June 15, 2005 |
| Objective |
Promote transparency and accountability |
| Applicability |
All public authorities at central, state, local levels |
| Scope |
Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc. |
| RTI Application |
Filed in writing with the concerned public authority |
| Response Time |
Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues) |
| Exemptions |
Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc.
Judiciary |
| Fees |
Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested |
| First Appellate Authority |
Filed if dissatisfied with the response |
| Second Appeal |
Filed with the relevant Information Commission |
| Whistleblower Protection |
Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption |
| Impact |
Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the global community has struggled to secure adequate funding for biodiversity conservation.
- However, on August 27, 2023, a significant step was taken as countries established the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF).
GBFF: A New Hope for Biodiversity Funding
- Inception: The GBFF was officially established on August 27, 2023, at the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.
- KMGBF Integration: The GBFF’s primary objective is to support countries in achieving the 23 targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Funding Needs: COP15 determined that at least $200 billion per year until 2030 is required to fund biodiversity protection programs worldwide.
| 1990: GEF launched with ~US$1 billion; 46% funds for biodiversity.
1996: GEF becomes financial mechanism for the Convention at COP3, Argentina.
2002: GEF’s 3rd replenishment: $3 billion, 30% for biodiversity (2002-06).
2010: COP10 in Japan sets Aichi targets; 5th GEF replenishment: $4.34 billion, $1.15 billion for biodiversity.
2014: GEF’s 6th cycle: $4.43 billion, 6.3% for biodiversity.
2019: IPBES report shows 1 million species at extinction risk.
2023: 7th GEF Assembly ratifies GBFF with $200 million seed capital; $1.92 billion for biodiversity in 8th cycle.
1992: CBD signed at Earth Summit, effective 1993; COP1 in Bahamas.
1998: First GEF Assembly in New Delhi; $418 million allocated for biodiversity.
2006: 4th GEF replenishment: $3.13 billion, 26% for biodiversity.
2012: COP11 in India; IPBES to assess biodiversity status.
2018: COP14 in Egypt assesses Aichi targets; GEF’s 7th cycle: $4.1 billion, 21.8% for biodiversity.
2022: COP15 in Montreal adopts Kunming-Montreal Framework; $200 billion/year needed, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund proposed. |
What makes GBFF unique?
- Diverse Funding Sources: Unlike the GEF, which relied on a limited number of donors, the GBFF will source funds from private, philanthropic, and government investments.
- GEF’s Role: The GEF will manage the GBFF, making it a more robust and versatile funding mechanism.
- Budget Allocation: The GBFF has a cumulative budget of $5.25 billion for 2022-26, with 36% allocated for biodiversity. The remaining funds are dedicated to projects addressing climate change, pollution, land, and ocean health.
- Enhanced Impact: Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, Chairperson of GEF, emphasizes the need not only for increased funds but also for strategic utilization to maximize impact.
- Multilateral Fund Potential: GBFF might receive contributions from a proposed multilateral fund generated from fees related to digital genetic sequence information, potentially generating over $15 billion annually.
Challenges Ahead
- Funding Gap Persists: Despite GBFF’s establishment, the financial gap for biodiversity conservation remains significant. In 2019, global spending on biodiversity conservation was far below the estimated need.
- Domestic Financing Struggles: Relying on domestic funds has been challenging, especially for developing countries.
- Long-Term Funding Concerns: The world faces a projected financing gap of $4.1 trillion for biodiversity by 2050, underscoring the need for sustainable funding mechanisms.
Importance of Domestic Funding
- Diverse Solutions: KMGBF’s Target 19 suggests various nature-based solutions such as payment for ecosystem services, green bonds, and benefit-sharing mechanisms to mobilize domestic funding.
- Challenges of Blended Finance: Blended financing, where public resources catalyze private investment, may not be an ideal solution and takes time to implement.
- Biodiversity Credits: Similar to carbon credits, biodiversity credits (biocredits) have gained popularity. They have the potential to generate the funds needed to meet KMGBF targets.
- Biocredits Challenges: Biocredits are in their infancy, and their implementation, including regulation, certification schemes, and policy systems, is still being discussed.
Challenges in Achieving KMGBF Targets
- Protecting 30% of Land and Waters: Achieving the 30×30 target faces challenges, considering existing protected areas’ effectiveness and the inclusion of OECMs (other effective area-based conservation measures).
- Data Gap: The effectiveness of existing protected areas is unclear due to limited available data.
- Debate over OECMs: OECMs are not fully understood, and there are concerns that they might be designated without proper evaluation.
Way forward
- Inclusion in KMGBF Targets: Indigenous peoples and local communities play a crucial role in conservation. KMGBF explicitly emphasizes the need to respect their rights in achieving targets.
- Funding Allocation: The GEF Assembly has allocated up to 20% of donor funds to support indigenous communities in conservation efforts.
- Capacity Building: To avoid human rights violations, there is a need for substantial investment in building the capacity of indigenous communities.
- Strict Norms: Stricter norms should ensure that biodiversity-rich areas are not diverted for other purposes, such as plantations, which cannot replace old-growth forests.
Conclusion
- The establishment of the GBFF represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing financial challenges in biodiversity conservation.
- However, challenges, such as securing adequate funds and ensuring equitable conservation practices, persist.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Justice Fathima Beevi
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India (also the first Muslim woman Judge of SC), passed away at the age of 96 in Kerala’s Kollam.
Who was Justice Fathima Beevi?
- Early life: Born in 1927, Justice Beevi was the eldest of eight children and came from a family where her father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, encouraged his daughters’ education despite societal norms.
- Decision for Law: Her father persuaded her to pursue law instead of post-graduation in Chemistry, inspired by the story of Anna Chandy, the first woman judicial officer in Travancore.
- Breaking Barriers: She made history by graduating in law in 1950, becoming the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council.
A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment
- Pioneering Achievement: Justice Fathima Beevi’s appointment as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court was a milestone in India’s legal history.
- Role Model: She became an icon of women’s empowerment, encouraging women to pursue careers in the legal field.
- Recognition for Kerala: Kerala gained recognition as the state that contributed the first female judge to the country through her appointment.
A Trailblazing Legal Career
- Junior Advocate: She began her legal career as a junior advocate at Kollam district court, facing resistance from orthodox elements due to her headscarf.
- Barrier Breaker: Despite initial challenges, Justice Beevi rose through the ranks, eventually joining the judicial service as a munsiff in 1958.
- Remarkable Achievements: She continued to break barriers, becoming the district sessions judge in 1974 and getting elected as a munsiff through a competitive exam.
Political Career
- Judicial Ascension: Justice Beevi’s journey continued as she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983, and later elevated to the Supreme Court in 1989.
- Champion of Equality: In the Supreme Court, she advocated for equality in significant verdicts, including cases related to reservation and constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state authority.
- Governor of Tamil Nadu: Justice Beevi served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001, making headlines for her role in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and political developments.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made a crucial recommendation to designate the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.
Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is situated in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- Geographic Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a 30.32 sq km expanse and was officially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the State.
- Unique Geography: The sanctuary includes the backwaters of Nugu dam on its western side and shares borders with Alaganchi State Forest, a part of Bandipur TR, on the southwest side.
- Flora and Fauna: Despite recovering from past degradation, the flora of Nugu shares similarities with Bandipur. The sanctuary supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, sloth bear, gaur, sambhar, chital, and four-horned antelope.
- Riverine Wildlife: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to two important riverine wildlife species: the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile, emphasizing its rich biodiversity.
Conservation Efforts
- Buffer Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and serves as a buffer area for Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
- Ecological Significance: This sanctuary offers an inviolate and ideal habitat for tigers and elephants, making it a prime candidate for Core/Critical Tiger Habitat status within Bandipur TR.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Space Station (ISS)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- This 20th November marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station (ISS), the largest man-made object in the solar system.
- Since its launch on November 20, 1998, the ISS has stood as a testament to the power of international cooperation and has space research.
About the International Space Station (ISS)
- Orbital Marvel: The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
- Speed: The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 kilometers per second.
- Size: Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
- Living Quarters: The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
- Solar Array and Wiring: Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 kilometers of electrical wiring.
Inception and Key Milestones
- Launch of Zarya: The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
- Unity Node 1: The U.S. added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
- 42 Assembly Flights: The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
- Continuous Habitation: Since its inception, the ISS has been continuously inhabited, hosting astronauts from various countries for groundbreaking research.
Key Activities
- Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct unique experiments, leading to significant discoveries.
- Spacewalks and Maintenance: Regular spacewalks are essential for station upgrades and repairs.
- Health Regimen: Astronauts follow strict routines to combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, providing valuable data for future space missions.
Scientific Contributions
- Medical Advances: Research on the ISS has enhanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
- Drug Development: Space research has expedited drug development processes.
- Technological Innovations: Innovations in water purification and food production have emerged from ISS experiments.
Future of the ISS
- Current Uncertainties: The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 casts doubt on the ISS’s future.
- Global Space Ambitions: Countries like Japan, China, and India are aiming for independent space capabilities.
- Continued Commitment: The US and Europe plan to support the ISS through 2030, with NASA focusing on lunar exploration and ESA developing the Starlab space station.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Materialism's Names in India
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.
Introduction to Materialism
- Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
- Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.
Origins of Materialism
- Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
- Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
- Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.
Materialism’s Names in India
- Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
- Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
- Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
- Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
- Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).
Materialist Ontology
- Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
- Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
- Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.
Ethics of Materialism
- Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
- Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
- Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
- Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.
Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell
- Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
- Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
- Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Southern Annular Mode (SAM)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a division under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has made a significant discovery regarding the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), a crucial climate pattern.
- Their research has revealed that SAM plays a pivotal role in influencing sea conditions across the Indian Ocean.
What is Southern Annular Mode (SAM)?
|
Description
|
| Idea behind |
- Mode of atmospheric variability representing north-south movement of the westerly wind belt around Antarctica.
- Also known as Antarctic Oscillation (AAO).
|
| Phases |
- Positive Phase: Wind belt contracts towards Antarctica.
- Negative Phase: Wind belt expands towards the equator.
|
| Impact on Weather Patterns |
- Influences temperature, rainfall, and storm intensity in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Causes difference in the zonal mean sea level pressure at 40°S (mid-latitudes) and 65°S (Antarctica).
|
| Influence on Indian Ocean |
Affects ocean currents and sea surface temperatures, impacting regional weather and marine life. |
| Climate Change Connection |
Trend towards more positive phases in recent decades, influenced by human-induced climate change. |
| Effect on Antarctic Ice |
Impacts Antarctic ice sheets and sea ice extent through changes in wind patterns. |
| Global Climate Interaction |
Interacts with other climate phenomena like ENSO. |
| Predictability and Variability |
Exhibits seasonal predictability and interannual variability, important for long-term forecasting. |
| Marine Ecosystems |
Affects marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, influencing productivity and species distribution. |
Role of Ocean Surface Waves
- Coastal Processes: Ocean surface waves are key players in shaping coastal processes, impacting shoreline erosion, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and recreational activities.
- Scientific Approach: The scientific team leveraged 40 years of data (1979 to 2018) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast.
Positive and Negative SAM Phases
- Positive SAM Phase: During a positive SAM phase, a cyclic pattern of warm sea surface temperature anomalies emerges, accompanied by strong winds that increase wave activity in the Indian Ocean. A new swell generation region along the east African coast contributes to heightened wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
- Negative SAM Phase: Conversely, during a negative SAM phase, the eastern tropical southern Indian Ocean becomes the primary region for generating swells, resulting in reduced wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
Significance of SAM
- Coastal Planning: Understanding SAM allows for better coastal planning, helping coastal communities prepare for the impact of changing sea conditions.
- Resource Management: SAM insights can aid in more efficient resource management, optimizing the utilization of marine resources.
- Disaster Preparedness: Knowledge of SAM patterns can enhance disaster preparedness efforts, enabling timely response to potential ocean-related disasters.
- Wave Predictions: The research contributes to improving wave predictions, offering advanced forecasting capabilities.
- Benefiting Stakeholders: Stakeholders in the blue economy, including shipping, maritime boards, and the oil industry, can optimize their multi-million-dollar operations at sea based on SAM insights.
Implications for Various Sectors
- Monsoon Season Impact: Typically, inland vessel operations and oil exploration activities face restrictions during the monsoon season.
- Fair Sea State Windows: Predicting SAM phases through the Ocean Forecasting System can identify “Fair Sea state windows” during monsoons.
- Impact on Blue Economy: These fair windows can be leveraged by oil and shipping industries, making a significant contribution to blue economy activities along the Indian coast
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sutlej River, Tantalum
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Researchers from IIT-Ropar have found the presence of tantalum in Punjab’s Soil in Sutlej River Basin.
- Although the source of tantalum in Sutlej is not clear yet. It could be due to movement of tectonic plates in the Himalayan region that is likely to contain the rare metal.
Sutlej River
- Origin: Starts from Lake Rakshastal in Tibet, near Mount Kailash.
- Length: About 1,500 kilometres (930 miles); Longest of the five rivers of Punjab.
- Path: Flows through Tibet, India (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab), and Pakistan.
- Tributaries: Major tributary includes the Beas River in India.
- Indus River System: Part of this system, joins the Chenab River in Pakistan.
- Economic Role: Crucial for irrigation, and hydroelectric power (e.g., Bhakra Nangal Dam).
- International River: Governed by treaties like the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.
|
About Tantalum
- A Rare and Valuable Metal: Tantalum, with the atomic number 73, is a rare metal crucial in electronics and semiconductors. It is a dense, hard, gray metal, known for being one of the most resistant to corrosion.
- Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Tantalum’s resistance to corrosion comes from its ability to form a protective oxide layer when exposed to air. This layer holds up even in very acidic environments.
- Flexible and Durable: Pure tantalum is ductile, meaning it can be stretched into thin wires without breaking. It resists chemical damage below 150°C but is vulnerable to hydrofluoric acid and certain other substances.
Historical Background
- Swedish Discovery: Tantalum was first identified by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekenberg in 1802 in Ytterby, Sweden. Initially, it was confused with niobium, a similar element.
- Differentiating Tantalum and Niobium: In 1866, Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac established that tantalum and niobium are distinct elements.
- Behind the name: The metal is named after Tantalus, a character from Greek mythology, known for his eternal punishment of being unable to reach the water and fruit around him. The name reflects the metal’s property of being ‘tantalizingly’ insoluble in acids.
Uses of Tantalum
- Tantalum capacitors are key in electronics, known for their ability to store a lot of electricity in a small space with minimal leakage. They’re used in smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
- High melting point makes tantalum a substitute for platinum in various industries, including chemical and nuclear plants, aerospace, and missile systems.
- Its non-reactive nature makes it perfect for surgical tools and implants, like artificial joints.
- Tantalum carbide, when mixed with graphite, forms one of the hardest materials, used to enhance the cutting edges of high-speed machine tools.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Risk Weights
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently raised risk weights for unsecured loans, including credit cards, consumer durable loans, and personal loans.
- Risk weights for bank lending to non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) serving this segment were increased to 125% from the existing 100%.
What are Risk Weights?
- Capital Implication: Every rupee lent by a bank has an impact on its capital position.
- Attribution to Risk: Risk weights are assigned to loans and assets based on their nature and associated risk.
- Capital Coverage: Banks must ensure that their capital is sufficient to cover these risk-weighted assets.
- Varying Risk Weights: Different asset classes have varying risk weights. For example, home loans may have risk weights ranging from 50% to 75%, while corporate loans are assigned 100% risk weight.
How does it impact Borrowers?
- Interest Rates: Lower risk weights result in lower interest rates for borrowers. This principle guides the pricing of loans.
- Examples: Home loans generally have lower interest rates due to their lower risk weights, while personal loans and credit cards carry higher interest rates due to their risk profile.
RBI Decision: Concerns about Consumer Loans
- Rising Share: Unsecured loans have seen rapid growth, constituting 10% of the banking system’s portfolio.
- Fastest-Growing Segment: This segment has been the fastest-growing in recent years.
- Unsecured Nature: Loans like consumer durable loans lack income-generating assets, making it challenging to ascertain borrowers’ true repayment capacity.
- Granular Nature: While small-ticket in nature, the significant growth in this segment has raised regulatory concerns.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/bl-explainer-what-rbis-increase-in-risk-weights-mean-to-the-borrower/article67554070.ece
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mosquitofish
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In recent months, Indian states such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have introduced mosquitofish to combat mosquito infestations.
- However, the unintended ecological consequences of introducing this invasive species have raised concerns.
Backgrounder: Vector Borne Diseases
- Global Mosquito-Borne Disease Prevalence: Mosquito-borne diseases affect over 150 countries and 500 million people worldwide.
- India’s Burden: India alone reports approximately 40 million cases of mosquito-borne diseases annually.
What is Mosquitofish?
- Introduction in the 1960s: In the 1960s, biological control methods were adopted to combat mosquitoes, including the introduction of mosquitofish (Gambusia species).
- Environmental Alternatives: These methods were considered environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides, which posed health and environmental risks.
- Global Proliferation: Mosquitofish, originally from the U.S., have now become widespread globally, adapting to various environments with adverse ecological impacts.
Mosquitofish in India
- Historical Introduction: In 1928, Gambusia was introduced in India during British rule, mainly for malaria control.
- Multiple Authorities Involved: Various governmental and private organizations, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), municipal corporations, and health departments, introduced mosquitofish across India.
Ecological Impact
- Invasive Alien Species: Mosquitofish are considered among the hundred most detrimental invasive alien species.
- Negative Effects: They prey on native fauna, leading to the extinction of native fish, amphibians, and freshwater communities.
- Examples from Other Countries: Australia and New Zealand have reported similar ecological harm due to introduced mosquitofish.
- WHO’s Stand: The World Health Organization stopped recommending Gambusia for mosquito control since 1982.
Current Situation and Recommendations
- Enforcement Measures: Stringent enforcement measures are essential to prevent further introduction of mosquitofish and mitigate past introductions’ consequences.
- Alternative Solutions: Collaboration between mosquito biologists, entomologists, invasion ecologists, and fish taxonomists is suggested to identify native fish species capable of controlling mosquito larvae.
- Local Solutions: Local alternatives should be favored over invasive species to preserve indigenous aquatic biodiversity and native species’ well-being.
- National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC): The NCVBDC should remove its recommendation for the use of Gambusia and Poecilia (guppy) fishes for mosquito control.
Conclusion
- India faces a pressing ecological challenge with the unintended consequences of mosquitofish introduction.
- To safeguard the environment and native species, stringent enforcement and local solutions should replace invasive species in mosquito control efforts.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- NASA is set to launch the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) to investigate how Earth’s weather influences Space weather.
What is AWE Mission?
- As part of NASA’s Heliophysics Explorers Program, the AWE mission aims to shed light on the interactions between Earth’s weather and Space weather.
- Mounted on the International Space Station (ISS), AWE will observe Earth’s airglow bands from an exceptional viewpoint.
- AWE will analyze airglow in the mesopause region (about 85-87 km above Earth) to understand AGW behavior and its influence on Space weather.
- The mission includes the Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (ATMT) to precisely map temperature variations in the mesopause, revealing airglow dynamics.
Space Weather Explained
- Space weather, much like Earth’s weather, is influenced by solar activities like flares and emissions, and it impacts the surrounding cosmic environment.
- Variations in Space weather can disrupt essential services on Earth, including satellite communications, GPS systems, and power grids.
- Interestingly, Earth’s own weather conditions also significantly affect Space weather, creating a complex interplay between our planet and the cosmos.
How do Atmospheric Gravity Waves (AGWs) impact space weather?
- Nature’s Oscillations: AGWs are similar to ripples caused by a stone thrown into a pond. They are vertical waves generated by sudden atmospheric changes or extreme weather, causing air to move up and down.
- Various Sources: AGWs originate from events like thunderstorms and hurricanes, and they travel from the lower atmosphere to Space, influencing Space weather.
- Thriving in Stability: AGWs are most prominent in stable atmospheric conditions, where they create wave-like patterns due to temperature differences in rising air.
- Vital Atmospheric Profiling: To fully understand AGWs and their impact on terrestrial and Space weather, detailed data on the atmosphere’s vertical profile is essential.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Eclipses
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- While Eclipses are intriguing, one might wonder why eclipses do not occur with every new and full moon.
What are Eclipses?
- Eclipses are astronomical events that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in specific ways.
- There are two primary types of eclipses: solar and lunar.
- A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth during a new moon, blocking out the sun’s light.
- Conversely, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon during a full moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
Visit this page to read more about Eclipses:
What are Eclipses?
Why is there no eclipse every full and new moon?
Ans. Moon’s Unique Orbit
- Moon’s Path: The moon orbits around Earth, completing one orbit roughly every month.
- Ecliptic Plane: In an ideal scenario, if the moon’s orbit matched Earth’s orbital plane, called the ecliptic, we would witness a solar eclipse during every new moon and a lunar eclipse during every full moon.
- Moon’s Inclination: However, the moon’s orbit is inclined at an angle of about 5 degrees to Earth’s orbital plane, causing irregular eclipse patterns.
Role of Lunar Nodes
- Lunar Nodes: The moon’s orbit intersects Earth’s orbital plane at specific points known as nodes, categorized as ascending or descending nodes depending on the moon’s orbital direction.
- Eclipse Occurrence: Eclipses happen when a full or new moon closely aligns with one of these nodes, ensuring the sun, moon, and Earth are in alignment.
Eclipse Pairs and Seasons
- Eclipse Pairs: Solar and lunar eclipses typically occur in pairs, with one following the other within a two-week period.
- Eclipse Seasons: Eclipse seasons, lasting around 34 to 35 days, usually feature two eclipses – one solar and one lunar. Occasionally, three eclipses may occur in a single season.
- Frequency: Contrary to common perception, there are more eclipses than expected, with the 21st century witnessing 224 solar eclipses and 230 lunar eclipses.
Understanding the Lunar Nodes and Eclipses
- Eclipse Seasons: Eclipse seasons take place approximately every 173 days when the lunar nodes precisely align with the Earth and the sun.
- Moon’s Progression: The moon’s phases shift about 30 degrees along the zodiac every month concerning the nodes.
- Future Eclipses: After a pair of eclipses, the next pair usually occurs nearly 6 calendar months later.
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