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  • National Parks, Biosphere Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries in India

    17th May 2021
     

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  • Laws Related To Environment Conservantion In India

     
    15th May 2021

    1.Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981

    • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 an Act of the Parliament of India to control and prevent air pollution in India
    • It was amended in 1987
    • The Government passed this Act in 1981 to clean up our air by controlling pollution.
    • It states that sources of air pollution such as industry, vehicles, power plants, etc., are not permitted to release particulate matter, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other toxic substances beyond a prescribed level

    Key Features

    The Act specifically empowers State Government to designate air pollution areas and to prescribe the type of fuel to be used in these designated areas.

    According to this Act, no person can operate certain types of industries including the asbestos, cement, fertilizer and petroleum industries without consent of the State Board.

    The main objectives of the Act are as follows:

    (a) To provide for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution

    (b) To provide for the establishment of central and State Boards with a view to implement the Act(Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board)

    (c) To confer on the Boards the powers to implement the provisions of the Act and assign to the Boards functions relating to pollution

     

    2.Environmental (Protection) Act of 1986

    • Environment Protection Act, 1986 is an Act of the Parliament of India
    • In the wake of the Bhopal Tragedy, the Government of India enacted the Environment Protection Act of 1986 under Article 253 of the Constitution
    • Passed in March 1986, it came into force on 19 November 1986
    • The Act is an “umbrella” for legislations designed to provide a framework for Central Government, coordination of the activities of various central and state authorities established under previous Acts, such as the Water Act and the Air Act.
    • In this Act, main emphasis is given to “Environment”, defined to include water, air and land and the inter-relationships which exist among water, air and land and human beings and other

    Objective of the Act

    The purpose of the Act is to implement the decisions of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment of 1972, in so far as they relate to the protection and improvement of the human environment and the prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property.

     

    3.The Ozone Depleting Substances (Regulation and Control) Rules, 17 July 2000

    The rules are framed under the jurisdiction of Environment (Protection) Act.

    Objectives and Key Features

    • These Rules set the deadlines for phasing out of various ODSs, besides regulating production, trade import and export of ODSs and the product containing ODS.
    • These Rules prohibit the use of CFCs in manufacturing various products beyond 1st January 2003 except in metered dose inhaler and for other medical purposes.
    • Similarly, use of halons is prohibited after 1st January 2001 except for essential use.
    • Other ODSs such as carbon tetrachloride and methylchoroform and CFC for metered dose inhalers can be used upto 1st January 2010.
    • Since HCFCs are used as interim substitute to replace CFC, these are allowed up to 1st January 2040.

     

    4.The Energy Conservation Act of 2001

    As a step towards improving energy efficiency, the Government of India has enacted the Energy Conservation Act in 2001.

    Objective

    The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 is the most important multi-sectoral legislation in India and is intended to promote efficient use of energy in India.

    Key Features

    The Act specifies energy consumption standards for equipment and appliances, prescribes energy consumption norms and standards for consumers, prescribes energy conservation building codes for commercial buildings and establishes a compliance mechanism for energy consumption norms and standards.

     

    5.Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

    • In order to implement the various provisions of the EC Act, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was operationalised with effect from 1st March, 2002. The EC Act provides a legal framework for energy efficiency initiatives in the country. The Act has mandatory as well as promotional initiatives.
    • The Bureau is spearheading the task of improving the energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy through the regulatory and promotional mechanism. The primary objective of BEE is to reduce energy intensity in the Indian economy.
    • This is to be demonstrated by providing policy framework as well as through public-private partnership.

     

    6.Forest Conservation Act of 1980

    Background

    First Forest Act was enacted in 1927.

    Alarmed at India’s rapid deforestation and resulting environmental degradation, Centre Government enacted the Forest (Conservation) Act in1980.

    Objective

    It was enacted to consolidate the law related to forest, the transit of forest produce and the duty livable on timber and other forest produce.

    Key Features

    • Under the provisions of this Act, prior approval of the Central Government is required for diversion of forestlands for non-forest purposes.
    • Forest officers and their staff administer the Forest Act.
    • An Advisory Committee constituted under the Act advises the Centre on these approvals.
    • The Act deals with the four categories of the forests, namely reserved forests, village forests, protected forests and private forests.

     

    7.The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

    Background

    During the Rio de Janeiro summit of United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in June 1992, India vowed the participating states to provide judicial and administrative remedies for the victims of the pollutants and other environmental damage.

    Key Features

    It was enacted under India’s constitutional provision of Article 21, which assures the citizens of India the right to a healthy environment.

    The specialized architecture of the NGT will facilitate fast track resolution of environmental cases and provide a boost to the implementation of many sustainable development measures.

    NGT is mandated to dispose the cases within six months of their respective appeals.

    Enabling Provision

    It is an Act of the Parliament of India which enable the creation of NGT to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues.

    Members

    The sanctioned strength of the tribunal is currently 10 expert members and 10 judicial members although the act allows for up to 20 of each.

    The Chairman of the tribunal who is the administrative head of the tribunal also serves as a judicial member.

    Every bench of the tribunal must consist of at least one expert member and one judicial member.

    The Chairman of the tribunal is required to be a serving or retired Chief Justice of a High Court or a judge of the Supreme Court of India.

    Jurisdiction

    The Tribunal has Original Jurisdiction on matters of “substantial question relating to environment” (i.e. a community at large is affected, damage to public health at broader level) & “damage to environment due to specific activity” (such as pollution).

    The term “substantial” is not clearly defined in the act.

     

    8.The Coastal Regulation Zone Notifications

    Background

    The coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and back waters which are influenced by tidal action are declared “Coastal Regulation Zone” (CRZ) in 1991.

    CRZ notifications

    India has created institutional mechanisms such as National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) and State Coastal Zone Management Authority (SCZMA) for enforcement and monitoring of the CRZ Notification.

    These authorities have been delegated powers under Section 5 of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 to take various measures for protecting and improving the quality of the coastal environment and preventing, abating and controlling environmental pollution in coastal areas.

    Key Features

    Under this coastal areas have been classified as CRZ-1, CRZ-2, CRZ-3, CRZ-4. And the same they retained for CRZ in 2003 notifications as well.

    CRZ-1: these are ecologically sensitive areas these are essential in maintaining the ecosystem of the coast. They lie between low and high tide line. Exploration of natural gas and extraction of salt are permitted

    CRZ-2: these areas form up to the shoreline of the coast. Unauthorised structures are not allowed to construct in this zone.

    CRZ-3: rural and urban localities which fall outside the 1 and 2. Only certain activities related to agriculture even some public facilities are allowed in this zone

    CRZ-4: this lies in the aquatic area up to territorial limits. Fishing and allied activities are permitted in this zone. Solid waste should be let off in this zone.

     

    9.Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

    Background

    In 1972, Parliament enacted the Wild Life Act (Protection) Act.

    Objective

    The Wild Life Act provides for

    1. state wildlife advisory boards,
    2. regulations for hunting wild animals and birds,
    3. establishment of sanctuaries and national parks, tiger reserves
    4. regulations for trade in wild animals, animal products and trophies, and
    5. judicially imposed penalties for violating the Act.

    Key Features

    • Harming endangered species listed in Schedule 1 of the Act is prohibited throughout India.
    • Hunting species, like those requiring special protection (Schedule II), big game (Schedule III), and small game (Schedule IV), is regulated through licensing.
    • A few species classified as vermin (Schedule V), may be hunted without restrictions.
    • Wildlife wardens and their staff administer the act.
    • An amendment to the Act in 1982, introduced a provision permitting the capture and transportation of wild animals for the scientific management of animal population.

     

    10.Biological Diversity Act, 2002

    Background

    The Biological Diversity Bill was introduced in the Parliament in 2000 and was passed in 2002.

    Objective:

    India’s richness in biological resources and indigenous knowledge relating to them is well recognized

    The legislation aims at regulating access to biological resources so as to ensure equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use

    Key Features

    • The main intent of this legislation is to protect India’s rich biodiversity and associated knowledge against their use by foreign individuals and organizations without sharing the benefits arising out of such use, and to check biopiracy.
    • This bill seeks to check biopiracy, protect biological diversity and local growers through a three-tier structure of central and state boards and local committees.
    • The Act provides for setting up of a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in local bodies. The NBA will enjoy the power of a civil court.
    • BMCs promote conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biodiversity.
    • NBA and SBB are required to consult BMCs in decisions relating to use of biological resources.
    • All foreign nationals or organizations require prior approval of NBA for obtaining biological resources and associated knowledge for any use.
    • Indian individuals/entities require approval of NBA for transferring results of research with respect to any biological resources to foreign nationals/organizations.

    11.Recycled Plastics Manufacture and Usage Rules, 1999

    Objective

    A rule notified in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (viii) of Sub Section (2) of Section 3 read with Section 25 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) with the objective to regulate the manufacture and use of recycled plastics, carry bags and containers;

    Key Features

    1. Thickness of the carry bags made of virgin plastics or recycled plastics shall not be less than 20 microns.
    2. Carry bags and containers made of virgin plastic shall be in natural shade or white.
    3. Carry bags and containers made of recycled plastic and used for purposes other than storing and packaging food stuffs shall be manufactured using pigments and colorants as per IS:9833:1981 entitled “List of Pigments and Colorants” for use in Plastics in contact with food stuffs, pharmaceuticals and drinking water.
    4. Recycling of plastics shall be under taken strictly in accordance with the Bureau of Indian Standards specifications IS:14534:1988 entitled “The Guidelines for Recycling of Plastics”.

     


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  • Important Rebellion

     
    14th May 2021

    Important Rebellions

    Causes of the rebellions

    • After seizing the power and starting their rule the British caused dislocation in ways Indian were used to. The areas in which the change was felt the most were viz. economy, administration and land revenue system.
    • The British rule which adversely affected the interests of all sections of society had intensified the land revenue. The only interest of the company was the realization of maximum revenue with minimum effort. Consequently, settlements were hurriedly undertaken, often without any regard for the resources of the land.
    • Traditional landed aristocracy suffered no less. Their estates were confiscated and they suddenly found themselves without a source of income, unable to work, ashamed to beg, condemned to penury.
    • British rule also meant misery to artisans and handicraftsmen. The annexation of Indian states by the Company cut off their major source of patronage. Also, the British policy discouraged Indian handicraft and promoted British goods.
    • The new courts and legal system gave a further fillip to the dispossessors of land and encouraged the rich to oppress the poor. Flogging, torture and jailing of the cultivators for arrears of rent or land revenue or interest on debt were quite common. The ordinary people were also hard hit by the prevalence of corruption at the lower levels of the police, judiciary and general administration.

    Sanyasi Uprising, Bengal- (1770-1820s)

    • At least three separate events are called the Sannyasi Rebellion. One refers to a large body of Hindu sannyasis who travelled from North India to different parts of Bengal to visit shrines. En route to the shrines, it was customary for many of these ascetics to exact a religious tax from the headmen and zamindars or regional landlords
    • However, since the East India Company had received the Diwani or right to collect the tax, many of the tax demands increased and the local landlords and headmen were unable to pay both the ascetics and the English.
    • The other two movements involved a sect of Hindu ascetics, the Dasnami naga sannyasis who likewise visited Bengal on pilgrimage mixed with moneylending opportunities.
    • To the British, these ascetics were looters and must be stopped from collecting money that belonged to the Company and possibly from even entering the province. It was felt that a large body of people on the move was a possible threat.
    • The sanyasis retaliated by organising raids on the Company’s factories and state treasuries. Only after prolonged military action could Warren Hastings contain the raids by the sanyasis.

    Chuar uprising

    • Towards the end of the 18th century, certain portions of the district around Raipur was affected by the Chuar rebellion.
    • The leader of the rebels was Durjan Singha, a former zamindar of Raipur. He had a following of about 1,500 men and created havoc in certain areas.
    • The uprising lasted from 1766 to 1772 and then, again surfaced between 1795 and 1816.

    Moplah Rebellions, Malabar (1835-1921)

    • The Moplah rebellions of Malabar, South India, were not only directed against British but also the Hindu Landlords.
    • The relations of the Arabs traders with the Malayali society can be traced back to the ninth century. The traders helped the local Hindu chieftains and were granted concessions.
    • Many of the Arab traders settled in Malabar marrying mostly Nayar and Tiyar women, and the subsequent descendants came to be known as Moplahs.
    • In the traditional Malabar land system, the Jenmi held land by birthright and were mostly highcaste Hindus, and let it out to others for cultivation.
    • The other main sections of the Malabar society were the Kanamdar, who were mostly Moplahs, the verumpattamdar (cultivators) and agricultural labourers. The peasants were mostly the Muslim Moplahs.
    • The land was given by the ruling raja to Namboodiri Brahmins whose obligation was to look after the temple and related institutions, and to the chieftains (mostly Nayars), who provided martial aid when needed.
    • Traditionally, the net produce of the land was shared equally between the three.
    • But during the reign of Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan, Namboodiri Brahmins and Nayar Chiefs fled and the subsequent vacuum was filled by the Moplahs.
    • The conflict arose when after Malabar’s cession to the British in 1792 and the return of the exiled Namboodiri Brahmins and Nayars, the government re-established and acknowledged their landlord rights.
    • The British by recognizing the Jenmis as the absolute owners of the land gave them the right to evict the tenants at will.
    • This reduced the other two to the status of tenants and leaseholders.
    • The courts and the law officers sided with the Jenmis. Once the Jenmi landlords, who had the backing of the revenue officials, the law court and the police started tightening their hold and demands on the subordinate classes, the Moplah peasantry rose up in revolt.
    • The first outbreak occurred in 1836 and during the period of 1834-54, there were 22 uprisings, with the ones in 1841 and 1849 being quite serious.
    • The second phase of the revolt was recorded in 1882-85, while another spate of outburst in 1876 was also there.

    Poligar Rebellions, Kurnool (1799-1805)

    • The Poligars of Dindigal and Malabar rose up against the oppressive land revenue system under the British during 1801-06.
    • The sporadic rising of the Poligars in Madras Presidency continued till 1856.
    • In September 1799, in the first Polygar War, the poligars of Tirunelveli District rose up in open rebellion.
    • Kattabomma Nayak of Panchalamkurichi was considered as the main leader of the rebellion. Though he managed to escape initially, he was later captured in Pudukottai, and publicly hanged in front of other Polygars as a warning.
    • The Second Polygar war of 1800-01, given the magnitude of participation, is also known as the “South Indian Rebellion”.
    • The rebellion broke out when a band of Polygar armies bombed the British barracks in Coimbatore.
    • The suppression was followed by signing of the Carnatic Treaty on July 31, 1801, whereby the British assumed direct control over Tamil Nadu.
    • The Polygar system, which had flourished for two and half centuries, came to a violent end and the company introduced the Zamindari settlement in its place.

    Ramosi Risings (1822, 1825-26)

    • The Ramosis, the hill tribes of the Western Ghats, had not reconciled to British rule and the British pattern of administration.
    • They rose under Chittur Singh in 1822 and plundered the country around Satara. Again, there were eruptions in 1825-26 and the disturbances continued till 1829.
    • The disturbance occurred again in 1839 over deposition and banishment of Raja Pratap Singh of Satara, and disturbances erupted in 1840-41 also. Finally, a superior British force restored order in the area.

    Kolhapur and Savantvadi Revolts (1844)

    • The Gadkaris were a hereditary military class which was garrisoned in the Maratha forts.
    • These garrisons were disbanded during an administrative reorganisation in Kolhapur state after 1844. Facing the spectre of unemployment, the Gadkaris rose in revolt and occupied the Samangarh and Bhudargarh forts.
    • Similarly, the simmering discontent caused a revolt in Savantvadi areas.
    • A number of Sawantwadi rebels were tried for treason and sentenced to various terms of imprisonment.
    • Ultimately, after the imposition of martial law and meting out brutal punishment to the rebels, the order could be restored in Sawantwadi region.

    Santhal Rebellion

    • The Santhals of Rajmahal Hills resented the oppression by revenue officials, police, money-lenders, landlords—in general, by the “outsiders’ (whom they called diku).
    • The Santhals under Sido and Kanhu rose up against their oppressors, declared the end of the Company’s rule and asserted themselves independent in 1854.
    • It was only in 1856 after extensive military operations that the situation was brought under control. Sido died in 1855, while Kanhu was arrested in 1866.
    • A separate district of Santhal Parganas was created by the Government to pacify the Santhals.

    Khond Uprising

    • The Khonds lived in vast hill tracts stretching from Tamil-nadu to Bengal, covering central provinces, and in virtual independence due to the inaccessible mountainous terrain.
    • Their uprisings from 1837 to 1856 were directed against the British, in which the tribals of Ghumsar, china-ki-medi, Kalahandi and Patna actively participated.
    • The movement was led by Chakra Bisoi in the name of the young Raja.
    • The main issue was the attempt by the government to suppress human sacrifice (Mariah), the introduction of new taxes by the British and the influx of Zamindars and sahookars (money-lenders) into their areas which was causing the tribals untold misery.
    • The British formed a Maria agency, against which the Khonds fought with Tangi, a king of battle-axe, bows-arrows and even swords.
    • Latter Savaras and some local militia clans also joined in, led by Radha Krishna Dand Sena. Chakra Bisoi disappeared in 1855 after which the movement petered out.

    Early Munda Uprising (1789-1832)

    • In the period of 1789-1832, the Munda rose up in rebellion seven times against the landlords, dikhus, money-lenders and the British, who instead of protesting them sided with the oppressors.
    • In the post-1857 period with a hope of a better future, many Mundas turned to the Evangelical Lutheran mission, which was overseeing mission work in Chhotanagpur.
    • However, many apostates became more militant and broke away, spearheading the cause of seeking redressal of their grievances once they realized that the missionaries could not provide the solution to them.
    • Their movement identified as ‘sardariladai’ or ‘war of the leaders’ was fought with the aim of expelling dikhus; and restoration of the Munda domination over their homeland.
    • The tribal chiefs rose up against the erosion of Khuntkatti System or Joint tenures.
    • While it failed it did not peter out but remained dormant and in need of a charismatic leader. It was given a new life by Birsa Munda in 1899.

    Bhils and Kolis Uprisings:

    • The Bhils were concentrated in the hill ranges of Khandesh in the previous Maratha territory. The British occupation of this region in 1818 brought in the outsiders and accompanying dislocations in their community life.
    • A general Bhil insurrection in 1817-19 was crushed by the British Military forces and though some conciliatory measures were taken to pacify them, they again revolted under the leadership of Seva Ram in 1825 and the situation remained unsettled until 1831 when the Ramosi Leader Umaji Raje of Purandhar was finally captured and executed.
    • Minor revolts again took place in 1836 and 1846 as well.
    • The Bhils’ local rivals for power, the Kolis of Ahmednagar district, also challenged the British in 1829 but were quickly subdued by a large army contingent.
    • The seeds of rebellion, however, persisted, to erupt again in 1844-46, when a local Koli leader successfully defied the British government for two years.

    Prelims Spotlight is a part of “Nikaalo Prelims 2020” module. This open crash course for Prelims 2020 has a private telegram group where PDFs and DDS (Daily Doubt Sessions) are being held. Please click here to register.

    Important List

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  • (3 pm,today) Webinar by Sudhanshu sir | How to crack UPSC IAS exam in the very first attempt?

    (3 pm,today) Webinar by Sudhanshu sir | How to crack UPSC IAS exam in the very first attempt?

    Register here for the webinar (click here)

    Those who have registered will get the Zoom link at 2 pm.


    Webinar Date: 16th May 2021

    Timings: 3 PM

    As complicated as it may appear, the UPSC Civil services exam is more about carrying nerves. It’s also about maintaining discipline for the time being and till you succeed. Nor the subjects are esoteric or unheard of. But the character for one to be able to sacrifice the beauty called life and family is rare. Your stay in the game with the zeal to come out winning is very important.

    Philosophy aside, but keeping the practical elements in mind, let’s dig a little deeper.  Also, find out what it takes for one to jump that threshold and what our toppers have said. Why have they not been able to clear earlier and what changes they made to succeed?. These are the most sought-after info and are available on the internet. But from an individual’s perspective, one can not ignore his/her inconclusiveness due to lack of a distinct plan or direction.

    Hence, we are coming up with an open session. To counter myths and give some facts which will help you see the light on the other side of the tunnel about the exam.

    In this open session, we are going to give a clear insight which is important for one to save time, energy, and effort. Which might otherwise be getting wasted in the wrong direction? This is important because for an individual the first year is the year with maximum energy, expectation from self, go-getter attitude, etc..

    Register here for the webinar (click here)

    We tend to get lost in the sea of advice and sources of studies. To save one from such torrents of information, it’s sometimes said that we need to better know “what not to follow than what to follow”.

    Anyways such hypotheses aside, your time in this open session is going to be full of interaction. Some previous year aspirants are also expected to be present. We do expect that all your confusion about the exam will get clear.

    Attendees can expect some takeaways too in the form of softcopies relevant to the exam. They will be available to you via email once you have done the registration for the open session.

    In this webinar, Sudhanshu Mishra, Core-Faculty@Civilsdaily will give you an overview:

    – What UPSC expects out of you?

    – Avoiding Mistakes which can cost you an attempt?

    – What to do to master the IAS-Exam?

    – How to clear the exam -Step-by-Step learning plan?

    – An interactive Q&A session with an experienced audience?

    – How to clear the exam in the very first attempt?

    – Important Civilsdaily softcopies takeaway for exam preparation.

    A quick bit about Sudhanshu Sir :

    Sudhanshu Sir has firsthand experience of 3 mains and two interviews of UPSC. He has served in the defence ministry for 10 years with keen interests in regional and global geopolitics and has ample experience of various other competitive exams as well. 

    Register here for the webinar (click here)

  • Important reports and Indices

     
    13th May 2021

    Category

    Name of the report

    Published by

             




            Global Economy

    Asian Development Outlook

    Asian Development Bank



    World Economic Outlook

    International Monetary Fund

    Global Economic Prospects

    World Bank













              Development

    World Development Report

    IBRD (World Bank)

    Ease of Doing Business

    IBRD (World Bank)

    Industrial Development Report



    UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization)



    World Investment Report

    UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development)



    Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report

    WEF (World Economic Forum)

    World Cities Report

    UN-Habitat



    Logistics Performance Index

    World Bank





    Global Financial System

    Global Financial Stability Report

    International Monetary Fund

    Global Financial System Report

    BIS (Bank for International Settlements)



    Global Money Laundering Report



    FATF (Financial Action Task Force)









               Environment

    India State of Forest Report

    Forest Survey of India

    Actions on Air Quality

    UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)

    Global Environment Outlook

    UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme)



    The Rise of Environmental Crime

    UNEP & INTERPOL

    Global Assessment Report

    UNISDR (United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction)

    The Living Planet Report

    WWF (World Wildlife Fund)

     












    Technology and Energy Security

    Technical Cooperation Report



    `IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)

    Nuclear Technology Review



    IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)

    Safety Reports

    ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)

    Global Innovation Index

    Cornell University INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)



    World Energy Outlook (WEO)

    International Energy Agency



    Southeast Asia Energy Outlook

    International Energy Agency

    OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report

    OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries )

    World Oil Outlook

    OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)



    World Intellectual Property Report (WIPR)

    WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization)



    Global Information Technology Report

    WEF (World Economic Forum)

    The Energy Report

    WWF (World Wildlife Fund)



















        Social development

    Global Wage Report

    ILO (International Labour Organization)

    World Social Protection Report

    ILO (International Labour Organization)

    Global Hunger Index

    Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide

    World Happiness Report

    Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN)



    Global Corruption Report (GCR)



    Transparency International

    Levels and Trends in Child Mortality Report

    UN Inter-agency Group

    The State of the World’s Children reports

    UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund )

    Report on Regular Resources

    UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund )

    The Global Report

    UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).



    State of the World Population

    UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund)

    Global education monitoring Report

    UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)



    Human Capital Report 2016

    World Economic Forum










            Security Issues

    World Wildlife Crime Report

    UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)



    World Drug Report



    UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

    Global Report on Trafficking in Persons

    UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime)

    Reports on Counterfeiting and Organized Crime



    UNICRI (United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute)



    Global Money Laundering Report

    FATF (Financial Action Task Force)

     


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  • Government Bodies Related to Environment in India/Important Declarations, Conventions, Protocols Regarding UNFCCC COPs

     
    7th Apr 2022

    Government Bodies Related To Environment

    Central Pollution Control Board

    Established: It was established in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.

    Objective: To provide technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    Key Functions:

    • Advise the Central Government on any matter concerning prevention and control of water and air pollution and improvement of the quality of air.
    • Plan and cause to be executed a nation-wide programme for the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution
    • Coordinate the activities of the State Board and resolve disputes among them
    • Provide technical assistance and guidance to the State Boards, carry out and sponsor investigation and research relating to problems of water and air pollution, and for their prevention, control or abatement
    • Plan and organise training of persons engaged in the programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution
    • Organise through mass media, a comprehensive mass awareness programme on the prevention, control or abatement of water and air pollution
    • Collect, compile and publish technical and statistical data relating to water and air pollution and the measures devised for their effective prevention, control or abatement;
    • Prepare manualscodes and guidelines relating to treatment and disposal of sewage and trade effluents as well as for stack gas cleaning devices, stacks and ducts;
    • Disseminate information in respect of matters relating to water and air pollution and their prevention and control
    • Lay downmodify or annul, in consultation with the State Governments concerned, the standards for stream or well, and lay down standards for the quality of air.
    • Perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the Government of India.

    National Biodiversity Authority

    Established When: It is a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India established in 2003, after India signed Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992

    Headquarter: Chennai

    The objective of the body: Implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002

    Key Functions:

    It acts as a facilitating, regulating and advisory body to the Government of India “on issues of conservation, sustainable use of biological resources and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of biological resources.”

    Additionally, it advises State Governments in identifying the areas of biodiversity importance (biodiversity hotspots) as heritage sites.

     

    National Tiger conservation authority

    Established: It was established in December 2005 following a recommendation of the Tiger Task Force, constituted by the Prime Minister of India for reorganised management of Project Tiger and the many Tiger Reserves in India.

    Headquarter: Delhi

    Objective:

    • Providing statutory authority to Project Tiger so that compliance of its directives become legal.
    • Fostering accountability of Center-State in management of Tiger Reserves, by providing a basis for MoU with States within our federal structure.
    • Providing for oversight by Parliament.
    • Addressing livelihood interests of local people in areas surrounding Tiger Reserves.

    Key Functions:

    • to approve the tiger conservation plan prepared by the State Government under sub-section (3) of section 38V of this Act
    • evaluate and assess various aspects of sustainable ecology and disallow any ecologically unsustainable land use such as mining, industry and other projects within the tiger reserves;
    • provide for management focus and measures for addressing conflicts of  men and wild animal and to emphasize on co-existence in forest areas outside the National Parks, sanctuaries or tiger reserve, in the working plan code
    • provide information on protection measures including future conservation plan, estimation of population of tiger and its natural prey species, the status of habitats, disease surveillance, mortality survey, patrolling, reports on untoward happenings and such other management aspects as it may deem fit including future plan conservation
    • ensure critical support including scientific, information technology and legal support for better implementation of the tiger conservation plan
    • facilitate ongoing capacity building programme for skill development of officers and staff of tiger reserves.

    Animal Welfare Board of India

    Established When: It was established in 1962 under Section 4 of The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960.

    Headquarter: Ballabhgarh

    Objective: To advise Government on Animal Welfare Laws and promotes animal welfare in the country.

    Key Functions:

    • Recognition of Animal Welfare Organisations: The Board oversees Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs) by granting recognition to them if they meet its guidelines. The organisation must submit paperwork; agree to nominate a representative of the Animal Welfare Board of India on its Executive Committee, and to submit to regular inspections. After meeting the requirements and inspection, the organisation is considered for grant of recognition.
    • The AWBI also appoints key people to the positions of (Hon) Animal Welfare Officers, who serve as the key point of contact between the people, the government and law enforcement agencies.
    • Financial assistance: The Board provides financial assistance to recognised Animal Welfare Organisations (AWOs), who submit applications to the Board. Categories of grants include Regular Grant, Cattle Rescue Grant, Provision of Shelter House for looking after the Animals, Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, Provision of Ambulance for the animals in distress and Natural Calamity grant.
    • Animal welfare laws and Rules: The Board suggests changes to laws and rules about animal welfare issues. In 2011, a new draft Animal Welfare Act was published for comment. Guidance is also offered to organisations and officials such as the police to help them interpret and apply the laws.
    • Raising awareness: The Board issues publications to raise awareness of various animal welfare issues. The Board’s Education Team gives talks on animal welfare subjects, and trains members of the community to be Board Certified Animal Welfare Educators.

    Forest Survey of India

    Established When:  It is a government organization in India under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for conducting forest surveys and studies. The organization came into being in, 1981.

    Headquarter: Dehradun, Uttarakhand

    Objective

    The objective of the organization is monitoring periodically the changing situation of land and forest resources and present the data for national planningconservation and management of environmental preservation and implementation of social forestry projects.

    Key Functions

    • The Functions of the Forest Survey of India are:
    • To prepare State of Forest Report biennially, providing an assessment of the latest forest cover in the country and monitoring changes in these.
    • To conduct an inventory in forest and non-forest areas and develop a database on forest tree resources.
    • To prepare thematic maps on 1:50,000 scale, using aerial photographs.
    • To function as a nodal agency for collection, compilation, storage and dissemination of spatial database on forest resources.
    • To conduct training of forestry personnel in the application of technologies related to resources survey, remote sensing, GIS, etc.
    • To strengthen research & development infrastructure in FSI and to conduct research on applied forest survey techniques.
    • To support State/UT Forest Departments (SFD) in forest resources survey, mapping and inventory.
    • To undertake forestry-related special studies/consultancies and custom made training courses for SFD’s and other organizations on a project basis.

    Forest Survey of India assesses forest cover of the country every 2 years by digital interpretation of remote sensing satellite data and publishes the results in a biennial report called ‘State of Forest Report'(SFR).

    Central Zoo Authority of India

    Established: It was established in 1992 and constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) Act.

    Headquarter: Delhi

    Objective 

    The main objective of the authority is to complement the national effort in the conservation of wildlife.

    Standards and norms for housing, upkeep, health care and overall management of animals in zoos have been laid down under the Recognition of Zoo Rules, 1992.   

    Key Functions

    • Since its inception in 1992, the Authority has evaluated 513 zoos, out of which 167 have been recognized and 346 refused recognition.
    • The Authority’s role is more of a facilitator than a regulator.  It, therefore, provides technical and financial assistance to such zoos which have the potential to attain the desired standard in animal management. Only such captive facilities which have neither the managerial skills nor the requisite resources are asked to close down.
    • Apart from the primary function of the grant of recognition and release of financial assistance, the Central Zoo Authority also regulates the exchange of animals of the endangered category listed under Schedule-I and II of the Wildlife (Protection Act) among zoos.  
    • Exchange of animals between Indian and foreign zoos is also approved by the Authority before the requisite clearances under EXIM Policy and the CITES permits are issued by the competent authority.  
    • The Authority also coordinates and implements programmes on capacity building of zoo personnel, planned conservation breeding programmes and ex-situ research including biotechnological intervention for the conservation of species for complementing in-situ conservation efforts in the country.

     

    Major UN climate negotiations under UNFCCC- Timeline

    1992—

    The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was adopted and opened for signatures in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the UN Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Earth Summit.

    154 signatories to the UNFCCC agreed to stabilize “greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate system.”

    The treaty is not legally binding because it sets no mandatory limits on GHG emissions. Instead, the treaty provides for future negotiations to set emissions limits. The first principal revision is the Kyoto Protocol.

    1994—

    The UNFCCC Treaty entered into force after receiving 50 ratifications.

    1997—

    KYOTO PROTOCOL

    COP 3 was held in Kyoto, Japan. On December 11, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted by consensus with more than 150 signatories.

    The Protocol included legally binding emissions targets for developed country Parties for the six major GHGs, which are-

    • Carbon dioxide.
    • Methane.
    • Nitrous oxide.
    • Hydrofluorocarbons.
    • Perfluorocarbons, and
    • Sulfur hexafluoride.

    Annex of the Kyoto Protocol

    • Annex 1 – Industrialised Countries (mainly OECD) plus economies in transition (mainly former soviet block countries) – They would mandatorily reduce GHGs, base year – 1990
    • Annex 2 – Subset of Annex 1,  Industrialised Countries (mainly OECD), would also provide finances and technology to non annex countries
    • Non annex – not included in annex, all other countries, no binding targets
    • Annex A – gases covered under Kyoto <name those 7 gases>
    • Annex B – Binding targets for each Annex 1 country i.e Japan will reduce emission by X%, Australia by Y% 

    The Protocol offered additional means of meeting targets by way of three market-based mechanisms:

    • Emissions trading.
    • Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).
    • Joint Implementation (JI).

    Under the Protocol, industrialized countries’ actual emissions have to be monitored and precise records have to be kept of the trades carried out.

    India ratified the Kyoto Protocol in 2002.

     

    2000—

    COP 6 part I was held in The Hague, Netherlands. Negotiations faltered, and parties agreed to meet again.

    COP 6part II was held in Bonn, Germany. The consensus was reached on what was called the Bonn Agreements.

    All nations except the United States agreed on the mechanisms for implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.

    The U.S. participated in observatory status only.

    2001—

    COP 7 was held in Marrakesh, Morocco. The detailed rules for the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol were adopted and called the Marrakesh Accords.

    The Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) was established to “finance projects relating to: adaptation; technology transfer and capacity building; energy transport, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste management; and economic diversification.”

    The Least Developed Countries Fund was also “established to support a work programme to assist Least Developed Country Parties (LDCs) carry out, inter alia [among other things], the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs).”

    2005—

    COP 11/CMP 1 were held in Montreal, Canada. This conference was the first to take place after the Kyoto Protocol took force. The annual meeting between the parties (COP) was supplemented by the first annual Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP).

    The countries that had ratified the UNFCCC, but not accepted the Kyoto Protocol, had observer status at the latter conference.

    The parties addressed issues such as “capacity building, development and transfer of technologies, the adverse effects of climate change on developing and least developed countries, and several financial and budget-related issues, including guidelines to the Global Environment Facility (GEF).” (UNFCCC)

    2007—

    COP 13/CMP 3 were held in Bali. COP parties agreed to a Bali Action Plan to negotiate GHG mitigation actions after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. The Bali Action Plan did not require binding GHG targets for developing countries.

    2009—

    June – As part of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process, governments met in Bonn, Germany, to begin discussions on draft negotiations that would form the basis of an agreement at Copenhagen.

    December – COP 15 was held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

    It failed to reach agreement on binding commitments after the Kyoto Protocol commitment period ends in 2012.

    During the summit, leaders from the United States, Brazil, China, Indonesia, India and South Africa agreed to what would be called the Copenhagen Accord which recognized the need to limit the global temperature rise to 2°C based on the science of climate change.

    While no legally binding commitments were required by the deal, countries were asked to pledge voluntary GHG reduction targets. $100 billion was pledged in climate aid to developing countries.

    2012—

    COP 18 was held in Doha, Qatar.

    Parties agreed to extend the expiring Kyoto Protocol, creating a second commitment phase that would begin on January 1, 2013 and end December 31, 2020. India ratified the second commitment period in 2017.

    Parties failed to set a pathway to provide $100 billion per year by 2020 for developing countries to finance climate change adaptation, as agreed upon at COP 15 in Copenhagen.

    The concept of “loss and damage” was introduced as developed countries pledged to help developing countries and small island nations pay for the losses and damages from climate change that they are already experiencing.

    2013—

    COP 19 was held in Warsaw, Poland.

    Parties were expected to create a roadmap for the 2015 COP in Paris where a legally binding treaty to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is expected to be finalized (in order to come into effect in 2020).

    Differences of opinion on responsibility of GHG emissions between developing and developed countries led to a flexible ruling on the wording and a plan to discuss further at the COP 20 in Peru.

    A non-binding agreement was reached among countries to set up a system tackling the “loss and damage” issue, although details of how to set up the mechanism were not discussed.

    Concerning climate finance, the United Nations’ Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Program, aimed at preserving the world’s forests, was formally adopted.

    Little progress was made on developed countries committing to the agreed upon plan of providing $100 billion per year by 2020 to developing countries.

     

    2015—

    PARIS AGREEMENT

    COP 21 or CMP 11 was held in Paris.

    Aims of the Paris Agreement-

    1.Keep the global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level.

    2.Pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

    3.Strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change.

     

    COP 23 – BONN(GERMANY)

    First COP to be hosted by a small Island developing nation.
    Countries continued to negotiate the finer details of how the agreement will work from 2020 onwards.

     

    COP 24 – KATOWICE(POLLAND)

    • Countries settled on most of the tricky elements of the “rulebook” for putting the 2015 Paris agreement into practice.
    • This includes how governments will measure, report on and verify their emissions-cutting efforts, a key element because it ensures all countries are held to proper standards and will find it harder to wriggle out of their commitments.
      Read in detail here

     

    COP 26: Glasgow Agreement

    What was achieved?
    1. Mitigation:

    • The Glasgow agreement has emphasised that stronger action in the current decade was most critical to achieving the 1.5-degree target.

    2. Adaptation:

    • The Glasgow Climate Pact has:
    1. Asked the developed countries to at least double the money being provided for adaptation by 2025 from the 2019 levels.
    2. Created a two-year work programme to define a global goal on adaptation.

    3. Finance: 

    • In 2009, developed countries had promised to mobilise at least $100 billion every year from 2020.
    • The developed nations have now said that they will arrange this amount of 100 billion annual fund by 2023.

    4. Accounting earlier failures:

    • The pact has expressed “deep regrets” over the failure of the developed countries to deliver on their $100 billion promise.
    • It has asked them to arrange this money urgently and in every year till 2025.

    5. Loss and Damage:

    • There is no institutional mechanism to compensate nations for the losses, or provide them help in the form of relief and rehabilitation after suffering from climate disasters.
    • The loss and damage provision in the Paris Agreement seeks to address that.
    • Thanks to a push from many nations, substantive discussions on loss and damage could take place in Glasgow.

    6. Carbon Markets:

    • The Glasgow Pact has offered some reprieve to the developing nations.
    • It has allowed these carbon credits to be used in meeting countries’ first NDC targets
      Read in detail here

     

    NATIONALLY DETERMINED CONTRIBURTIONS (NDCs)

    • The national pledges by countries to cut emissions are voluntary.
    • The Paris Agreement requires all Parties to put forward their best efforts through “nationally determined contributions” (NDCs) and to strengthen these efforts in the years ahead.
    • This includes requirements that all Parties report regularly on their emissions and on their implementation efforts.
    • In 2018, Parties will take stock of the collective efforts in relation to progress towards the goal set in the Paris Agreement.
    • There will also be a global stock take every 5 years to assess the collective progress towards achieving the purpose of the Agreement and to inform further individual actions by Parties.

    Some facts-

    • It entered into force in November 2016 after (ratification by 55 countries that account for at least 55% of global emissions) had been met.
    • The agreement calls for zero net anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions to be reached during the second half of the 21st century.
    • In the adopted version of the Paris Agreement, the parties will also “pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C.”
    • The 1.5 °C goal will require zero-emissions sometime between 2030 and 2050, according to some scientists.
    • The developed countries reaffirmed the commitment to mobilize $100 billion a year in climate finance by 2020 and agreed to continue mobilizing finance at the level of $100 billion a year until 2025.
    • In 2017, United States announced that the U.S. would cease all participation in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change mitigation.
    • In accordance with Article 28 of the Paris Agreement, the earliest possible effective withdrawal date by the United States cannot be before November 2020. Thus, The U.S. will remain a signatory till November 2020.

    RATIFICATION TO KIGALI AGREEMENT

    The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer for phase down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by India.

    What is Montreal Protocol?

    • The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is an international agreement made in 1987.
    • It was designed to stop the production and import of ozone-depleting substances and reduce their concentration in the atmosphere to help protect the earth’s ozone layer.
    • It sits under the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer.

    What is the Kigali Amendment?

    • It is an international agreement to gradually reduce the consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
    • It is a legally binding agreement designed to create rights and obligations in international law.
    • While HFCs do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, they have high global warming potential ranging from 12 to 14,000, which has an adverse impact on climate.
      Read in detail here

  • Samarth 2022-Webinar by Sudhanshu sir| How to crack UPSC IAS exam in the very first attempt? |Register here

    Samarth 2022-Webinar by Sudhanshu sir| How to crack UPSC IAS exam in the very first attempt? |Register here

    Register here for the webinar (click here)

    Webinar Date: 16th May 2021

    Timings: 3 PM

    As complicated as it may appear, the UPSC Civil services exam is more about carrying nerves. It’s also about maintaining discipline for the time being and till you succeed. Nor the subjects are esoteric or unheard of. But the character for one to be able to sacrifice the beauty called life and family is rare. Your stay in the game with the zeal to come out winning is very important.

    Philosophy aside, but keeping the practical elements in mind, let’s dig a little deeper.  Also, find out what it takes for one to jump that threshold and what our toppers have said. Why have they not been able to clear earlier and what changes they made to succeed?. These are the most sought-after info and are available on the internet. But from an individual’s perspective, one can not ignore his/her inconclusiveness due to lack of a distinct plan or direction.

    Hence, we are coming up with an open session. To counter myths and give some facts which will help you see the light on the other side of the tunnel about the exam.

    In this open session, we are going to give a clear insight which is important for one to save time, energy, and effort. Which might otherwise be getting wasted in the wrong direction? This is important because for an individual the first year is the year with maximum energy, expectation from self, go-getter attitude, etc..

    Register here for the webinar (click here)

    We tend to get lost in the sea of advice and sources of studies. To save one from such torrents of information, it’s sometimes said that we need to better know “what not to follow than what to follow”.

    Anyways such hypotheses aside, your time in this open session is going to be full of interaction. Some previous year aspirants are also expected to be present. We do expect that all your confusion about the exam will get clear.

    Attendees can expect some takeaways too in the form of softcopies relevant to the exam. They will be available to you via email once you have done the registration for the open session.

    In this webinar, Sudhanshu Mishra, Core-Faculty@Civilsdaily will give you an overview:

    – What UPSC expects out of you?

    – Avoiding Mistakes which can cost you an attempt?

    – What to do to master the IAS-Exam?

    – How to clear the exam -Step-by-Step learning plan?

    – An interactive Q&A session with an experienced audience?

    – How to clear the exam in the very first attempt?

    – Important Civilsdaily softcopies takeaway for exam preparation.

    A quick bit about Sudhanshu Sir :

    Sudhanshu Sir has firsthand experience of 3 mains and two interviews of UPSC. He has served in the defence ministry for 10 years with keen interests in regional and global geopolitics and has ample experience of various other competitive exams as well. 

    Register here for the webinar (click here)

  • KNOWLEDGE EUPHORIA – ACHIEVE 2X SYLLABUS COMPLETION RATE

    KNOWLEDGE EUPHORIA – ACHIEVE 2X SYLLABUS COMPLETION RATE

    Click here to fill the Samanvaya form for 1-1 mentorship. We will call you within 24 hours.(Also provided at the bottom of the article)


    From Articles of Constitution to National parks

    From listing mountain ranges to Mauryan administration

    From Artificial intelligence to Repo rate……There is so much variety in UPSC CSE Syllabus.

    Learning so many new subjects and new topics, one can feel the influx of knowledge in the preparation mode. This newfound knowledge generates a sense of euphoria in many aspirants. To keep feeding this euphoria, many aspirants make the mistake of reading more and more material, be it the current or static part. Sadly, unchecked knowledge euphoria can hijack your preparation.

    IS SYLLABUS COMPLETION A SERIOUS ISSUE YOU ARE FACING IN YOUR PREPARATION? IS IT SO THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING MOCK TESTS, YOU VAGUELY RECALL THE TOPICS? OR LOOKING AT SO MANY BOOKS MAKE YOU LOSE INTEREST IN THE PREPARATION?

    If yes, then something has to change in your strategy. In fact, you are not alone facing this challenge. Check out the video given below of our student discussing the same problem and how it affected his performance in the last 5 attempts.

    Giving prelims without even completing the whole syllabus once is like killing your own golden duck. In our interaction with our Mentors and their mentees, we identified few common mistakes when it comes to incomplete syllabus attempts:

    • Habit of collecting and reading too many books, Photostatted material and online content
    • Reading every book from cover to cover with giving equal importance to every topic
    • Mismanagement of current affairs and static part

    Click here to fill the Samanvaya form for 1-1 mentorship. We will call you within 24 hours.(Also provided at the bottom of the article)

    Obviously, solutions to these problems differ from student to student. BUT ONE MANTRA THAT ALL OUR MENTORS SWEAR BY IS INSTEAD OF HARD WORK, DO SMART WORK. SO, WHAT DOES SMART WORK MEAN?

    WHAT NOT TO READ: Common impression about UPSC CSE preparation is that you have to know everything under the sun. But there is a catch here! Try to learn everything under the sun from a Generalist than a specialist point of view. This can be done if you know “WHAT NOT TO READ?”. Let our mentors look at the material you are reading and chuck out the unnecessary clutter.

    MARK BOUNDARIES: This is all about making sure that every subject has 1-2 reference material, which you will focus on. Marking boundaries is also important in the case of current affairs. Usually, students end up using 4-5 hours of their time just for daily current affairs. This for sure is not Smart study!

    Click here to fill the Samanvaya form for 1-1 mentorship. We will call you within 24 hours.(Also provided at the bottom of the article)

    REVISION: Yes! we all know that revision is important. But do you know you have to divide your revision into 3 groups: Short term, medium-term and long-term revision. Revision should not be a bi-annual exercise. Syllabus completion and revision have to be done side by side. So, getting this balance in your preparation is where we as a mentor come in.

    COVER TO COVER: Don’t read your books like novels. You have to constantly tell yourself that ‘BE EXAM ORIENTED’. In each subject, you should have a rough idea about ‘UPSC FAVORITES’. Finish them first!

    MONITORING: A neutral third-person monitoring can be a great addition to your preparation. Constant check on what you are reading, what good material not to miss, and focusing on high importance areas is the priority in our mentorship program.

    Mentorship is subjective but we are trying to add a bit of science to it with years of data collection on performances, feedback and interviews with our students. Fill up the form below and let us know what issue you are facing? Surely we will resolve it together!

    Civilsdaily Samanvaya 1-On-1 Mentorship Form

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  • India’s Silent Pivot: West Asia

    The pandemic has caused a lot of distrust against our government in power at the centre. Especially due to the inefficiencies in the handling of the crisis which led to the loss of more than 50 thousand lives, over the past few weeks. 

    Although India managed to get a lot of foreign aid and support, the issues of distribution to most needy places persist. The government has started to take steps to face-save itself after repeated rebukes by high courts and finally the supreme court. 

    With this as a pretext, it’s easy to miss several desirable machinations being orchestrated by Indian diplomats abroad, especially in West Asia and Pakistan. Given its geographical location ( West Asia ) and plenty of oil, it’s hard to get ignored by world powers too. There are local and international fissure points as well. 

    During the reign of Donald Trump, West Asia embraced the policy of Abraham accords. With the active participation of Israel, UAE, and Bahrein for acceptance of the statehood of Israel. This also has elements of nurturing inter-regional socio-economic and technological cooperation. The accords are named to emphasize the shared belief in the Prophet Abraham in Judaism and Islam yet the regional and ideological differences are far from over. 

    Oftentimes countries like Turkey and Pakistan have played spoilsport to take a leadership role in the crisis-laden region. Challenges due to both these countries are now getting addressed one at a time. The region being close to India’s strategic interests in terms of security, energy supplies, and expatriates making a living in the region, India always remains invested. PM Modi in the first term has worked overtime to craft a predictable and stable foreign policy especially in Muslim majority West Asia, which seems to be paying off. 

    Recently S Jaishankar was on a trip to West Asia and returned in late April. As we know Pakistan is in the middle of a terrible crisis both internally and externally. Pressure is on the Pak govt to sever ties with France by several internal Islamist sections, aggravating its economic isolation & decline. Pakistan is also cornered for its way of handling terrorist groups on its soil. Hence the double-edged sword of FATF is a constant threat. Further, the corona pandemic has led the establishment in Pakistan to take an ever pragmatic stand and come to terms. 

    Recently in a statement by Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi, Art 370 is India’s internal matter ( unka andarooni masla ). This admission must not be seen in isolation. UAE had already extended a $ 2 Bn loan to Pakistan. After Qureshi made the statement on the 7th of May, MBS released $ 500 ml from Saudi Development Funds on 8th May. Further relaxations could be forthcoming if Pakistan softens its stance on the state recognition of Israel. Not to forget the oil loan from the Saudis which is due this year. 

    It started with the West Asia Peace Plan at the behest of Palestine. It is for Israel to agree to a two-state solution. This as a bargaining chip and US-brokered Abraham accords for regional cooperation, pressure is on peripheral powers like Turkey and Pakistan to react in approval. With the intensifying pandemic all over the globe, crumbling state finances, and calls for support for medical supplies, Pakistan seems to be relenting. So do we see any contribution made by India in changing the geopolitical landscape? 

    The reasons for India’s inevitable contributions could be many:-

    • India’s belief in being a development partner in the region. Against the Chinese chequebook and hegemonic designs. 
    • India has cultural and economic relations. With huge diaspora making a living and playing a vital role in regional development
    • India’s successful role in the peaceful & developmental contributions. In the form of Parliament, schools, libraries and cricket playgrounds in Afghanistan. 
    • With the withdrawal of American troops from Afgan, the anticipated surge insurgencies. Also, the active ISIS-Khorasan module places India on the diplomatic high table for security and peace dialogue. This is also a challenge with the Taliban on the table. 
    • Russian and US endorsement of India’s participation in several dialogues involving Afgan. It is a positive sign of status elevation. 
    • India being a pharmaceutical hub for the world and its proximity to Pakistan will only help.
    • Chinese development funds are infamous for their exploitative character even in Pak parliament. 
    • Last but not least, India’s immaculate balancing act with Russia – the US. Also Israel – Saudi – UAE and other middle eastern countries. 

    India tried to fulfill its regional and global responsibilities by Mission Vaccine Maitri. But it seems to have lost the moral high ground to help others when we have graveyards in lakhs back home. Our star-studded foreign minister now has the challenge to see-through, all that is in planning over the years. Who knows POK is on the radar sooner than anticipated?

    About the author: Sudhanshu Mishra

    The Author presently works with Civilsdaily as a Faculty member and has keen interests on social reform & Geopolitics.

    Ex- Defence Serviceman, has been part of India’s largest industrial defence complex, the Indian Ordnance Factories Organization.

    He can be reached @SudhanshuM on Habitat & @sudhanshu_misR on Twitter.