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Distribution: weekly

  • Ukraine ends supply of Russian gas to Europe

    Why in the News?

    For over 40 years, Russian gas has been transported to Europe through Ukraine, but these supplies are set to cease on January 1, following Ukraine’s Naftogaz decision not to renew its most recent five-year transit agreement with Russia’s Gazprom.

    Note: Student you can use this content in Prelims for facts related to map and mains exam for substantiate the argument related to geopolitical tension in Europe.

    Do you know about the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline?

    • The Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, also known as the Brotherhood pipeline, is a significant natural gas export route from Russia to Europe, primarily traversing Ukraine. The pipeline starts at the Urengoy gas field in northwest Siberia and extends southwest to Uzhhorod, Ukraine, near the Slovakian border.
    • It spans approximately 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles), with about 1,160 kilometers (720 miles) located in Ukraine.
    • The pipeline was commissioned in 1984 and has been a crucial part of Russia’s gas export strategy to Europe.

    What is the volume of gas supplied through Ukraine?

    • Historical Context: At its peak, the pipeline system, including the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhgorod pipeline, delivered approximately 201 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to Europe in 2018. However, this volume has drastically decreased over the years due to geopolitical tensions and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
    • Recent Figures: In 2023, only about 15 bcm of gas was shipped through Ukraine, a significant drop from 65 bcm when the last five-year contract began in 2020.

    What are the Possible Impacts?

    • Economic Consequences for Ukraine: Ukraine is expected to lose up to $1 billion annually in transit fees due to the cessation of gas flows. To mitigate this loss, it plans to quadruple gas transmission tariffs for domestic consumers, which could burden its industry with additional costs exceeding $38.2 million per year.
    • Impact on Gazprom: Russia’s Gazprom is projected to lose around $5 billion in gas sales as a result of this halted transit.
    • European Energy Security: The European Union has prepared for this transition and does not anticipate immediate impacts on consumer prices.
      • Countries like Slovakia and Austria have secured alternative gas supplies from sources such as Norway and LNG imports from the U.S. and Qatar.
    • Hungary will continue receiving Russian gas through the TurkStream pipeline under the Black Sea.

    TurkStream pipeline

    • Energy Crisis in Moldova: The cessation has led to an energy emergency in Transdniestria, a breakaway region of Moldova that relies on these transit flows, resulting in cutoffs of heating and hot water supplies for residents

    Way forward: 

    • Enhanced Energy Diversification: Europe and Ukraine should continue to strengthen alternative energy supply routes, including LNG imports and renewable energy projects, to reduce reliance on Russian gas and ensure long-term energy security.
    • Support for Affected Regions: Provide immediate humanitarian and financial assistance to regions like Transdniestria and Moldova for energy infrastructure upgrades, while encouraging energy-efficient solutions to mitigate the crisis.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Union Cabinet approved the continuation of PMFBY and RWBCIS until 2025-26

    Why in the News?

    The government extended two crop insurance schemes, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS), for another year until 2025-26. It also set aside ₹824.77 crore to improve these schemes using advanced technology.

    What are the provisions and key features of PMFBY?

    • Comprehensive Risk Coverage: PMFBY provides coverage against all non-preventable natural risks from pre-sowing to post-harvest stages, including droughts, floods, and pests.
    • Subsidised Premium Rates: Farmers pay a fixed premium of 1.5% for rabi crops, 2% for kharif crops, and 5% for cash crops. The remaining premium is shared between the central and state governments.
    • Financial Support: It offers financial assistance to farmers suffering from crop loss due to unforeseen events, aiming to stabilise their income and encourage modern agricultural practices.
    • Technology Integration: The scheme incorporates technological initiatives like YES-TECH for yield estimation and WINDS for weather data collection, enhancing efficiency in claim settlement.

    Why was RWBCIS introduced?

    • Financial Protection Against Weather Risks: RWBCIS was introduced to safeguard farmers from financial losses caused by adverse weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature fluctuations, wind, and humidity, which can severely impact crop yields and farmer income.
    • Comprehensive Coverage for Various Crops: The scheme aims to provide insurance protection for a wide range of crops, including food crops, oilseeds, and commercial or horticultural crops, thereby mitigating the impact of natural calamities like droughts and floods on farmers’ livelihoods.

    What is the difference between PMFBY and RWBCIS?

    PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) RWBCIS (Restructured Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme)
    Launch Launched in 2016 (replacing NAIS and MNAIS). Introduced in 2016 to safeguard farmers against adverse weather conditions.
    Primary Focus Protects against crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, diseases. Provides insurance based on weather parameters (e.g., rainfall, temperature, wind) to mitigate financial losses from weather extremes.
    Risk Assessment Method – Area-based approach with crop-cutting experiments, remote sensing, etc.
    – Yield vs. threshold yield determines compensation.    		 – Weather-based triggers using data from weather stations.
    – Predefined thresholds (e.g., rainfall levels) activate payouts automatically.
    Premium Structure – Uniform, capped rates for farmers: 2% for Kharif, 1.5% for Rabi, 5% for horticulture/commercial crops.
    – No upper limit on government subsidy.    		 – Varies based on weather risks and policy design.
    – Similar subsidy approach, but rates are dependent on specific weather-based insurance products.
    Coverage – All notified crops in a defined area.
    – Includes food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops.    		 – Covers food crops, oilseeds, and commercial/horticultural crops for weather-induced losses (e.g., drought, flood, cyclone, hailstorm).
    Enrollment – Initially compulsory for farmers with crop loans (KCC).
    – Made voluntary for all farmers from Kharif 2020.    		 – All farmers, including sharecroppers and tenant farmers, are eligible if they grow notified crops in notified areas.
    Key Objectives – Provide financial support and stabilize income in the event of crop failure.
    – Encourage innovative and modern farming practices.    		 – Protect farmers from weather aberrations, ensuring swift compensation when weather thresholds are met or breached.
    Unique Features – “One Nation, One Scheme” concept.
    – Loss-based compensation linked to actual yield shortfall.    		 – Trigger-based system; payouts depend on deviation from normal weather parameters (no extensive damage assessment).

    What is the role of FIAT in crop insurance schemes?

    The Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) has been established with a corpus of ₹824.77 crore to enhance the implementation of PMFBY and RWBCIS. There are various key roles:

    • Technological Advancement: Funding technological initiatives aimed at improving the assessment of crop damage and expediting claim settlements.
    • Research Support: Facilitating research and development studies that enhance the effectiveness of crop insurance schemes through innovative practices.
    • Improving Accessibility: Aiding in the use of digital technologies for easier enrollment processes and expanding coverage among farmers.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Awareness and Accessibility: Increase farmer outreach through targeted awareness campaigns and simplify enrollment processes using digital platforms to ensure maximum participation in crop insurance schemes.
    • Enhanced Technology Integration: Expand the deployment of advanced tools like remote sensing and automated weather monitoring to improve accuracy in loss assessment, and claim settlements, and minimize disputes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024

    Why in the News?

    The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti.  Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India.

    Annual Groundwater Quality Report, 2024: Key Highlights

    Monitoring Scale

    • Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend stations both before and after the monsoon.

    Contamination Levels

    • Nitrate
      • 20% of samples exceeded the safe limit of 45 mg/L.
      • Hotspots include Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra (>40% of samples), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%).
      • States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland remain within safe limits.
    • Fluoride
      • 9.04% of samples above permissible limits.
      • Affected states: Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
    • Arsenic
      • Detected in Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains (West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh).
      • Linked to cancer and skin lesions.
    • Uranium
      • 42% of Rajasthan and 30% of Punjab samples exceed 100 ppb.
      • Over-exploited zones in Gujarat, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh also show elevated levels, posing kidney damage risks.

    Agricultural Suitability

    • SAR (Sodium Adsorption Ratio) & RSC (Residual Sodium Carbonate): 81% of samples suitable for irrigation; 100% suitability in North-Eastern states.
    • High Sodium: Elevated levels in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, risking soil degradation.
    • Salinity (as a measure of Electrical Conductivity (EC)): High in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Karnataka.

    Temporal Trends

    • Seasonal Improvements: Post-monsoon recharge improves EC (salinity) and fluoride levels.
    • Stable Nitrate since 2015 in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat.
    • Rising Nitrate (2017–2023) in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana.

    Hotspots of Contamination

    • Nitrate:
      • Rajasthan (Barmer, Jodhpur), Maharashtra (Wardha, Jalgaon), Andhra Pradesh (Palnadu), Tamil Nadu (Villupuram), Punjab (Bathinda).
    • Uranium:
      • Over-exploited aquifers in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat.
    • Arsenic:
      • Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar.

    What are the key factors contributing to decline in Groundwater quality?

    Groundwater quality declines due to:

    • Industrialization, with untreated waste introducing heavy metals and chemicals into aquifers, and agricultural practices, where excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides leads to nitrate contamination.
    • Urbanization worsens the problem through improper waste disposal, sewage leakage, and landfill contamination.
    • Over-extraction for agriculture and domestic use lowers water tables, exposing aquifers to pollutants like arsenic and uranium.
    • Climate change and poor livestock waste management further exacerbate contamination and reduce aquifer recharge.

    Government Initiatives to conserve Groundwater

    • Jal Jeevan Mission – Groundwater Component (2023): Ensures source sustainability for rural water supply by focusing on groundwater recharge and sustainable extraction with local governance participation.
    • Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain (2021): A nationwide campaign promoting rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, emphasizing the creation of water conservation structures.
    • National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (Updated 2020): Maps groundwater aquifers to guide sustainable management, particularly in over-exploited areas.
    • Atal Bhujal Yojana (2019): Focuses on sustainable groundwater management through community participation in seven water-stressed states, with decentralized planning involving Gram Panchayats.

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to the water on the planet Earth, consider the following statements:​

    1. The amount of water in the rivers and lakes is more than the amount of groundwater.​

    2. The amount of water in polar ice caps and glaciers is more than the amount of groundwater.​

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?​

    (a) 1 only ​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) Both 1 and 2 ​

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2​

  • US imposes sanctions on entities in Iran, Russia

    Why in the News?

    The United States has imposed sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia, accusing them of attempting to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election.

    Understanding Sanctions: Purpose, Application, and Impact

    • Sanctions are strategic tools used to influence behavior, deter aggression, and enforce compliance with international norms.
    • Sanctions are commonly used to address counterterrorism, human rights abuses, nuclear proliferation, and election interference.

    Types of Sanctions

    1. Comprehensive Sanctions: Broad measures against entire countries (e.g., U.S. embargo on Cuba).
    2. Targeted (Smart) Sanctions: Focused on specific individuals or entities (e.g., asset freezes, travel bans).
    3. Common Forms:
    • Trade restrictions and arms embargoes.
    • Asset freezes and capital restraints.
    • Travel bans and reductions in foreign aid.

    How sanctions work?

    • United States:
      • Managed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
      • Targets include terrorism (e.g., al-Qaeda), nuclear programs (e.g., Iran), and election meddling (e.g., Russia).
      • Example: 2024 sanctions on Iranian and Russian entities for using AI to interfere in U.S. elections.
    • United Nations:
      • Imposed by the UN Security Council, requiring no veto from the five permanent members (U.S., UK, France, China, Russia).
      • Measures include asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes.
      • Example: Sanctions on North Korea to curb its nuclear weapons program.

    Why are Sanctions Imposed?

    Sanctions aim to:

    • Coerce: Change policies or actions, such as dismantling nuclear programs.
    • Deter: Prevent future aggression or cyberattacks.
    • Punish: Impose costs for violating international norms.
    • Shame: Isolate violators diplomatically and economically.

    Impacts on Regional and Global Geopolitics

    • Economic Effects:
      • Sanctions can weaken economies, such as Iran’s reduction in oil exports or Russia’s challenges in energy markets.
      • However, some nations adapt; Russia’s economy grew by 3.6% in 2023, despite sanctions.
    • Shifting Alliances:
      • Targeted nations strengthen ties with others (e.g., Russia’s growing relations with China and Iran).
    • Trade Realignment:
      • EU sanctions on Russia accelerated Europe’s move to renewable energy sources.
    • Humanitarian Consequences:
      • Comprehensive sanctions can harm civilians, as seen in Iraq during the 1990s.

  • [2nd January 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The sorry state of India’s parliamentary proceedings

    PYQ Relevance:
    Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament can ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021) 

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Parliamentary Sessions (2017 & 2018) and Parliamentary Powers (2021).

    The recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament has been criticized for lacking productivity due to frequent disruptions. These productivity fluctuations indicate broader political tensions and the need for improved collaboration among parliamentary members to enhance governance.

    Today’s editorial focuses on Parliamentary productivity and the challenges associated with it. This content can be used to present the current issues faced by our Parliamentary Democracy in India.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent winter session of Parliament (held from November 25 to December 20, 2024) was marred by significant disruptions from both the Opposition and the Treasury benches, resulting in more adjournments than productive discussions. 

    • This led to a prevailing feeling of having disappointed the Indian public.
    Key Statistics:

    • Total Hours Lost: The Lok Sabha lost 65 hours and 15 minutes due to disruptions, marking the highest loss among all sessions this year.
    • Productivity Rates:
    – Lok Sabha: Functioned for only 52% of its scheduled time.
    – Rajya Sabha: Achieved a mere 40.03% productivity rate, with effective functioning for just 43 hours and 27 minutes.

    What were the key Legislative Activities?

    • Bills introduced and passed: A total of four bills were introduced, including the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak, 2024, which was passed in both Houses with minimal opposition. This bill aimed to reform civil aviation regulations.
      • Other notable bills included the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, which proposes the ‘One Nation, One Election’ policy, and the Coastal Shipping and Merchant Shipping Bills, which focused on maritime industry development.
    • Debates and Discussions: The Lok Sabha engaged in discussions about the Constitution for a total of 16 hours, while the Rajya Sabha devoted 17 hours to similar discussions. However, no adjournment motions were accepted in either House.
      • The proposal for ‘One Nation, One Election’ sparked considerable debate, with the government advocating for it as a cost-saving measure while the Opposition raised concerns about its implications for federalism.
      • A special session was held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, although it was overshadowed by ongoing protests.
      • Further, the session saw significant protests and chaos, primarily driven by the Opposition’s demands for discussions on various issues, including allegations against the Adani Group and remarks made regarding Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
    • Supplementary Budget: The first supplementary budget for 2024-25 was discussed and passed, providing an additional expenditure of ₹44,143 crore (approximately 1% of total budgeted expenditure) to enhance financial operations.

    What were the challenges faced in the session?

    • Physical Altercations: Scuffles occurred among MPs, resulting in injuries and an FIR against the Leader of the Opposition.
      • Parliamentary Affairs Minister attributed the lack of productivity to persistent demonstrations by the Opposition. Emphasis was laid on the requirement of all parties to collaborate to restore parliamentary decorum.
    • Question Hour Ineffectiveness: In the Rajya Sabha, Question Hour did not function for 15 out of 19 days, while in the Lok Sabha, it was ineffective for over 10 minutes on 12 out of 20 days.
      • The session was heavily impacted by protests and disruptions, resulting in the Lok Sabha losing approximately 65 hours of productive time.
      • This significantly reduced overall productivity, with Lok Sabha functioning at only 52% of its scheduled time and Rajya Sabha at 39%.
    • Private Members’ Business: There was minimal engagement in private members’ business; no bills were debated in the Lok Sabha, and only one resolution was discussed in the Rajya Sabha.

    Way Forward: The Winter Session has been described as one of the least productive in recent years, reflecting a troubling trend in parliamentary proceedings. With ongoing tensions and frequent disruptions, political parties must prioritize effective governance and uphold the dignity of Parliament.

  • The nature of dissent in the Indian judiciary

    Why in the News?

    In the U.S. Supreme Court, dissenting opinions often reflect the political views of judges, as they are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. In contrast, dissenting opinions in the Indian judiciary cover a wider range, including political, social, and purely intellectual disagreements

    What is the significance of dissenting opinions?

    • Preservation of Judicial Independence: Dissenting opinions serve as a safeguard for judicial independence, allowing judges to express their disagreements with majority decisions without fear of repercussions. This fosters a culture of open debate within the judiciary, which is essential for a healthy democracy.
    • Shaping Legal Precedents: Dissent can influence future legal interpretations and decisions. Over time, dissenting views may gain traction and become part of the evolving legal landscape, as seen in cases like ADM Jabalpur and P.V. Narasimha Rao, where dissents later informed subsequent rulings.
    • Encouraging Public Discourse: Dissenting opinions can stimulate public discussion and debate about important legal and constitutional issues. They often highlight alternative perspectives that may resonate with societal values or concerns, thereby enriching democratic dialogue.

    How does dissent in the Indian judiciary compare to that in the U.S.?

    • Political Influences: In the U.S., dissent often reflects the political affiliations of justices, who are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. For example, Justice Samuel Alito’s dissents align with conservative viewpoints on issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
      • In contrast, Indian judges are selected through a collegium system, which aims to reduce political influence on judicial decisions, resulting in dissents that may not necessarily align with current political sentiments.
    • Nature of Dissents: U.S. Supreme Court dissents frequently stem from ideological divides among justices, whereas Indian judicial dissents encompass a broader spectrum, including political, social, and intellectual disagreements.
      • For instance, Justices Khehar and Nazeer in Shayara Bano focused on the social implications of personal law rather than political affiliations.
    • Impact on Law: While both systems recognise the importance of dissent in shaping jurisprudence, Indian dissents have historically led to significant legal changes post-ruling, as seen in cases like Sita Soren where earlier dissents influenced the court’s later position on parliamentary immunity.

    What challenges and criticisms surround judicial dissent in India?

    • Risk of Retaliation: Judges who dissent against majority opinions may face professional backlash or career repercussions. Notable cases include Justice H.R. Khanna, who was superseded as Chief Justice after his dissent in ADM Jabalpur, highlighting potential risks for dissenters within the judiciary.
    • Infrequent Dissent: Despite its importance, dissent is relatively rare in the Indian Supreme Court compared to its potential significance. The Chief Justice often avoids dissenting opinions in constitutional bench cases, which raises concerns about conformity over independent judicial reasoning.
    • Public Perception: Judicial dissent can sometimes be viewed negatively by the public or political entities as undermining judicial authority or coherence. This perception can discourage judges from expressing their dissent openly.

    What are the accountable-related issues? 

    • High Bar for Impeachment: The process requires “proved misbehaviour or incapacity” and a two-thirds majority in Parliament, making it almost impossible to remove errant judges.
    • Resignation to Evade Accountability: Judges like Justice Soumitra Sen and P.D. Dinakaran resigned before the completion of impeachment proceedings, avoiding scrutiny while retaining post-retirement benefits.
    • Immunity Misuse: Judges continue to enjoy post-retirement benefits even after accusations of misconduct, as seen in Justice Ramaswami’s case, undermining accountability.
    • Limited Scope for Independent Oversight: The judiciary lacks an independent review mechanism outside the Parliament-driven impeachment process, leaving little room for holding judges accountable in real time.

     

    What is the review mechanism of committee set up under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968?

    • Initiation: A removal motion, signed by 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs, is submitted and approved by the Speaker or Chairman to initiate the process.
    • Investigation: A three-member committee (Supreme Court judge, Chief Justice of a High Court, and an eminent jurist) is constituted under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 to investigate allegations of “proved misbehaviour or incapacity.”
    • Parliamentary Decision: If the committee confirms the charges, the motion is debated in Parliament and requires a two-thirds majority in both Houses for the judge’s removal by the President.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutional Support for Dissent: Establish mechanisms to safeguard dissenting judges from career repercussions, such as transparent evaluation criteria and protections for judicial independence, ensuring open debate within the judiciary.
    • Promote Judicial Dialogue: Encourage a culture of constructive dissent by incorporating dissenting opinions into judicial training and fostering recognition of their long-term contributions to legal evolution.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgement on ‘National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    Why in the News?

    Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems.

    Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

    About Willow Quantum Processor:

    • Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature.
    • Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of information in quantum computers.
      • Some qubits perform the actual calculations (called data qubits).
      • Others check for mistakes and fix them (called measurement qubits).
    • It operates at an extremely low temperature—almost absolute zero (-273.15°C)—to keep its qubits stable.
    • How fast is It? Willow solved a tough problem in just a few minutes. The same task would take the world’s best regular computer 10 septillion years (that’s 1 followed by 24 zeros!).
    • Each qubit can stay stable for 100 microseconds (a tiny fraction of a second), which is a big improvement for quantum computers.

    Features and Significance

    • Smarter Error Handling:
      • Quantum computers are extremely sensitive, and even the tiniest disturbance can cause errors.
      • Willow uses a system where some qubits (called measurement qubits) are dedicated to spotting and fixing errors without disturbing the main qubits (called data qubits) that are doing the calculations.
    • Bigger, Better Performance:
      • Willow has 105 qubits: about half for computations and the rest for error correction.
      • Most quantum computers become less reliable as more qubits are added. Willow is different—it actually improves its performance as more qubits are included.
    • Longer Stability:
      • Qubits in Willow remain stable for 100 microseconds—a significant improvement that allows it to perform more complex tasks.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Which one of the following is the context in which the term “qubit” is mentioned?

    (a) Cloud Services
    (b) Quantum Computing
    (c) Visible Light Communication Technologies
    (d) Wireless Communication Technologies

  • In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts.

    In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

    About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR)

    Details
    Geographical Features
    • Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills.
    • Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to 1515 meters above mean sea level.
    • Undulating and hilly terrain, interspersed with open grasslands and wooded areas.
    • Inhabited by tribes like Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara.
    • Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1956; brought under Project Tiger in 1973.
    • Included in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2009.
    Flora and Fauna
    • Flora: Home to 1078 species of plants, including 94 species of orchids, with Sal as the dominant tree species.
    • Fauna: Rich wildlife, including Leopards, Gaurs, Elephants, Langurs, Barking Deer, Spotted Deer, Sloth Bears, Mongoose, Flying Squirrels, Porcupines, Pythons, Sambar, Pangolins, and more.
    • It is critical habitat for birds, including migratory species like Bar-Headed Geese and Brahmini Ducks, and home to freshwater snails (Radix genus) in its water bodies.
    • Melanistic Tigers:
      • Similipal hosts 27 of Odisha’s 30 tigers (AOTE-2023-24), including 13 pseudo-melanistic tigers with unique black-striped patterns due to a mutation in the Taqpep gene.
      • It is the only wild habitat in the world with pseudo-melanistic tigers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Two important rivers – one with its source in Jharkhand (and known by a different name in Odisha), and another, with its source in Odisha – merge at a place only a short distance from the coast of Bay of Bengal before flowing into the sea. This is an important site of wildlife and biodiversity and a protected area.

    Which one of the following could be this?

    (a) Bhitarkanika

    (b) Chandipur-on-sea

    (c) Gopalpur-on-sea

    (d) Simlipal

  • What is Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)?

    Why in the News?

    Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II.

    What is the Coastal Security Scheme?

    • CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km coastline, including 1,382 offshore islands, in order to prevent unauthorized entry, smuggling, and infiltration.
    • It is overseen by the Department of Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in collaboration with coastal States/UTs and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
    • Core Objective: Bolster coastal security by enhancing infrastructure, resources, and coordination among central and state agencies, ensuring effective maritime surveillance and prompt emergency response.

    Implementation Phases

    • Phase I (2005–2011)
      • Budget: ₹646 crore
      • Established 73 coastal police stations, 97 check-posts, 58 outposts, 30 barracks, 204 interceptor boats, 153 jeeps, and 312 motorcycles.
    • Phase II (2011–2020)
      • Budget: ₹1,579.91 crore
      • Added 131 coastal police stations, 60 jetties, 10 marine operational centers, 225 boats, 131 four-wheelers, and 242 motorcycles.

    Key Features

    • Infrastructure Development: Construction of coastal police stations, jetties, outposts, barracks, and marine operation centers.
    • Marine Patrolling: Deployment of interceptor boats for rapid response and improved surveillance.
    • Manpower & Training: Specialized marine police personnel trained at the National Academy of Coastal Policing (Gujarat).
    • Technological Integration: Collaboration with the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) for real-time monitoring and swift threat detection.

    Current Status

    • Phase III Plans:
      • Upgraded Boats & Equipment: Introducing larger, more stable vessels and better maintenance.
      • More Manpower: Focused recruitment and specialized training for marine police.
      • Infrastructure Expansion: Building new jetties and operational centers, backed by adequate funding.
      • Insurance Coverage: Proposals to protect marine police personnel operating in high-risk conditions.

  • [pib] CPGRAMS 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved

    Why in the News?

    According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024.

    About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

    • CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to government service delivery, functioning 24×7.
    • It was established in June 2007 by the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG); the National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed the technical framework.
    • The Prime Minister serves as the supreme head of CPGRAMS.

    Key Functions

    • Grievance Lodging & Tracking: Each complaint gets a unique registration number for monitoring.
    • Role-Based Access: Ministries and states can access and resolve relevant grievances.
    • Appeal Facility: Citizens can appeal if they are not satisfied with the resolution.
    • Feedback Mechanism: Complainants can rate the resolution; a “Poor” rating reopens the case for further appeals.

    Exclusions: Subjudice cases, personal/family disputes, RTI queries, matters affecting national/international integrity, and government employees’ service issues.

    Key Reforms to Improve CPGRAMS

    • Reduced Timelines: Grievance resolution deadlines shortened from 30 days to 21 days, with mandatory interim updates.
    • Integrated Platform: A unified portal for all ministries, departments, and states; accessible via web, mobile apps, and UMANG.
    • Feedback & Appeals: Citizens can provide feedback through SMS/email; a “Poor” rating escalates unresolved issues.
    • AI-Driven Process Improvements: Tools like the Tree Dashboard help identify problems and streamline grievance handling.
    • Training & Monitoring: Under SEVOTTAM (Service Excellence through Total Quality Management), Grievance Officers get specialized training, with regular performance reviews to enhance service delivery.