With global oil prices stabilizing and domestic fuel supply improving, the government has decided to scrap the windfall gains tax, ensuring more predictable taxation for the oil industry.
What isWindfall Tax?
A windfall tax is a levy imposed on companies experiencing unexpected profits due to external factors like market shifts or crises.
In India, it was introduced on July 1, 2022, targeting domestic crude oil production and exports of diesel, petrol, and ATF.
The tax aimed to capture windfall profits and ensure adequate domestic fuel supply amid rising global prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The tax was imposed as Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on crude oil, and Additional Excise Duty (AED) or Road and Infrastructure Cess (RIC) on fuel exports.
Initially, the tax was Rs 23,250 per tonne on crude oil, Rs 13 per litre on diesel exports, and Rs 6 per litre on petrol and ATF exports.
The tax was regularly reviewed based on global oil price fluctuations.
A recent study published in the ‘Nature’ has shown that Extrachromosomal DNA(ecDNA)ispresent in approximately 50% of cancer types, playing a significant role in tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity.
What is ecDNA?
Details
• ecDNA stands for extrachromosomal DNA, which is small, circular DNA found in the nucleus of cells, separate from regular chromosomes.
• Forms when DNA breaks off from chromosomes, often due to damage or errors in cell division.
• Can carry extra copies of oncogenes, which promote cancer growth.
• Initially thought to be unimportant, recent studies show it plays a major role in cancer.
How ecDNA Contributes to Cancer and Drug Resistance
• Helps Tumors Grow: ecDNA contains extra copies of oncogenes that help cancer cells grow faster and become more aggressive.
• Drug Resistance: The extra oncogenes make the cancer harder to treat with standard drugs by producing more harmful proteins.
• Faster Tumor Evolution: ecDNA allows cancer cells to evolve rapidly, making them more resistant to treatments like chemotherapy and enabling the tumor to grow even when drugs are used.
How ecDNA Challenges Genetics Laws?
Mendel’s Law says that genes on different chromosomes are inherited independently, meaning they are passed on randomly to the next generation.
ecDNA breaks this rule by grouping genes together and passing them on as a cluster during cell division.
This allows cancer cells to inherit beneficial genes more easily and helps the tumor grow faster.
Unlike regular chromosomes, which are distributed randomly during cell division, ecDNA is passed on together as a package.
This process gives cancer cells an advantage by making sure they inherit helpful genetic combinations that support cancer growth and resistance to drugs.
During the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Environment Ministry presented data shedding light on the critical issue of coastal erosion in India.
What are the key findings of the report?
Extent of Coastal Erosion Nationwide:
33.6% of India’s coastline has been affected by erosion over the past three decades.
26.9% of the coastline has shown growth (accretion), while 39.6% remains stable.
Regional Variations in Karnataka:
Dakshina Kannada: The most severely affected district in Karnataka, with 48.4% of its 36.66 km coastline eroded (17.74 km).
Udupi: Reported 34.7% erosion of its 100.71 km coastline (34.96 km).
Uttara Kannada: Reported the lowest erosion, at 12.3% of its 175.65 km coastline (21.64 km).
Data and Methodology: The study, conducted by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), utilized satellite imagery and field surveys to monitor shoreline changes from 1990 to 2018.
Risk Identification and Mapping: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS) has prepared Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps (MHVM), incorporating data on extreme water levels, sea level rise, and shoreline changes to highlight areas prone to disasters like tsunamis and storm surges.
What are the causes of coastal erosion in India?
Rising Sea Levels: Climate change has led to increased sea levels, which amplify storm surges and coastal flooding, significantly contributing to erosion.
Sand Mining and Infrastructure Projects: Unregulated sand extraction and construction activities, such as ports and seawalls, disrupt natural sediment flow, exacerbating erosion in vulnerable areas.
For example, illegal sand mining along the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River has reduced river channel width by up to 55%, significantly increasing erosion risks along the banks.
Mangrove Depletion: The loss of mangroves, which act as natural barriers against wave action, leaves coastlines more exposed to erosion. For instance, after Cyclone Gaja in 2019, Muthupet mangroves in Tamil Nadu lost nearly three square kilometres of coverage due to uprooted trees.
Cyclonic Activity: An increase in cyclonic events has destabilised coastal systems, further intensifying erosion. As per the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that 75% of the Indian coastline is susceptible to cyclones and related hazards.
CASE STUDY: Mitigation Efforts in Karnataka
Shoreline Management Plan: The Karnataka government has developed this plan under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2019 to address coastal erosion effectively.
Karnataka Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (K-SHORE) Project: Funded by the World Bank, this initiative aims to enhance coastal protection, improve community livelihoods, and tackle marine plastic pollution along Karnataka’s coast.
Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps (MHVM): Created by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS), these maps identify areas at risk from disasters like tsunamis and storm surges using data on shoreline changes and sea level rise.
Community-Driven Conservation Programs: Experts advocate for community involvement in conservation efforts, along with real-time monitoring of erosion using artificial intelligence for sustainable solutions.
Why there is a need for a paradigm shift?
Ineffectiveness of Traditional Methods: Long-standing strategies like constructing concrete sea walls have proven ineffective over the past 30 years in preventing coastal erosion.
Recommendations Against Human Habitation: Engineers recommend restricting habitation in vulnerable areas to mitigate risks associated with coastal erosion; however, political interests often overshadow these warnings.
Investment in Sustainable Solutions: Environmental activists argue that funds currently allocated for traditional coastal structures would be better spent on creating safe townships away from vulnerable coastlines, ensuring community safety during extreme weather events.
Holistic Approaches Needed: A multi-faceted strategy involving ecosystem restoration (e.g., mangrove replantation), stricter regulation of sand mining, and innovative solutions like artificial reefs is essential for effective long-term management of coastal erosion issues.
Way forward:
Adopt Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Implement holistic strategies combining ecosystem restoration, stricter regulations on sand mining, and innovative measures like artificial reefs and eco-friendly breakwaters to ensure long-term coastal resilience.
Promote Managed Retreat and Community Awareness: Relocate vulnerable communities to safer areas away from high-risk zones while fostering community-driven conservation efforts and leveraging real-time monitoring technologies like AI to mitigate erosion impacts effectively.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (UPSC IAS/2022)
The ICIMOD has launched Air Quality Dashboard for Indo-Gangetic Plain.
ICIMOD Air Quality Dashboard: Important Features
The dashboard provides real-time and forecasted air quality data for the region.
It uses a combination of ground sensor data and satellite imagery to give a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub-regional, and regional scales.
A dynamic timelapse powered by the Weather Research and Forecasting model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) tracks the spread of PM2.5 across the region.
This model highlights the spread of pollution from hotspots like Lahore, New Delhi, and Kolkata.
It provides two-day forecasts, allowing communities, policymakers, and researchers to anticipate air quality conditions and take proactive measures.
Aboutthe International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD):
Details
A regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge-sharing centre founded in 1981.
Idea of creating ICIMOD was first discussed at the International Workshop in December 1974.
8 regional member countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan.
HKH region encompasses mountain ranges, including the Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and Tibetan Plateau, extending from northern Afghanistan to Myanmar.
Structural Mandate
Headquartered in Khumaltar, Lalitpur, and Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
ICIMOD also has a Knowledge Park in Godavari, Lalitpur exhibiting ICIMOD’s research and field applications.
Country offices in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Functions and Powers
Collaborates with national and international scientific institutions, government agencies, donor agencies, and the private sector, both within the region and globally.
Key Role: Promotes partnerships among regional member countries to secure a better future for the people and environment of the HKH region.
PYQ:
[2012] When you travel in Himalayas, you will see the following:
Deep gorges
U-turn river courses
Parallel mountain ranges
Steep gradients causing land sliding
Which of the above can be said to be the evidence for Himalayas being young fold mountains?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
The Odisha government has clarified that it will not allow bauxite mining in the Gandhamardan hills after concerns arose when the Adani Group’s subsidiary acquired 112 acres of land near the hills.
AboutGandhamardan Hills:
Geographical Features
Situated in the western part of Odisha, spread across the Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
Covers an area of 190 square kilometers.
Dense forests and hill slopes.
Plays a crucial role in sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.
Mines and Minerals Found
Bauxite: Primary ore of aluminum.
Graphite: Used in industrial applications.
Manganese: Important for steel manufacturing.
Significance
Cultural Sites:
1. Nrusinghanath Temple: A major pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Nrusingha, a half-lion, half-human incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
2. Harishankar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, set amidst picturesque surroundings.
Hiuen Tsang described the hill shrine as a Buddhist heritage site named Parimalagiri in his chronicles.
– Flora: Rich in medicinal plants.
– Fauna: Rich biodiversity, including diverse wildlife species.
Dasycarpa and spiderpeucetia harishankarensis are endemic to this hill.
The SHAKTI Yojana plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of coal supply for India’s power sector.
AboutSHAKTI Yojana:
Details
• SHAKTI stands for Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India.
• Introduced by: Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
• Launched in 2018, with amendments in March 2019 and November 2023.
• Purpose: Ensure transparent coal allocation to the power sector, especially stressed power units facing coal shortages.
Objective
Allocate coal supplies to power plants that are unable to secure adequate fuel, ensuring consistent and transparent coal supply to power plants.
Features:
Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA): Coal supplied through FSA with Letter of Assurance (LoA) holders, ensuring continuation of supply at 75% of the Annual Contracted Quantity (ACQ).
Coal Linkages: Linkages granted to State/Central Generating Companies and Independent Power Producers (IPPs) with Long-Term PPAs.
Significance
• Ensures coal supply to stressed units, supporting new power plants and promoting transparency in coal allocation.
• Supports uninterrupted power generation by ensuring consistent fuel supply.
About India’s Coal Gasification Vision:
To achieve 100 MT of coal gasification by FY 2030, with a focus on sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.
Incentive: Reimburse GST compensation cess on coal used for gasification projects for 10 years, contingent on cess extension beyond FY27.
Target: Attract both Government PSUs and the Private Sector to drive innovation and investment in coal gasification.
Process: Entities selected through a transparent bidding process; government support for eligible PSUs and private firms to implement projects.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘Cyber Security’ (in 2022), and ‘Maritime Secuirty’ (2021).
India ranks fourth globally in defense spending,behind only the United States, China, and Russia in terms of military budget allocation. To maintain its ranking and achieve its development objectives by 2047, India must invest more in research frameworks.
Today’s editorial emphasizes the critical importance of enhancing research security, by taking an example of the United States as a means to protect national interests while fostering innovation and international collaboration. This content can be used as a successful case study to represent in your mains examination.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, the US Government has come up with defense and security developments, particularly in the form of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) new TRUST framework.
Research security has emerged as a pressing concern in the context of India’s national security too, particularly as global collaborations in science and technology increase.
What measures are being implemented to enhance research security in India?
The MeitY is developing infrastructure for advanced R&D in cybersecurity to promote indigenous skills and capabilities.
Technology Security Initiative with the UK: India has partnered with the United Kingdom to launch the Technology Security Initiative (TSI). This focuses on emerging technologies across sectors like telecommunications, semiconductors, AI, and biotech.
National Cyber Security Policy 2013: It serves as a comprehensive framework for enhancing the protection of India’s cyberspace by encouraging R&D in cyber security to develop technologies tailored to national needs. This framework has set up mechanisms like the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to address cyber threats
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill (DPDPB) 2023: It includes the passage of the legislative measures, which aim to establish regulations for data processing entities to safeguard personal data and enhance privacy.
CASE STUDY:
The TRUST Framework (U.S.)The NSF has introduced the Trusted Research Using Safeguards and Transparency (TRUST) framework to assess grant proposals for potential national security risks. This initiative is designed to protect taxpayer investments in research while promoting beneficial international collaborations. The framework comprises three branches: 1.Personnel Assessment: Evaluating active personnel appointments and positions. 2.Compliance Monitoring: Identifying instances of noncompliance with disclosure requirements. 3. National Security Considerations: Incorporating foreseeable national security risks into research assessments.
Rebecca Keiser, head of the NSF’s Office of Research Security Strategy and Policy, emphasized that while it is essential to mitigate risks, the U.S. must continue to lead in science and innovation without succumbing to an overly cautious compliance culture.
Why is research security essential for national defense?
Protection Against Foreign Influence: Foreign governments and entities often seek to exploit academic research for military and strategic advantages.
This exploitation can manifest in various forms, including intellectual property theft, sensitive data, and technological innovations.
The Department of Defense (DoD) has highlighted concerns regarding foreign interference that jeopardizes the integrity of National research, necessitating robust security measures to safeguard against these threats.
Safeguarding National Interests: Research contributes significantly to national defense capabilities and technological advancements.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) emphasizes that maintaining a secure research environment is crucial for fostering innovation while mitigating risks associated with foreign influence and espionage.
Enhancing Readiness and Capability: Defense research provides insights into emerging technologies and potential threats, allowing for informed decision-making regarding national defense strategies.
As noted in various reports, a decline in defense-related research funding can adversely affect a nation’s ability to respond to evolving security challenges.
Compliance with Legislative Mandates: Recent legislative initiatives, such as the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and National Security Presidential Memorandum 33 (NSPM-33), mandate that federal funding agencies implement research security programs to protect federally funded research from foreign interference.
These policies require institutions receiving significant federal funding to certify that they have established effective research security measures.
What are the challenges faced by Security Research Frameworks in India?
Fragmentation of Efforts: Despite numerous initiatives, India’s approach to cybersecurity remains fragmented, due to insufficient collaboration among various stakeholders that hinder effective implementation of security measures.
Shortage of Skilled Personnel: There is a significant gap in the availability of trained cybersecurity professionals. Further, the government’s inability to address emerging threats promptly due to a lack of expertise in critical areas like cyber forensics and incident response.
Vulnerability of Critical Infrastructure: India’s critical infrastructure, such as power grids and communication networks, is susceptible to cyber-attacks, posing risks to national security. High-profile incidents, like the attempted attack on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, highlight these vulnerabilities.
Evolving Threat Landscape: The rapid evolution of cyber threats, including advanced persistent threats (APTs) and state-sponsored cyber espionage, complicates the security landscape. APTs have sophisticated attacks that are hard to identify and counteract effectively.
How can collaboration between researchers and government agencies improve research integrity?
Establishing Clear Guidelines and Standards: Collaborative efforts allow researchers and government agencies to develop clear guidelines for ethical research practices. Different governments can provide frameworks that outline expectations for research conduct, helping to prevent misconduct.
Enhancing Risk Management: Working together enables a systematic approach to identifying and managing risks associated with research activities.Government agencies can help incorporate security measures into research protocols to mitigate risks related to foreign interference and data breaches.
Facilitating Training and Capacity Building: Government partnerships can enhance the training of researchers in best practices for maintaining integrity. Different agencies/stakeholders can offer educational materials and training programs focused on ethical research conduct and compliance with regulations.
Encouraging Transparency and Accountability: Collaborative frameworks can include mechanisms for reporting misconduct or conflicts of interest, ensuring issues are addressed promptly.
The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi.
AboutAOMSUC:
Details
What is it?
• It is a conference focused on the use of meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management.
• First AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China in 2010.• Held annually across various locations in the Asia-Oceania region, becoming a significant event for meteorological satellite applications.
• Participants: WMO, NASA, ESA, JAXA, and other leading space organizations.
Aims and Provisions
• Collaboration: Facilitate regional cooperation in the use of satellite data.
• Weather & Climate Monitoring: Improve forecasting and monitoring of climate patterns.
• Disaster Management: Enhance early warning systems for extreme weather events.
• Capacity Building: Provide training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing opportunities for local meteorologists and satellite data users.
• Data Sharing: Promote satellite data sharing across countries.
Significance
• Regional Cooperation: Promotes stronger collaboration between Asia-Oceania countries, helping to address shared meteorological challenges.
• Improved Forecasting: Facilitates the improvement of satellite data usage for more accurate weather forecasts and better disaster risk reduction strategies.
The North Eastern Tea Association (NETA) has appealed to Ministry of Commerce and Industry seeking permission for tea producers to sell their products through both private sales and public auction systems.
A gazette notification issued on February 26, 2024 has mandated that 100% of dust teas must be sold through public auctions.
AboutNorth Eastern Tea Association (NETA)
Details
• NETA is an association of tea producers headquartered in Golaghat, Upper Assam.
• Established in 1981.
• A key constituent of the Joint Forum and the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA), Assam Valley branch.
• Focuses on promoting the interests of its members and enhancing the tea industry in Assam.
Structural Mandate
• Presence: Strong presence in Golaghat, Assam.
• Role: Represents tea producers and plays a pivotal role in the development of Assam’s tea industry.
• Mandate: Advocates for improvements in the tea industry, assists with policy suggestions, and provides guidance on the development of the tea sector.
Powers and Functions
• Advisory Role: Provides expert opinions and advice to the government of Assam and its members on issues related to the tea industry.
• Policy Advocacy: Urges for changes in government policies to improve the tea industry, e.g., suggesting the relocation of the Tea Board of India’s headquarters to Guwahati.
• Industry Growth: Encourages high-quality tea production and advises growers to enhance the quality of tea to attract international buyers.
• Small Tea Grower Representation: Advocates for amendments to the definition of Small Tea Growers, proposing that those holding up to 50.6 hectares of land be recognized as small growers.
• Government Relations: Provides suggestions to the government for improving and scaling up the tea industry in Assam.
PYQ:
[2022] Consider the following States:
Andhra Pradesh
Kerala
Himachal Pradesh
Tripura
How many of the above are generally known as tea-producing States?
