It was formed as part of the Environmental Protocol (Madrid Protocol, 1991) to the Antarctic Treaty, which came into force in 1998.
Aim: To advice and formulate recommendations on environmental protection measures in the Antarctic region.
Composition: It consists of representatives from the consultative parties to the Antarctic Treaty, which includes countries active in Antarctic research and governance.
Functions:
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): The CEP oversees the EIA process for activities conducted in the Antarctic region to ensure they minimize environmental impacts.
Site Inspections: It conducts inspections of Antarctic facilities and activities to verify compliance with environmental regulations.
Scientific Research: The CEP promotes scientific research on Antarctic ecosystems and advises on measures to conserve biodiversity.
Waste Management: It develops guidelines for waste management and pollution prevention in the Antarctic, aiming to minimize human impact on the environment.
Policy Formulation: The CEP formulates policies and guidelines related to environmental protection in the Antarctic Treaty.
Back2Basics: Madrid Protocol, 1991
The Madrid Protocol refers to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
It is an international agreement that was adopted in 1991 and entered into force in 1998.
Key aspects of the Madrid Protocol include:
Environmental Principles: The Protocol outlines principles for the protection of the Antarctic environment, including the conservation of living resources, the prevention of pollution, and the protection of wilderness and scientific values.
Designation of Protected Areas: It designates certain areas of Antarctica as specially protected areas (SPAs) and sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), where specific environmental protection measures apply to safeguard their ecological, scientific, and aesthetic values.
Waste Management: It establishes guidelines and regulations for waste management and pollution prevention in Antarctica, aiming to minimize human impact on the environment and prevent pollution of the Antarctic ecosystem.
Prohibition of Mineral Resource Activities: The Protocol prohibits all mineral resource activities, including exploration and exploitation, in Antarctica. This provision aims to preserve the pristine and fragile nature of the Antarctic environment and prevent the potential environmental damage associated with mineral extraction.
Consultative Mechanisms: The Protocol establishes mechanisms for consultation and cooperation. This includes the CEP, which provides advice and recommendations on environmental matters to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM).
PYQs:
[2021] How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.
[2011] The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?
(a) Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
(b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.
(c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons.
(d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.
Treatment Challenges
Currently, there are no established effective treatments for PAM.
Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has organised the meeting, which will be attended by the 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty.
What is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)?
ATCM is the primary forum for discussing and coordinating activities related to the Antarctic Treaty System.
It was established under the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961.
It serves as the annual meeting of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty, known as Consultative Parties.
The ATCM adopts legally binding agreements, known as Antarctic Treaty Measures (ATMs), as well as non-binding recommendations on various matters.
Decisions within the ATCM are made by consensus among the Consultative Parties.
The ATCM established the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) as a subsidiary body to provide advice and recommendations on environmental matters.
India had last hosted the ATCM in New Delhi in 2007.
India’s Agenda at ATCM 46
During the Kochi meet, India will table its plan to construct Maitri II before the members.
Any new construction or initiative in Antarctica requires the ATCM’s approval.
About Antarctic Treaty
Details
Signing and Entry into Force
Signed on December 1, 1959 at Washington DC.
Entered into force on June 23, 1961.
12 Initial Countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the UK, and the US.
Objective
Ensure Antarctica remains exclusively for peaceful purposes, free from international discord.
Key Provisions
Art. I: Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only
Art. II: Freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica and cooperation
Art. III: Scientific observations and results from Antarctica shall be exchanged and made freely available
Antarctic Treaty Secretariat (ATS), established in 2004, serves as the administrative hub for the Antarctic Treaty System.
Annual Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM) where member states discuss treaty implementation and cooperation.
Environmental Protection
Promotes protection of the Antarctic environment.
Prohibits activities causing pollution or environmental damage
Mineral Resource Exploitation
Bans mining activities until at least 2048.
Requires consensus for any review or modification
Membership
54 parties as of 2024.
29 Consultative Parties actively participate in decision-making.
25 Non-Consultative Parties.
India ratified the treaty in 1983.
Madrid Protocol
Adopted in 1991.
Entered into force in 1998.
Strengthens environmental protection measures in Antarctic.
India in Antarctica
1. Governance:
Since 1983, India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty.
Of the 56 nations that are part of the Antarctic Treaty, 29 have consultative party status.
In this capacity, India votes and participates in all key decision-making processes regarding Antarctica.
India has undertaken scientific research in Antarctica since 1981.
2. Scientific Expeditions:
The first Indian Antarctica research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was set up in 1983, some 2,500 km from the South Pole in Queen Maud Land. The station operated till 1990.
In 1989, India set up its second Antarctica research station, Maitri, in the Schirmacher Oasis, a 3-km wide ice-free plateau with over 100 freshwater lakes.
It is still operational and located about 5 km from Russia’s Novolazarevskaya Station, and 90 km from Dakshin Gangotri.
In 2012, India inaugurated Bharati, its third Antarctica research station, located around 3,000 km east of Maitri, on the Prydz Bay coast.
Although the station focuses on oceanographic and geologic study, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) utilises it for receiving Indian Remote sensing Satellite (IRS) data.
India plans to open a new station, Maitri II, a few kilometres from the ageing Maitri station. Operations are set to begin by 2029.
In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
About the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
NCPOR is an Indian research and development institution, situated in Vasco da Gama, Goa.
It is an autonomous institution of the Department of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, established in 1998.
It is responsible for scientific and strategic endeavors in the Polar Regions (Arctic and Antarctic), the Himalayas, and the Southern Ocean.
PYQ:
[2015] The term ‘IndARC’ sometimes seen in the news is the name of
(a) An indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence.
(b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim.
(c) A scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region.
(d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region.
The X chromosome influences biological functions and disease susceptibilities, affecting genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and Alzheimer’s, with research offering potential new treatments and therapies.
Back2Basics: Chromosomes
Chromosomes are fundamental components of cells that play a vital role in storing and transmitting genetic information.
These structures contain genes, which carry instructions for the development, functioning, and inheritance of traits.
Chromosomes consist of tightly coiled DNA molecules wrapped around proteins called histones, forming chromatin.
Before cell division, chromosomes replicate into identical sister chromatids held together at the centromere.
Types of Chromosomes:
Autosomes: Non-sex chromosomes (22 pairs in humans) determine most traits.
Sex Chromosomes: Determine biological sex (XX for females, XY for males).
Functions of Chromosomes
Genetic Information Storage: Genes on chromosomes encode instructions for protein production and cellular processes.
Inheritance: Chromosomes transmit genetic information during sexual reproduction through meiosis, ensuring genetic diversity in offspring.
Gene Expression Regulation: Chromosomes control gene activation or silencing, crucial for development and cell functioning.
Genetic Landscape of the X chromosome:
The human X chromosome encodes around 800 genes, producing proteins.
Loss of function in these genes can lead to various genetic diseases.
Diseases influenced by the X chromosome fall into three categories:
X-linked genetic diseases
Diseases influenced by XCI (X chromosome inactivation) escape
Diseases linked to X-chromosome aneuploidy
What is the X chromosome?
It is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans, the other being the Y chromosome.
Females have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY).
Significance:
Encodes around 800 genes that are crucial for various biological processes.
Plays a significant role in determining sex and influencing many physiological functions.
Loss of function or mutations in X chromosome genes can lead to several genetic disorders.
What are Autoimmune Diseases?
Diseases where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells and tissues.
Normally, the immune system defends against infections by targeting harmful pathogens.
Common Autoimmune Diseases:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Chronic inflammation affecting various body parts.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Inflammation of joints and surrounding tissues.
Sjogren’s Syndrome: Affects glands that produce moisture, leading to dry mouth and eyes.
How does the X chromosome cause Autoimmune Diseases?
X Chromosome Inactivation (XCI):
In females, one of the two X chromosomes is randomly inactivated during early embryonic development to balance gene expression between males and females.
This process is crucial to prevent overexpression of X-linked genes.
XCI Escape:
Not all genes on the inactive X chromosome are completely silenced.
Up to a fourth of these genes may escape inactivation and continue to be expressed.
Link to Autoimmune Diseases:
Skewed XCI: Uneven inactivation of X chromosomes may lead to an imbalance in gene expression, contributing to autoimmune disorders.
Incomplete XCI: Reactivation of genes that should be silenced can result in abnormal immune responses.
Studies, such as one published in Science Advances (May 3, 2023), have shown that reactivation of X-linked genes in immune cells can lead to lupus-like symptoms in mice.
Linkage between X chromosome and Alzheimer’s disease
Sex Bias in Alzheimer’s:
Women are almost twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Role of X-Linked Genes:
Researchers have identified a gene called ubiquitin-specific peptidase 11 (USP11) on the X chromosome.
USP11 Gene: Involved in protein modification processes and thought to influence the accumulation of tau proteins in the brain.
XCI Escape: USP11 may escape XCI in females, leading to higher expression levels and contributing to Alzheimer’s pathology.
A study from Case Western Reserve University (Cell, October 2022) highlighted this mechanism, suggesting it as a target for new treatments.
PYQ:
[2011] At present, scientists can determine the arrangement or relative positions of genes or DNA sequences on a chromosome. How does this knowledge benefit us?
It is possible to know the pedigree of livestock.
It is possible to understand the causes of all human diseases.
It is possible to develop disease-resistant animal breeds.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains: Q) What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution? (UPSC CSE 2016)
Q) The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution. Discuss critically. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Prelims:
In India, Judicial Review implies (UPSC IAS/2017): (a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders. (b) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures. (c) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President. (d) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.
Note4Students:
Prelims: Judicial Review;
Mains: Judicial Review and Judicial Activism;
Mentor comment: The Indian constituent assembly adopted judicial review to ensure the effective functioning of the constitutional democracy in India. Judicial review allows the judiciary to protect the fundamental rights of citizens enshrined in the Constitution. It serves as a mechanism to ensure that laws and actions of the government do not violate these rights. It also ensures the successful operation of constitutional democracy in India. It allows for the protection of democratic principles, the separation of powers, and the independence of the judiciary.
Let’s learn.
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Why in the News?
Concerns have arisen due to the ambiguity in the CAA Rules regarding the status of applicants denied citizenship, raising fears of detention center placements.
Petitioners have expressed worries about dual citizenship for foreign applicants, potentially leading to citizenship uncertainty and conflicting with the Parent Act.
Background: The Supreme Court of India will assess the constitutionality of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and its associated rules shortly. Constitutional courts rarely intervene to invalidate legislation, presuming laws passed by Parliament are valid unless proven to violate constitutional provisions.
The lack of interdiction in the Judiciary:
Manish Kumar vs Union Of India, 2021: The Legislation is generally assumed to be free of malice.The Supreme Court said that there can be no estoppel against the Legislature, and the concept of transferred malice is alien in the field of legislation
Gurudevdatta Maryadit and Ors. vs State Of Maharashtra and Ors (2001): The Supreme Court, in this case, has stated that legislative malice falls outside the jurisdiction of law courts. It also held that it is not appropriate to attribute malice to the legislative process.
Case of Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India (2023): This case called for an independent body to select the Election Commission of India (ECI) to avoid executive dominance.
The Chief ElectionCommissioner and other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 reinstated the Prime Minister’s Committee’s role in ECI appointments.
Jaya Thakur vs Union of India (2024) challenged the Act, highlighting its unconstitutional nature threatening democratic foundations.
The Court’s refusal to prevent the Act’s implementation based on presumed validity raises concerns about safeguarding democracy and free elections.
Impacts of Lack of Interdiction in Critical Times:
Conventional wisdom falls short in addressing challenges posed by populist regimes using motivated legislation.
Obsolete presumptions of law validity hinder constitutional courts from playing a counter-majoritarian role effectively.
Impact of Political Statements: Legislation reflects political ideologies, especially in regimes undermining constitutional democracy. Judicial reluctance to interdict laws based on presumed validity can lead to irreversible consequences, as seen in cases like demonetization and the dilution of Kashmir’s special status.
Way Forward:
Strengthen Judicial Review: Judicial review should be strengthened to effectively check legislative actions that manipulate Electoral processes or undermine Constitutional Democracy.
Courts need to adopt a more assertive approach in critical times to fulfill their counter-majoritarian role.
Prioritize Urgent Cases: Urgent cases challenging unconstitutional laws should be prioritized to prevent irreversible consequences. Delays in deciding such cases can make the litigation almost a fait accompli, as seen in the dilution of Kashmir’s special status.
Ensure Effective Implementation of Judgments: Courts should ensure the effective implementation of their judgments by preventing the legislature from overriding them through motivated legislation.
Enhance Judicial Infrastructure: Improving judicial infrastructure, such as increasing the number of judges and courts, can help expedite the hearing of urgent cases. Adequate resources and efficient case management systems are crucial for the timely delivery of justice.
BACK2BASICS:
What is Judicial Review?
The term “judicial review” refers to the power of the courts to examine the actions of the legislative, executive, and administrative branches of government to determine if they are consistent with the Constitution.
Article 372 (1) establishes the judicial review of the pre-constitution legislation.
Article 13 declares that any law which contravenes any of the provisions of the part of Fundamental Rights shall be void. The primary purpose is to uphold the rule of law and protect the Constitution by striking down unconstitutional laws or actions. It is based on the Constitution and existing legal precedents.
What is Judicial Activism?
Judicial activism occurs when judges take an active role in shaping policies by broadly interpreting the Constitution and laws to achieve what they consider just outcomes. According to Articles 32 and 226 of the Indian Constitution, the higher judiciary has the power to consider any legislative, executive, or administrative action as unconstitutional and void if it does so. Judicial activism often involves mechanisms like suo-moto cases and public interest litigation that have no explicit constitutional backing.
A parliamentary panel suggested separating micro-enterprises from the broader MSME category and recommended revising definitions every five years.
A government order for timely MSME payments has exposed knowledge gaps and unintentionally marginalized smaller enterprises, highlighting issues in understanding their structure and operations.
Present Status:
According to the NationalSample Survey Organisations (NSSO) Unorganised Enterprise Survey2016, 95% of the enterprises surveyed reported revenues under Rs 50 lakh per annum. Of them, 89% reported an annual revenue of under Rs 12 lakh.
In the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI), more than 66% of the enterprises reported an annual revenue of less than Rs 50 lakh, and of them, 45% reported annual revenues of Rs 12 lakh.
What are the Categories of Micro-Enterprises?
Category 1 – Micro: More than 98% of the MSMEs are within this category, with reporting annual revenue of Rs 50 lakh and less.
Category 2 – Small: The MSMEs that are reporting annual revenue of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 5 crore.
Present Ambiguity and structural Gap in defining MSMEs
Lack of Clarity and Consistency in defination: In India, the MSMED Act of 2006 categorized MSMEs based on investment in plants and machinery, which led to industries keeping their plants small to maintain MSME advantages.
However, the MSMED Amendment Bill, 2018 proposed defining MSMEs solely based on yearly turnover, which has been criticized for under-reporting of qualifying enterprises.
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Approaches: There are two main techniques for defining MSMEs: quantitative and qualitative, with MSMEs typically defined using a quantitative approach. Quantitative criteria like number of employees, total assets, and yearly revenue have limitations as they vary by industry and sector.
Impact on Micro Enterprises: The ambiguity in defining MSMEs negatively impacts micro-enterprises, leading to issues like delayed payments and limited access to benefits and support schemes.
Moreover, the unregistered micro-enterprises have been worse hit by the COVID-19 pandemic than small and medium enterprises, with micro-enterprises accounting for more than two-thirds of all MSMEs and having a higher rate of informality.
Way forward:
Enhanced Data Collection: Conduct regular and comprehensive surveys to gather detailed data on MSMEs, particularly focusing on micro-enterprises.
Further Classification within Micro-Enterprises: Establish sub-categories within the micro-enterprise category based on revenue thresholds (e.g., below Rs 10 lakh, Rs 10-25 lakh, Rs 25-50 lakh).
Revenue Diversity: Significant variation in revenue among micro-enterprises necessitates further classification.
Targeted Policies: Addressing classification gaps can enhance policy effectiveness, supporting micro-enterprise growth and sustainability.
BACK2BASICS
Program and Policies
Explanation
MSME Development Act, 2006
Provides the legal framework for defining MSMEs and their classification into micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises
Provides credit guarantee cover of up to 75% of the credit to micro and small enterprises.
Udyog Aadhaar
A simple online process for MSME registration, requiring only the Aadhaar number and a self-declaration.
MSME Samadhaan
Mechanism to facilitate the promotion and development of MSMEs, including Khadi, Village, and Coir Industries.
Mudra Yojana
Provides loans up to 10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.
ZED Scheme
Aims to enhance the manufacturing capabilities and competitiveness of MSMEs through Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) certification.
Stand-Up India
Facilitates bank loans between 10 lakh and 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch
Make in India: Focuses on making India a global manufacturing hub, with MSMEs playing a crucial role.
Stand-Up India: Facilitates bank loans between 10 lakh and 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch
Mains PYQ:
Q Account for the failure of manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports. (UPSC IAS/2017)
The emphasis on workers’ accommodation in the manufacturing sector is gaining traction in the news due to its potential to address key challenges and unlock India’s manufacturing ambitions.
About India’s goal to $10 trillion by 2035
India aims to grow its economy to $10 trillion by 2035, with a specific focus on transforming the manufacturing sector to increase its GDP share from 15% to 25%. This ambitious goal involves a four-fold growth in manufacturing to enhance employment elasticity.
Present Challenges:
Inadequate Infrastructure: Many factories currently lack the necessary infrastructure to support large-scale manufacturing, particularly in terms of workers’ accommodation.
Land Regulation: Existing industrial land allocation regulations do not typically account for worker housing, necessitating regulatory changes at the state level.
Commute and Productivity: Workers often face long commutes, with studies showing travel times of up to two hours each way, leading to exhaustion and reduced productivity.
Living Conditions: Many workers live in ad hoc accommodations, which are not ideal for maintaining a stable and productive workforce.
Skill Gaps: There is a need for more targeted skill development programs to enhance worker productivity and adaptability to new manufacturing processes and technologies.
Lack of Coordinated Policy: There is a need for a more coordinated approach between state and central governments to provide the necessary fiscal and policy support.
Economic Factors that will steer Enlightened Self-Interest:
Transportation Savings: By providing on-premises or factory-adjacent accommodation, companies can significantly reduce transportation costs, estimated at over Rs 5,000 per worker per month.
Increased Productivity: Reduced commute times and better living conditions can lead to increased worker productivity.
Reduced Attrition: Better living conditions and reduced commuting stress can decrease workforce attrition, ensuring a more stable and experienced workforce.
Better Training Facilities: On-site accommodation can facilitate better training programs, enhancing workers’ skills and productivity.
Lower Carbon Footprint: Reducing the need for long commutes can lower the overall carbon footprint of manufacturing operations.
Way forward:
Tax and Fiscal Incentives: The Union government can catalyze investment in workers’ accommodation through tax incentives, GST reductions, and other fiscal benefits.
Priority Sector Tagging: Tagging workers’ accommodation as a priority sector for construction finance can attract more investment.
Collaborative Financing: Leveraging vehicles like the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) to finance credible worker housing projects can boost infrastructure development.
Mains PYQ:
Q The nature of economic growth in India in recent times is often described as a jobless growth. Do you agree with this view? Give arguments in favour of your answer. (UPSC IAS/2015)
The World Bank report, titled “Water for Shared Prosperity,” was released at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia.
It underscores the widening gap in access to water resources and services, exacerbated by factors like population growth, urbanization, and climate change.
Water for Shared Prosperity: Key Highlights of the Report
In 2022, 2.2 billion people lacked access to safely managed drinking water services, while 3.5 billion lacked access to safely managed sanitation.
Over 800 million people globally are at high risk of drought, with double that number living in flood-prone areas.
Low-income countries have seen a regression in access to safe drinking water, with an additional 197 million people lacking access since 2000.
Rural-urban access gaps in low-income countries have remained largely unchanged over the last two decades.
Hotspots in regions like the Sahel, Southeastern Africa, and South and Central Asia experience the highest water stress.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo holds over half of Africa’s total water resources.
About World Water Forum:
It is a large-scale international event that focuses on the discussion and development of solutionsto global water-related challenges.
It is held every three years. The first forum took place in took place in Marrakesh, Morocco in March 1997.
It is organized by the World Water Council, an international organization.
It brings together stakeholders from various sectors including governments, organizations, businesses, and academia to promote awareness, build political commitment, and trigger action on critical water issues at all levels.
What is the World Water Council (WWC)?
The World Water Council was founded in 1996.
The idea for the WWC emerged from discussions during the International Water and Sanitation Congress & Exhibition in 1994 and the subsequent Ministerial Conference on Drinking Water and Environmental Sanitation in 1996.
WWC’s activities focus on targets related to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), among others.
The Council was established by renowned water specialists and international organizations, including academic institutions, private companies, governments, and NGOs etc.
Objective: The primary aim of the Council is to raise awareness about critical water issues at all levels, including the highest decision-making levels, to facilitate efficient conservation, protection, development, planning, management, and use of water resources globally.
Membership: The WWC boasts a diverse membership base comprising over 300 member organizations in approximately 50 countries.
Key Functions and Contributions:
World Water Forums: It is the world’s largest event on water and gathers participants from various sectors to discuss and collaborate on water issues.
Policy Influence: The WWC works to influence policy by facilitating discussions among political and economic decision-makers.
Research and Advocacy: Through its publications, policy papers, and strategic projects, the WWC fosters greater understanding and awareness of water issues.
PYQ:
[2016] The effective management of land and water resources will drastically reduce the human miseries. Explain.
[2012] If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?
Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste water.
The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for use of ocean water.
All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently launched the World Migration Report 2024.
Back2Basics: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Details
About
Originated in 1951 as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME) after World War II’s upheavals.
In 2016, IOM agreed with the United Nations, becoming a related organization.
Headquarters
Geneva, Switzerland
Members
Currently has 175 Member States and 8 states with Observer status.
India became an IOM Member State on 18th June 2008.
Key Highlights of the Report:
Climate Change Impacts on Migration
The report highlights a significant increase in global migration due to environmental impacts and climate change, with more than 216 million people projected to be on the move within their countries by 2050.
Migration is being used as a strategy to cope with and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, although its effectiveness varies based on individual circumstances and active involvement of migrants.
Specific Regional Insights:
Africa:
Climate change has led to severe weather changes, including decreased rainfall and increased temperatures in North Africa, contributing to migration.
Countries like Libya, Algeria, and Morocco have seen migration due to reduced rainfall and increased drought conditions.
Asia:
In South Asia, particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh, extreme weather events like floods have led to substantial displacement.
The 2022 floods in Pakistan resulted in nearly 1.7 million displacements and in Bangladesh, record-breaking floods in 2022 triggered over 1.5 million displacements.
In India, strong influence of climate impacts on internal migration from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Remittances Inflows in India
According to the Report, India has consistently been the top recipient of remittances globally. In 2022, India received a record-breaking $111.22 billion in remittances.
Remittance Inflows:
India is way ahead of its closely ranked peers Mexico ($61.1 billion), China ($51 billion), Philippines ($38.05 billion) and France ($30.04 billion).
This is the first time any country has crossed the USD 100 billion mark in remittance inflows.
The largest contributions to India’s remittances come from the UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the extensive Indian diaspora in these regions.
Migration Statistics:
With 18 million international migrants residing primarily in the UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia, India hosts the world’s largest number of international migrants.
This large diaspora plays a crucial role in the economic linkage between India and these countries through remittances.
India came in 13th as the destination country for immigrants, with 4.48 million.
PYQ:
[2015] Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.
At the upcoming COP29 in Baku in November this year, Azerbaijan, the primary discussion will center on the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.
Recent Climate Conferences and Decisions:
2022 Sharm el-Sheikh Conference: A Loss and Damage Fund was established to assist developing countries in recovering from climate disasters.
Dubai Conference: The focus was on the Global Stocktake (GST) of climate actions, acknowledging the need to transition away from fossil fuels and tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030.
What is the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG)?
All the parties of the Paris Agreement participate and review the implementation of the Agreement and make decisions. CMA is held once a year.
This goal will start with a target of at least $100 billion per year, focusing on the requirements and priorities of developing countries.
It will replace the previous commitment of USD 100 billion per year that developed nations had pledged in 2009 but never delivered.
NCQG:A timeline
In 2009: The developed countries agreed to provide approximately $30 billion in ‘new and additional’ financial resources to developing countries from 2010 to 2012.
Additionally, these countries committed to collectively raising $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries.
In 2015: It was decided to continue this collective goal of mobilizing $100 billion yearly by developed countries up to 2025.
A new climate finance target is to be set before 2025, maintaining at least $100 billion per year and considering the needs and priorities of developing countries. This is referred to as the NCQG or the new goal for post-2025.
Financial Requirements for Effective Climate Action:
Current Funding Gaps: The scale of annual climate finance has consistently fallen short of the $100 billion promised by developed countries.
Projected Needs: Developing countries require about $6 trillion annually until 2030 to implement their climate action plans, according to a 2021 UN Climate Change report. An updated version of this report is expected to raise this figure even higher.
Global Transition Costs: A global transition to a low-carbon economy is estimated to require about $4-6 trillion every year until 2050.
Renewable Energy Expansion: Tripling renewable energy capacity, as agreed in Dubai, is estimated to cost $30 trillion until 2030, per the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA).
Prospects for Meeting Financial Targets:
Realistic Expectations: Discussions are ongoing, with India suggesting a target of at least $1 trillion per year, primarily through grants and concessional finance.
Challenges: Developed countries have historically fallen short of even lesser goals, and achieving trillions in finance is seen as ambitious.
Back2Basics: GlobalInitiatives for Financing Climate Action
Established
Purpose
How it Works
Green Climate Fund (GCF)
2010
To support developing countries in adaptation and mitigation to counter climate change.
Mobilizes funding from developed to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. Operates under the UNFCCC financial mechanism.
Global Environment Facility (GEF)
1991
To tackle global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development.
Provides grants for projects related to environmental conventions (biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, ozone layer, organic pollutants). Functions as a financial mechanism for multiple conventions including the UNFCCC.
Climate Investment Funds (CIF)
2008
To bridge funding and learning gaps for cleaner technology transformations.
Offers scaled-up financing to middle-income countries to initiate cleaner technology transformations. Includes funds like the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF).
Adaptation Fund
2001
To finance concrete adaptation projects in developing countries party to the Kyoto Protocol.
Financed by a share of proceeds from CDM project activities, it supports concrete adaptation projects in vulnerable communities.
Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)
2001
To finance projects in adaptation, technology transfer, and various management sectors.
Managed by the GEF, supports projects in sectors not directly funded through other funds such as energy, transport, and waste management.
Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)
2001
To support the least developed countries (LDCs) in their climate change initiatives.
Finances the preparation and implementation of National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) which identify priority activities for LDCs to adapt to climate change.
Carbon Pricing Mechanisms
NA
To internalize the cost of GHG emissions, incentivizing emission reductions.
Involves setting a price on carbon emissions either through carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes (ETS), encouraging businesses to reduce emissions.
To enhance cooperation to achieve NDC goals under the Paris Agreement.
Facilitates technical and financial support to help countries implement and enhance their NDC commitments for reducing emissions.
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?
The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.
The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
