💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS1

  • Antarctica’s Ozone Hole expands mid-spring since 2001

    ozone

    Central Idea

    • Recent research published in the journal Nature Communications has revealed a concerning trend in the Antarctic ozone layer during mid-spring (October).
    • Contrary to previously reported recovery trends in total ozone, the core of the Antarctic ozone in mid-spring has experienced a significant 26% reduction since 2004.

    Ozone Layer and Ozone Hole

    Location Stratosphere, approximately 10-30 km above Earth’s surface.
    Composition Composed of ozone (O3) molecules.

    Unit of measurement: Dobsob Unit (DU)
    Function Acts as a protective shield, absorbing and blocking a significant portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
    Importance Essential for protecting life on Earth by preventing excessive UV radiation, which can harm living organisms and the environment.
    Ozone-depleting Substances Threatened by ODS like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and other synthetic compounds commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol propellants.
    Montreal Protocol An international treaty adopted in 1987 to phase out the production and consumption of ODS, resulting in significant recovery of the ozone layer.
    Current Status The ozone layer is in the process of recovery due to the success of the Montreal Protocol.
    Environmental Impact Protects ecosystems, prevents skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues in humans.
    Additional Facts • The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica varies annually, opening in August and closing in November or December.

    • Special winds caused by the Earth’s rotation create a unique climate over Antarctica, preventing mixing with surrounding air.

    • When these winds subside, the hole closes.

    Shift in Ozone Trends

    • Mid-Spring Ozone Depletion: The study’s findings reveal a notable decline in mid-spring (October) ozone levels within the middle stratospheric layer, contrary to previous expectations of recovery.
    • Early Spring Recovery: Surprisingly, early spring (September) still shows slight ozone increases or a modest recovery of the ozone hole.

    Implications of Ozone Variability

    • Antarctic Stratospheric Ozone: Antarctic stratospheric ozone plays a critical role in influencing climate patterns across the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Understanding Ozone Variability: Ongoing research aims to understand the reasons behind the observed ozone variability, particularly in the context of the Southern Hemisphere’s atmospheric changes.

    Key Findings

    • Recovery Trends Re-evaluated: When considering satellite data from 2022, previously reported recovery trends in Antarctic spring total ozone, observed since 2001, no longer hold.
    • Middle Stratosphere Impact: The middle stratosphere has witnessed continued, significant ozone reduction since 2004, culminating in a 26% loss within the core of the ozone hole.
    • Potential Causes: The study suggests that changes in the mesosphere, the atmospheric layer above the stratosphere and the ozone layer, may be driving this reduction.
    • Major triggers: Scientists speculate that the extensive ozone hole this year may be linked to volcanic eruptions in Hunga Tonga, Tonga, between December 2022 and January 2023.

  • VT Rajshekar: Journalist, anti-caste legend who spoke his mind

    V T Rajshekar - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia

    Central idea

    Vontibettu Thimmappa Rajshekar Shetty (VTR) authored 30 books centering on caste, nation and religion

    Key Highlights:

    • Vontibettu Thimmappa Rajshekar Shetty (VTR) is a renowned figure in the Ambedkarite, anti-caste movement, known for his fearless journalism.
    • Born in 1932, VTR played a significant role in shaping the intellectual discourse of the anti-caste sphere since the 1970s.
    • Founder of the world-famous periodical Dalit Voice in 1981, VTR advocated for Dalit rights and challenged the Brahminical state order.

    Challenges:

    • Faced opposition and legal challenges, including being booked under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act.
    • Dalit Voice was forced to shut down due to assault by the BJP, rechristened as Brahmana Jaati Party.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Triumph of Ambedkarism”: VTR envisioned the 21st century as a period of triumph for Ambedkarism.
    • “Caste as a nation within the nation”: VTR viewed caste as a separate entity rather than a subsidiary of the nation-state.

    Critical Analysis:

    • VTR’s journalism focused on exposing Brahminical hypocrisies and advocating for the rights of the oppressed.
    • Fearless critiques of the caste system and Brahminical state order marked his intellectual contributions.
    • VTR’s alignment with international radical movements showcased a commitment to broader social justice issues.
    • Alliances with African-American movements and international solidarity reflected a global perspective on caste-based discrimination.
    • Booking under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act highlighted the resistance faced by VTR for his outspoken journalism.
    • Dalit Voice’s closure due to opposition from the BJP underscores the challenges anti-caste voices encounter in political landscapes.
    • Despite significant contributions, VTR and many anti-caste legends are often inadequately honored and celebrated.
    • The proposed establishment of a national award for fearless journalists in V T Rajshekar’s name aims to recognize and honor his impactful work.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Founded Dalit Voice in 1981 and authored 30 books, including “Dalit: The Black Untouchables of India.”
    • Inspired solidarity between Dalits and contemporary African-American activists.

    Key Data:

    • Born on July 17, 1932.
    • Founded Dalit Voice in 1981.

    Key Facts:

    • VTR faced legal challenges, including being booked under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act.
    • Dalit Voice shut down due to opposition from the BJP.

    Key Terms:

    • Ambedkarism,
    • Brahminical state order,
    • Dalit Voice,
    • Caste-based violence,
    • Internationalism,
    • Brahmana Jaati Party.

    Way Forward:

    • Recognition and celebration of VTR’s contributions to anti-caste journalism and social justice.
    • Proposed establishment of a national award for fearless journalists in the name of V T Rajshekar to honor his legacy.

  • Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)

    ibef

    Central Idea

    • Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the global community has struggled to secure adequate funding for biodiversity conservation.
    • However, on August 27, 2023, a significant step was taken as countries established the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF).

    GBFF: A New Hope for Biodiversity Funding

    • Inception: The GBFF was officially established on August 27, 2023, at the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.
    • KMGBF Integration: The GBFF’s primary objective is to support countries in achieving the 23 targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
    • Funding Needs: COP15 determined that at least $200 billion per year until 2030 is required to fund biodiversity protection programs worldwide.
    1990: GEF launched with ~US$1 billion; 46% funds for biodiversity.

    1996: GEF becomes financial mechanism for the Convention at COP3, Argentina.

    2002: GEF’s 3rd replenishment: $3 billion, 30% for biodiversity (2002-06).

    2010: COP10 in Japan sets Aichi targets; 5th GEF replenishment: $4.34 billion, $1.15 billion for biodiversity.

    2014: GEF’s 6th cycle: $4.43 billion, 6.3% for biodiversity.

    2019: IPBES report shows 1 million species at extinction risk.

    2023: 7th GEF Assembly ratifies GBFF with $200 million seed capital; $1.92 billion for biodiversity in 8th cycle.

    1992: CBD signed at Earth Summit, effective 1993; COP1 in Bahamas.

    1998: First GEF Assembly in New Delhi; $418 million allocated for biodiversity.

    2006: 4th GEF replenishment: $3.13 billion, 26% for biodiversity.

    2012: COP11 in India; IPBES to assess biodiversity status.

    2018: COP14 in Egypt assesses Aichi targets; GEF’s 7th cycle: $4.1 billion, 21.8% for biodiversity.

    2022: COP15 in Montreal adopts Kunming-Montreal Framework; $200 billion/year needed, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund proposed.

    What makes GBFF unique?

    • Diverse Funding Sources: Unlike the GEF, which relied on a limited number of donors, the GBFF will source funds from private, philanthropic, and government investments.
    • GEF’s Role: The GEF will manage the GBFF, making it a more robust and versatile funding mechanism.
    • Budget Allocation: The GBFF has a cumulative budget of $5.25 billion for 2022-26, with 36% allocated for biodiversity. The remaining funds are dedicated to projects addressing climate change, pollution, land, and ocean health.
    • Enhanced Impact: Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, Chairperson of GEF, emphasizes the need not only for increased funds but also for strategic utilization to maximize impact.
    • Multilateral Fund Potential: GBFF might receive contributions from a proposed multilateral fund generated from fees related to digital genetic sequence information, potentially generating over $15 billion annually.

    Challenges Ahead

    • Funding Gap Persists: Despite GBFF’s establishment, the financial gap for biodiversity conservation remains significant. In 2019, global spending on biodiversity conservation was far below the estimated need.
    • Domestic Financing Struggles: Relying on domestic funds has been challenging, especially for developing countries.
    • Long-Term Funding Concerns: The world faces a projected financing gap of $4.1 trillion for biodiversity by 2050, underscoring the need for sustainable funding mechanisms.

    Importance of Domestic Funding

    • Diverse Solutions: KMGBF’s Target 19 suggests various nature-based solutions such as payment for ecosystem services, green bonds, and benefit-sharing mechanisms to mobilize domestic funding.
    • Challenges of Blended Finance: Blended financing, where public resources catalyze private investment, may not be an ideal solution and takes time to implement.
    • Biodiversity Credits: Similar to carbon credits, biodiversity credits (biocredits) have gained popularity. They have the potential to generate the funds needed to meet KMGBF targets.
    • Biocredits Challenges: Biocredits are in their infancy, and their implementation, including regulation, certification schemes, and policy systems, is still being discussed.

    Challenges in Achieving KMGBF Targets

    • Protecting 30% of Land and Waters: Achieving the 30×30 target faces challenges, considering existing protected areas’ effectiveness and the inclusion of OECMs (other effective area-based conservation measures).
    • Data Gap: The effectiveness of existing protected areas is unclear due to limited available data.
    • Debate over OECMs: OECMs are not fully understood, and there are concerns that they might be designated without proper evaluation.

    Way forward

    • Inclusion in KMGBF Targets: Indigenous peoples and local communities play a crucial role in conservation. KMGBF explicitly emphasizes the need to respect their rights in achieving targets.
    • Funding Allocation: The GEF Assembly has allocated up to 20% of donor funds to support indigenous communities in conservation efforts.
    • Capacity Building: To avoid human rights violations, there is a need for substantial investment in building the capacity of indigenous communities.
    • Strict Norms: Stricter norms should ensure that biodiversity-rich areas are not diverted for other purposes, such as plantations, which cannot replace old-growth forests.

    Conclusion

    • The establishment of the GBFF represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing financial challenges in biodiversity conservation.
    • However, challenges, such as securing adequate funds and ensuring equitable conservation practices, persist.

  • At COP 28, a chance to get past fear-mongering

    How Can Climate Action Be Inclusive? | Global Climate Change

    Central idea

    The article emphasizes that climate change action is essential for economic sustainability and counters the notion that it is unaffordable. It highlights the impact of fossil fuels on the cost-of-living crisis and advocates for redirecting funds from fossil fuel subsidies to renewable energy. The author calls for international cooperation at COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency, and address climate justice concerns.

    Key Highlights:

    • Global Cost-of-Living Crisis: Inflation’s widespread impact on billions globally, prompting a false narrative of green initiatives against the interests of the poor.
    • Fossil Fuels and Economic Strain: Fossil fuels, a major driver of the cost-of-living crisis, contribute to economic strain, affecting household budgets and impeding growth.
    • Worsening Climate Disasters: Amid rising costs, climate disasters intensify, causing economic damage and affecting millions globally.

    Key Challenges:

    • Fossil Fuel Dependency: Persistent reliance on fossil fuels remains a significant hurdle to addressing the cost-of-living crisis and mitigating climate change.
    • Government Spending on Subsidies: Trillions spent on fossil fuel subsidies divert funds from essential services and hinder investments in renewable energy.

    Key Terms:

    • Cost-of-Living Crisis: Global economic strain exacerbated by inflation.
    • Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Government financial support to the fossil fuel industry.
    • Renewable Energy: Sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
    • Climate Disasters: Increasingly severe climate-related events.
    • Energy Access: Ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy.

    Key Phrases for value addition:

    • “Green versus poor” Narrative: Misleading rhetoric obscuring the need for a sustainable future.
    • “Fossil fuel taps can’t be turned off overnight”: Recognizing the gradual nature of transitioning from fossil fuels.
    • “Global Stocktake on climate action”: Assessment of progress and tools to speed up climate action.
    • “Tripling the world’s renewable energy capacity”: Ambitious goals for renewable energy expansion.
    • “Fear Mongering”: Misleading tactics to discourage climate action.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Impact of Fossil Fuel Prices: Household bills rising up to $1,000 in 2022.
    • Government Spending: Trillions spent globally on fossil fuel subsidies in 2022.

    Key Facts:

    • Climate Predictions: This year projected to be the hottest in 125,000 years.
    • Inflation Impact: Disproportionately affecting the poorest households.
    • Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Diverting funds from essential services and renewable energy projects.

    Key Data:

    • Global Spending on Subsidies: Trillions allocated to fossil fuel subsidies.
    • Climate Impact: Economic damage and lives affected by escalating climate disasters.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article underscores the interconnected challenges of inflation, fossil fuel dependency, and climate change.
    • Governments’ hesitation to phase out subsidies is identified as a critical obstacle.
    • Emphasis on the imperative shift to renewable energy for economic growth and effective climate action.

    Way Forward:

    • Advocacy: Push for responsible phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies.
    • Encouragement: Support governments in investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions.
    • Climate Justice: Back initiatives addressing climate justice and adaptation to climate impacts.

  • Remembering Justice Fathima Beevi: India’s First Woman Supreme Court Judge

    Justice Fathima Beevi

    Central Idea

    • Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India (also the first Muslim woman Judge of SC), passed away at the age of 96 in Kerala’s Kollam.

    Who was Justice Fathima Beevi?

    • Early life: Born in 1927, Justice Beevi was the eldest of eight children and came from a family where her father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, encouraged his daughters’ education despite societal norms.
    • Decision for Law: Her father persuaded her to pursue law instead of post-graduation in Chemistry, inspired by the story of Anna Chandy, the first woman judicial officer in Travancore.
    • Breaking Barriers: She made history by graduating in law in 1950, becoming the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council.

    A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment

    • Pioneering Achievement: Justice Fathima Beevi’s appointment as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court was a milestone in India’s legal history.
    • Role Model: She became an icon of women’s empowerment, encouraging women to pursue careers in the legal field.
    • Recognition for Kerala: Kerala gained recognition as the state that contributed the first female judge to the country through her appointment.

    A Trailblazing Legal Career

    • Junior Advocate: She began her legal career as a junior advocate at Kollam district court, facing resistance from orthodox elements due to her headscarf.
    • Barrier Breaker: Despite initial challenges, Justice Beevi rose through the ranks, eventually joining the judicial service as a munsiff in 1958.
    • Remarkable Achievements: She continued to break barriers, becoming the district sessions judge in 1974 and getting elected as a munsiff through a competitive exam.

    Political Career

    • Judicial Ascension: Justice Beevi’s journey continued as she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983, and later elevated to the Supreme Court in 1989.
    • Champion of Equality: In the Supreme Court, she advocated for equality in significant verdicts, including cases related to reservation and constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state authority.
    • Governor of Tamil Nadu: Justice Beevi served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001, making headlines for her role in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and political developments.

  • A short treatise on Indian Materialism

    Materialism

    Central Idea

    • This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.

    Introduction to Materialism

    • Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
    • Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.

    Origins of Materialism

    • Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
    • Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
    • Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.

    Materialism’s Names in India

    • Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
    • Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
    • Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
    • Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
    • Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).

    Materialist Ontology

    • Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
    • Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
    • Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.

    Ethics of Materialism

    • Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
    • Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
    • Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
    • Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.

    Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell

    • Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
    • Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
    • Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.

  • Southern Annular Mode (SAM) and Indian Ocean Weather Conditions

    Southern Annular Mode

    Central Idea

    • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a division under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has made a significant discovery regarding the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), a crucial climate pattern.
    • Their research has revealed that SAM plays a pivotal role in influencing sea conditions across the Indian Ocean.

    What is Southern Annular Mode (SAM)?

    Description
    Idea behind
    • Mode of atmospheric variability representing north-south movement of the westerly wind belt around Antarctica.
    • Also known as Antarctic Oscillation (AAO).
    Phases
    1. Positive Phase: Wind belt contracts towards Antarctica.
    2. Negative Phase: Wind belt expands towards the equator.
    Impact on Weather Patterns
    • Influences temperature, rainfall, and storm intensity in the Southern Hemisphere.
    • Causes difference in the zonal mean sea level pressure at 40°S (mid-latitudes) and 65°S (Antarctica).
    Influence on Indian Ocean Affects ocean currents and sea surface temperatures, impacting regional weather and marine life.
    Climate Change Connection Trend towards more positive phases in recent decades, influenced by human-induced climate change.
    Effect on Antarctic Ice Impacts Antarctic ice sheets and sea ice extent through changes in wind patterns.
    Global Climate Interaction Interacts with other climate phenomena like ENSO.
    Predictability and Variability Exhibits seasonal predictability and interannual variability, important for long-term forecasting.
    Marine Ecosystems Affects marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, influencing productivity and species distribution.

    Role of Ocean Surface Waves

    • Coastal Processes: Ocean surface waves are key players in shaping coastal processes, impacting shoreline erosion, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and recreational activities.
    • Scientific Approach: The scientific team leveraged 40 years of data (1979 to 2018) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast.

    Positive and Negative SAM Phases

    • Positive SAM Phase: During a positive SAM phase, a cyclic pattern of warm sea surface temperature anomalies emerges, accompanied by strong winds that increase wave activity in the Indian Ocean. A new swell generation region along the east African coast contributes to heightened wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
    • Negative SAM Phase: Conversely, during a negative SAM phase, the eastern tropical southern Indian Ocean becomes the primary region for generating swells, resulting in reduced wave heights in the Arabian Sea.

    Significance of SAM

    • Coastal Planning: Understanding SAM allows for better coastal planning, helping coastal communities prepare for the impact of changing sea conditions.
    • Resource Management: SAM insights can aid in more efficient resource management, optimizing the utilization of marine resources.
    • Disaster Preparedness: Knowledge of SAM patterns can enhance disaster preparedness efforts, enabling timely response to potential ocean-related disasters.
    • Wave Predictions: The research contributes to improving wave predictions, offering advanced forecasting capabilities.
    • Benefiting Stakeholders: Stakeholders in the blue economy, including shipping, maritime boards, and the oil industry, can optimize their multi-million-dollar operations at sea based on SAM insights.

    Implications for Various Sectors

    • Monsoon Season Impact: Typically, inland vessel operations and oil exploration activities face restrictions during the monsoon season.
    • Fair Sea State Windows: Predicting SAM phases through the Ocean Forecasting System can identify “Fair Sea state windows” during monsoons.
    • Impact on Blue Economy: These fair windows can be leveraged by oil and shipping industries, making a significant contribution to blue economy activities along the Indian coast

  • Understanding Eclipses: Why they don’t happen every Month

    Eclipse

    Central Idea

    • While Eclipses are intriguing, one might wonder why eclipses do not occur with every new and full moon.

    What are Eclipses?

    • Eclipses are astronomical events that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align in specific ways.
    • There are two primary types of eclipses: solar and lunar.
    • A solar eclipse happens when the moon comes between the sun and Earth during a new moon, blocking out the sun’s light.
    • Conversely, a lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth is positioned between the sun and the moon during a full moon, casting a shadow on the moon.

    Visit this page to read more about Eclipses:

    What are Eclipses?

    Why is there no eclipse every full and new moon?

    Ans. Moon’s Unique Orbit

    • Moon’s Path: The moon orbits around Earth, completing one orbit roughly every month.
    • Ecliptic Plane: In an ideal scenario, if the moon’s orbit matched Earth’s orbital plane, called the ecliptic, we would witness a solar eclipse during every new moon and a lunar eclipse during every full moon.
    • Moon’s Inclination: However, the moon’s orbit is inclined at an angle of about 5 degrees to Earth’s orbital plane, causing irregular eclipse patterns.

    Role of Lunar Nodes

    • Lunar Nodes: The moon’s orbit intersects Earth’s orbital plane at specific points known as nodes, categorized as ascending or descending nodes depending on the moon’s orbital direction.
    • Eclipse Occurrence: Eclipses happen when a full or new moon closely aligns with one of these nodes, ensuring the sun, moon, and Earth are in alignment.

    Eclipse Pairs and Seasons

    • Eclipse Pairs: Solar and lunar eclipses typically occur in pairs, with one following the other within a two-week period.
    • Eclipse Seasons: Eclipse seasons, lasting around 34 to 35 days, usually feature two eclipses – one solar and one lunar. Occasionally, three eclipses may occur in a single season.
    • Frequency: Contrary to common perception, there are more eclipses than expected, with the 21st century witnessing 224 solar eclipses and 230 lunar eclipses.

    Understanding the Lunar Nodes and Eclipses

    • Eclipse Seasons: Eclipse seasons take place approximately every 173 days when the lunar nodes precisely align with the Earth and the sun.
    • Moon’s Progression: The moon’s phases shift about 30 degrees along the zodiac every month concerning the nodes.
    • Future Eclipses: After a pair of eclipses, the next pair usually occurs nearly 6 calendar months later.

  • What the OECD Report says of Climate Finance ahead of COP 28?

    Central Idea

    • A recent report published by the OECD reveals that economically developed countries failed to fulfill their commitment to jointly mobilize $100 billion per year for climate mitigation and adaptation in developing countries in 2021, missing the 2020 deadline.
    • The report’s findings have significant implications for the upcoming COP 28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, where climate finance is expected to be a contentious issue.

    Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

     

    • Establishment: Founded in 1961, succeeding the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) which was established in 1948 to help administer the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II.
    • Members: Initially European-focused, it now includes 38 member countries from across the globe, including many of the world’s most advanced economies and some emerging economies.
    • Purpose: To stimulate economic progress and world trade. It’s a forum where governments can work together to share experiences and seek solutions to common problems.
    • Key Functions: Provides a platform for comparing policy experiences, seeking answers to common problems, identifying good practices, and coordinating domestic and international policies of its members.
    • Major Publications: Includes the OECD Economic Outlook, the OECD Employment Outlook, and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report.

    Key Findings of the OECD Report

    • Shortfall in Climate Finance: Developed countries mobilized $89.6 billion in climate finance in 2021, falling short of the $100 billion target.
    • Decline in Adaptation Finance: The report highlights a 14% decrease in financing for climate adaptation in 2021 compared to the previous year.

    Significance of the OECD Report

    • Representation of Developed Nations: The OECD consists of affluent countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, France, Switzerland, and Canada, providing insights into their climate finance priorities before the COP 28 talks.
    • COP 26 Pledge: The report follows a commitment by developed nations at COP 26 in 2020 to double adaptation finance and acknowledges their failure to meet the $100 billion goal on time.

    Issues related to Climate Finance Accountability

    • Composition of Climate Finance: The report reveals that a significant portion of public climate financing comes in the form of loans, raising concerns about debt stress in developing countries.
    • Loan Classification: The report’s treatment of loans without considering grant equivalents can exacerbate the burden on poorer nations, as loans may require repayment with interest.
    • ‘Additionality’: The UNFCCC mandates that developed countries provide “new and additional” financial resources for climate purposes, preventing the diversion of funds from other essential sectors like healthcare.
    • Lack of Defined Criteria: Developed countries have resisted efforts to establish a clear definition of climate finance, allowing ambiguity in classifying various types of funding.
    • Double-Counting: Some developed countries have been accused of double-counting development aid as climate finance, leading to the misallocation of resources.

    Climate Finance Needs and Future Projections

    • The OECD report suggests that $100 billion was likely met in 2022, but this data remains preliminary and unverified.
    • Developing countries are projected to require approximately $1 trillion annually for climate investments by 2025, escalating to $2.4 trillion per year from 2026 to 2030, highlighting the inadequacy of the $100 billion goal.

    Conclusion

    • The OECD report on climate finance underscores the gap between promises made by developed nations and their actual contributions.
    • Issues of loan classification, additionality, and a lack of clear criteria for climate finance need to be addressed for greater transparency and accountability.
    • As developing countries face growing climate-related challenges, public funding from governments and multilateral development banks remains crucial to meeting their needs.

  • Who was Lachit Borphukan?

    Lachit Borphukan

    Central Idea

    • An animation film on an iconic Ahom general Lachit Borphukan has been selected for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2023 to be held in Goa.

    Lachit Borphukan

    • Lachit Borphukan was a legendary military commander from the northeastern region of India, specifically from the state of Assam. Here are some facts related to him:
    Description
    Timeline 1622-1672
    Dynasty Ahom Dynasty
    Mughal Threat Faced the Mughal Empire’s expansion into Assam
    Battle of Saraighat Led Ahom forces to victory against the Mughals in 1671

    Defended Assam against the Aurangzeb’s forces led by Ram Singh
    Leadership Known for strategic brilliance and guerrilla tactics
    Legacy Revered as a symbol of Assamese pride and resistance
    INS Lachit Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer named in honor
    Lachit Divas Celebrated annually on November 24th in Assam

     

    https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-ips-officer-directed-animation-film-chosen-for-iffi-2023/article67550668.ece