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.
In October, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) held discussions with industry leaders and experts about establishing an AI Safety Institute as part of the IndiaAI Mission.
What are the core objectives and focus areas for the AI Safety Institute?
Setting Standards for AI Safety: The AISI aims to develop frameworks, guidelines, and standards for safe AI deployment without acting as a regulatory body. This approach is designed to foster innovation while ensuring safety.
Enhancing Domestic Capacity: The institute will focus on building domestic capabilities in AI safety, leveraging India’s unique strengths and addressing local challenges related to AI deployment.
Promoting Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Engaging various stakeholders—including government bodies, industry players, academia, and civil society—is crucial for creating a comprehensive approach to AI safety that reflects diverse perspectives.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: The AISI will develop tools for risk assessment and mitigation related to AI technologies, focusing on issues such as bias, discrimination, and social exclusion.
Global Engagement: By integrating into international networks like the Bletchley Process, the AISI will participate in global dialogues on AI safety, bringing forward the concerns of developing countries and contributing to a more inclusive governance framework.
How should the organizational structure of the AISI be designed to ensure scalability and independence?
Independence from Regulatory Bodies: The AISI should operate independently from rulemaking and enforcement authorities to maintain its focus on research, testing, and standardization rather than regulatory compliance.
Collaboration with Academic Institutions: Establishing the AISI within academic institutions (e.g., IITs) can provide it with a degree of independence while tapping into existing research capabilities and expertise.
Scalable Framework: The organizational structure should be designed for scalability, allowing the institute to adapt to evolving technological landscapes and increasing demands for AI safety oversight.
Technical Research Focus: The AISI should prioritize technical research and development of indigenous AI safety tools that address India’s specific challenges while aligning with global standards.
What strategies can be implemented to engage stakeholders and build partnerships for effective AI safety governance? (Way forward)
Building Strong Partnerships: The AISI should actively seek partnerships with key stakeholders in government, industry, academia, and civil society both nationally and internationally to foster collaboration on AI safety initiatives.
Engaging in Global Dialogues: Participation in international forums and dialogues on AI governance will help position India as a leader in global discussions on AI safety, allowing for knowledge exchange and shared best practices.
Community Involvement: Engaging local communities through outreach programs can raise awareness about AI risks and promote inclusive participation in shaping AI governance policies.
Establishing Voluntary Compliance Tools: Developing voluntary compliance toolkits can help industries adopt best practices in AI safety without imposing stringent regulatory requirements that could stifle innovation.
Continuous Feedback Mechanisms: Implementing mechanisms for continuous feedback from stakeholders will ensure that the AISI remains responsive to emerging challenges in AI technology and governance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? (UPSC IAS/2021)
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.
Due to high October temperatures and shortages of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser, the planting of key Rabi (winter-spring) crops such as wheat, mustard, and chana (chickpea) has been slower than usual.
LowRabi Sowing this Year
The Rabi (winter-spring) season is key for crops like wheat, mustard, and chana.
Sowing began in October and continues through November-December.
As of November 8, 2024, sowing progress includes:
Wheat: 41.30 lakh hectares (down from 48.87 lakh hectares last year)
Mustard: 49.90 lakh hectares (down from 50.73 lakh hectares last year)
Chana: 24.57 lakh hectares (down from 27.42 lakh hectares last year)
Reasons Behind:
High October Temperatures: 0.68°C above normal temperatures delayed sowing and caused poor germination, especially in jeera and other spices.
Fertiliser Shortage: A shortage of DAP fertiliser hindered the timely planting of crops.
Delayed Start of Sowing: Farmers, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, began sowing later than usual (from October 20-22 instead of mid-October).
About Rabi Cropping Season in India:
Rabi crops are generally sown in mid-November, once the monsoon rainshave receded.
These crops grow using the rainwater that has percolated into the soil or with the help of irrigation systems.
The harvesting of Rabi crops generally occurs from April to May.
Major Rabi Crops:
Wheat: The largest and most important Rabi crop in India.
Barley: Grown mainly in North and Central India.
Mustard: An essential oilseed crop grown across various regions.
Sesame: Grown in many states but harvested early.
Peas: Harvested early, with a market peak from January to March (especially in February).
Agronomic Features:
Rabi crops rely heavily onirrigation and residual moisture from the previous monsoon season.
Excessivewinter rainfall can harm Rabi crops but benefits the kharif crops grown later.
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?
A study published in The Lancet revealed that pollution from landscape fires, including agricultural burning in northern India during winters, may have caused over 1.2 lakh deaths annually in India between 2000 and 2019.
What is Wildfire and Its Types?
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in natural landscapes, including forests, grasslands, and savannas. They can occur due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes, or human activities, including agricultural burning and land clearing.
Types of Wildfires
Forest Fires: These occur in wooded areas and can spread rapidly due to dry conditions and strong winds.
Grassland Fires: Also known as prairie fires, these occur in grasslands and can be beneficial for ecosystem regeneration but are destructive if uncontrolled.
Vegetation Fires: These include fires that burn through shrublands and other types of vegetation, often exacerbated by drought conditions.
Agricultural Burning: A common practice in many regions, particularly in northern India during winters, where farmers burn crop stubble to clear fields for new planting. This practice significantly contributes to air pollution.
What are the Global and Local Impacts of Landscape Fire Pollution?
Global Impact:
Death Toll: A recent study published in The Lancet estimates that globally, landscape fires are responsible for over 1.53 million deaths annually due to air pollution, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
Health Risks: The study highlights that approximately 450,000 deaths each year are linked to cardiovascular diseases and 220,000 to respiratory diseases caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) released from these fires.
Geographical Disparities: The highest mortality rates from fire-related air pollution are found in countries like China, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, and Nigeria.
Local Impact (India):
Annual Deaths: In India alone, it is estimated that landscape fires contributed to about 2.55 million deaths from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases between 2000 and 2019, averaging over 120,000 deaths per year.
Seasonal Pollution: During winter months (October to December), northern India experiences severe air quality issues due to agricultural burning combined with cooler temperatures that trap pollutants close to the ground.
Socio-Economic Factors: The study indicates that deaths caused by wildfires are four times higher in low-income countries compared to high-income nations. Lower socio-economic regions face greater health risks from fire-related air pollution.
What are the steps taken by the Government to the wildfire?
Forest Protection Division: Headed by the DIG of Forests, this division oversees forest fire management at the central level.
Community Involvement: The government encourages active participation in forest fire management through mechanisms like Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs).
National Action Plan for Forest Fires (NAPFF): Introduced in 2018, the plan focuses on reducing forest fires by fostering collaboration between forest communities and state forest departments.
Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme (FPM): A government-sponsored initiative aimed at assisting states in effectively managing and preventing forest fires.
Way forward:
Strengthen Community-Based Management: Enhance capacity building, training, and incentivization for local communities through Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) and Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) to actively prevent and manage wildfires.
Leverage Technology and Research: Implement advanced monitoring systems like satellite-based fire detection and promote research on fire-resistant vegetation to mitigate the impact of wildfires and associated air pollution.
The Tamil Nadu CM has requested the Prime Minister to cancel the tungsten mining rights in Madurai, citing concerns for the Arittapatti biodiversity heritage site.
AboutArittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site:
Details
• First BHS in Tamil Nadu.
• Notified for its ecological and historical significance.
Geological Features
• Surrounded by a chain of seven hillocks (inselbergs) which act as a watershed.
• Watershed feeds 72 lakes, 200 natural springs, and 3 check dams.
• Historic Anaikondan tank built during the Pandiyan kings in the 16th century.
Flora and Fauna
• Home to 250 species of birds, including Laggar Falcon, Shaheen Falcon, and Bonelli’s Eagle.
• Hosts species like Indian Pangolin, Slender Loris, and pythons.
Cultural Significance
• Presence of megalithic structures, rock-cut temples, Tamil Brahmi inscriptions, and Jain beds.
• These features highlight the site’s historical and cultural heritage.
Back2Basics:Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)
A BHS is a well-defined, ecologically sensitive area that is recognized for its high biological diversity.
Key Features:
High Biodiversity: These sites host a variety of wild and domesticated species, including rare, threatened, and keystone species.
Ecological Fragility: BHS areas are considered ecologically fragile and are crucial for maintaining local ecosystems.
Community Involvement: BHS areas are managed by local communities and society to conserve biodiversity.
BHS are declared under Section 37(1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and the State Government can notify such areas in consultation with local bodies.
The Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, was the first Biodiversity Heritage Site in India, declared in 2007.
Protection Measures:
The creation of a BHS does not necessarily restrict activities but aims to conserve and manage the biodiversity within these areas for long-term sustainability.
PYQ:
[2020] With reference to India’s biodiversity, Ceylon frogmouth, Coppersmith barbet, Gray-chinned minivet and White-throated redstart are:
