💥Mains Ready By December. Smash Mains & Smash PYQ Admissions Open
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3

  • Lion count grows by 32% in 5 years

    Why in the News?

    According to a recent report by the Gujarat Forest Department, the population of Asiatic lions in India has increased by 32% between 2020 and 2025, reaching 891 individuals.

    lion

    About the Asiatic Lion:

    • Scientific Identity: The Asiatic Lion, also known as the Persian or Indian Lion, is found only in India and is one of the 5 big cat species in the country.
    • Physical Traits: They are slightly smaller than African lions and have a less developed mane.
    • Habitat: Their only wild habitat is the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat.
    • Range: Asiatic lions once roamed Western Asia, the Middle East, and parts of eastern and central India. Now, their entire wild population is restricted to Gujarat.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (most sources claimed it Endangered, but VU status is confirmed from IUCN official website).
      • CITES: Appendix I (international commercial trade is prohibited; trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances)
      • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest level of protection in India, violations attract the harshest penalties)
    • Lion Census: First conducted in 1936, and since 1965, done every 5 years by the Gujarat Forest Department.
    • Behavioural Aspects:
      • Reproduction: Lions are polyoestrous with no fixed breeding season; females come into estrus every 16 days and remain fertile for 4–8 days.
      • Territorial Marking: Lions roar and scent mark to declare territory; males often scrape the ground to carry their scent.

    Population and Conservation Updates:

    • Population Growth: From 2020 to 2025, the lion population rose 32% to 891.
    • Female Increase: Adult females grew 27% to 330, indicating positive breeding trends.
    • Habitat Expansion: Lions now inhabit nine satellite regions, including Mityala (32 lions) and a new corridor (22 lions).
    • Range Growth: Lion territory expanded from 30,000 sq. km in 2020 to 35,000 sq. km in 2025 — a 16.67% increase.
    • Project Lion (2020): A ₹2,900 crore mission to enhance habitats and create new protected areas within Gujarat.
    • Human-Wildlife Conflict: With more lions outside reserves, there’s a rise in livestock attacks, with a 10% annual increase in affected villages and a 15% rise in animals killed.
    • Community Support: Despite risks, 61% of surveyed locals showed tolerance towards lions, underlining the need for community-based conservation.
    Back2Basics: International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) 

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only* (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • SPICED Scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Spices Board of India has decided to disburse ₹130 crore to almost 45,000 beneficiaries in 2025-2026 under the SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development) Scheme.

    Back2Basics: Spices Board of India

    • The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
    • The Board functions as an international link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
    • It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
    • Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.

    About SPICED Scheme and its Features:

    • Launch: It is launched by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • Timeline and Budget: The scheme runs till 2025–26 with a total outlay of ₹422.30 crore, aligned with the 15th Finance Commission period.
    • Objectives: It aims to boost spice exports, improve cardamom productivity, enhance post-harvest quality, and promote value addition and sustainability.
    • Funding Support: In 2025–26, about ₹130 crore will be distributed to 45,000 beneficiaries.
    • Focus Areas: Includes Mission Value Addition, Mission Clean and Safe Spices, promotion of GI-tagged spices, and development of Spice Incubation Centres.
    • Priority Beneficiaries: Special focus on farmer groups, FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, SC/ST communities, SMEs, and exporters from the North-East.
    • Monitoring: All activities are geo-tagged for transparency and tracking.

    Key Facts about Spices Production and Trade:

    • Global Position: India is one of the largest producers and exporters of spices, cultivating 75 of 109 ISO-listed spices.
    • Major Producing States: Include Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and others.
    • Key Spices: India grows and exports pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, fennel, celery, nutmeg, and spice oils.
    • Top Products by Volume: Chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander account for 76% of production.
    • Export Leaders: Chili is the top export earner, generating around $1.1 billion annually. Ginger exports are growing at 27% CAGR.
    • Export Value: In 2023–24, India exported $4.25 billion worth of spices, capturing 12% of the global spice trade.
    • Export Destinations: India exported to 159 countries. Key markets include China, USA, Bangladesh, UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, UK, and Sri Lanka — together accounting for 70% of exports.
    [UPSC 2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?

    (a) Spices

    (b) Fresh fruits

    (c) Pulses

    (d) Vegetable oils

     

  • [pib] International Day for Biological Diversity, 2025

    Why in the News?

    India has celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 in Udaipur.

    About International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB):

    • Annual Observance: The IDB is celebrated every year on May 22 to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
    • Significance: The date marks the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
    • 2025 Theme: ‘Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development’.
    • Key Highlights: India showcased its global leadership through:

    Back2Basics: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

    • Adoption: The CBD was adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 and came into force on December 29, 1993.
    • Membership: Its secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, and the convention has been ratified by 196 countries. The USA has signed but NOT ratified it.
    • India and CBD:
      • India became a party to the CBD on February 18, 1994, and is recognised as a leader among developing countries in biodiversity conservation and policy implementation
      • India hosted the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP-11) to the CBD in Hyderabad in 2012, showcasing its commitment and capacity in biodiversity governance
    • Core Objectives:
      • Conservation of biodiversity
      • Sustainable use of its components
      • Fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources
    • Functioning: The CBD is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets every 2 years.
    • Latest Development (COP16, 2024): Held in Cali, Colombia, COP16 introduced a benefit-sharing mechanism for Digital Sequence Information (DSI) to ensure rewards for local communities.
    • Related Protocols:
      • Cartagena Protocol (2000): Regulates cross-border movement of living modified organisms (LMOs); effective from 2003.
      • Nagoya Protocol (2010): Ensures fair access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources.

    India’s Biodiversity Profile:

    • India is one of 17 mega-diverse countries in the world.
    • It covers an area of 329 million hectares and is the 9th largest country globally.
    • India is home to:
      • Over 1,00,000 animal species.
      • Around 55,000 plant species.
      • Ten bio-geographic regions.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. In India, the Biodiversity Management Committees are key to the realization of the objectives of the Nagoya Protocol.

    2. The Biodiversity Management Committees have important functions in determining access and benefit sharing, including the power to levy collection fees on the access of biological resources within its jurisdiction.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • [22nd May 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Overfishing — the threat to ocean wealth, livelihoods

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2022] What are the forces that influence ocean currents? Describe their role in fishing industry of the world.

    Linkage: While it focuses on the influence of ocean currents rather than the threat of overfishing, it establishes the fishing industry as a subject of examination in the context of geography and marine environments.

     

    Mentor’s Comment: India’s marine fisheries sector produces around three to four million tonnes of catch annually, showing that the country has reached its maximum sustainable yield. However, large mechanised fishing operations dominate the catch, while small-scale fishers—who make up 90% of the fishing population—harvest only about 10% of the total volume. Despite the high output, nearly three-quarters of marine fisher families live below the poverty line. When fishers invest in newer nets and bigger engines to catch ‘just one more kilo,’ they often fail to increase their catch significantly and instead incur higher debts, fuel expenses, and other costs, worsening the economic condition of these vulnerable communities.

    Today’s editorial discusses issues in the Indian marine fisheries sector. This content will help you with GS Paper 2 (Policy Making) and GS Paper 3 (Indian Economy and Environment).

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    India’s marine fisheries sector faces an ecological and economic crisis. Although it produces 3–4 million tonnes of fish each year, it hides serious problems of unfairness and unsustainability.

    What causes inequity in India’s marine fisheries despite high yields?

    • Dominance of Mechanised Fishing: Large mechanised vessels capture the majority of fish, leaving small-scale fishers with a minimal share. For example, though small-scale fishers make up 90% of the population, they catch only 10% of the total marine output.
    • Low Incomes Despite High Effort: Marginal increase in catch requires high investment in fuel, engines, and nets, increasing debts for traditional fishers. Eg: Even with larger engines, returns don’t rise proportionally, worsening poverty in fishing communities.
    • Bycatch and Wasteful Practices: High-volume trawling discards significant juvenile and non-target species, reducing long-term resource availability. Eg: Shrimp trawlers discard over 10 kg of bycatch for every 1 kg of shrimp caught.
    • Regulatory Fragmentation: Varying state laws allow exploitation of legal loopholes, enabling illegal or unsustainable practices. Eg: A fish species banned in one state can be caught and sold by landing in a neighbouring state.
    • Lack of Inclusive Governance: Small-scale fishers have limited role in fisheries decision-making and benefit-sharing mechanisms. Eg: Fisheries subsidies and infrastructure mainly support large operators, sidelining traditional communities.

    Why is shrimp trawling harmful to marine ecosystems?

    • High Bycatch: Shrimp trawling results in excessive capture of non-target species, including juveniles. Eg: For every 1 kg of shrimp, over 10 kg of juvenile fish and other marine life are discarded.
    • Juvenile Fishing: Small mesh sizes allow immature fish to be caught, reducing breeding populations. Eg: Sub-legal mesh sizes (<25 mm) trap juvenile sardines and mackerel, threatening their recovery.
    • Habitat Destruction: Bottom trawling disturbs seabeds and coral reefs, degrading marine habitats. Eg: Trawl nets drag along the ocean floor, damaging reef ecosystems and invertebrate habitats.
    • Ecosystem Imbalance: Removing large quantities of multiple species disrupts food webs and marine biodiversity. Eg: Multi-species shrimp trawling affects dozens of species, weakening ecosystem stability.
    • Encourages Unsustainable Practices: The bycatch feeds fish-meal and fish-oil industries, incentivising further exploitation. Eg: Over half of trawl fishery hauls in some states are low-value bycatch ground into meal for export.

    How do state-level laws hinder effective fisheries regulation?

    • Fragmented Legal Framework: Each coastal State/UT has its own Marine Fisheries Regulation Act (MFRA), leading to inconsistency in rules. Eg: A fish species protected as juvenile in one State may be legally caught in a neighbouring State.
    • Easy Circumvention: Fishers exploit legal loopholes by landing catch across State borders to avoid stricter regulations. Eg: Unscrupulous trawlers bypass juvenile fish bans by selling catch in States with weaker enforcement.
    • Undermines Conservation: Lack of harmonised standards weakens conservation efforts and encourages overfishing of vulnerable stocks. Eg: Inconsistent mesh size limits and closed season rules reduce the overall effectiveness of protection policies.

    Which models show success in sustainable fisheries management?

    • Quota Management System (QMS): Aligns science and policy by setting total allowable catches based on stock assessments and allocating tradable quotas. Eg: New Zealand’s QMS, introduced in 1986, helped stabilise and rebuild key fisheries through individual transferable quotas.
    • Minimum Legal Size (MLS) Regulation: Enforcing size limits allows fish to mature and reproduce, leading to long-term stock recovery and improved fisher incomes. Eg: After Kerala implemented MLS for threadfin bream, catches rose by 41% in a single season.

    Who should act to ensure marine fisheries sustainability in India?

    • Central Government: Should promote an ecosystem-based regulatory approach by reforming vessel licenses, infrastructure grants, and subsidies. Eg: Aligning subsidies with sustainability goals can discourage overfishing by mechanised fleets.
    • State Governments: Must strengthen enforcement of fisheries laws with better patrols and real-time reporting tools. Eg: Uniform implementation of gear restrictions and closed seasons across coastal states.
    • Fisher Cooperatives and Village Councils: Can act as co-managers of marine protected areas and breeding sanctuaries, ensuring community participation. Eg: Local councils enforcing seasonal bans and gear regulations in Kerala’s coastal villages.
    • Consumers (Urban & Rural): Should exercise responsible seafood consumption by choosing legally sized, sustainably sourced fish. Eg: Rejecting undersized fish in markets can reduce demand for juvenile catch and promote biodiversity.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government?

    • Infrastructure Development: The government is modernising fisheries-related infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. Eg: Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), over ₹20,000 crore has been allocated to develop fishing harbours like the Mangalore fishing harbour and Paradeep harbour in Odisha with modern landing and storage facilities.
    • Fisheries Subsidies and Financial Support: Financial aid is provided to fishers for deep-sea fishing, insurance, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Eg: The Blue Revolution scheme supported the acquisition of deep-sea tuna longliners by Tamil Nadu fishers, promoting offshore fishing and reducing coastal pressure.
    • Policy Reforms and Conservation Measures: The government is implementing biological conservation through legal reforms like fishing bans, gear restrictions, and MLS regulations. Eg: The Kerala government’s implementation of Minimum Legal Size (MLS) for threadfin bream in 2017 resulted in a 41% increase in catch in just one season, showing improved fish stock regeneration.

    Way forward: 

    • Implement a unified national fisheries law to harmonise regulations across states, closing legal loopholes and strengthening enforcement for sustainable resource management.
    • Empower local fishing communities through co-management models, enhancing their participation in decision-making and conservation to ensure equitable benefits and long-term ecosystem health.

  • India-Pakistan tensions put strain on struggling Western Border Districts

    Why in the News?

    Most western border districts, except in Gujarat, had little or no growth in exports and saw slow poverty reduction. Now, recent tensions and shelling between India and Pakistan are hurting the economy in these 22 districts.

    What causes slower poverty reduction in border districts?

    • Geopolitical Tensions and Hostile Neighbours: Constant threats such as cross-border shelling along the LoC disrupt livelihoods, infrastructure, and public services. Eg: In Jammu & Kashmir, border districts face frequent disruptions due to tensions with Pakistan, limiting economic stability and job opportunities.
    • Limited Economic and Industrial Activity: Border districts often lack a strong industrial base or service sector, leading to low income-generation and underemployment. Eg: In Rajasthan and Punjab, several border districts showed slower poverty reduction than State averages due to stagnant economic growth.
    • Inadequate Infrastructure: Poor roads, communication networks, and market access hinder economic integration and development. Eg: Eastern States like Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland face challenges due to remote terrain and limited connectivity, contributing to persistent poverty.
    • Declining Development Fund: Post-pandemic, central funding under schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) has declined sharply. Eg: After FY20, both western and eastern border areas experienced reduced support, slowing poverty reduction efforts.
    • Landlocked and Isolated Geography: Many border districts, especially in the Northeast, are landlocked and rely on external transport hubs, limiting local trade and economic activity. Eg: In Assam, 75% of border districts had a slower decline in poverty than the State average between 2015–16 and 2019–21.

    Why are exports stagnant in most border districts except Gujarat?

    • Lack of Industrial and Export Ecosystem: Most border districts lack industrial clusters, export-processing zones, and supply chain infrastructure, which hampers export activity. Eg: Border districts in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir contribute only 0.3% to India’s total exports, showing minimal export potential.
    • Geopolitical and Security Constraints: Tensions with neighboring countries and border insecurities restrict cross-border trade and deter investment in export-oriented industries. Eg: Frequent cross-border shelling along the LoC in J&K and Rajasthan affects trade operations and discourages private sector involvement.
    • Gujarat’s Strategic Advantage and Policy Support: Gujarat benefits from a coastal location, developed infrastructure, and proactive industrial policies, enabling strong export growth. Eg: Border districts in Gujarat increased their export share from 1.9% in FY22 to 3% in FY24, in contrast to stagnation elsewhere.

    Which border districts performed better economically?

    • Gujarat is the  only western border State where all border districts saw a faster decline in poverty than the State average.
    • Eg: export share from border districts rose from 1.9% (FY22) to 3% (FY24) — indicating successful economic activity.

    Why did the government’s support to border areas decline?

    • Reallocation of Resources Post-Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic shifted national priorities toward healthcare, urban welfare, and fiscal recovery, resulting in reduced focus on border-specific programmes. Eg: Post FY20, schemes like the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) faced budget cuts as funds were redirected to pandemic-related needs.
    • Security-Centric Approach Over Development: In sensitive regions, the government adopted a more security-focused strategy, often at the cost of developmental spending in border districts. Eg: In J&K and Punjab, heightened defence and surveillance measures took precedence, sidelining economic initiatives and local development schemes.
    • Administrative and Logistical Challenges: Border areas, especially in the Northeast, face issues like difficult terrain, poor connectivity, and limited administrative reach, deterring consistent support. Eg: In Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, implementation hurdles led to underutilization of allocated funds, reducing the impact of central schemes.

    Way forward: 

    • Targeted Development & Infrastructure Boost: Prioritise region-specific infrastructure (roads, logistics hubs, digital connectivity) and promote border-based industrial clusters to generate employment and improve trade potential.
    • Revive and Expand BADP with Integrated Planning: Strengthen the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) with post-pandemic funding revival, and ensure convergence with state schemes for holistic socio-economic upliftment of border districts.

    Mains PYQ:

     [UPSC 2024] Examine the conflicting issues and security challenges along the border. Also give out the development being undertaken in these areas under the Border Area Development Programme (BADP) and Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme.

    Linkage: The security problems along the border, such as India-Pakistan tensions and cross-border shelling, as seen in the “India’s Border Districts”. It also explores how development programmes address these issues, directly linking security challenges with economic and development concerns in border regions. It clearly connects border tensions with the economic struggles in these areas.

  • Analyzing Poverty Levels in India by Comparing various Surveys

    Why in the News?

    A recent study titled ‘Poverty Decline in India after 2011–12: Bigger Picture Evidence’ shows that poverty in India fell from 37% in 2004-05 to 22% in 2011-12. However, poverty declined by only an additional 18% until 2022-23, and officials have not released any poverty estimates after 2011-12.

    What are the three methods used to estimate post-2011 poverty in India?

    • Alternative NSSO Surveys: Using different socio-economic surveys like the Usual Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (UMPCE) from NSSO rounds after 2011-12, despite comparability issues with earlier surveys. Eg: Estimates based on UMPCE suggest poverty between 26-30% in 2019-20.
    • Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) Scaling: Scaling consumption data from the 2011-12 Household Consumption Expenditure Survey using the growth rate of PFCE from National Accounts Statistics (NAS) to estimate consumption trends. Eg: Used by economist Surjit Bhalla and colleagues in 2022.
    • Survey-to-Survey Imputation: Filling data gaps by linking related surveys (e.g., consumption surveys with employment surveys) through imputation models, often at the State level for better accuracy. Eg:  The recent study titled ‘Poverty Decline in India after 2011–12: Bigger Picture Evidence’ study using NSSO Employment-Unemployment Surveys with Consumer Expenditure Surveys to estimate poverty decline to about 18% in 2022-23.

    Note: Surjit Bhalla is an Indian economist, author, and columnist who served as Executive Director for India at the International Monetary Fund.

    How much has poverty declined post-2011–12, and how does it compare with the earlier period?

    • Sharp slowdown: Poverty fell from 37% (2004–05) to 22% (2011–12), a 15-point drop, but only to 18% by 2022–23, a mere 4-point reduction in over a decade.
    • Absolute poverty numbers: Number of poor declined from 250 million to 225 million in 10 years — a decline of only 10%, compared to a much faster fall earlier.
    • GDP correlation: GDP growth slowed from 6.9% (2004–12) to 5.7% (2012–23), consistent with slower poverty reduction.

    Why has the poverty reduction slowed since 2011-2012?

    • Slower GDP Growth: Average GDP growth declined from 6.9% (2004-05 to 2011-12) to 5.7% (2011-12 to 2022-23), correlating with slower poverty reduction.
    • Declining Real Wage Growth: Growth in rural wages slowed down significantly — from 4.13% annually before 2011-12 to 2.3% after 2011-12.
    • Rising Agricultural Workforce with Lower Productivity: After a decline in agricultural workers till 2017-18, 68 million workers joined agriculture post-2017-18, leading to lower agricultural productivity and wages, which hampers poverty reduction.

    How do the Poverty trends vary across Indian States? 

    • Significant Poverty Reduction: Some states have shown marked improvement in reducing poverty levels after 2011-12. Eg: Uttar Pradesh has notably decreased its poverty rate during this period.
    • Slow Progress: Historically poor states continue to struggle with slow poverty reduction due to persistent socio-economic challenges. Eg: Jharkhand and Bihar have experienced much slower declines in poverty rates.
    • Stagnation: Several large and economically important states have seen poverty reduction stagnate, with little change over the years. Eg: Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh show almost no improvement in poverty reduction post-2011-12.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Implementation of Social Welfare Schemes: The government has launched various targeted welfare programs to support the poor and vulnerable groups. Eg: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for affordable housing.
    • Focus on Employment Generation: Programs aimed at creating jobs, especially in rural areas, to increase income and reduce poverty. Eg: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
    • Financial Inclusion Initiatives: Efforts to increase access to banking and financial services for the poor. Eg: Jan Dhan Yojana, which promotes opening of bank accounts for the unbanked.
    • Agricultural Support and Reforms: Policies to improve farmers’ incomes and agricultural productivity to support rural livelihoods. Eg: PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, providing direct income support to farmers.
    • Health and Education Programs: Investments in healthcare and education to improve human capital and break the cycle of poverty. Eg: Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme for poor families.

    Way forward: 

    • Rural Wage & Productivity Growth: Boost rural wages and agricultural productivity by implementing reforms, improving access to technology, and providing skill development to increase income and reduce poverty sustainably.
    • Data Accuracy & Monitoring: Improve data collection and real-time monitoring of poverty indicators to ensure precise measurement, enabling better-targeted policies and effective poverty alleviation programs.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators.

    Linkage: Estimates consistently show a reduction in poverty over time rather than the underlying surveys or methodologies used to produce them, answering this question effectively would require knowledge that various estimates exist, often derived from different data sources or approaches.

  • What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)?

    Why in the News?

    A new ETH Zurich study warns that under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5-8.5 scenario, warming could make cyclones more intense and hit unusual regions with greater damage.

    What are Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs)?

    • Definition: SSPs are 5 global scenarios that show how changes in society, economy, and technology might influence climate adaptation and mitigation.
    • Purpose: They complement Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) by adding socioeconomic context to climate models.
    • Development: Created in the late 2000s, published in 2016, and used in the IPCC 6th Assessment Report and CMIP6 models.
    • Function: SSPs assume no new climate policies, helping scientists explore how global trends affect emissions and climate action.
    • The Five Pathways:
      1. SSP1: Sustainable and equitable world
      2. SSP2: Continuation of current trends
      3. SSP3: Regional rivalry with high population growth
      4. SSP4: Unequal world with high disparities
      5. SSP5: Fossil-fuel-based rapid economic growth
    • Usage: SSPs are used with RCPs to explore how different futures could affect the 1.5°C or 2°C warming targets.
    • Significance: They help policymakers assess how societal choices impact climate risks, emissions, and the feasibility of global goals.

    About SSP5-8.5 and Cyclone Risks:

    • Scenario Summary: SSP5 shows rapid economic growth fuelled by fossil fuels.
    • Radiative Forcing: SSP5-8.5 implies 8.5 W/m² of energy, compared to about 2.7 W/m² today.
    • Climate Target Gap: To limit warming below 2°C, forcing must stay around 2.6 W/m².
    • Cyclone Projections: Using the CLIMADA (climate adaptation) AI model, scientists studied past cyclone patterns and projected risks from 2015–2050.
    • Ecoregion Types:
      1. Resilient: Often affected, but recover quickly
      2. Dependent: Moderately impacted and adaptive
      3. Vulnerable: Rarely hit but slow to recover
    • Findings:
      • Time between severe cyclones in resilient areas may drop from 19 to 12 years.
      • East Asia, Central America, and the Caribbean will face stronger, more frequent cyclones.
      • Madagascar, Oceania, and the Philippines will face unprecedented cyclone activity.

    Impact on Mangroves and Coastal Ecosystems:

    • Mangrove Risk: By 2100, up to 56% of global mangroves could be at high to severe risk.
    • Most Affected Region: Southeast Asia, with 52–78% of mangroves at risk.
    • Other Scenario Impact (SSP3-7.0): Even under less severe warming, 97–98% of protective mangroves in Southeast Asia could still face critical threats.
    • Environmental Concern: These losses would severely weaken coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. 2. Only some cyclones develop an eye. 3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only* (d) 1 and 3 only

     

  • [pib] DoT introduces Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)

    Why in the News?

    In a major move to fight cyber fraud and financial crime, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI) as a part of the Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP).

    Back2Basics: Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP)

    • DIP is developed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as a secure, integrated platform for real-time intelligence sharing.
    • Stakeholders Involved: It connects Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), law enforcement agencies (LEAs), banks, financial institutions, social media platforms, and identity document issuers.
    • Functionality: The platform contains information on telecom resource misuse and supports case tracking and coordinated action.
    • Sanchar Saathi Integration: DIP acts as a backend system for citizen requests submitted through the Sanchar Saathi portal.
    • Access Control: DIP is available only to authorized stakeholders via secure connections and is NOT accessible to public.

    What is the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)?

    • Purpose: FRI is a risk-based tool that flags mobile numbers as Medium, High, or Very High risk for financial fraud.
    • Data Sources: It pulls inputs from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), DoT’s Chakshu Platform, and banking institutions.
    • Beneficiaries: Helps banks, NBFCs, and UPI service providers implement added security for high-risk numbers.
    • How It Works:
      • The Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU) shares a Mobile Number Revocation List (MNRL) with reasons like cybercrime, failed verification, or excess usage.
      • The tool performs multi-dimensional analysis and assigns a fraud risk level.
      • Risk status is shared in real-time via DIP, enabling early action before fraud occurs.

    Case Study: PhonePe’s use of FRI System

    • PhonePe was one of the first adopters of the FRI system.
    • It uses FRI to:
      • Block transactions linked to Very High-risk numbers.
      • Display alerts using the PhonePe Protect feature.
    • For Medium-risk numbers, PhonePe is working on showing proactive user warnings before transactions.
    • The tool has proven highly accurate in identifying numbers involved in cyber fraud.

     

    [UPSC 2021] Which one of the following effects of the creation of black money in India has been the main cause of worry to the Government of India?

    Options: (a) Diversion of resources to the purchase of real estate and investment in luxury housing (b) Investment in unproductive activities and purchase of precious stones, jewelry, gold, etc. (c) Large donations to political parties and the growth of regionalism (d) Loss of revenue to the State Exchequer due to tax evasion*

     

  • Stitch in time: on judiciary and Environment Ministry notifications

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the Supreme Court struck down two orders from the Environment Ministry that had allowed industries to operate even after breaking environmental rules.

    What did the Supreme Court strike down as illegal?

    • Notifications allowing industries to bypass prior environmental clearance: The Court struck down two Union Environment Ministry notifications that permitted industrial units to set up or expand operations without prior government approval, violating the core principle of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. Eg: Industries were allowed to operate or change manufacturing practices without the mandatory prior environmental clearance.
    • Regularisation of violations through executive orders without parliamentary approval: The notifications enabled projects violating environmental laws to seek regularisation by paying fines, issued through executive orders instead of amending the Environment Protection Act (EIA), 2006 via Parliament. Eg: The 2017 “one-time” window and 2021 standard operating procedure allowed violative industries to avoid penalties by applying for clearance retrospectively.

    Why did the Centre allow industries to bypass prior clearance?

    • One-time window for regularisation: In 2017, the Centre provided a “one-time” six-month window for industries without proper environmental clearances to apply retroactively.
    • Avoid disruption of economic activities: The Centre wanted to prevent the demolition of functioning plants that contribute to the economy and employment, as shutting them down abruptly could be disruptive.
    • Legal precedent for balanced approach: The government cited court rulings supporting a “balanced” approach in cases of violations, emphasizing regularisation over punitive action when feasible.
    • Heavy fines as deterrent: The 2021 standard operating procedure imposed heavy fines on violative projects applying for clearance, intending to discourage violations while still allowing formalisation.
    • Procedural challenges with previous attempts: Earlier attempts by the UPA government (2012-13) to regularise such projects were struck down by courts on procedural grounds, prompting the Centre to try executive orders as a workaround. Eg: The Jharkhand High Court and National Green Tribunal nullified prior regularisation efforts due to procedural flaws.

    Who is impacted by the Court’s verdict?

    • Industries regularised under 2017 and 2021 orders remain unaffected: Companies that used the one-time window or the standard operating procedure to regularise violations before the verdict will not face penalties due to the Court’s ruling.
    • Future industrial projects must strictly follow prior clearance: The verdict reaffirms that all new or expanding projects must obtain mandatory prior environmental clearance, impacting industries planning to start or modify operations.
    • Regional environmental boards are under scrutiny: The ruling highlights the failure of local enforcement agencies to prevent illegal operations, signaling the need for better monitoring and compliance at the regional level. Eg: State pollution control boards will face greater pressure to enforce environmental laws rigorously.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen enforcement: Empower and equip regional pollution control boards to rigorously monitor and ensure strict compliance with environmental clearance norms.
    • Streamline clearance process: Simplify and expedite the prior environmental clearance procedure to balance industrial growth with environmental protection, reducing incentives for violations.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2023] The most significant achievement of modern law in India in the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court. Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

    Linkage: The “constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court,” which refers to how the judiciary, through interpretation (often linking environmental protection to fundamental rights like the Right to Life under Article 21), has played a significant role in shaping environmental law and policy in India.

  • Hoyle–Narlikar Theory of Gravity

    Why in the News?

    Jayant Narlikar, renowned Indian astrophysicist and Padma Vibhushan awardee, who co-developed the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory to refine Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, passed away in Pune at the age of 87.

    About Jayant Narlikar and His Contributions:

    • Early Life: Born in 1938 in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, and pursued a PhD at Cambridge University under Fred Hoyle.
    • Scientific Influence: Hoyle had earlier developed the steady-state theory with Bondi and Gold and coined the term “Big Bang” sarcastically in 1948.
    • Narlikar’s Belief: He argued that the universe always looks the same, as new matter fills the gaps created by expansion.
    • Critique of Big Bang: He believed the Big Bang theory includes unproven assumptions, especially about the sudden origin of all matter and energy.
    • Enduring Work: Despite steady-state theory’s decline, Narlikar’s contributions remain respected for their scientific depth and originality.

    What Is the Hoyle–Narlikar Theory?

    Fred Hoyle and Jayant Narlikar developed a theory to answer one of the most basic questions: Why do things have mass, and how are they connected to the rest of the universe?

    • Based on Mach’s Principle: They believed your mass isn’t just something you have on your own. Instead, it depends on your connection to everything else in the universe. That means even faraway stars and galaxies play a role in what you weigh.
    • Inertia Explained: In simple terms, when you feel resistance while trying to move (inertia), it’s because of the gravitational pull of all the matter in the universe acting on you at once.
    • Mass is Relative: Earth, the Sun, or even you don’t have a fixed mass. That mass is influenced by everything else that exists out there, no matter how far away it is.
    • C-field and Steady-State Model
      • New Idea – C-Field: They introduced the “creation field”, which creates new matter in space.
      • Universe Without a Start: Their steady-state theory says the universe has no beginning or end, is always expanding, and keeps its density constant.
      • Against the Big Bang: They believed the Big Bang couldn’t explain everything we see today.
      • Hydrogen Creation: They said hydrogen atoms form in space to fill in the gaps as the universe grows.
    • Issues with the Theory:
      • CMB Discovery (1965): Scientists found cosmic microwave background radiation, strong proof of the Big Bang.
      • Other Evidence: Later discoveries like young, chaotic galaxies and studies by Hawking and Penrose supported the Big Bang.
      • Current View: The Big Bang theory became more accepted, but Hoyle and Narlikar’s ideas are still respected for their scientific value.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following phenomena:

    1. Light is affected by gravity.

    2. The Universe is constantly expanding.

    3. Matter warps its surrounding space-time.

    Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*