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  • [18th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Demographic advantage, Indian economy’s sweet spot

    [18th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Demographic advantage, Indian economy’s sweet spot

    PYQ Relevance:

    [2022] Economic growth in the recent past has been led by an increase in labour productivity.” Explain this statement. Suggest the growth pattern that will lead to the creation of more jobs without compromising labour productivity.
    [2014] While we flaunt India’s demographic dividend, we ignore the dropping rates of employability.” What are we missing while doing so? Where will the jobs that India desperately needs come from? Explain.

    Prelims:

    [2013]  Economic growth in country X will necessarily have to occur if:
    (a) there is technical progress in the world economy
    (b) there is population growth in X
    (c) there is capital formation in X
    (d) the volume of trade grows in the world economy 

    Mentor’s Comment:  India has become a global economic powerhouse, now ranking as the fifth-largest economy and holding the title of the fastest-growing major economy. A significant factor in this growth is its demographic advantage, with a median age of 28 and 63% of the population being of working age. However, the labour force participation rate in 2022 stood at 55.2%, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The report also notes that much of this growth is led by the services sector, which is less labour-intensive, underscoring the importance of fully leveraging the demographic dividend.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    India is not fully capitalizing on its demographic dividend, former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan stated on April 16, highlighting the need to prioritize the development of human capital and the improvement of skill sets.

    Factors behind Service-pushed Growth

    • Capital and Labour Ratios: The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlighted a declining capital-to-output ratio and an increasing capital-to-labour ratio.
    • Labour Abundance: Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, noted that capital-led economic growth is not ideal for India, which has an abundance of labour.
    • MSMEs and Labour Laws: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are hesitant to scale up due to outdated labour laws and compliance burdens.
    • Labour Codes: The impasse over new labour codes, approved by Parliament but yet to be implemented, sends a negative signal to investors.

    Employment in Labour-Intensive Sectors

    • Agriculture Employment: 45% of the workforce is employed in agriculture, which contributes only 18% of GDP, making it essential to boost manufacturing.
    • Unorganised Sector: The unorganised and non-agricultural sectors employ 19% of the workforce and need focused attention.
    • High-Growth Sectors: High-growth sectors such as toys, apparel, tourism, and logistics can provide labour-intensive employment opportunities.
    • Skilling for Growth: Upgrading skills in these sectors will help workers move up the value chain and access better-paying jobs.

    The Importance of Skilling

    • Workforce Productivity: Skilling is vital for making the workforce productive, with only 4.4% of the workforce aged 15-29 being formally skilled, according to the Economic Survey.
    • Public-Private Partnerships: Public-private partnerships are crucial for creating a relevant curriculum and offering on-the-job training.
    • Lifelong Learning: Skilling should be a lifelong process with flexible learning systems, not just a one-time intervention.
    • New Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP 2020 focuses on foundational and cognitive skills but needs regular review to stay updated.

    Impact of AI and Machine Learning

    • Job Threats and Opportunities: AI and machine learning (ML) pose a threat to low-skill, repetitive jobs but will still require human oversight.
    • Regulatory Framework: Creating appropriate regulations to govern AI/ML while leveraging its potential is key.
    • Market Growth: The AI/ML market is expected to grow nearly nine times by 2030, reaching $826.73 billion globally.
    • Talent Pool: India has the second-largest talent pool in AI/ML, but with a current demand-supply gap of 51%, it presents a significant opportunity for growth.

    Way Forward

    • Sustaining Growth: Reforms are essential to sustain India’s growth trajectory and create new opportunities.
    • Policy Focus: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for improving productivity and making markets more efficient in her 2023 Budget speech.
    • State-Level Reforms: While the central government has improved the ease of doing business, state-level reforms are crucial as states are where most economic activities occur.
    • Collaboration: Both the Centre and States must collaborate to broaden and deepen reforms for sustained economic growth.

    Conclusion:

    India’s large, young, and aspirational population presents a unique opportunity. Managing this demographic advantage is more favorable than dealing with the challenges of an aging population.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/demographic-advantage-indian-economys-sweet-spot/article68652703.ece

  • A climate crisis agenda remains urgent

    Why in the News?

    Although voters voiced concerns about the climate crisis, it was overlooked during the Lok Sabha election campaign.

    2023 Climate Targets of Indian Government

    • Renewable Energy Goals: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, with a target for 50% of its total energy needs to come from renewable sources.
    • Emissions Goals: The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) set a goal to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% compared to 2005 levels by 2030.
    • Carbon Sink Targets: India plans to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover by 2030.
    • Net Zero Commitment: Aiming for net zero emissions by 2070, India has committed to significant reductions in projected emissions, including a pledge to reduce one billion tonnes of emissions from now until 2030.
      • As of late 2023, India has already achieved a cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources at approximately 43.81%, ahead of its initial targets.

    Why is addressing the climate crisis an urgent priority for policymakers and the global community?

    • The Paris Agreement includes a commitment for developed countries to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries. This target was extended until 2025, with new financial goals.
      • The next five years are crucial for India’s climate action to meet its ambitious 2030 targets, as the Roadmap for 2025 Climate Change Funds are about to end.
    • India’s heavy dependence on coal, with clean energy contributing only 22% of the electricity mix, underscores the need for an urgent transition.
    • Immediate attention is required to manage heat stress, improve air quality, handle waste, and enhance energy efficiency.

    What specific actions or policies can be implemented?

    • Enhanced Carbon Markets: Launching the ‘India Carbon Market’ in 2026 aims to help achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and could become the world’s largest emissions trading system by 2030.
    • Mitigating Pollutants: Focus on reducing CO2 and short-lived superpollutants like methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons, which have significant short-term warming effects.
      • Integrating specific treaties into the Paris Agreement, similar to the Montreal Protocol, with a new treaty targeting methane reductions by 2030 would be helpful.
    • Financial Incentives: Developing financial mechanisms and nuanced carbon trading approaches to encourage faster climate action and effective pollutant management.

    What challenges or barriers exist in the implementation of a comprehensive climate crisis agenda?

    • Governance and Coordination: Need for a Constitutional nodal authority to ensure coordinated climate action across various government levels and stakeholders.
    • Economic and Social Factors: Rising temperatures and associated crises like unemployment and high living costs contribute to public disengagement from climate issues.
    • Political and Voter Engagement: The 2024 Lok Sabha election’s lack of focus on climate issues highlights the challenge of integrating climate action into mainstream political agendas and addressing voter concerns.

    Way forward: 

    • Create a Constitutional Nodal Authority: Form a central body with the authority to oversee, coordinate, and enforce climate policies across various government levels, ensuring effective and unified action.
    • Prioritize Climate Issues in Political Platforms: Make climate action a central theme in political campaigns and public discussions to boost awareness, engagement, and support for climate policies and initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan

    Why in the News?

    COP29 is set to be hosted by Azerbaijan from November 11 to 22. It has a central focus on finalising a agreement on Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF) particularly for the post-2025 period.

    Proposals by Azerbaijan:

    Azerbaijan has included key proposals in the COP29 Action Agenda, such as:

    • Increasing global energy storage capacity by six times by 2030.
    • Promoting a global market for green hydrogen.
    • Ensuring the carbon footprint from digitisation and data centres is kept to a minimum.

    About the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF):

    • The CFAF will be capitalised with contributions from fossil fuel producing countries
    • It will be headquartered with its secretariat in Baku, Azerbaijan.
    • It will rely on voluntary contributions from fossil-fuel producing countries and companies.
    • Azerbaijan, a major petroleum economy, will make the first contribution to kickstart the fund.
    • Fossil-fuel producing countries and companies will have the option to make annual contributions, either as a fixed sum or based on production volumes.
    • The funds will be divided equally:
      • 50% will go toward climate projects in developing countries.
      • 50% will support developing nations in implementing national climate action plans.
    • The fund will become operational once it reaches a minimum corpus of $1 billion.
    • At least 10 countries must commit to being shareholders for the fund to start.
    • 20% of the revenues generated from investments will be deposited in a Rapid Response Funding Facility (2R2F) providing highly concessional and grant-based support.

    What did Paris Agreement of 2015 said on Climate Finance?

    • Under the Paris Agreement (2015), developed countries are obligated to raise at least $100 billion annually to aid developing nations in their fight against climate change.
      • This amount is expected to increase after 2025.
    • Negotiations have been slow, and countries are still debating the quantum of finance that industrialised nations should provide.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.
    2. It aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
    3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

  • How good are Modern Telescopes?

    Why in the News?

    Modern telescopes, both on Earth and in space, expand our understanding of the universe by gathering and focusing light from distant celestial bodies, revealing cosmic secrets.

    Modern Telescopes: Everything you need to know

    Primary Functions and Features
    Purpose  • Telescopes serve as windows into space, revealing distant celestial bodies and helping explore the universe.
    • Their primary function is to gather more light than the human eye can, making faint objects visible.
    Types 1. Reflecting Telescopes:
    • Use mirrors to focus light and create images.
    • Most common in large observatories due to the use of parabolic mirrors, which prevent light scattering and offer clear images.
    2. Refracting Telescopes:
    • Use lenses to bend and focus light (Concave and Convex lenses used)
    • Limited by lens size, with a maximum of about 1 meter (e.g., Yerkes Observatory). Large lenses may sag, distorting the image.
    Primary purpose  • Telescopes are designed to collect more light than the human eye.
    • The light-gathering ability is proportional to the size of the aperture (opening).
    • Example: A small 70mm telescope collects 118 times more light than the human eye.

    Features of Telescopes
    Brightness and Magnitude • Celestial objects’ brightness is measured in apparent magnitude (lower numbers = brighter).
    • Examples: Sun (-26.78), Venus (-4.92), Sirius (-1.46), Andromeda Galaxy (+3.44).
    • Small telescopes can detect objects with magnitudes up to +11.2, which are 100 times fainter than what the human eye can see.
    Resolution and Detail • The resolution of a telescope determines how much detail it can show.
    • A small telescope can resolve details 1.47 arcseconds apart (40 times more detail than the human eye, which resolves details 60 arcseconds apart).

    Why are Telescopes set up on Mountains?
    Mountaintop benefits • High-altitude observatories are set up to reduce atmospheric distortion, which affects image quality (e.g., stars twinkling).
    • Space telescopes, like Hubble, are entirely above the atmosphere and provide clear, undistorted images.
    Adaptive Optics • Ground-based telescopes use adaptive optics to correct atmospheric distortions.
    • Lasers create artificial stars, and the telescope adjusts its mirrors to reduce twinkling.

    About the New Segmented Mirrors
    Overcoming Mirror Limitations • Large mirrors (over 8.5 meters) can sag under their own weight.
    • Segmented mirrors solve this by using smaller sections to create larger, effective mirrors (e.g., Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) with a 39.3-meter aperture).
    Notable Telescopes  • Large Binocular Telescope (LBT): Two 8.4-meter mirrors, combined aperture of 11.9 meters.
    • Extremely Large Telescope (ELT): Under construction in Chile, it will have a 39.3-meter aperture.
    • Subaru Telescope (Hawaii): Captured objects with a magnitude of +27.7, 100 million times fainter than what the human eye can see.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.

    2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter

    3. It is buried deep in the ice.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

  • Government scraps Windfall Tax on Crude Oil

    Why in the News?

    The Government of India has scrapped the windfall tax on crude oil, which was previously set at ₹1,850 per tonne.

    What is Windfall Tax?

    Details
    Definition A higher tax levied on companies that earn unexpected and extraordinary profits due to external factors.
    Purpose To capture a portion of excess profits from industries benefiting from global price surges, such as oil.
    Imposition in India Imposed as a Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on crude oil production and exports of diesel, petrol, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
    Dynamic Tax Rate Revised every 15 days based on international oil prices in the preceding fortnight.
    First Imposed July 1, 2022, during the Russia-Ukraine conflict and post-COVID recovery.
    Application Applies to domestically produced crude oil and exports of diesel, petrol, and ATF.
    Reasons for Imposing
    • Sharp rise in global oil prices due to external factors like the Russia-Ukraine war.
    • Capture supernormal profits of energy companies for public welfare.
    Benefits
    • Generates revenue for public welfare schemes.
    • Ensures fair distribution of profits from market volatility.
    • Stabilizes fuel prices during inflation or supply chain disruptions.

     

    India’s Crude Oil Trade:

    • India is the 3rd largest oil consumer globally, following the US and China.
    • The country relies on imports for 85% of its oil needs, with this dependence expected to increase due to declining domestic production.
    • Russia has become India’s top oil supplier, with imports surging to 1.53 million barrels per day (bpd) in January 2024.
    • Russia (1st) > Iraq (2nd) > Saudi Arabia (3rd)> UAE (4th) – Crude oil export to India 

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] The term ‘West Texas Intermediate’, sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of:

    (a) Crude oil

    (b) Bullion

    (c) Rare earth elements

    (d) Uranium

    [2017] Petroleum refineries are not necessarily located nearer to crude oil producing areas, particularly in many of the developing countries. Explain its implications. (250 words)

  • [pib] BHASKAR Platform for India’s Startup Ecosystem

    Why in the News?

    The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched the BHASKAR platform.

    About BHASKAR Platform

    Details
    Platform Name Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR)
    Launched By Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    Objective To strengthen India’s startup ecosystem by centralizing resources and facilitating collaboration
    Target Audience Startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies
    Key Features
    • Networking and Collaboration: Connects startups, investors, and mentors, enabling interaction across sectors.
    • Centralized Access to Resources: Provides instant access to critical tools, knowledge, and resources for startups, enhancing decision-making and growth.
    • Personalized BHASKAR IDs: Each stakeholder (startup, investor, mentor) receives a unique ID for tailored interactions and services.
    • Enhanced Discoverability: Users can easily search and find relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities using powerful search features.
    • Access to Funding Opportunities: Facilitates connections between startups and potential investors for funding.
    • Global Outreach: Supports cross-border collaborations and fosters India’s global presence in the innovation ecosystem.
    Impact
    • Promotes innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation
    • Enhances India’s status as a global leader in startups

    Growth of the Startup Ecosystem

    • As of May 2023, India boasts over 99,000 officially recognized startups, making it the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. This growth reflects an increase from 84,012 startups in 2022 and a notable rise from just 452 in 2016.
    • The ecosystem has also produced 108 unicorns, startups valued at over $1 billion, collectively worth approximately $340.80 billion

    PYQ:

    [2015] “Success of ‘Make in India’ program depends on the success of ‘Skill India’ programme and radical labour reforms.” Discuss with logical arguments.

  • Cheetah Action Plan (CAP)

    Cheetah

    Why in the News?

    The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) which aimed to introduce African cheetahs into India’s Open Natural Ecosystems (ONEs), is completing its two years.

    About Cheetah:

    • The cheetah is a fast-running big cat, and there are two types of Cheetahs globally:
      • African (savannahs, arid mountains, and hilly deserts)
      • Asiatic (desert and semi-desert areas only in Iran)
    • Cheetahs live in three main groups: females with cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males. They hunt during the day, preferring dawn and dusk.
    • The global cheetah population was 6,500 mature individuals (IUCN, 2021).
    • IUCN Status: Vulnerable (Globally) and Critically Endangered (Asiatic Cheetah)

    Cheetah Reintroduction in India:

    • In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
    • Cheetahs (i.e. Southeast African Cheetah) from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park(MP) under the Project Cheetah.
    • This area was deemed a habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.

    Current Issues:

    • Despite the initial excitement, all of these cheetahs remain in captivity at Kuno.
    • Unfortunately, no cheetahs are currently roaming freely in the wild, raising concerns about the success of the reintroduction efforts.

    What is Project Cheetah?

    • Aim: To conserve threatened species and restore ecosystem functions. It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • The plan involves partnering with other countries to conserve cheetahs, enhancing conservation and eco-tourism in India’s dry forests.
    • The population should reach Kuno National Park’s capacity in 15 years, needing sustained support.
    • Sunset Clause: The concept of a sunset clause in the context of Project Cheetah refers to the long-term criteria (at least 30-40 years) for establishing a viable cheetah population in India.

    PYQ:

    [2012]  Consider the following: (2012)

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • [17th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Rights of future generations must guide climate debate

    [17th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Rights of future generations must guide climate debate

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2015)

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Q ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC CSE 2022)

    Prelims:

    With reference to the ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct?  (UPSC CSE 2017)
    1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
    2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
    3. It is coordinated by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Mentor’s Comment: The alarming trend of breaching planetary boundaries, highlighted by the shift of Earth’s “overshoot day” from 1970 to 2024, underscores the urgent need for immediate action.

    So, what is Earth’s Overshoot Day?

    Earth’s Overshoot Day (30 December 1970), is the day when humanity’s demand for resources exceeds the Earth’s ability to regenerate them within a year. The Global Footprint Network, an international research organization, calculates Earth Overshoot Day by dividing the Earth’s biocapacity by humanity’s ecological footprint and multiplying by 365. The remainder is the number of days when humanity exceeds the Earth’s capacity.

    Now, as we have exhausted our planet’s capacity to renew its natural resources, we risk upcoming future generations with a depleted and uninhabitable world. We must change our course to not only safeguard the well-being of those currently affected by environmental degradation but also to fulfill our moral obligation to protect the rights and livelihoods of future generations. 

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The Summit of the Future at the UN in September 2024 will bring together stakeholders to explore multilateral solutions to pressing global challenges, to create a more secure and equitable future for all.

    About Summit of the Future 2024:

    • United Nations is convening this Summit on 20 and 21 September 2024 at UN Headquarters in New York.
    • Theme: Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow.
    • Aim: To bring world leaders together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
    • Major Pillars of the Summit: Sustainable development and Financing for development, International peace and security, Science and Technology, Youth and Future generations, Global Governance.

    How do different countries view the legal obligations towards future generations?

    • An argument against Legal Duties: Some, like legal scholar Stephen Humphreys, believe the focus on future generations is just rhetoric belief that distracts from the real needs of people alive today.
      • It allows governments to prioritize short-term economic gains over environmental protection, by claiming they are securing a better future.
    • Argument for Future Generations’ Rights: In contrast, a group of legal experts, including Margaretha Wewerinke-Singh, argue that existing human rights law already protects future generations.
      • They point to the Maastricht Principles, which state that human rights extend across time and that states have legal duties to future generations.
    How do Maastricht Principles connect future generations to Climate justice?

    • Intergenerational Equity: The Principles assert that human rights are not limited to present generations; they extend to future generations as well.
    • Right to a Healthy Environment: A core aspect of the Principles is the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment which is essential for ensuring that future generations can enjoy their fundamental human rights, including health, adequate living standards, and access to natural resources.
    • State Obligations: The Principles clarify that states have binding obligations which include taking proactive measures to combat climate change, promote sustainable development, and prevent environmental degradation that could harm future populations.
    • Guidance for Legal Frameworks: They help ensure that national and international laws reflect commitments to intergenerational justice, particularly in the context of environmental policies and climate action.

    Growing Legal Recognition:

    1. Global Scenario:
    • Germany’s top court ruled parts of its climate law were unconstitutional for not sufficiently protecting young people’s rights.
    • Pakistan’s Supreme Court upheld a ban on polluting industries to prevent “decolonizing our future generations”.
    • Kenya’s High Court stated the present generation has a legal obligation to maintain natural resources for the future.
    • Norway’s Constitution gives everyone a right to a well-maintained environment for future generations.
    1. Indian Scenario:
    • Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India has also upheld the principle of intergenerational equity in the right to environment.

    Need to pay heed to ‘overshoot day’: By prioritizing sustainable practices and responsible stewardship of our planet, we should prevent the irresponsible legacy of environmental bankruptcy and ensure a thriving Earth for generations to come. The time to act is now; our collective future depends on it.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/rights-of-future-generations-must-guide-climate-debate/article68648973.ece

  • A human touch to India’s mineral ecosystem

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government’s Mines and Minerals Act of 2015, which mandated auctions and established the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), continues to ensure local communities benefit from natural resource-led development.

    • DMF after entering its 10th year has amassed almost ₹1 lakh crore, transforming mineral wealth into a development lifeline for these regions.

    How did the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) work in India?

    • The DMF mandates mining licensees and leaseholders to contribute a portion of their royalty payments to the DMF. The ‘National DMF Portal’ has been introduced to enhance transparency and efficiency.
    • It aims to promote sustainable development and welfare for mining-affected communities.
    • A District Collector leads the DMF, ensuring that funds are allocated to areas with the greatest need.
      • Funds are used for decentralized, community-centric development projects in mining districts.
    • As of 2024, around 3 lakh projects have been sanctioned across 645 districts in 23 states. These initiatives focus on improving socio-economic and human development indicators.

    About Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY):

    • Objective: Launched under the DMF, PMKKKY focuses on implementing developmental and welfare projects in mining-affected regions.
      • It aims to minimise the negative impacts of mining on local communities and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
    • Complementary Approach: PMKKKY works alongside existing state and central government schemes, reinforcing district development goals.
    • PMKKKY projects cover healthcare, education, skill development, sanitation, water supply, and sustainable livelihoods.
      • It has also empowered women through self-help groups and supported youth skill development initiatives like drone technology training.

    Significance and Scope of DMF in India:

    • Community Welfare: DMFs provide direct financial resources for the welfare of communities affected by mining activities, transforming mineral wealth into tangible social benefits.
    • Inclusive Development: DMFs empower local communities, with focus on social inclusivity by involving elected representatives and non-elected gram sabha members in governance structures.
    • Cooperative Federalism: DMFs are a model of cooperative federalism, converging national, state, and local governance to address mining impacts and foster regional development.
    • Innovation and Planning: Various DMFs innovate to maximise project impact, adopting three-year plans for goal-oriented development, establishing dedicated engineering departments, and employing Public Works Department personnel for efficient project execution.
    • Sustainability: DMFs aim to align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on forest dwellers’ livelihoods, sports infrastructure, and health. They contribute to long-term environmental and socio-economic sustainability.

    Way Forward:

    • Standardisation and Best Practices: Establish uniform guidelines to standardise successful practices across DMFs while retaining local knowledge, ensuring efficient implementation of long-term, goal-oriented projects.
    • Enhanced Integration with National Schemes: Strengthen the integration of DMF activities with ongoing central and state schemes, particularly in aspirational districts, to amplify the socio-economic and environmental benefits in mining-affected regions.

  • Post-glacial ecosystems could help slow down climate change – Study

    Why in the News?

    The retreat of glaciers is one of the most visible indicators of climate change, but it also creates new ecosystems that could play a role in mitigating its effects, according to a global study titled ‘The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat’ published in “Nature”.

    How are Glaciers Formed?

    • Glaciers form when snowfall accumulates over time in a particular area where temperatures are consistently cold enough for snow to remain year-round.
    • Over the years, the weight of accumulating snow compresses the lower layers, turning them into firn (a dense snowpack). Further compression transforms firn into ice.
    • Once thick enough, glaciers begin to move under the force of gravity, flowing slowly like rivers of ice. The glacier’s movement is driven by the internal deformation of the ice and sliding at its base, leading to the formation of crevasses and other glacial features.

    What is Glacier Retreat?

    • Glacier retreat refers to the process where glaciers lose mass due to melting and insufficient snowfall to replenish their ice. This phenomenon is accelerated by climate change, leading to rising sea levels and altered water supplies. 
    • As global temperatures rise, glaciers shrink more rapidly, which impacts ecosystems and human communities that rely on glacial meltwater for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower.

    Key Highlights of the Recent Study

    The recent study titled “The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat,” published in Nature, presents several significant findings:

    • Ecosystem Development: The study indicates that while glacier retreat is a clear sign of climate change, it also leads to the emergence of new ecosystems that can mitigate climate change effects because of it can enhance carbon capture and storage through biogeochemical processes.
    • Microbial Colonization: Following glacier retreat, microorganisms such as bacteria and algae are the first to colonize the barren landscapes, which helps in soil formation.
      • Within a decade, hardy plants like lichens and grasses establish themselves, further enriching the soil and enabling more complex life forms to thrive.
    • Management Importance:  The study emphasizes that with appropriate strategies to manage it because, these areas can quickly develop, providing habitats for species threatened by climate change and contributing to biodiversity conservation.
    • Water Regulation: In regions like the Himalayas, post-glacial ecosystems are vital for regulating water availability, impacting rivers that support millions of people.
    • Potential for Discoveries: The biodiversity in these areas may lead to new agricultural and medicinal discoveries, highlighting the ecological benefits of protecting and studying these ecosystems

    Way forward: 

    • Ecosystem Management: Implement strategies for managing emerging post-glacial ecosystems to enhance their carbon capture potential and biodiversity conservation, supporting climate change mitigation efforts.
    • Research and Conservation: Prioritize research on these ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, to safeguard water resources and explore potential agricultural and medicinal discoveries, benefiting both the environment and local economies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (UPSC IAS/2014)