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GS Paper: GS3

  • Ferroptosis Cases in Severe Covid Patients

    Why in the News?

    Columbia University study on COVID-19 fatalities found ferroptosis as the main cause of lung cell death, advancing understanding of lung disease development.

    What is Ferroptosis?

    • Ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death characterized by the iron-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides to lethal levels.

    Other forms of cell death: 

    1. Apoptosis (highly regulated process that occurs in multicellular organisms to eliminate unwanted or damaged cells without causing inflammation),
    2. Necrosis (cell death characterized by rapid and uncontrolled cell lysis, often accompanied by inflammation and tissue damage).
    3. Autophagy (involves the degradation and recycling of cellular components through lysosomal machinery).

    Mechanism of Ferroptosis:

    The precise molecular mechanism underlying ferroptosis is still being elucidated, but it involves the deregulation of iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation. Here’s a simplified overview of how ferroptosis occurs:

    1. Iron Accumulation: Ferroptosis is characterized by the accumulation of iron within cells, particularly in the form of labile iron pools. Excess iron can lead to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Fenton chemistry.
    2. Lipid Peroxidation: ROS generated from excess iron promotes lipid peroxidation, particularly of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) within cell membranes. Lipid peroxides accumulate and propagate, leading to membrane damage and loss of membrane integrity.
    3. Glutathione Depletion: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant that helps to neutralize ROS and prevent lipid peroxidation. In ferroptosis, there is a depletion of cellular GSH levels, which impairs the cell’s ability to counteract oxidative stress.
    4. GPX4 Inhibition: Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of lipid hydroperoxides to their corresponding alcohols, thereby protecting cells from lipid peroxidation. In ferroptosis, GPX4 activity is inhibited, leading to the accumulation of lipid peroxides and cell death.
    5. Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Ferroptosis is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, including alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and morphology, as well as disruption of mitochondrial metabolism and bioenergetics.
    6. Cellular Consequences: The accumulation of lipid peroxides and mitochondrial dysfunction ultimately leads to cellular damage, loss of cell membrane integrity, and cell death by ferroptosis.

    Significance of the Study

    • Targeting and preventing ferroptosis could offer novel treatment avenues for COVID-19 lung disease and its possible future mutations.
    • Inhibiting this form of cell death may help improve the treatment outcomes for severe cases of COVID-19.

    PYQ:

    [2020] COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid management of the pandemic.

  • Cyclone Remal to make landfall

    Why in the News?

    • Cyclone Remal is forecasted to make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Bangladesh’s Khepupara on Sunday midnight.
    • The name ‘Remal’ originates from Oman and means ‘sand’ in Arabic.

    What are Cyclones?

    • Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones(airmass-induced).
    • Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in warm regions, requiring conditions such as
    1. Warm sea surface (> 27°C),
    2. Coriolis Force,
    3. Pre-existing low-pressure systems,
    4. Small vertical wind speed differences, and
    5. Upper air divergence.

    Characteristics of Tropical Cyclones:

    • They form over warm water bodies due to energy derived from the condensation of warm water within cumulonimbus clouds.
    • Wind rotation is influenced by the Coriolis force, resulting in anti-clockwise rotation in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

    Regional Movement of Cyclones:

    • In the northern hemisphere, cyclones initially move westward under earth rotation and the Easterlies.
    • As they progress towards higher latitudes, the Coriolis force deflects them rightward, towards north and later east.
    • By 30° latitude, the diminished warmth halts cyclone activity.

    Naming of Cyclones: 

    • Responsibility of RSMCs and TCWCs: The naming of cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world is carried out by the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
    • Procedure in the North Indian Ocean: For north Indian Ocean including Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, the RSMC, New Delhi assigns the name to tropical cyclones following a standard procedure.
    • Agreement by WMO/ESCAP Panel: The WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones in 2000 agreed in principle to assign names to the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.
    • Selection Process: Each country would sent their suggestions, based on which the Panel would finalise a list.
    • Retirement of Names: Generally, names of some storms that cause widespread damage and deaths are usually retired and are not brought back or reused later, at least for 10 years. These names are then replaced with new names.
    • Unique Policy for North Indian Ocean: Unlike in other regions, the names of tropical cyclones over the north Indian Ocean once used, will cease to be used again.

    Destruction Caused by Cyclones:

    • Strong Winds/Squall: Cyclones cause infrastructure damage through high-speed winds.
    • Torrential Rains and Inland Flooding: Heavy rainfall leads to floods, soil erosion, and embankment weakening.
    • Storm Surge: Abnormal sea level rise inundates coastal regions, causing floods, erosion, and destruction.

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?

    (a) Sea Surface temperature are low

    (b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs

    (c) Coriolis force is too weak

    (d) Absence of land in those regions

  • Southeast Asia origin of at least 45% cyber frauds targeting Indians

    Why in the News?

    Over 5,000 unemployed/employed Indians are reportedly trapped in Cambodia and forced to work into cyber fraud, resulting in an estimated Rs 500 crore loss in India over six months.

    Present Cybersecurity Status of India:

    • India has secured 10th rank in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 by ITU (International Telecommunication Union) by moving up 37 places.
    • The US topped (1st), followed by the UK (United Kingdom) and Saudi Arabia tied for the second position together.
    • India secured the fourth position in the Asia Pacific region.

    What is the Budapest Convention? Is India a party to it?

    • The Council of Europe’s (CoE) Cybercrime Convention, commonly known as the Budapest Convention, was opened for signature in 2001 and came into force in 2004.
    • It is the only legally binding international multilateral treaty on cybercrime, coordinating investigations between nations and criminalizing specific cybercrime activities.
    • Budapest Convention is supplemented by a Protocol addressing xenophobia and racism committed through computer systems.
    • As of now, the Convention has 56 member countries, including the US and UK. However, India is not a party to the Budapest Convention.

    Indian Nationals vs. Organised Crimes in the South Asian Region:

    • Most web applications use the Chinese language to perform financial fraud, thereby not ruling out the Chinese connection.
    • Financial crimes such as digital arrest, stock market scams, investment scams, and romance or dating scams account for a loss of over â‚č1,776 crores in 89,054 cases in the first four months of the year spurt in organized crime from Southeast Asia.
    • Numerous Indian nationals employed within a suspected fraudulent operation based in Sihanouk City, Cambodia, have voiced their grievances against their employers.

    What are the causes of the increase in Organized Financial Fraud?

    • Weak Prevention Measures:  Online Platforms in India at present account for 89% of all fraud incidents, with 40% of companies losing over $1 million.
    • Rapid Digitization and Payment Systems: After the pandemic, there was a massive shift, with the average Indian company now operating at least more than two online platforms in the normal course of business.
      • This has made it easier for fraudsters to operate anonymously and target a large number of victims.
    • Informal Investigation and Prosecution: India lacks the standardized data formats protocol system from the core banks itself. This makes it difficult to track devices and jurisdictional issues in interstate cases.
    • Lack of Deterrence: With only 26% of victims able to recover lost funds, fraudsters are encouraged to target individuals and organizations. The total value of frauds reported in 2021-22 was a staggering â‚č60,414 crore.
    • Lack of Awareness: Sharing sensitive financial details with others or storing them insecurely it makes a common man vulnerable to fraud.

    What are the Initiatives taken by the government to tackle cyber crimes in India?

    • National Cyber Security Strategy 2020: Currently being formulated to enhance cyber awareness and strengthen cybersecurity through more rigorous audits.
    • Draft Personal Data Protection Bill, 2018: Based on the recommendations of the Justice BN Srikrishna Committee, this bill aims to secure citizens’ data.
    • Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C): Approved in October 2018, this initiative addresses all types of cybercrimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.
    • National Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In): Functions as the nodal agency for coordinating all cybersecurity efforts, emergency responses, and crisis management.
    • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC): Established to protect and ensure the resilience of critical information infrastructure.

    Way Forward:

    • Update and Enforce Laws: Regularly update the Information Technology Act and other relevant laws to address emerging cyber threats and ensure strict enforcement.
    • Upgrade Cyber Defense Systems: Invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies and infrastructure to protect critical information systems.
    • Training Law Enforcement: Provide specialized training for law enforcement agencies to equip them with the skills needed to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.
    • Collaborate with Industry: Foster partnerships between the government and private sector to share threat intelligence and best practices.

    Mains question for practice:

    Q Discuss the current challenges of cybersecurity in India, citing examples of recent trends in cybercrime. What measures have been taken by the Indian government to address these challenges? 15M

    Mains PYQ

    Q What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy.(UPSC IAS/2022)

  • What is La Nina, expected to set in later this year, and how it could impact global weather

    Why in the news?

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recently forecasted that La nina will affect the Indian monsoon in August and September.

    What are El nino and La nina?

    • El Nino and La Nina are climate phenomena resulting from ocean-atmosphere interactions in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, significantly influencing global weather patterns.
    • El Nino (meaning “little boy” in Spanish) occurs when weak trade winds allow warm surface waters to accumulate near South America, reducing the usual upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water. This leads to warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures.
    • La Nina (meaning “little girl” in Spanish) involves strong trade winds pushing warm water towards Asia, increasing upwelling and resulting in cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures along South America.
    • Together with a neutral phase, they form the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.

    How could the incoming La Nina impact global weather?

    • Temperatures
        • Global temperatures are likely to decrease compared to the recent record-breaking heat during the 2023-2024 El Nino event.
        • However, despite the cooling effect of La Nina, temperatures will still be higher than in previous decades due to the long-term warming trend from greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Rainfall
        • La Nina typically brings drier conditions to parts of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the southern United States.
        • Wetter than normal conditions are expected in parts of South America and eastern Africa.
    • Tropical Storms
        • La Nina is associated with increased tropical storm activity in the Atlantic Ocean and fewer storms in the Pacific.
        • The 2023 Atlantic hurricane season could see more intense storms due to La nina conditions.
    • Economic Impacts
      • Droughts and floods linked to La nina can negatively impact agriculture, food security, and infrastructure in affected regions.
      • Fishing communities in the eastern Pacific may face reduced catches due to cooler ocean temperatures.

    La nina’s impact on India

    • Positive Impact on Monsoons
        • La Nina generally leads to above-average monsoon rainfall in India. Since 1950, out of the 13 droughts India faced, only one was during a La nina year.
        • The extended La Nina event in 2022 led to a change in wind patterns, with winds blowing from north to south instead of the usual northwesterly direction.
        • This caused pollutants from agricultural burning in northern states to bypass Delhi and reach southern regions like Mumbai.
    • Negative Impacts
      • La Nina can sometimes lead to heavy rains and floods in some parts of India, while the Western Ghats may receive average or below-average rainfall.
      • Winter rainfall is less than normal in north India, and snowfall over the Western Himalayas is also lower than usual during La Nina years.
      • Farmers may be at risk of losing their standing Kharif crops if heavy rains occur during this period.

    Is climate change affecting EnSO?

    • El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a global climate phenomenon that emerges from variations in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical Pacific Ocean.
      • Climate change is likely impacting the ENSO cycle, potentially altering the frequency and intensity of El Nino and La Nina events.
      • Studies suggest that global warming may change mean oceanic conditions in the Pacific, possibly leading to more frequent or intense El Nino events.
    • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated that climate change is expected to influence extreme weather events associated with EnSO, including more severe droughts, floods, and heatwaves.

     Way Forward:

    • Develop more accurate climate models for better prediction of EnSO events and their impacts.
    • Foster international collaboration to share data, resources, and strategies for managing EnSO-related challenges.

    BACK2BASICS

    India Meteorological Department (IMD)

    • The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, serves as the national Meteorological Service and is the principal government agency responsible for meteorology and related subjects in India.
    • Operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, IMD is headquartered in New Delhi.
    • IMD is one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Xenotransplantation: Prospects and Challenges

    Why in the News?

    The recent passing away of Richard Slayman, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant, has drawn attention to xenotransplantation—an innovative medical procedure with the potential to revolutionise organ transplantation.

    What is Xenotransplantation?

    • It involves transplanting live cells, tissues, or organs from nonhuman animal sources into human recipients.
    • It seeks to address the critical gap between organ demand and supply.
    • Xenotransplantation, pioneered in the 1980s with heart transplants, has emerged as a promising solution to alleviate the organ shortage crisis, particularly prevalent in kidney transplantation.

    Examples:

    • Chimpanzee-to-Human Transplants: In the 1960s, there were attempts at chimpanzee-to-human kidney transplants, heart transplants, and liver transplants.
    • Pig-to-Human Heart Transplant: In 2022, a groundbreaking milestone was achieved with the first successful transplantation of a pig heart into a human with end-stage heart disease

    Procedural Details

    • Xenotransplantation involves genetic modifications to animal organs, like 69 CRISPR-Cas9 edits to a pig kidney, removing pig genes and adding human genes for compatibility.

    Why is the Pig a Preferred Source?

    • Anatomical Resemblance: Pigs are favoured for xenotransplantation due to their physiological similarities to humans, facilitating successful integration. Pig organs, like heart valves, have been used in human medicine for over 50 years.
    • Breeding Advantages: Extensive pig farming ensures a readily available and cost-effective supply of organs, with diverse breeds offering size-matching opportunities.

    Challenges associated

    • The main challenge is preventing organ rejection. Innovative methods, such as embedding the pig’s thymus gland under the kidney’s outer layer, help manage immune responses.
    • There are also significant concerns regarding potential infections from both recognised and unrecognised infectious agents that could affect not only the recipient but also the wider population.
    • Retroviruses present in the animal organs pose a risk of cross-species infection, which could remain latent and cause diseases years after the transplantation.

    PYQ: 

    [2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

  • India rises to 39th position in WEF Index for travel, tourism development

    Why in the News? 

    • India has moved up to the 39th position in the World Economic Forum’s latest “Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, a significant climb from 54th in 2021.
      • The United States tops the index, followed by Spain, Japan, France, and Australia.
      • Pakistan is ranked 101st.

    India’s Performance and Ranking

    • Price Competitiveness: India is ranked 18th in terms of price competitiveness.
    • Transport Infrastructure: It stands at 26th for air transport and 25th for ground and port infrastructure.
    • Resource Ranking: India is 6th in natural resources, 9th in cultural resources, and 9th in non-leisure resources.
    • TTDI Score Change: India’s overall TTDI score decreased by 2.1% compared to its 2019 level.
    • Decline in Sustainability Performance: India has seen a decline in sustainability performance relative to 2019 but still performs well due to the prevalence of sustainable long stays among inbound visitors.

    About Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI)

    • The TTDI was compiled in collaboration with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom (UK).
    • TTDI 2024 is the second edition, evolved from the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) series, a flagship index of WEF that has been in production since 2007.
    • TTDI 2024 covered 119 countries’ travel and tourism sectors across various factors and policies.

    Back2Basics: World Economic Forum (WEF)

    Description
    Establishment Founded in 1971 by Swiss-German economist Klaus Schwab in Geneva, Switzerland.
    Purpose To bring together public and private sector leaders to address global political, social, and economic issues.
    Membership Introduced in 1975, membership includes the world’s top 1,000 companies.
    Scope Expansion Initially focused on European firms catching up with US management practices, expanded to encompass broader economic and social issues.
    Birth of the G20 The concept of the G20, focusing on global finance and comprising 20 countries, emerged from discussions at the WEF in 1998.
    Key Reports Published
    • Global Competitiveness Report
    • Global Risks Report
    • Global Gender Gap Report
    • Global Human Capital Report
    • Global Information Technology Report
    • Future of Jobs Report
    • Global Enabling Trade Report

    Trick: Reports beginning with the name ‘Global’.

    World level recovery in travel and tourism:

    • Sector Recovery: International tourist arrivals and the sector’s contribution to global GDP are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.
    • Regional Recovery: West Asia exceeded its 2019 tourist arrival levels by 20%, while Europe, Africa, and the Americas are recovering robustly, each reaching about 90% of their 2019 levels.

    PYQ:

    [2019] The Global Competitiveness Report is published by the:

    (a) International Monetary Fund

    (b) United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

    (c) World Economic Forum

    (d) World Bank

    Practice MCQ:

    The Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) is released by:

    1. International Air Transport Association (IATA)
    2. World Tourism Foundation (WTF)
    3. World Economic Forum
    4. World Bank

  • Microplastic Pollution in Ashtamudi Lake

    Why in the News?

    • A recent study conducted by the “Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries”, University of Kerala, has revealed alarming levels of microplastic pollution in Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar wetland in Kollam district.

    Back2Basics: Microplastics

    • Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres (0.2 inches) in size.
    • They are a type of plastic pollution that originates from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris, as well as from the direct release of small plastic particles in various products and activities.

    Types of Microplastics:

    About Ashtamudi Lake

    • Ashtamudi Lake is located in the Kollam district of Kerala.
    • The lake is also called the “gateway to the backwaters of Kerala”.
      • Historical Background: The importance of Ashtamudi Kayal dates back to the times of the Romans and Phoenicians in the 14th century.
    • It is a brackish water lake, meaning it contains a mix of freshwater and saltwater. It covers an area of approximately 61 square kilometres (23.5 square miles).
    • Kallada River is a major river discharging into the Ashtamudi Lake.
    • The name “Ashtamudi” translates to “eight coned” in Malayalam, referring to the lakes eight prominent arms or channels.
    • The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation, including mangrove forests, coconut groves, and palm trees.
    • Ashtamudi Lake is an integral part of the Kollam-Kottapuram Waterway, which connects the Kerala backwaters to the Arabian Sea.
      • Notable Islands: Chavara, Munroe

    PYQ:

    [2022] Consider the following pairs:

    Wetland              : Lake Location

    1.    Hokera Wetland  : Punjab

    2.   Renuka Wetland  : Himachal Pradesh

    3.   Rudrasagar Lake  :  Tripura

    4.   Sasthamkotta Lake : Tamil Nadu

    How many pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) Only one pair

    (b) Only two pairs

    (c) Only three pairs

    (d) All four pairs

    [2019] Why is there a great concern about the ‘microbeads’ that are released into the environment?

    (a) They are considered harmful to marine ecosystems.

    (b) They are considered to cause skin cancer in children.

    (c) They are small enough to be absorbed by crop plants in irrigated fields.

    (d) They are often found to be used as food adulterants.

  • ‘Silent demise’ of vast ‘Rangelands’ threatens climate, food, wellbeing of billions: UNCCD 

    Why in the News?

    The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) recently published the “Global Land Outlook Thematic Report” on Rangelands and Pastoralists, revealing that up to 50% of Rangelands are degraded.

    About UNCCD:

    • UNCCD adopted in 1994 (effectively from 1996),  is a legally binding agreement that aims to protect and restore land and combat desertification and drought.
    • It is one of the three Rio Conventions (the other two being – the Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)).

    What is the Rangeland?

    • Rangeland, is any extensive area of land that is occupied by native herbaceous or shrubby vegetation which is grazed by domestic or wild herbivores.

      • It may include tallgrass prairies, steppes (shortgrass prairies), desert shrublands, shrub woodlands, savannas, chaparrals, and tundras.
    • These lands constitute 54% of all land cover, account for 1/6th of global food production, and represent nearly 1/3rd of the planet’s carbon reservoir.

    World areas that are most acutely affected by Rangeland Degradation:

    • Central Asia, China, Mongolia: The replacement of government management with privatization and agricultural industrialization led to the abandonment of herders and reliance on insufficient natural resources, causing degradation.
    • North Africa and the Near East: Climate change is pushing pastoralists into poverty and degrading rangelands.
    • Sahel and West Africa: Conflict, power imbalances, and border issues have disrupted livestock mobility, leading to degradation.
    • South America: Climate change, deforestation from industrial agriculture, and land use conversion are primary drivers of degradation.
    • East Africa: Migration and forced displacement due to competing land uses are evicting pastoralists, causing degradation.
    • North America: Degradation of ancient grasslands and dry rangelands threatens biodiversity in ecosystems like tall-grass prairies and southern deserts.
    • Europe: Policies favoring industrial farming over pastoralism and misguided incentives are causing the abandonment and degradation of rangelands.
    • South Africa and Australia: Afforestation, mining, and land conversion are causing degradation and loss of rangelands.

    How does it impact the Food chain?

    • Over two billion people, including small-scale herders, ranchers, and farmers, depend on healthy rangelands for their livelihoods, underscoring the critical link between rangeland health and food chain cycle.
    • Up to 50% of rangelands are degraded due to various factors including overuse, misuse, climate change, and biodiversity loss, posing a severe threat to food security.

    The Economic significance of Rangelands:

    • Livestock Grazing and Agriculture: Rangelands are crucial for livestock production, providing natural forage for cattle, sheep, goats, and other herbivores. This grazing land supports the meat and dairy industries, which are vital to the global food supply and rural economies.
    • Eco-tourism and hunting: These areas support a wide range of wildlife, contributing to biodiversity and offering opportunities for eco-tourism and hunting, both of which generate significant income for local economies.
    • Ecosystem Services: Rangelands provide vital services like water filtration, carbon storage, and soil preservation, yielding economic advantages through climate regulation and conservation.
    • Income and employment opportunities: Harvesting these resources provides income and employment opportunities for rural populations. The economic contributions made by different countries are as follows:
      • Ethiopia: Livestock production from rangelands accounts for 19% of the country’s GDP.
      • India: Livestock from rangelands contributes 4% to the national GDP.
      • Brazil: As a major beef producer, Brazil generates one-third of its agribusiness GDP from cattle livestock, producing 16% of the world’s beef.

    What is the innovative approach presented by the UNCCD Report?

    • The past estimates by UNCCD of degraded rangeland of roughly 25% are significantly underestimated, where the actual loss of rangeland’s health and productivity was potentially reaching up to 50%.
    • Conceptual Approach: The report outlines a new conceptual approach designed to help policymakers stabilize, restore, and manage rangelands more effectively.
      • This new approach is supported by detailed case studies from nearly every world region, which provide important lessons from both the successes and failures in rangeland management.
    • Core Recommendation – Protect Pastoralism: The report emphasizes the importance of protecting pastoralism a traditional, mobile way of life based on pasture-based livestock production as a key strategy for sustainable rangeland management.

    Conclusion: Many countries like the U.S. and Canada makingare trying to reintroduce bison, an animal with significant cultural importance to indigenous peoples. This initiative aims to promote rangeland health and enhance food security.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.(UPSC IAS/2020)

  • A vegetable triumvirate, inflation, and the takeaway

    Why in the News?

    The price fluctuations and Inflation trends in recent market underscore the necessity for Targeted Policy Interventions and a comprehensive grasp of Agricultural Supply Chains.

    The Significance of Vegetable Triumvirate (trio):

    • Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) aren’t just statistical entities but essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, forming the backbone of many dishes.
    • These vegetables represent more than just a portion of the CPI basket; they embody cultural and dietary preferences deeply ingrained in Indian culinary traditions.

    Volatility and its role in shaping Inflation trends by TOP vegetables:

    Vegetable prices in India rose by approximately 15% year-on-year, indicating significant inflation in this category.

    • Highly Volatile: There was notable volatility in vegetable prices, with a sharp decrease of 0.7% in June followed by a substantial increase of 37.4% in July.
    • High Contribution to Inflation: Despite vegetables weighing only 6% in the total CPI basket, their contribution to inflation was about 30% in Feb/March 2024.
      • For example, Tomatoes having a weight of only 0.6% in the CPI basket, prices soared by 202% in July 2023, contributing to 18.1% of the total headline inflation.
      • The contribution of vegetables to headline inflation was 31.9%, with TOP (tomato, onion, and potato) contributing 17.2%, further highlighting their substantial impact on inflation trends.

    Navigating Culinary and Economic Realities (Challenges):

    • Policy Challenges: The volatility in TOP prices underscores the need for effective policy interventions, including agricultural value chain reforms and improved storage facilities to stabilize prices and support farmers.
    • Farmers’ Plight: Farmers, who are often net buyers of these crops, bear the brunt of price fluctuations, necessitating measures like Minimum Support Prices to ensure their livelihoods are protected.
    • Government Response: Despite protests and demands from farmers, policy responses have been inconsistent, relying on short-term measures like export bans rather than addressing underlying structural issues in the agricultural sector.

    Way forward:

    • Need for Value Chain Reforms: Implement reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and resilience of agricultural value chains for TOP vegetables.
    • Need Price Stabilization Mechanisms: Introduce mechanisms to stabilize prices of TOP vegetables, such as market interventions, buffer stocks, or price ceilings during periods of extreme volatility. This can help mitigate the impact of price fluctuations on consumers and farmers alike.
    • Minimum Support Prices (MSPs): Establish MSPs for TOP vegetables to provide farmers with a guaranteed floor price for their produce.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.(UPSC IAS/2019)

  • Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Ibex (Tangor) Census in Himachal

    Why in the News?

    • Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti district have initiated surveys to estimate the population of Blue Sheep (bharal) and Himalayan Ibex (Tangor), vital prey species for the iconic snow leopard.
      • This move aims to assess the region’s biodiversity and promote conservation efforts.

    About the Species Mentioned

    Bharal (Blue Sheep)

    Himalayan Ibex (Tangor)
    Scientific Name Pseudois nayaur Capra sibirica hemalayanus
    Genus Pseudois Capra
    Distribution India, Bhutan, China (Gansu, Ningxia, Sichuan, Tibet, Inner Mongolia), Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan Himalayan region of India, Pakistan, Tibet, Nepal
    Features
    • Slate grey coat with bluish shine
    • Horns grow upwards, curve out, and then towards the back
    • Large curved horns with notches on the front
    • Light brown to reddish-brown coat, white belly, black and white markings on legs
    • Thick, woolly coat in winter, shed in early summer
    Behavior Active throughout the day, alternating between feeding and resting on grassy mountain slopes
    • Usually found in small herds, sometimes around 50 together;
    • Can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h
    Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Least Concern

    Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule 1

    		 IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

    Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule 1

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following fauna of India :

    1. Gharial

    2. Leatherback turtle

    3. Swamp deer

    Which of the above is/are endangered?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None