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GS Paper: GS3

  • What is South Africa’s new law on climate change?   

    Why in the news?

    President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a law imposing mandatory emission curbs on large industries and requiring climate adaptation plans to meet South Africa’s Paris Agreement commitments.

    Features of the Law:

    • Mandatory Emission Curbs: The legislation imposes mandatory limits on emissions from large, fossil-fuel-heavy industries.
    • Climate-Adaptation Plans: It requires towns and villages to develop and implement climate-adaptation plans.
    • Emissions Reduction Commitments: The law aims to help South Africa meet its emissions reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement.

    Significance of this law: 

    • Data-Driven Approach: The law is based on emissions data and trends, such as the decrease from 512 Mt CO2e in 2017 to 405 Mt CO2e in 2022 will help in sustained efforts in emission reduction.
    • Reduction in Emissions: The law aims to significantly reduce South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the Paris Agreement. This is a crucial step for South Africa’s status as one of the top 15 GHG emitters globally.
    • Transition from Coal: South Africa relies heavily on coal for electricity generation. The bill’s mandatory curbs on emissions from large, fossil-fuel-heavy industries are a critical step towards reducing dependence on coal and shifting towards cleaner energy sources.

    Does India have an omnibus legislation on climate change?

    • No Comprehensive Legislation: India does not have a comprehensive, omnibus legislation specifically addressing climate change.
    • Climate Change in Existing Acts: Climate change is addressed within multiple existing Acts and subordinate legislation, such as the Environmental Protection Act, Forest Conservation Act, Energy Conservation Act, and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
    • Private Member’s Bill: A Private Member’s Bill called the Council on Climate Change Bill was proposed by Rajya Sabha parliamentarian Priyanka Chaturvedi in 2022, which aimed to establish a Council to advise the Union government on climate change matters, but there has been no significant progress on this bill.
    • Supreme Court Ruling: The Supreme Court recognized the “right against the adverse effects of climate change” and highlighted the need for comprehensive climate change legislation, linking the impact of climate change to citizens’ rights of liberty, life, and equality.

    Way forward: 

    • Comprehensive Legislation and Institutional Framework: India should work towards enacting comprehensive climate change legislation that integrates and harmonizes existing laws related to environmental protection, energy conservation, and pollution control.
    • Enhanced Research and Implementation Support: Need to invest in extensive scientific research to evaluate the efficacy and potential impacts of transitioning to low-carbon and renewable energy sources.

    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? (2017)

  • Should India focus on natural farming?    

    Why in the news?

    In the 2024-25 Budget proposals, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman declared that over the next two years, one crore farmers nationwide will be introduced to natural farming, with support provided through certification and branding.

    National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

    • The National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) aims to encourage farmers to adopt chemical-free farming practices and willingly shift to natural farming based on the merits of the system.
    • The government believes the success of NMNF hinges on changing farmers’ behaviour to transition from chemical-based inputs to cow-based, locally-produced inputs, supported by a financial outlay of ₹4,645.69 crore over six years (2019-20 to 2024-25) under the ‘Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati’ scheme.

    What is natural farming?

    • Natural farming avoids the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, instead promoting traditional indigenous practices. 
    • It focuses on recycling on-farm biomass, employing biomass mulching, and utilizing formulations made from cow dung and urine.
    • Pests are managed through diverse farming practices and on-farm botanical mixtures, strictly excluding all synthetic chemical inputs.

    What are the concerns related to Yield?

    • Yield Reduction: Agricultural experts are concerned that a large-scale transition to natural farming could result in reduced crop yields. Studies have shown significant declines in yield for staples like wheat (59%) and basmati rice (32%) compared to integrated crop management systems.
    • Food Security: Lower yields from natural farming could threaten food security in a populous country like India, potentially only being able to feed around one-third of the population with staples like wheat and rice.

    Findings on the Ground:

    • Mixed outcomes: Field experiments have shown mixed results. Some studies indicate improved yields and incomes with lower costs due to biological inputs, while others show a decline in productivity.
    • Good Results in Andra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh, adopting natural farming methods has shown promising results, leading to better crop yields and enhanced farmers’ incomes.
    • Concerns about sustainability and productivity: Agro-scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR) have raised concerns about the sustainability and productivity of natural farming methods.

    Differences in Studies:

    • CESS Study: The Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) and Institute for Development Studies Andhra Pradesh found that natural farming practices led to improved yields and incomes for farmers, thereby enhancing food and nutritional security.
    • ICAR-IIFSR Study: The study by ICAR-IIFSR reported a significant decline in yields of key crops like wheat and basmati rice when compared to conventional farming practices, suggesting a negative impact on food supply.

    Case study of Sri Lanka:

    • Policy Shift: Sri Lanka’s decision to completely switch to organic farming and ban chemical fertilizers led to economic and political turmoil.
    • Yield Decline: Farmers struggled to obtain natural fertilizers, resulting in reduced yields of key crops, including rice.
    • Food Security Risk: The shift put the country’s food security at risk, causing sharp price escalations and widespread protests and unrest.

    Way forward: 

    • Localized Implementation and Scientific Validation: Need to conduct rigorous scientific studies and extensive field trials to validate the productivity and viability of natural farming methods before scaling them up nationwide.
    • Hybrid Approach and Support for Farmers: Govt. should adopt a hybrid approach that combines the best practices of both natural and conventional farming to ensure food security.  

  • CITES eases Export of Agarwood from India

    Why in the News?

    • India successfully prevented the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the Review of Significant Trade (RST) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
      • CITES notified a new export quota for Aquilaria malaccensis from India, effective April 2024.

    What is Agarwood?

    • Agarwood (the Wood of Gods) also known as “Oud,” is a highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood produced by the Aquilaria tree.
    • The resin forms in the heartwood of the tree when it becomes infected with a particular type of mold (Phialophora parasitica).
    • This infection causes the tree to produce a dark, fragrant resin, which is highly sought after for its distinctive aroma.
    • This contains essential oils with compounds like sesquiterpenes, chromones, and phenylethyl chromone derivatives.
    • It thrives in tropical forests, at altitudes up to 1000 meters, often found in areas with high humidity and rainfall.
    • Conservation Status:
      • IUCN Status: Listed as Critically Endangered.
      • CITES: Listed in Appendix II in 1995 based on India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994.

    Uses of Agarwood

    • It is traditionally used as incense.
    • Extracts (agarwood oil) are used in perfumes, the aroma industry, medicine, air fresheners, and purifiers.
    • Essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, and anti-oxidant properties.
      • Agarwood cultivation is prevalent in parts of India, especially in the Northeast.
      • This development will benefit lakhs of farmers in districts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.

    What is the issue over the inclusion of ‘Agarwood’ (Aquilaria malaccensis) in the RST of the CITES list?

    • Aquilaria malaccensis was listed in Appendix II of CITES in 1995, which means its trade is controlled to avoid utilization incompatible with its survival.
    • The RST process assesses whether trade in a species is detrimental to its survival and recommends actions to ensure sustainability.
    • India’s stance was supported by a study conducted by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), which suggested that the harvest from wild populations should be prohibited, while allowing harvest from plantations and private/community lands.

    Arguments against Inclusion in RST

    • Controlled Harvesting: India argued that it has established controlled harvesting practices, ensuring that only cultivated agarwood is used for trade.
    • Economic Impact: Inclusion in the RST could have disrupted the livelihoods of farmers and traders who depend on agarwood cultivation, particularly in the northeastern states of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.
    • Sustainable Practices: The NDF indicated that the current practices in India were sustainable and that the species was being cultivated widely, reducing pressure on wild populations.

    New Export Quota

    • Establishment of Quota: CITES notified a new export quota for agarwood from India, effective from April 2024. The quota was set at 1,51,080 kg/year for agarwood chips and powder/sawdust, and 7,050 kg/year for agarwood oil.
    • Formal Trade: The absence of an export quota for a long period had led to informal trade and increased prices. The new quota aims to regulate and legalize the trade, ensuring benefits to local growers and the economy.
    [2016] With reference to ‘Red Sanders’, sometimes seen in the news, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a tree species found in a part of South India.

    2. It is one of the most important trees in the tropical rainforest areas of South India.

    Which of the statements given above is /are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Himachal witnesses gradual snowfall pattern shift  

    Why in the News?

    • Himachal Pradesh is experiencing a reducing snow cover over the years.
      • There is a noticeable shift in snowfall occurrence from winter months towards early summer months.

    Findings from the Latest Study:

    • The study by the Centre on Climate Change of Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE) shows an overall decrease of 12.72% in snow cover area in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23.
    • The study used Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) satellite data to analyze snow cover trends.
    • Early winter months (October-November) showed a decrease in snow cover area except for the Ravi basin, which showed a marginal increase in October.
    • Peak winter months (December-January) saw a negative trend in snow cover area.
    • Late winter months (February-March) showed a positive trend with an increase in snow cover area in all basins compared to the previous year.
    • Snow cover area increased in April due to fresh snowfall in the early summer period.

    Impact on Water Availability

    • The decrease in snow cover during peak winter months (December and January) is especially alarming.
    • Snowfall during these months sustains longer and enhances the discharge dependability of major river basins during summer.
    • Reduced snow cover in winter could affect water availability during the summer months.

    Concerns and Implications

    • Environmentalists and scientists are concerned about the shifting snowfall patterns.
    • Depleting snow cover and changing snowfall patterns have significant impacts on hydro-power, water sources, people, livestock, forests, farms, and infrastructure.

    Back2Basics: Rivers of Himachal Pradesh   

    Description
    Satluj
    • Originating from Rakas Lake in Tibet, the Satluj River is the longest river in Himachal Pradesh.
    • It flows through the districts of Kinnaur, Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Solan, and Bilaspur, and enters Punjab near Nangal.
    • The river is crucial for hydropower generation and irrigation.
    • Hydropower Dams: Bhakra Dam (Bhakra-Nangal Project), Nathpa Jhakri Dam, Karcham Wangtoo Dam.
    • Glaciers Feeding: Rakas Lake (Tibet), Zema Glacier, Shipki La Glacier.
    Beas
    • The Beas River originates from Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass.
    • It flows through the districts of Kullu, Mandi, Hamirpur, and Kangra, eventually entering Punjab.
    • It is known for its picturesque valleys and is significant for agriculture and hydropower.
    • Hydropower Dams: Pandoh Dam, Pong Dam (Maharana Pratap Sagar).
    • Glaciers Feeding: Beas Kund Glacier.
    Ravi
    • Originating from the Bara Bhangal Glacier in the Himalayas, the Ravi River flows through the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.
    • It eventually enters Pakistan. The river is crucial for both hydropower and irrigation in the region.
    • Hydropower Dams: Chamera Dam (Chamera I, II, and III).
    • Glaciers Feeding: Bara Bhangal Glacier.
    Chenab
    • The Chenab River, formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers, originates from the Bara Lacha Pass in Lahaul-Spiti.
    • It flows through the districts of Lahaul and Chamba before entering Jammu and Kashmir.
    • It is one of the largest rivers in terms of discharge and is vital for hydropower.
    • Hydropower Dams: No major dams within Himachal Pradesh, but significant potential for hydropower.
    • Glaciers Feeding: Bara Shigri Glacier, Miyar Glacier.
    Yamuna
    • The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas.
    • It forms the eastern boundary of Himachal Pradesh with Uttarakhand.
    • It is one of the most sacred rivers in India and supports major irrigation systems downstream.
    • Hydropower Dams: No significant major hydropower projects within Himachal Pradesh (major dams located downstream in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh).
    • Glaciers Feeding: Yamunotri Glacier.
    Spiti
    • The Spiti River originates from the Kunzum Range and flows through the cold desert region of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh.
    • It joins the Satluj River near Khab. The river is known for its stunning landscapes and unique ecosystem.
    • Hydropower Dams: No significant major hydropower projects (projects primarily focused on other rivers in the region).
    • Glaciers Feeding: Kunzum Range Glaciers.
    Parbati
    • The Parbati River originates from the Parbati Glacier in the Kullu district.
    • It is a tributary of the Beas River.
    • The river is significant for its hydropower potential and scenic beauty, attracting many trekkers and nature enthusiasts.
    • Hydropower Dams: Parbati Hydroelectric Project.
    • Glaciers Feeding: Parbati Glacier.

  • What is Indexation in calculating LTCG tax?

    Why in the News?

    The withdrawal of the indexation benefit from the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax regime has emerged as a contentious decision in the Union Budget for 2024-25.

    What is Indexation?

    • Indexation is a method used to adjust the purchase price of an asset to account for inflation over the period it was held.
    • This reduces the taxable capital gain, as it reflects the increase in the asset’s value due to inflation.
    • Purpose: To ensure that the taxpayers are taxed only on the real gains and not on the inflationary increase in the value of the asset.

    Changes in the LTCG Regime

    • The new LTCG regime removes the indexation benefit for property, gold, and other unlisted assets.
    • The LTCG tax rate is reduced from 20% to 12.5%.
    • For assets purchased before 2001, the fair market value as of April 1, 2001, is considered the cost of acquisition.

    Implications of the Changes

    • The government claims the changes simplify the capital gains tax structure without causing a loss to most taxpayers.
    • The uniform tax rate for various asset classes is intended to benefit both taxpayers and tax authorities.

    Concerns for Taxpayers

    • There was significant concern, particularly in the residential real estate sector, about increased LTCG tax liabilities.
    • The government clarified that the new regime would be beneficial in most cases, as real estate returns typically outpace inflation.
    • The Income Tax Department explained that:
    1. For properties held for 5 years, the new regime is beneficial if the value has appreciated 1.7 times or more, and
    2. For 10 years, if the value has increased to 2.4 times or more.

    Back2Basics: Capital Gains Tax Overview

    Details
    Definition Tax on profit from the sale of a capital asset.
    Launch Introduced in 1956, as part of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
    Types Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Held for ≤36 months (≤12 months for specified assets).

    Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): Held for >36 months (>12 months for specified assets).
    Tax Rates (STCG) With STT: 15%

    Without STT: Applicable income tax slab rates.
    Tax Rates (LTCG) Listed Equity Shares & Equity-Oriented Funds: 10% on gains >₹1 lakh without indexation.

    Other Assets: 20% with indexation (proposed 12.5% without indexation from FY 24-25).
    Indexation Adjusts purchase price for inflation using Cost Inflation Index (CII).
    Purpose of Indexation To tax only the real gains, accounting for inflation.
    Formula (Indexation) Indexed Cost of Acquisition: (Cost of Acquisition × CII of sale year) / CII of purchase year

    Indexed Cost of Improvement: (Cost of Improvement × CII of sale year) / CII of improvement year

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Under which of the following circumstances may ‘capital gains’ arise?

    1. When there is an increase in the sales of a product

    2. When there is a natural increase in the value of the property owned

    3. When you purchase a painting and there is a growth in its value due to increase in its popularity

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3
  • [27th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Using children’s personal data legally and securely

    [27th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Using children’s personal data legally and securely

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:

    Q1 National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement. (UPSC IAS/2020) 

    Q2 The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2015) 

    Prelims: 
    Q Consider the following statements: 
    1. As per the Right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a State, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher Education. 
    2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 
    3. In India, more than 90% of teacher-5 education institutions are directly under the State Governments. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 
    (a) 1 and 2 
    (b) 2 only 
    (c) 1 and 3 
    (d) 3 only

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: UDISE+ platform;

    Mains: Purpose and Scope of UDISE+;

    Mentor comments:  The Indian education system is one of the largest globally, encompassing various levels from pre-primary to higher secondary. It includes approximately 1.5 million schools, 9.7 million teachers, and nearly 265 million students. The system follows a “10+2” structure, mandating ten years of schooling before higher education. While it aims to provide quality education, challenges such as disparities between urban and rural areas, rote learning emphasis, and gender inequality persist. Recent reforms, including the National Education Policy, seek to enhance access, quality, and equity in education across the country.

    Let’s learn —

    Why in the News? 

    To effectively manage India’s extensive education system, the Ministry of Education developed the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) platform in 2018.

    Purpose and Scope of UDISE+

    • UDISE+ collects real-time information from all recognized and unrecognized schools providing formal education from pre-primary to Class XII. This includes data on school infrastructure, teacher qualifications, student enrollment, and academic performance.
    • The system utilizes an online DCF ( Data collection form) that simplifies data entry and ensures accuracy. Schools are required to upload their data online, which is validated through inbuilt checks.
    • UDISE+ has become the official statistics system for the Ministry of Education, covering over 1.5 million schools, approximately 9.5 million teachers, and more than 260 million students. This extensive database supports effective planning and resource allocation in the education sector.

    Features and Improvements

    • Real-Time Updates: Since its inception, UDISE+ has transitioned from manual data entry to a digital platform, allowing for real-time updates and more efficient data management.
    • Unique Identifiers: Each school is assigned a UDISE code, serving as a unique identifier that facilitates the tracking and management of educational data at a national level.
    • Enhanced Data Categories: The platform includes new data categories such as pre-primary education, sports facilities, library resources, and ICT infrastructure, which were not comprehensively covered in earlier systems.

    Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

    • Data Sharing and Privacy: The Ministry of Education has emphasized the importance of a data-sharing policy for educational data. However, the implementation of this policy must align with the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, which requires clear guidelines on parental consent and the legitimate use of personal data.
    • Collaboration with Ed-Tech Companies: UDISE+ data is shared with various stakeholders, including ed-tech companies and state governments, to enhance educational outcomes. This collaboration necessitates strict adherence to data protection regulations to ensure student privacy
    The three-part test established by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2018) is essential for evaluating state actions that may infringe on the right to privacy. 

    Three Conditions of the Test

    1. Legitimate State Interest: There must be a valid and legitimate interest that justifies the restriction of the right to privacy. This means that the state must demonstrate a clear purpose for the action it is taking.
    2. Necessity and Proportionality: The restriction imposed must be necessary and proportionate to achieve the stated interest. This condition ensures that the means employed by the state are appropriate and not overly broad or invasive.
    3. Legal Basis: Any restriction on the right to privacy must be enacted through law. This emphasizes the need for a legal framework that governs the state’s actions, ensuring accountability and adherence to due process.

    Need for Standard Operating Procedures

    • Technical and Legal Framework: There is an urgent need for standard operating procedures that encompass both technical and legal aspects under a comprehensive governance framework. This would ensure data authenticity and clarify legal obligations for stakeholders.
    • Conscientious Data Sharing: Establishing specific protocols will promote responsible sharing, usage, and retention of children’s personal data, ensuring that such actions are conducted lawfully and securely.

    Conclusion: The UDISE+ platform collects extensive educational data, but its integration with Aadhaar and collaboration with ed-tech companies require clear protocols aligned with privacy laws to ensure responsible data handling and protect student rights.

  • Why AI’s present and future bring some serious environmental concerns?

    Why in the News? 

    Google is in the news due to its recent annual environment report, which revealed a 13% increase in its emissions footprint for 2023 compared to the previous year.

    Why Emissions are higher?

    • Increased Electricity Consumption: Google reported a 13% increase in its emissions footprint in 2023, primarily due to a 17% rise in electricity consumption in its data centres.
    • Energy-Intensive AI Operations: AI models require significantly more computational power than traditional searches, leading to higher energy consumption. For instance, a single AI query can use 10 to 33 times more energy than a standard Google search.
    • Cooling Demands: The increased workload from AI operations generates more heat, necessitating stronger cooling systems in data centers leading to a high demand of water.

    Indian Scenario

    • Growing Demand for Data Centers: As AI and data center deployment increases in India, the environmental impact, particularly in terms of electricity and water consumption, is expected to rise.
    • Water Resource Strain: Data centers require significant water for cooling. For example, a data center serving OpenAI’s GPT-4 model reportedly consumed 6% of its district’s water supply in Iowa, highlighting there could be potential challenges in water-scarce regions like India.
    • Need for Sustainable Practices: The experts advise the importance of planning AI and data center expansion in India to minimize environmental impacts. Companies must adopt efficient processes to reduce their emissions footprint.

    The initiative taken by Govt to regulate AI

    • National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: In 2018, NITI Aayog released a discussion paper outlining India’s National Strategy for AI.
    • Draft Personal Data Protection Bill: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a draft Personal Data Protection Bill in 2019 which had provisions related to data used for AI systems.
    • Ethical AI Principles: In 2021, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released a set of “Ethical AI Principles” as part of India’s AI governance framework
    • Regulatory Sandbox for AI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has created a regulatory sandbox to test AI applications in the financial sector.
    • AI Skilling and Research: The government has launched initiatives like the National AI Portal, AI Hackathons, and AI Research, Analytics and Knowledge Assimilation (AIRAWAT) to promote AI research and skills in the country.

    Alternatives for Government Action (Way Forward) 

    • Promote Energy Efficiency: The government can encourage data centers to adopt energy-efficient technologies and practices. This includes optimizing cooling systems and utilizing renewable energy sources to power operations.
    • Regulatory Framework: Need to implement regulations that require data centres to report their energy and water consumption can help monitor and manage their environmental impact.
    • Investment in Renewable Energy: The government should promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, to power data centers.
    • Research and Development: Government should support R&D in sustainable AI technologies and energy-efficient data processing can help mitigate the environmental impact of AI deployment.
    • Public Awareness Campaigns: The need to educate businesses and the public about the environmental impacts of AI and data centres can foster more sustainable practices and encourage responsible usage of technology.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss  (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • How oil spills impact the environment?  

    Why in the news?

    Typhoon Gaemi caused widespread damage in Taiwan, the Philippines, and southeastern China, leading to the sinking of the oil tanker MT Terra Nova in Manila Bay.

    MT Terra Nova Incident

    • The MT Terra Nova, an oil tanker, capsized in Manila Bay due to severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Gaemi. It was en route to Iloilo, Philippines, when it sank, resulting in one crew member’s death and the rescue of 16 others.
    • The sinking of the MT Terra Nova has raised alarms about a potential oil spill that could become the largest in Philippine history, threatening marine life and coastal ecosystems. The spill has already spread several kilometers, prompting urgent containment efforts.
    • The Philippines’ Coast Guard and other agencies are deploying containment booms and skimmers to mitigate the environmental damage. Booms are used to slow the spread of oil, while skimmers are boats that remove oil from the water surface.

    How Oil Spills impact the environment? 

    • Immediate Effects on Marine Life: Oil spills disrupt photosynthesis in marine plants and phytoplankton, which are crucial for oxygen production. The toxic exposure from oil can harm fish and other marine animals, particularly those near the surface.
    • Impact on Birds: Oil can coat the feathers of birds, compromising their insulation and leading to hypothermia and drowning.
    • Long-term Ecological Damage: Oil spills can result in bioaccumulation of toxic substances in the food chain, affecting higher-level predators, including humans.
    • Threat to Coastal Ecosystems: Coastal habitats like mangroves, coral reefs, and marshlands are especially vulnerable, as oil can suffocate these environments and kill vital plants and animals. Recovery from spills can take decades, with some species facing extinction.
    • Economic Impact: Communities that rely on fishing and tourism suffer economically due to oil spills, as cleanup efforts are costly and lengthy, diverting resources from other critical areas.

    Major Oil Spills from the Past

    • Exxon Valdez Spill (1989): One of the worst oil spills, it released approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, killing an estimated 250,000 seabirds, 2,800 sea otters, and numerous other marine animals.  
    • Deepwater Horizon Disaster (2010): This incident saw an estimated 210 million gallons of oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico over 87 days.  

    Conclusion: Need to implement advanced containment measures and cleanup technologies to effectively manage oil spills. This includes deploying more sophisticated skimmers and absorbent materials, as well as utilizing drones and remote sensing to monitor the spread of oil and assess environmental damage.

  • India’s illegal coal mining problem      

    Why in the News?

    On July 13, three workers died of asphyxiation inside an illegal coal mine in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district.

    How Prevalent is Illegal Coal Mining in India?

    • Illegal coal mining has led to multiple fatalities, including recent incidents in Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, highlighting its prevalence and dangers.
    • There are 10 workers who have died in illegal mining incidents in Gujarat alone this year, showcasing the ongoing risks associated with this activity.
    • Illegal mining is often conducted in abandoned mines or shallow coal seams, particularly in remote areas, where monitoring and enforcement of regulations are weak.

    What are the Legal Frameworks Governing Coal Mining in India?

    • Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973: This act nationalized coal mining in India, regulating who can mine coal and under what conditions.
    • Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act): This central legislation governs the mining sector, detailing processes for acquiring mining licenses and regulating mining activities. It empowers state governments to frame rules to prevent illegal mining.
      • While the MMDR Act provides a framework, the enforcement and regulation of illegal mining fall under state jurisdiction.

    Why is the Responsibility for Addressing Illegal Mining Placed on State Governments?

    • Law and Order Issue: Illegal mining is categorized as a law and order problem, which is a subject under the State List of the Constitution, making it the responsibility of state governments to address.
    • Limited Central Authority: The Union government often shifts the responsibility to state authorities, citing the decentralized nature of governance in matters of local enforcement and regulation.

    What Factors Contribute to the Persistence of Illegal Coal Mining?

    • High Demand for Coal: With coal accounting for 55% of India’s energy needs, the high demand often exceeds legal supply leading to illegal mining activities.
    • Poverty and Unemployment: Many coal-rich areas are home to impoverished populations who resort to illegal mining as a source of livelihood due to limited job opportunities.
    • Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Inadequate monitoring and enforcement of mining regulations in remote areas allow illegal mining operations to flourish.
    • Political Patronage: Allegations of political leaders’ involvement in illegal mining operations complicate efforts to curb these activities, as seen in various states.

    What Safety Risks Do Workers Face?

    • Lack of Safety Equipment: Workers often operate without helmets, masks, or other protective gear, significantly increasing their risk of injury or death.
    • Hazardous Working Conditions: Illegal mines are typically unregulated, lacking proper structural support, making them vulnerable to cave-ins, landslides, and explosions.
    • Toxic Gas Exposure: Miners are at risk of asphyxiation from inhaling toxic gases like carbon monoxide, as evidenced by recent fatalities in Gujarat.
      • Continuous exposure to coal dust and hazardous substances can lead to respiratory issues and chronic health conditions, further endangering workers’ health.

    Conclusion: Need to implement advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones and satellite imaging, to monitor and detect illegal mining activities in real-time. This can improve the efficiency of enforcement agencies in identifying and responding to illegal operations swiftly.

  • NASA’s Cassini-Huygens Mission

    Why in the News?

    • US space agency NASA’s Cassini-Huygens spacecraft launched in October 1997.
      • Using Cassini’s radar data, scientists from Cornell University have discovered new information about the liquid ocean on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.

    Observations made about Titan

    • Titan is composed of hydrocarbons – organic chemicals consisting of carbon and hydrogen.
    • The astronomers have reportedly located calm seas of methane with a slow tidal current.

    About Cassini-Huygens Mission

    • The Cassini-Huygens mission was a collaborative project between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) to explore Saturn and its moons.
    • The spacecraft was named after astronomers Giovanni Cassini and Christian Huygens.
    • The mission consisted of the Cassini orbiter and the Huygens probe.
    • It was launched on October 15, 1997.
    • It ended its mission on September 15, 2017 by plunging into Saturn’s atmosphere.

    Key Achievements:

    • Saturn Exploration:
      • Detailed study of Saturn’s atmosphere, rings, and magnetosphere.
      • Discovered new rings and observed the complex structure of the existing ones.
    • Moons of Saturn:
      • Titan Exploration: Huygens probe successfully landed on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, on January 14, 2005, providing the first direct exploration of Titan’s surface and atmosphere.
      • Enceladus Discoveries: Found water-ice plumes erupting from Enceladus, indicating a subsurface ocean that could potentially harbor life.
    • Other Moons: Provided detailed images and data on other moons like Lapetus, Rhea, Dione, and Tethys.
    • Technological Milestones:
      • Demonstrated the success of long-duration missions in deep space.
      • Advanced the understanding of spacecraft navigation and operation in complex planetary environments.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Which of the following pairs is/are correctly matched?

    Spacecraft Purpose
    1. Cassini-Huygens Orbiting the Venus and transmitting data to the Earth
    2. Messenger Mapping and investigating the Mercury
    3. Voyager 1 and 2 Exploring the outer solar system

    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