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GS Paper: GS3

  • 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York

    Why in the news? 

    Recently, during the 19th Session (10th May 2024) of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, a significant report titled “International Forest Governance” was published.

    About International Forest Governance: 

    • The report “Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” authored by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) was released.
    • It marked the first global synthesis on international forest governance in 14 years.

    The report exposes the rising trend of ‘Climatization’ of forests:

    About Climatization of forests: 

    • Shift in Emphasis: The trend involves a notable shift in focus towards valuing forests primarily as carbon sinks, rather than recognizing their essential ecological and social functions.
    • Carbon Sequestration Priority: Political and financial orientations have increasingly prioritized carbon sequestration in forests as a means to address climate change issues. This emphasis often leads to the overshadowing of other aspects of forest management.
    • Neglect of Long-Term Sustainability: The emphasis on carbon sequestration may result in neglecting the long-term sustainability of forests. Forest management strategies that prioritize carbon storage may not necessarily align with broader ecological and social sustainability goals.

    Risks and their impacts:

    • Ongoing Crises: Despite efforts to reduce deforestation, significant challenges persist, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and socio-economic inequalities. These crises pose substantial threats to global sustainability and well-being.
    • Commodification Risks: The commodification of forests for carbon capture introduces risks that may exacerbate existing inequalities and hinder effective forest management practices.

    Market-based Versus Non-market Approaches:

    • Market-Based Solutions: There has been significant traction in market-based solutions such as forest carbon trading and zero-deforestation supply chains. These approaches aim to incentivize sustainable forest management practices through economic mechanisms.
    • Exacerbation of Inequities: Despite their popularity, market-based solutions may exacerbate existing inequities within forest governance systems. Certain stakeholders or regions may benefit disproportionately, while others may be marginalized or disadvantaged.
    • Non-market mechanisms: As an alternative, non-market mechanisms, including state regulation and community-led initiatives, are suggested to offer more just and effective pathways for forest governance.

    Policy recommendations as per the Report:

    • Holistic Valuation of Forests: Policymakers should reevaluate forests beyond their role as carbon sinks, recognizing their multifaceted ecological, social, and economic values.
    • Equitable Governance: Policymakers should prioritize inclusive decision-making processes that ensure the voices of marginalized groups, such as indigenous and local communities, are heard and respected.
    • Protection of Rights and Livelihoods: Policies should prioritize the protection of the rights and livelihoods of resource-dependent communities.

    Way Forward: 

    • Integrated Forest Management: Governments and international organizations should adopt integrated approaches to forest management that recognize and balance the ecological, social, and economic values of forests.
    • Strengthening Governance Structures: Policymakers should work to strengthen governance structures at local, national, and international levels to ensure more equitable decision-making processes.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC 2020)

  • Kerala bans Oleander Flowers in Temple Offerings

    Why in the news?

    Kerala temple authorities have banned the use of oleander flowers in offerings following the accidental poisoning of a woman who chewed oleander leaves.

    What is Oleander?

    • Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander or rosebay, is a plant cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. 
    • Known for its drought tolerance, the shrub is often used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
    • In Kerala, it’s called arali or kanaveeram and is used for natural fencing along highways and beaches.
    • According to the IUCN Red List, Nerium oleander (Oleander) is classified as Least Concern

    Traditional Medicinal Uses:

    • Termed as “desert rose” in ancient texts, oleander has been trusted with its medicinal properties such as a hangover cure, in cancer treatments, and as an antiviral.
    • The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India mentions oleander, particularly the use of oil from the root bark to treat skin diseases.
    • oleander’s use in treating skin diseases, leprosy, wounds, itching, and parasites.

    Toxicity of Oleander:

    • Oleander is highly toxic due to cardiac glycosides present in all parts of the plant.
    • Cardiac glycosides like oleandrin and digitoxigenin exert pharmacological effects on the heart, leading to nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, death..

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis Juliflora often mentioned in the news?

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grow

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides

    (d) None of the above

  • Export-Import in the Agricultural sector

    Why in the news? 

    India’s agricultural exports have declined in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, on the back of shipment curbs on a host of commodities, from cereals and sugar to onions.

    The Need for a New Export-Import Policy for Agriculture:

    • Decline in Agricultural Exports: India’s agricultural exports fell by 8.2% in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, due to shipment curbs on various commodities, including cereals, sugar, and onions. This decline highlights the volatility and vulnerability of agricultural trade.
    • Impact on Export Restrictions: Export restrictions imposed by the government, such as bans on sugar and non-basmati rice exports, have led to a significant decrease in export values.
    • Market Stability: Farmers and agri-traders require policy stability and predictability to make informed decisions. Abrupt changes in export-import policies, such as sudden bans or restrictions, can disrupt trade and adversely affect agricultural businesses.
    • Need for comprehensive framework: Export-import policies should strike a balance between the interests of producers and consumers. While export restrictions may benefit consumers by stabilizing prices, they can result in revenue losses for producers. A more predictable and rules-based policy framework is needed to ensure fairness and transparency.
    • Low tariffs on certain commodities: The current import policy, characterized by low on certain commodities like pulses and edible oils, contradicts the government’s objective of promoting crop diversification.

    Measures that needs to be taken in the present scenario:

    • Long-Term Goals for the Farm Sector: A new export-import policy should align with the long-term goals of the agricultural sector, including sustainable production practices, crop diversification, and increasing farmer incomes.
      • Balancing short-term consumer needs with long-term agricultural sustainability is essential for the sector’s growth and resilience.
    • Rationalizing Export-Import Policy: The government post-election may need to rationalize the export-import policy by introducing measures such as temporary tariffs instead of outright bans or quantitative restrictions.
      • A rational and coherent policy framework will support the growth and competitiveness of India’s agricultural sector in the global market.
    • Higher Import tariffs: It could incentivize domestic production of pulses and oilseeds, reducing dependence on imports and supporting farmers.

    Conclusion: Export-import policies should strike a balance between the interests of producers and consumers. While export restrictions may benefit consumers by stabilizing prices, they can result in revenue losses for producers. A more predictable and rules-based policy framework is needed to ensure fairness and transparency.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q In the view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non – viable for a majority of farmers should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? critically evaluate the pros and cons.(UPSC IAS/2015)

  • FLiRT Variants: Latest Twist in the COVID-19 Saga

    Why in the news?

    The emergence of new variants KP.2 and KP1.1, known as the FLiRT variants, has raised global concerns.

    • Despite vaccination efforts, these variants pose challenges, leading to concerns about a potential rise in COVID-19 cases.

    What are the FLiRT Variants of COVID-19?

    • KP.2 and KP1.1, dubbed ‘FLiRT’ variants, are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 which spread globally over the winter last year.

    Features and Differences from Other Variants

    • New Spike Mutations: The FLiRT group includes two specific mutations that are believed to enhance the virus’s ability to infect human cells.
    • Transmission and Evasion: Preliminary studies suggest that KP.2, the more prevalent of the two, may possess enhanced capabilities to evade immune responses generated by vaccines and previous infections.

    Are FLiRT Variants Riskier than JN.1?

    • Increased Immune Evasion: Research indicates that KP.2 shows a significant ability to escape immunity from both the latest vaccines and previous infections.
    • Reproduction Number: The reproduction number of KP.2 may be higher than that of JN.1, indicating a potentially greater ability to spread.
    • No definitive evidence: While there’s no definitive evidence that FLiRT variants cause more severe illness, their ability to circumvent immune defences can lead to more infections and, by extension, potential increases in hospitalizations.

    PYQ:

    [2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

    1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
    2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
    3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Artificial Rain through Cloud Seeding

    Why in the news?

    The Uttarakhand government faced scrutiny from the Supreme Court following Forest fires that claimed lives in the state.

    • Justices highlighted the inefficacy of relying solely on cloud-seeding or rain gods to address the crisis.

    Case Study: Experimenting Artificial Rain in India

    • A recent study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) highlighted the success of a cloud seeding trial in Maharashtra’s Solapur region, which resulted in an 18% increase in rainfall compared to normal patterns.
    • Scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and other institutes conducted this study.
    • The experiment targeted warm convective clouds with a height above zero degrees Celsius, releasing calcium chloride particles to stimulate rainfall.
    • Spanning from 2017 to 2019, the experiment analyzed 276 clouds using advanced tools like automatic rain gauges, radars, radiometers, and aircraft.
    • Glaciogenic seeding, attempted in clouds containing both ice and water, did not significantly impact rainfall at the seeding location, according to the study’s findings.

    About Cloud-Seeding

    • Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique aimed at altering precipitation patterns by dispersing substances into clouds to stimulate rainfall or snowfall.
    • It is used to mitigate hail, disperse fog, and either induce precipitation or prevent it from occurring in subsequent days.
    • It involves the dispersal of substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, dry ice, and hygroscopic materials such as table salt into the atmosphere.
    • Techniques include:
    1. Static seeding: promotes ice particle formation in supercooled clouds, and
    2. Dynamic seeding: enhances convective cloud development through the release of latent heat.
    • Dispersion methods range from aircraft and ground-based generators to newer approaches like drones delivering electric charges or infrared laser pulses.

    Limitations: Impact on Environment and Health

    • Concerns persist regarding the potential accumulation of seeding agents in sensitive ecosystems, although detailed studies have shown negligible impacts.
    • The chemicals used, such as silver iodide, may potentially damage the environment and cause health issues like iodine poisoning in high concentrations

    PYQ:

    [2019] In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

    (a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions

    (b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones

    (c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth

    (d) Reducing the global warming

  • The Socio-ecological effects of LPG price hikes

    Why in the News? 

    The ACCESS survey (2014-2015), conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, found LPG’s cost to be the foremost barrier to its adoption and continued use in rural poor households.

    Government Initiatives for LPG Fuel:

    • Government Initiatives: The Indian government has promoted using LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as a clean cooking fuel, particularly in rural households.
      • These initiatives include the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak scheme, the ‘PAHAL’ scheme for direct benefit transfers, and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) aimed at providing LPG connections to below-poverty-line households.
    • Subsidies and Incentives: The government has provided subsidies and incentives to encourage the adoption of LPG without subsidies for the people who can afford it.
      • For example, the ‘Give it Up’ program encouraged consumers to voluntarily surrender their LPG subsidies, which were transferred to below-poverty-line households.

    Challenges:

    • Affordability: Despite government efforts, the affordability of LPG remains a challenge for many households, especially those in rural and below-poverty-line communities. Reports indicate that LPG prices in India were among the highest globally around ₹300/litre.
    • Dependency on Traditional Fuels: Studies, such as the one conducted in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, highlight the continued dependency of local communities on traditional fuelwood for cooking.
    • Forest Dependency: The persistent use of fuelwood has implications for forest conservation and livelihoods, particularly in regions with degraded forests like Jalpaiguri.

    Way Forward: 

    • Need for Comprehensive Solutions: While government initiatives have aimed to promote LPG use, addressing affordability issues and ensuring access to clean cooking fuels for marginalized communities require comprehensive solutions.
    • Targeted Subsidies: Implement targeted subsidies for LPG cylinders to make them more affordable for rural and below-poverty-line communities. These subsidies can be based on income levels or geographic locations to ensure that those most in need receive assistance.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q In what way could replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss.(UPSC IAS/2015)

  • India is now Third-Largest Producer of Solar Power

    Why in the News? 

    In 2023, India overtook Japan to become the world’s third-highest producer of solar power, according to a report by the International Energy Analytics Agency Ember.

    Global Solar Energy Production:

    • The leading producer of solar power in the world is China which produced 584 BU of solar power in 2024 – more than the next four countries combined (the United States, Japan, Germany and India).
    • India generated 113 billion units (BU) of solar power in 2023 compared to Japan’s 110 BU.
      • The installed solar energy capacity has increased by 30 times in the last 9 years and stands at 81.81 GW as of Mar 2024.
      • India’s solar energy potential is estimated to be 748 GWp as estimated by National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
    • Power demand in Japan decreased by 2% (2 BU) in 2023 after rising in 2021 and 2022, thus allowing India to overtake Japan.

    Other factors to make India the third-largest Solar power producer in 2023:

    • Government Initiatives: India has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote renewable energy, particularly solar power.
      • The government launched the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) in 2010, aiming to promote the development and use of solar energy in the country.
      • Subsequently, various state-level policies and incentives were introduced to encourage solar power generation.
      • For example Gujarat Solar Energy Policy (Target is 36 GW of solar energy by 2036).
    • Investment and Financing: There has been significant investment in the solar power sector in India, both from domestic and international sources.
      • For example PM Surya Ghar, Muft Bijli Yojana, the scheme is projected to entail an investment of ₹75,000 crore.
    • Favorable Geography: India has abundant sunlight throughout the year, making it well-suited for solar power generation. About 5,000 trillion kWh per year of energy is incident over India’s land area with most parts receiving 4-7 kWh per sqm/day.
    • Increasing Energy Demand: India’s growing population and economy have led to a rising demand for energy. Electricity demand in India rose 7% in 2023 and is likely to average growth of 6% a year through 2026 on higher economic activity, according to the International Energy Agency.
    • International Collaboration: India has collaborated with various countries and international organizations to leverage expertise, technology transfer, and funding for solar projects. For example  International Solar Alliance (ISA).

    Way Forward:

    • Invest in High-Efficiency Panels: Choose solar panels with high-efficiency cells, such as monocrystalline photovoltaic cells, which can convert a greater percentage of sunlight into usable electricity
    • Use Energy Storage Solutions: Consider integrating energy storage systems, such as batteries, to store excess energy generated during the day and use it at night or during periods of low sunlight, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the solar energy system.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • Unemployment Vs Wages

    Why in the news?

    Recently, there have been contentious talks regarding Pakistan’s unemployment being lower than India’s.

    According to Keynes, lower wage rate will lead to lower income of workers and thus to lower demand of goods. Lower demand will lower output that in turn will lower employment.

    Issues related to Unemployment vs Wages

    • Questioning on Data Accuracy and Interpretation: There is skepticism about the accuracy of unemployment data, particularly regarding the CMIE Consumer Pyramids Household survey. This raises questions about the basis of claims regarding unemployment rates and the subsequent policy responses.
    • Labor Force Participation: Concerns are raised about the significant withdrawal of individuals from India’s labor force, indicating potential issues with labor force participation rather than solely unemployment rates.
    • Youth Unemployment: The high youth unemployment rate of 45% is highlighted as a significant concern, suggesting challenges in integrating young people into the workforce and addressing their employment needs.
    • Informal Employment: The prevalence of informal employment, such as subsistence agriculture and informal wage employment, is noted as a structural issue in the labor market, potentially impacting wages and job quality.
    • Wage Levels: Despite low reported unemployment rates, there are concerns about the adequacy of wages, particularly for the poor. This raises questions about the quality of employment and the extent of underemployment or disguised unemployment.
    • Policy misalignment: Certain policy proposals, such as increasing public sector employment or implementing fiscal job guarantees, are critiqued for potentially misdiagnosing the problem and offering unsustainable solutions that may not address underlying wage issues.

    Steps taken by the Government: 

    • Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY): This scheme incentivizes employers to generate employment by having the government pay the entire 12% employer’s contribution to the Employees’ Provident Fund and Employees’ Pension Scheme for new employees for the first three years of their employment
    • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): This scheme provides collateral-free loans up to ₹10 lakh to micro and small businesses and individuals to help them set up or expand their enterprises, thereby promoting self-employment.
    • Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package: This economic stimulus package, announced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, includes various long-term schemes and policies aimed at making India self-reliant and creating employment opportunities.
    • Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan: This 125-day campaign was launched to boost employment and livelihood opportunities for migrant workers and others affected in 116 districts across 6 states.
    • PM GatiShakti: This is a multi-modal connectivity plan that aims to create infrastructure and generate employment opportunities in sectors like roads, railways, airports, ports, and logistics.

    Way forward: 

    • Addressing Labor Force Participation: Implement policies aimed at increasing labor force participation, particularly among youth and marginalized groups, by creating more formal employment opportunities.
    • Improving Informal Employment Conditions: Develop strategies to formalize the informal sector by providing incentives for informal employers to register their businesses, improve working conditions, and ensure compliance with labor laws.
    • Enhancing Wage Levels: Take steps to improve wage levels, particularly for low-skilled workers engaged in subsistence agriculture, marginal self-employment, and informal wage employment.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Besides the welfare schemes, India needs deft management of inflation and unemployment to serve the poor and the underprivileged sections of the society. Discuss.

  • Tiger Translocation in Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor  

    Why in the news?

    Maharashtra’s plan to increase tigers count in Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor by translocating tigers from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) (Chandrapur, Maharashtra) underscores the critical role of wildlife corridors in conservation efforts.

    About Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR)

    • Tadoba became one of India’s earliest national parks when it was declared in 1955, alongside Kanha National Park.
    • The name “Tadoba” is derived from the deity “Tadoba” or “Taru,” worshipped by local Gond Tribals, and “Andhari” refers to the Andhari River flowing through the reserve.
    • It was later expanded and officially merged with the Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary in 1993 to form the TATR.
    • TATR is regarded as one of the world’s most preferred destinations for tiger sightings and is a critical part of Project Tiger, aimed at conserving tigers in India.
    • The reserve has 115 tigers, including 88 within the forest and 27 in the areas immediately surrounding the reserve.

    About Sahyadri-Konkan Wildlife Corridor  

    • The Sahyadri-Konkan corridor (Sahyadri-Radhanagari-Goa-Karnataka), plays a vital role in conserving wildlife, particularly tigers, in the northern Western Ghats region.
    • It spans throughout the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, specifically through the Western Ghats, one of the world’s eight biodiversity hotspots.
    • Protected Areas Connected:
    1. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (includes Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) and Chandoli National Park) and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra);
    2. Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and Kali Tiger Reserve (includes Anshi National Park and Dandeli WLS) in (Karnataka);
    3. Mollem National Park, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (Goa).
    • Fauna: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Indian leopard (Panthera pardus), dhole (Cuon alpinus), and sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), etc.
    • The Western Ghats, including parts of the corridor, are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 due to their outstanding universal value in terms of biodiversity and endemic species.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    (a) Corbett

    (b) Ranthambore

    (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam

    (d) Sunderbans

  • Glyptothorax punyabratai: A New Catfish Species discovered  

    Why in the news?

    Glyptothorax punyabratai, a new catfish species, has been discovered in the Brahmaputra River drainage in Arunachal Pradesh.

    • The discovery was made by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), Lucknow, and published in the journal Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters.

    Glyptothorax punyabratai

    • It was collected from the Tung Stream, a tributary of the Tissa River, within the Brahmaputra River basin.
    • It has a unique rhomboidal-shaped thoracic adhesive apparatus, which is a specialized structure that helps the fish adhere to surfaces.
    • The holotype and paratype specimens are housed at the National Fish Museum-cum-Repository of the ICAR-NBFGR, Lucknow.
      • This discovery underscores the potential for both utilization and conservation of fish biodiversity in unexplored areas.

    PYQ:

    [2019]  Consider the following pairs

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3