The Chipko Movement, initiated in Uttarakhand in early 1973, commemorates its 50th anniversary.
About Chipko Movement
The Chipko Movement originated in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand (then part of the state of Uttar Pradesh) in India.
It was triggered by the deforestation activities carried out by contractors, which threatened the livelihoods of local communities and led to environmental degradation.
It is said to be inspired by the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan. The Bishnois are known for their environmentalism. (non-violent resistance)
The movement derived its name from the act of villagers hugging trees and physically preventing them from being felled, thereby protecting the forests.
The movement was led by local activists, primarily women from rural areas, who played a significant role in its success. Prominent leaders included Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt (founded an organization called Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal ) and Gaura Devi, among others.
Villagers used traditional methods of protest, such as forming circles around trees and tying sacred threads (rakhi) on them to symbolize their unity and commitment to conservation.
Recognition: Sunderlal Bahuguna, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Impact of Chipko Movement
It inspired similar movements in different parts of India, such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Appiko Movement (Karnataka) and the Silent Valley Movement.
It demonstrated the significance of Eco-Feminism and the impact that a non-violent, peaceful and environment-loving community can have.
India’s net direct tax collections witnessed a remarkable growth of 17.7% in the fiscal year 2023-24, reaching ₹19.58 lakh crore.
This performance indicates a strong revenue stream for the government.
Direct Tax Collections Trends in this Fiscal
Notably, Personal Income Taxes (PIT) played a pivotal role in driving the surge, accounting for 53.3% of the total tax kitty, up from 50.06% in the previous year.
Conversely, the contribution of corporate taxes dipped to 46.5% from 49.6% in the preceding fiscal.
While gross corporate tax collections increased, net tax receipts from Corporates, adjusted for refunds, experienced a slight decline.
What Is Net of Tax?
The term net of tax refers to the amount left after adjusting for the effects of taxes. Net of tax can be a consideration in any situation where taxation is involved. In the financial industry, ‘gross’ and ‘net’ are two key terms that refer to before and after paying certain expenses.
It’s Significance:
Individuals and businesses often analyze before and after-tax values to make investment and purchasing decisions.
Net tax is also an important part of expense analysis when reviewing annual tax filings and the net income of businesses.
Types of Direct Taxes:
Income Tax: Depending on an individual’s age and earnings, income tax must be paid. Various tax slabs are determined by the Government of India which determines the amount of Income Tax that must be paid.
The taxpayer must file Income Tax Returns (ITR) on a yearly basis. Individuals may receive a refund or might have to pay a tax depending on their ITR. Huge penalties are levied in case individuals do not file ITR.
Wealth Tax: The tax must be paid on a yearly basis and depends on the ownership of properties and the market value of the property. In case an individual owns a property, wealth tax must be paid and does not depend on whether the property generates an income or not.
Corporate taxpayers, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), and individuals must pay wealth tax depending on their residential status.
Payment of wealth tax is exempt for assets like gold deposit bonds, stock holdings, house property, commercial property that have been rented for more than 300 days, and if the house property is owned for business and professional use.
Estate Tax: It is also called an Inheritance Tax and is paid based on the value of the estate or the money that an individual has left after his/her death.
Corporate Tax: Domestic companies, apart from shareholders, will have to pay corporate tax. Foreign corporations who make an income in India will also have to pay corporate tax. Income earned via selling assets, technical service fees, dividends, royalties, or interest that is based in India are taxable. The below-mentioned taxes are also included under Corporate Tax:
Securities Transaction Tax (STT): The tax must be paid for any income that is earned via taxable security transactions.
Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): In case any domestic companies declare, distribute, or are paid any amounts as dividends by shareholders, DDT is levied on them. However, DDT is not levied on foreign companies.
Fringe Benefits Tax: Companies that provide fringe benefits for maids, drivers, etc., Fringe Benefits Tax is levied on them.
Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT): For zero-tax companies that have accounts prepared according to the Companies Act, MAT is levied on them.
Capital Gains Tax: It is a form of direct tax that is paid due to the income that is earned from the sale of assets or investments. Investments in farms, bonds, shares, businesses, art, and home come under capital assets.
Based on its holding period, tax can be classified into long-term and short-term. Any assets, apart from securities, that are sold within 36 months from the time they were acquired come under short-term gains.
Long-term assets are levied if any income is generated from the sale of properties that have been held for a duration of more than 36 months.
PYQ:
[2014] The sales tax you pay while purchasing a toothpaste is a
(a) Tax imposed by the Central Government
(b) Tax imposed by the Central Government but collected by the State Government
(c) Tax imposed by the State Government but collected by the Central Government
(d) Tax imposed and collected by the State Government
PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as are business professions, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment.(UPSC IAS/2014)
Q What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?(UPSC IAS/2021)
Mentor comments:With 970 million Indians in the process of exercising their franchise in the ongoing general election, what do scientists look for in the polls? Who do they want to vote for, and what are the fundamental issues they want to see their elected representatives resolve and implement? There are five fundamental issues that scientists want the new government to solve and their elected representatives to pay urgent attention to.
Why in the news?
Supporting science and scientists is essential in India’s quest to become a major economic powerhouse
Need to Increase spending
Increase Government Spending: Government should increase spending on research and development by at least 50% year-over-year for the next five years, aiming for nearly 4% of GDP by the end of the term.
Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Private sector involvement can be encouraged through initiatives like ANRF, where private players are expected to contribute ₹36,000 crore over five years. Legislative measures and detailed plans should be implemented to ensure private sector participation, possibly through mechanisms like escrow accounts.
Infrastructure Improvement: Public sector institutions, including universities and research institutions, require modernization of physical and intellectual infrastructure. This includes upgrading science laboratories in undergraduate colleges, state and central universities, and specialized research institutions.
Skilled Workforce Development: Increased funding needs to be complemented with efforts to raise a skilled scientific workforce. This involves not only hiring quality teachers and researchers but also nurturing existing human resources and providing opportunities for skill development.
Focus on merit
Globally accepted standards: Implement globally accepted standards for hiring in educational and research institutions, ensuring transparency, speed, and freedom from external influence. Selection criteria should strictly focus on merit, with competent committees responsible for unbiased decision-making.
Timely Appointments: Aim to streamline the hiring process so that it takes at most six months from the time of application to providing appointment letters. This ensures efficiency in recruitment and reduces delays in filling vacant positions.
Robust Grant Management System: Establish a robust science grant management system that minimizes red tape in grant submission and expedites the disbursement of grants and student fellowships. Emphasize timely allocation of funds to researchers to facilitate uninterrupted research activities.
Ensure freedom
Freedom of Expression: Scientists require the freedom to speak and write based on evidence, without interference, to foster a culture of open inquiry and knowledge dissemination to flourishing start-up ecosystem is essential for translating academic research into practical innovations that benefit society.
Autonomy for Scientists: Provide full autonomy to individual scientists to take leave to establish companies, hire scientific staff without excessive paperwork, and allocate research funds as they see fit.Scientists should have flexibility in decision-making, including the freedom to tra
Conclusion: Scientists’ demands underscore the critical need for robust support and infrastructure to drive scientific research and innovation in India. By addressing these fundamental issues, the incoming government has the opportunity to foster a vibrant scientific community that contributes significantly to the nation’s economic growth and societal development.
The Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru has been honored as the Best Regional Airport in India and South Asia at the esteemed 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Since its inauguration in 2023, KIA Terminal-2 has garnered multiple accolades, including the UNESCO Prix Versailles World’s Most Beautiful Airport
About Skytrax World Airport Awards
The Skytrax World Airport Awards are annual awards,established in 1999 presented by Skytrax, aUK-based consultancy specializing in airline and airport research.
Since then, it has become a globally recognized authority in airline and airport research, known for its comprehensive passenger surveys and prestigious awards.
These awards are considered one of the most prestigious recognitions in the aviation industry and are often referred to as the “Oscars of the aviation industry.”
Various categories of Award: Best Airport, Best Regional Airport, Best Airport Terminal, and Best Airport Staff, among others.
Evaluation Criteria:
Rigorous evaluations of various aspects, including check-in procedures, arrivals, transfers, shopping facilities, security, immigration processes, and departures.
Feedback from airport customers of over 100 nationalities across 550 airports worldwide during a seven-month survey period contributed to the assessment.
Winners of the 2024 Awards
Doha’sHamad International Airport clinched the top spot, dethroning Singapore Changi Airport, which had held the title for 12 consecutive years.
Hamad International Airport is praised for its architectural significance and luxurious amenities, covering an area equivalent to 75 football fields.
Seoul Incheon Airport secured third place overall and was recognized as the most family-friendly airport.
Performance of key Indian Airports:
Delhi Airport retained its position at 36th place in the overall rankings.
Mumbai Airport saw a slight decline, dropping to 95th place from its previous rank of 84.
Bengaluru Airport experienced a notable improvement, climbing 10 ranks to 59th place compared to last year’s 69th position.
Hyderabad Airport also showed improvement, rising to 61st place from its previous rank of 65th.
Goa’s Manohar International Airport secured the 92nd spot in the overall rankings.
A fossil unearthed in Gujarat’s Kutch in 2005, initially presumed to belong to a giant crocodile, has been revealed as one of the largest snake ‘Vasuki Indicus’ ever to exist on Earth.
About Vasuki Indicus
‘Vasuki Indicus’ is the name given by IIT Roorkee Scientists to the fossil specie.
The name “Vasuki” derives from the mythological snake depicted often encircling the neck of the Hindu deity Shiva.
Physical characteristics of Vasuki
It is estimated to measure between 11m (36ft) and 15m (49.22ft) in length,
It belonged to the extinct Madtsoiidae snake family.
Its size could potentially surpass the extinct Titanoboa in size, with its closest relatives identified as Titanoboa and Python.
The serpent’s large size indicates it was a slow-moving, ambush predator, akin to an anaconda, as suggested by researchers.
Like contemporary pythons and anacondas, Vasuki Indicus presumably employed Constriction (suffocation) as its primary method of prey capture.
Age and Geological Context:
Recovered from the Panandhro Lignite Mine in Kutch, the fossil dates back to the Middle Eocene period, approximately 47 million years ago.
Analysis of the well-preserved vertebrae indicates the snake’s existence during a warm geological interval with average temperatures estimated at 28°C.
‘Vasuki’ is believed to represent an extinct relic lineage originating in India, with subsequent India-Asia collision facilitating its dispersal from the subcontinent into North Africa through southern Eurasia.
Vasuki thrived during a time when the continents of Africa, India, and South America were amalgamated into a single landmass.
Significance for India
This discovery underscores India’s rich biodiversity.
It holds immense potential in unraveling insights into the evolutionary process, continental shifts, and India’s pivotal role in the origin of various species, particularly reptiles.
Middle Eocene Period
It is part of the Cenozoic Era, which began about 66 million years ago and continues to the present day.
During the Middle Eocene, the Earth experienced a greenhouse climate, with global temperatures significantly warmer than today.
The poles were ice-free, and forests extended into higher latitudes than they do today.
The period was characterized by relatively high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to the warm climate.
The Middle Eocene was a time of significant diversification and evolution of various groups of organisms.
Mammals continued to diversify and evolve, with the emergence of early primates, rodents, and hoofed mammals.
The period also saw the rise of modern bird groups and the diversification of flowering plants (angiosperms).
The Middle Eocene was marked by tectonic activity, including the ongoing separation of continents and the formation of mountain ranges in various parts of the world.
For example, the collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate during this time led to the uplift of the Himalayas.
PYQ:
[2020] The word ‘Denisovan’ is sometimes mentioned in media in reference to-
(a) Fossils of a kind of dinosaurs
(b) An early human species
(c) A cave system found in North-East India.
(d) A geological period in the history of the Indian subcontinent
The failure of private investment, as measured by private Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices, to pick up pace has been one of the major issues plaguing the Indian economy.
What is GFCF?
GFCF refers to the growth in the size of fixed capital in an economy.
Fixed capital refers to things such as buildings and machinery, for instance, which require investment to be created.
So private GFCF can serve as a rough indicator of how much the private sector in an economy is willing to invest.
Overall GFCF also includes capital formation as a result of investment by the government.
Why does it matter?
GFCF matters because fixed capital, by helping workers produce a greater amount of goods and services each year, helps to boost economic growth and improve living standards.
In other words, fixed capital is what largely determines the overall output of an economy.
What is the trend seen in private investment in India?
Pre-liberalization (1950s to early 1990s): Private investment remained relatively stable, hovering around or slightly above 10% of GDP. Public investment, however, steadily increased during this period.
Liberalization (early 1990s onwards): Economic reforms in the early 1990s improved private sector confidence, leading to a significant uptick in private investment. Public investment, although still significant, began to decline relative to private investment.
Post-global financial crisis (late 2000s to present): Private investment continued to grow until the global financial crisis of 2007-08, reaching around 27% of GDP. However, from around 2011-12 onwards, private investment began to decline, hitting a low of 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21.
Why has private investment fallen?
Low private consumption expenditure: Some economists attribute the decline in private investment to low private consumption expenditure. They argue that businesses need confidence in future demand to invest in fixed capital, and boosting consumption expenditure can help stimulate private investment.
Structural problems and policy uncertainty: Other economists argue that structural issues and policy uncertainty are core reasons behind the fall in private investment. They point to unfavourable government policies and policy uncertainty as major factors affecting private investment.
Conclusion: To address the decline in private investment, India needs policies promoting consumer confidence and stable, conducive business environments. Balancing pro-growth fiscal measures with structural reforms can stimulate investment, fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Mains PYQ
Q Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and private entity.(UPSC IAS/2020)
A state-of-the-art SPACE testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems, designed for the Indian Navy, was inaugurated by DRDO.
About Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)
The SPACE is located at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala.
It is developedby the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
It is set to become a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems deployed on various Indian Navy platforms, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
Key Features of SPACE:
SPACE comprises two distinct components:
Floating Platform on the water surface and
Submersible platform capable of descending to depths of up to 100 meters using winch systems.
After completing operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
Functions and Capabilities:
The primary function of SPACE is the evaluation of complete sonar systems, facilitating rapid deployment and retrieval of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
It will serve for surveying, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters utilizing modern scientific instrumentation.
It will address the data processing and sample analysis requirements, ushering in a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.
What is SONAR?
SONAR stands for “Sound Navigation and Ranging.”
It’s a technique used for detecting and locating objects underwater by transmitting sound waves and analyzing the echoes they produce.
Here’s how it works:
Sound Transmission: A SONAR system sends out pulses of sound waves, typically at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves travel through the water and propagate in all directions.
Object Detection: When the sound waves encounter an object underwater, such as a submarine, seafloor, or marine life, they reflect off the object and return to the SONAR system as echoes.
Echo Reception: The SONAR system receives the echoes of the transmitted sound waves and measures the time it takes for them to return. By knowing the speed of sound in water and the time it takes for the echoes to return, the system can calculate the distance to the object.
Data Analysis: The received echoes are processed and analyzed to create a visual representation of the underwater environment. This information helps operators identify and locate objects of interest, navigate safely, and map the seafloor.
PYQ:
[2020] “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft,” The experiment in question refers to-
India’s pulses imports in fiscal 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge, soaring by 84% year-on-year to their highest level in six years.
Lower production levels prompted India to permit duty-free imports of red lentils (Masoor) and yellow peas (Tur/Arhar), further driving the increase in imports.
Pulses Cultivation in India
Details
Seasons
Cultivated in both ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ seasons. ‘Rabi’ pulses contribute more than 60% of production.
Kharif Season Pulses:
Pigeon Peas (Arhar/Toor/Red Gram)
Green Beans (Moong Beans)
Black Matpe (Urad/Mah/Black Gram)
Black Eyed Peas (Lobia)
Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana)
Red Kidney Beans (Rajmash)
Rabi Season Pulses:
Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea/Desi Chana)
Lentils (Masoor)
White Peas (Matar)
Production (2023)
Approximately 27.5 million metric tonnes
Reported as 7.6 quintals per hectare
Area under Cultivation
Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains in India.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for Pulses, Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme
Research and Development
Conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities
Goal
Aim for self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027
Pulses Import: Figures and Value
India imported a total of 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking the highest volume since fiscal 2018.
In terms of value, imports surged by 93% to reach $3.75 billion in the same period.
Pulses Production in India: Key Facts
India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world (as per FAO).
Pulses account for around 20% of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country (as per Vikaspedia).
Gram (Chana) is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each. (Reference)
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses producing States. (Reference)
Global Impact of Higher Imports
The surge in imports by India, the world’s largest importer, producer, and consumer of protein-rich pulses, has been bolstering global prices.
It has also contributed to reducing stocks in exporting countries such as Canada, Australia, and Myanmar.
Significance of Pulses Consumption
Nutritional Value:
Pulses are considered to be ‘poor man’s protein’.
They contain 20-25% of protein by weight, with twice the protein available in wheat and thrice that present in rice.
WHO recommends 80gm/day of Pulses in the diet.
Environmental Sustainability:
Pulses have low carbon and water footprints, making them integral to sustainable farming.
Water footprints for producing one kilogram of meat are five times higher than that of pulses.
Pulses emit 0.5 kilogram in CO2 equivalent per kilogram, while meat produces 9.5 kilograms in CO2 equivalent.
PYQ:
[2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years ?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils
[2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains PYQ Relevance: Q “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022) Q Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgments of the apex in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Prelims:
With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Note4Students:
Prelims: Recent Supreme Court judgments;
Mains: Environmental Governance;
Mentor comments: Mrs. Indira Gandhi once in herStockholm Conference speech which was derived from ‘Atharva Veda’ to outline the need for maintaining Ecological Balance, concluded “What of thee I dig out, let that quickly grow over. Let me not hit thy vitals or thy heart. ” On similar lines, the efforts made by the Supreme Court of India in the Constitutionalization of Environmental Problems can be very much attributed when it Constitutionalized the subject of Environmental Governance by adding Article 48(A) and 51-A (g) through the 42nd Constitutional Amendmentin 1976. Further, in the M C Mehta vs Union of India case (1985), the Supreme Court introduced the ‘Doctrine of Absolute Liability’ which undermines the hazardous industries liable for harming the ecological balance by their industrial activities. This time too (in April 2024), the Apex Court said the Rights to Life (Article 14) and Right to Equality (Article 21)cannot be fully realized without a clean, stable environment.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India recognized the existence of a fundamental right to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change (hereinafter ‘the right’). The judgment has garnered significant attention from environmentalists, mostly focusing only on its impacts on the protection of the Great Indian Bustard.
The Right
Great Indian Bustard Conservation vs. Renewable Energy Development: Rajasthan and Gujarat are home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, but also have significant potential for solar and wind power. A public interest litigation sought conservation of the bustard and a ban on further construction of solar and wind energy infrastructure due to the hazard posed by power lines to the bustards.
Supreme Court’s Initial Order: The Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on the laying of overhead power lines in a large area, including priority and potential bustard conservation areas. It also ordered the undergrounding of existing power lines.
Government’s Challenge the order: The government challenged the order citing international climate commitments, stating the ban covered a larger area than necessary and undergrounding power lines was impractical. It attributed the bustard decline to factors like poaching and habitat destruction.
Supreme Court’s Modification: The Court modified the initial order, recalling the blanket prohibition on transmission lines and tasked a committee to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines and identifying conservation measures. The committee’s report is expected by July 2024.
Recognition of Right Against Climate Change: The Supreme Court recognized a right against the adverse impacts of climate change, rooted in Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Indian Constitution, along with India’s climate change actions and scientific consensus.
Non-binding Recognition: The Court’s recognition of the right isn’t in the operative part of the judgment, hence not binding. Its influence on future climate action remains to be seen.
Just transition framework
Transition Framework: Conservationist Debadityo Sinha suggests adopting the just transition framework, aiming to make transitions to a low carbon economy more equitable and inclusive. This approach considers the interests of workers, vulnerable communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by slow carbon transition projects like solar energy.
Advantages of the Just Transition Framework:
Precludes adversarial choices: It avoids pitting climate action against biodiversity protection, advocating for inclusive climate action sensitive to varied rights and interests.
Expanding the concept to include non-human interests.: If used in the final decision, this case could become a frontrunner in just transition litigation, contributing to expanding the concept to include non-human interests.
A ‘shared burden’
Shared Responsibility: The burden of articulating and enforcing the right falls not only on the state but also on activists, litigants, and academics. They contribute to the process of recognition, articulation, and enforcement of rights, indirectly or directly.
Inclusivity and Effectiveness: The focus is on making the right against climate change inclusive and effective, ensuring that it considers diverse perspectives and addresses the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalized communities and non-human interests.
Importance of Participation: Active participation from various stakeholders is crucial in shaping the content and implementation of the right against climate change, fostering collaboration between the judiciary, state, activists, litigants, and academics.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s recognition of a right against climate change underscores the need for inclusive climate action. Embracing the just transition framework and fostering shared responsibility and participation are crucial for effective implementation.
BACK2BASICS: About Great Indian Bustard (GIB):
The GIB is the State bird of Rajasthan. It is also considered India’s most critically endangered bird and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Its population of about 150 in Rajasthan accounts for 95% of its total world population. However, GIBs have been facing a threat to their survival because of intensive agricultural practices, the laying of power lines, and industrialization.
Come summer, we are used to seeing heat alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for various parts of India. This year, these alerts began in February itself.
What is a heatwave?
According to the IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions.
The IMD will declare a heatwave if the maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more in the coast, and 30 degrees Celsius or more in the hills.
Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to tackle heatwave
Aim: HAPs aim to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heat waves.
The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are reported to be working with 23 States to develop HAPs.
Issue with Database: There is no centralized database on HAPs, but at least 23 HAPs exist at the State and city level, with a few States, such as Odisha and Maharashtra, laying out district-level HAPs.
Key components of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)
Limitation
Challenges related to Determining Heatwaves: While a national threshold is currently used to determine heatwaves, determining them at smaller scales such as states, districts, and cities poses a challenge due to variations in local factors like the urban heat island effect, type of roofing, and proximity to water or green bodies, as well as humidity.
Inconsistent Methods and Vulnerability Assessments: The methods used for vulnerability assessments in HAPs are inconsistent because of the diverse physiography of regions
Addressing Vulnerable Populations: While HAPs prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, targeted interventions often fail to account for varying needs based on local socio-economic and demographic factors.
Resource Allocation and Financing: Implementation of HAPs varies depending on local government priorities and available capacities because at the local level Fund crunch.
Integration and Collaboration: HAPs are currently standalone plans with limited finance, highlighting the need for integration with broader action plans promoting urban resilience and climate adaptation to pool resources effectively.
Way Forward:
Determination at Local Scales: Invest in local monitoring systems that capture variations in temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors.
Standardizing Methods: Establish guidelines for conducting vulnerability assessments that account for diverse physiography and local context.
Tailoring Interventions: Conduct comprehensive community consultations to understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations in different localities.
Funding and Resources: Advocate for increased funding for HAPs at the national and local levels through budget allocations, grants, and public-private partnerships.
Integration and Collaboration: Establish inter-agency task forces or committees to coordinate HAPs with other relevant initiatives, such as urban planning, public health, and disaster management.
Mains PYQ
Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)
