Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ASEAN Summit
Why in the News?
In alignment with the theme of this year’s ASEAN Summit—“Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience”—PM Modi laid out the following ten key suggestions for strengthening cooperation.
Back2Basics: Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- ASEAN, founded in 1967 with the Bangkok Declaration, aims for economic growth, regional peace, and an integrated ASEAN community.
- The ASEAN Charter, launched in 2008, formalized ASEAN’s legal status and sought to establish a single free-trade area.
- The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) was established in 2009, adopting the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration in 2012.
- ASEAN members comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. East Timor (Timor-Leste) applied for membership in 2011 but is not yet a member.
- ASEAN Plus Three (China, Japan, South Korea) aims to deepen regional integration among Southeast Asia and East Asian countries.
- East Asia Summit (EAS), including ASEAN Plus Three + India, Australia, and New Zealand, enhances strategic dialogue and cooperation in the region.
|
Ten suggestions by PM Modi for ASEAN Connectivity and Resilience:
| No. |
Suggestion |
Details |
| 1 |
ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025) |
Declare 2025 as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, with India committing USD 5 million to promote tourism between India and ASEAN. |
| 2 |
Celebrating a Decade of India’s Act East Policy |
Organize events connecting artists, youth, entrepreneurs, and think tanks, including a Music Festival, Youth Summit, Hackathon, etc. |
| 3 |
Women Scientists’ Conclave |
Hold an annual Women Scientists’ Conclave under the India-ASEAN Science and Technology Fund to promote collaboration and innovation. |
| 4 |
Scholarships for ASEAN Students |
Double the Masters scholarships for ASEAN students at Nalanda University and launch a new scholarship program for ASEAN students in agriculture. |
| 5 |
Review of ASEAN-India Trade Agreement |
Complete the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025 to enhance economic ties and build a secure, resilient supply chain. |
| 6 |
Disaster Resilience |
Allocate USD 5 million from the ASEAN-India Fund for disaster resilience, with collaboration between India’s NDMA and ASEAN’s Humanitarian Assistance Centre. |
| 7 |
Health Resilience |
Institutionalize the ASEAN-India Health Ministers Meeting and invite two experts from each ASEAN country to India’s National Cancer Grid Vishwam Conference. |
| 8 |
Digital and Cyber Resilience |
Establish a cyber-policy dialogue between India and ASEAN to strengthen digital and cyber resilience. |
| 9 |
Promoting a Green Future |
Organize workshops on green hydrogen involving experts from India and ASEAN to promote sustainable energy solutions. |
| 10 |
Climate Resilience |
Promote the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” (Plant for Mother) campaign to encourage tree planting and strengthen climate resilience. |
PYQ:
[2016] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario.
[2015] India is a member of which among the following? (2015)
- Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
- Association of South-East Asian Nations
- East Asia Summit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) India is a member of none of them |
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2063975
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key highlights of Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public comments and suggestions.
Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024: Key Features
|
Details |
| Sports Regulatory Board of India |
• Central regulatory authority overseeing National Sports Federations (NSFs).
• Responsible for granting recognition to NSFs, ensuring governance, financial, and ethical standards are followed.
• Flexible and autonomous in regulating sports governance without a fixed formula for NSF recognition. |
| Governance Structure for Sports Bodies |
• Applies to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSFs.
• Limits Executive Committees (ECs) to 15 members.
• Leadership positions open to citizens with usual terms and conditions.
• Encourages NSFs to hire full-time salaried management, led by a CEO. |
| Ethical and Governance Standards |
• Mandatory Ethics Commissions and Dispute Resolution Commissions at the NOC, NPC, and NSF levels.
• Aligns with international standards to help India host global events like the Olympics. |
| Athletes Commissions |
• Required in NOC, NPC, and all NSFs.
• Provides athletes a platform to raise concerns and participate in decision-making.
• Government to provide additional funding. |
| Athlete Representation in Governance |
• At least 10% of voting members in the General Body of NOC, NPC, and NSFs must be sportspersons of outstanding merit (SOMs).
• At least 2 SOM representatives (one male, one female) must serve on the Executive Committee. |
| Safe Sports Policy |
• Introduces a Safe Sports Policy to protect athletes, especially minors and women, from harassment and abuse.
• Strict adherence to the POSH Act. |
| National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs) |
• Guidelines for recognizing and regulating NSPOs to support sports governance, athlete development, and sports promotion. |
| Appellate Sports Tribunal |
• Handles sports-related disputes, reducing the burden on civil courts.
• Provides faster, cheaper, and efficient dispute resolution. |
| Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees |
• The Sports Regulatory Board can form these committees in cases of non-compliance or suspension of sports federations. |
| Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Standards |
• Emphasizes anti-doping measures and compliance with international standards, positioning India as a clean host for global events. |
| Public Accountability and Transparency |
• NOC, NPC, and NSFs subject to the RTI Act with exclusions for performance and medical data, ensuring transparency in sports governance. |
| Inclusivity and Gender Representation |
• At least 30% of the members of Executive Committees and other governing bodies must be female, promoting gender equality in sports. |
| Sports Election Panel |
• IOA, PCI, and NSFs must engage electoral officers from the Sports Election Panel to ensure free and fair elections. |
| Use of National Name and Insignia |
• Only recognized sports bodies will be allowed to use the Indian Flag or national names.
• Violations can result in fines up to Rs 10 lakhs or imprisonment for up to one year. |
Significance of the Bill:
- The National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is significant as it aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in sports governance while ensuring the welfare of athletes.
- It establishes regulatory frameworks and ethical standards that align India’s sports ecosystem with global practices, fostering a more efficient, fair, and athlete-centric sports environment.
PYQ:
[2014] An athlete participates in Olympics for personal triumph and nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Synthetic Medical Images, GANs
Why in the News?
As we consider how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming various fields, one emerging area is the use of synthetic medical images in healthcare.
What are Synthetic Medical Images?
- Synthetic medical images are AI-generated images created without using traditional imaging devices like MRI, CT scans, or X-rays.
- These images are constructed using mathematical models or AI techniques, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), diffusion models, and autoencoders.
|
Advantages offered
- Intra- and Inter-Modality Translation: Generate images from the same or different types of scans, helping when certain scans are unavailable.
- Privacy Protection: Created without patient data, reducing privacy concerns and easing data sharing for research.
- Cost and Time Efficiency: Synthetic images are quicker and cheaper to generate compared to real medical scans.
- Scalability: Easier to produce large volumes of medical data for AI training and research.
Challenges posed
- Potential for Misuse: Could be used to create medical deepfakes, leading to fraudulent claims or fake clinical findings.
- Lack of Real-World Complexity: May not capture subtle details found in real medical data, potentially lowering diagnostic accuracy.
- Truth Erosion: Relying too heavily on synthetic data may distort AI models, leading to diagnoses that don’t align with real-world cases.
- Ethical and Regulatory Concerns: Questions around how these images should be controlled and monitored to avoid misuse.
PYQ:
[2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
- Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
- Create meaningful short stories and songs
- Disease diagnosis
- Text-to-Speech Conversion
- Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NABARD, NAFIS Survey
Why in the News?
The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has published findings from its second All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS) 2021-22.
About the NAFIS 2021-22
- The survey gathered primary data from 1 lakh rural households across 28 states and Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
- The first NAFIS survey was conducted for the agricultural year 2016-17, with results released in 2018.
- This survey provides valuable information on rural economic and financial indicators, especially in the post-COVID period.
|
Key Highlights from NAFIS 2021-22:
|
Details |
| 1. Increase in Average Monthly Income |
• Average monthly income increased by 57.6% from Rs. 8,059 in 2016-17 to Rs. 12,698 in 2021-22, indicating a nominal CAGR of 9.5%.
• Agricultural households earned slightly more, with an average income of Rs. 13,661, compared to Rs. 11,438 for non-agricultural households.
• Salaried employment was the largest income source for all households, accounting for approximately 37% of total income.
• For agricultural households, cultivation was the main income source, contributing about one-third of their monthly earnings.
• For non-agricultural households, government/private services contributed 57% of the total household income. |
| 2. Rise in Average Monthly Expenditure |
• Average monthly expenditure increased from Rs. 6,646 in 2016-17 to Rs. 11,262 in 2021-22.
• Agricultural households had higher expenditure at Rs. 11,710, compared to Rs. 10,675 for non-agricultural households.
• In states like Goa and Jammu & Kashmir, monthly household expenditure exceeded Rs. 17,000.
• Overall, agricultural households demonstrated both higher income and expenditure levels than non-agricultural households. |
| 3. Increase in Financial Savings |
• Annual average financial savings rose to Rs. 13,209 in 2021-22 from Rs. 9,104 in 2016-17.
• 66% of households reported saving money in 2021-22, up from 50.6% in 2016-17.
• 71% of agricultural households reported savings, compared to 58% of non-agricultural households.
• States with 70% or more households saving money include Uttarakhand (93%), Uttar Pradesh (84%), and Jharkhand (83%).
• States with less than half of households reporting savings are Goa (29%), Kerala (35%), Mizoram (35%), Gujarat (37%), Maharashtra (40%), and Tripura (46%). |
| 4. Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Usage |
• 44% of agricultural households possessed a valid Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
• Among those with land holdings greater than 0.4 hectares or who had taken agricultural loans from banks in the past year, 77% had a valid KCC. |
| 5. Insurance Coverage |
• Households with at least one member covered by any form of insurance increased from 25.5% in 2016-17 to 80.3% in 2021-22.
• 80.3% means that four out of every five households had at least one insured member.
• Agricultural households had higher insurance coverage than non-agricultural households by about 13 percentage points.
• Vehicle insurance was the most prevalent, with 55% of households covered.
• Life insurance coverage extended to 24% of households, with agricultural households showing slightly higher penetration (26%) compared to non-agricultural ones (20%). |
| 6. Pension Coverage |
• Households with at least one member receiving any form of pension increased from 18.9% in 2016-17 to 23.5% in 2021-22.
• Overall, 54% of households with at least one member over 60 years old reported receiving a pension.
• Pensions included old age, family, retirement, or disability pensions, highlighting their importance in supporting elderly members of society. |
| 7. Financial Literacy |
• Respondents demonstrating good financial literacy increased from 33.9% in 2016-17 to 51.3% in 2021-22, a rise of 17% points.
• Individuals exhibiting sound financial behavior increased from 56.4% to 72.8% during the same period.
• When assessed on financial knowledge, 58% of rural respondents and 66% of semi-urban respondents answered all questions correctly. |
Key aspects that contribute to Rural Empowerment
- The survey shows significant progress in rural financial inclusion since the first survey in 2016-17.
- Rural households have seen improvements in income, savings, insurance coverage, and financial literacy.
- Government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, MGNREGS, and PMAY-G have contributed to the improvement in the lives of rural people.
PYQ:
[2015] Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana was launched by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 28 August 2014. What is the main objective of the scheme?
(a) To provide housing loan to poor people at cheaper interest rates
(b) To promote women’s Self Help Groups in backward areas
(c) To promote financial inclusion in the country
(d) To provide financial help to marginalised communities |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Wage issues in India;
Why in the News?
Approximately two-thirds of workers at Samsung’s flagship factory in Chennai have been on strike for a month, demanding higher wages, an eight-hour workday, improved conditions, and union recognition.
What are the main demands of the striking workers?
- Higher Wages: Workers are demanding increased salaries to improve their financial conditions.
- Eight-Hour Work Day: The employees seek the implementation of an eight-hour workday to ensure better work-life balance.
- Better Working Conditions: Strikers are advocating for improved health and safety standards in the workplace.
- Recognition of Labour Union: The workers want formal acknowledgment of their recently formed union, the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU).
What is Samsung’s union policy?
- Historically, Samsung has maintained a strict no-union policy for over 80 years, resisting any collective bargaining efforts by employees.
- In July 2021, the company began to recognize unions after successful negotiations at Samsung Display and Samsung Electronics, allowing for some degree of collective bargaining.
- Samsung now has various unions representing its workforce globally, with significant representation in South Korea.
Why was SIWU unrecognised?
- Registration Challenges: SIWU’s registration has been opposed by Samsung management, citing trademark violations due to the use of the name “Samsung” in the union’s title.
- Legal Precedents: SIWU argues that trademark issues should not apply, as their activities do not involve commercial undertakings that could infringe on the trademark.
- Pending Legal Review: The case regarding SIWU’s registration is pending further court hearings, with the government examining objections raised by the management.
What has been the govt.’s response?
- Indifferent Stance: SIWU and the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) have accused the Tamil Nadu government of being indifferent and supportive of Samsung management, which the government denies.
- Support for Workers’ Rights: The government claims it considers the registration application in light of Samsung’s objections and aims to ensure fair treatment of both workers and management.
- CITU’s Position: Union leaders assert that government intervention in favor of management undermines the rights of workers and can deter unionization efforts, despite evidence showing that unions can benefit both employees and companies.
Present Legislation in India:
- Notice Period and Conditions for Strikes: Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, workers must provide a 14-day notice before striking, which cannot exceed a maximum of 60 days.
- Strike definition: The definition of a strike now includes “mass casual leave,” where over 50% of employees taking leave can be classified as a strike.
- Increased Flexibility for Employers: The code has increased the threshold for layoffs from 100 to 300 workers, allowing companies to lay off employees without government approval.
- This change aims to give employers greater flexibility in managing their workforce, which has raised concerns among labor unions about job security and workers’ rights.
|
Way forward:
- Facilitate Dialogue and Mediation: Establish a formal dialogue between the workers, Samsung management, and government representatives to address grievances, negotiate demands, and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
- Strengthen Legal Framework for Union Recognition: Amend or clarify existing labor laws to ensure timely and transparent registration processes for unions, protecting their rights and enabling effective collective bargaining.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to gig workers;
Why in the News?
The ‘Fairwork India Ratings 2024’ highlights that platform aggregators in India fail to ensure local living wages and resist recognizing the collective rights of workers.
Who are the Gig Workers?
- Gig workers are individuals who take up short-term, flexible work assignments, typically managed via digital platforms. In the Indian context, gig workers operate in various sectors such as food delivery, ride-hailing, logistics, and personal/domestic care services.
- These workers are not considered employees in the traditional sense and often lack the benefits associated with full-time employment, such as job security, healthcare, and social protection.
- Examples of platforms using gig workers include Swiggy, Zomato (food delivery) Uber, Ola (transportation), etc.
|
Key highlights as per the report:
- No Platform Scored Perfectly: No digital labor platform scored more than 6 out of 10 points, and none met all criteria across the five principles — Fair Pay, Fair Conditions, Fair Contracts, Fair Management, and Fair Representation.
- Fair Pay: Only BigBasket and Urban Company ensured a minimum wage, but no platform met the criteria for guaranteeing a living wage after work-related costs.
- Fair Conditions: Several platforms (e.g., Amazon Flex, Swiggy, Zepto) provided safety equipment and training, but only a few offered comprehensive accident insurance and income loss compensation.
- Fair Contracts: BigBasket, Swiggy, and others made contracts accessible and comprehensible, and provided data protection for workers.
- Fair Management: Platforms like BluSmart and Zomato implemented processes for addressing grievances and preventing discrimination.
Present Status of Gig Economy in India:
- Growth of the Gig Economy: India is witnessing rapid growth in the gig economy, with millions of workers depending on digital platforms for their livelihoods.
- The rise of app-based platforms such as Uber, Zomato, and Urban Company has driven the expansion of gig work across urban areas.
- Government Focus: Recent years have seen increasing political and legislative attention to gig worker welfare. Karnataka and Jharkhand are examples of states that have proposed new legislation to regulate platform work and protect gig workers’ rights.
- Worker Conditions: Despite the expansion of gig work, platforms in India still lag in ensuring fair pay, safety, and management of gig workers.
- The Fairwork India Ratings 2024 reveal that no platform scored above 6 out of 10, signaling considerable gaps in adhering to key labor standards.
Challenges faced by the Gig Economy
- Low Wages and Unstable Earnings: Many platforms fail to ensure a local living wage for workers after accounting for work-related costs. Only a few platforms like Bigbasket and Urban Company guarantee the local minimum wage, but none meet the standard of ensuring a living wage.
- Lack of Social Security and Benefits: Most gig workers lack access to benefits such as healthcare, insurance, and paid leave. While a few platforms provide accident insurance, broader social security protections remain elusive.
- Poor Working Conditions: Platforms often do not ensure adequate safety training or measures. While some like Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto offer basic safety equipment and training, broader protections, especially in terms of income loss and sick leave, are limited.
- Inflexible Contracts: Contracts on platforms are frequently unclear, lengthy, and not always comprehensible for workers, making it difficult for them to fully understand their rights and obligations.
- Management Issues and Bias: Workers face arbitrary decisions and discipline without proper recourse. Though some platforms have mechanisms for workers to appeal decisions, few have adopted policies to ensure fairness in work allocation.
- Collectivization Challenges: Platforms resist recognizing gig workers’ right to form unions or collective bodies. Despite the growing movement for gig worker collectivization, no platform showed evidence of supporting or acknowledging these efforts.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Legal Protections and Social Security: Introduce comprehensive legislation ensuring gig workers receive fair wages, social security benefits like healthcare and insurance, and clear, comprehensible contracts.
- Promote Worker Representation and Fair Management: Encourage platforms to recognize collective bodies of gig workers, ensuring their right to unionize. Implement transparent and bias-free management practices, along with grievance redressal mechanisms, to improve working conditions and fairness.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Significance of food fortification;
Why in the News?
On October 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved extending the free fortified rice supply under welfare programs until December 2028.
Why Rice Fortification is needed?
- Widespread Micronutrient Deficiency: India faces a significant public health challenge with micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, Vitamin B12, and folic acid. Anaemia, caused by iron deficiency, is a persistent issue affecting large segments of the population, including children, women, and men.
- Rice as a Staple Food: Given that 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple, it is an ideal vehicle to deliver essential micronutrients to combat these deficiencies, helping improve overall health, productivity, and cognitive development.
|
Process of Rice Fortification:
- Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK): The process involves producing fortified rice kernels that are enriched with essential micronutrients such as Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12.
- Blending with Regular Rice: These fortified kernels are then blended with regular rice at a ratio prescribed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
- Typically, fortified kernels make up 1-2% of the total rice, ensuring consistent delivery of micronutrients without altering the taste or cooking properties of the rice.
How the Fortification Initiative has fared so far?
- The rice fortification scheme was implemented in three phases between 2022 and March 2024, with the target of achieving universal coverage in all government schemes by March 2024 successfully met.
- Fortified rice is now supplied under major welfare programs like the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), and PM POSHAN in all states and Union Territories.
- The initiative is fully funded by the central government, highlighting its commitment to tackling malnutrition and ensuring inclusive nutritional security across the country.
How can food fortification help reduce malnutrition in India?
- Combats Micronutrient Deficiencies: Fortifying staple foods with essential nutrients like iron and vitamins helps reduce widespread deficiencies that cause anemia and poor health.
- Wide Reach: Through existing public programs (PDS, ICDS), fortified food reaches vulnerable populations, ensuring consistent nutrient intake for large segments of society.
- Cost-Effective: It offers a scalable, affordable solution to malnutrition, improving health outcomes without significant changes in diets or eating habits.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Monitoring and Quality Control: Implement robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the consistent quality of fortified rice and its proper distribution across welfare programs to maximize nutritional benefits.
- Raise Awareness and Promote Consumption: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public on the health benefits of fortified rice, ensuring higher acceptance and consistent consumption to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mount Dhaulagiri and its location
Why in the News?
Five Russian mountaineers lost their lives during an expedition on Mount Dhaulagiri in Nepal, the world’s seventh-highest peak.
About Mount Dhaulagiri
|
Details |
| Location |
- North-central Nepal, in the Dhaulagiri Himal range;
- “Dhaulagiri” from Sanskrit: “dhawala” (white/dazzling), “giri” (mountain);
- Dhaulagiri Himal is part of the Nepal Himalayas.
|
| Elevation |
8,167 meters (26,795 feet) |
| Prominence |
3,357 meters (11,014 feet) |
| First Ascent |
May 13, 1960, by a Swiss-Austrian-Nepalese expedition |
| Nearby River |
Kali Gandaki River flows in the gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna |
| Glaciers |
Chonbardan Glacier, Myagdi Glacier |
| Climate & Conditions |
Extreme cold, high winds, unpredictable weather |
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following pairs:
Glacier: River
- Bandarpunch: Yamuna
- Bara Shigri: Chenab
- Milam: Mandakini
- Siachen: Nubra
- Zemu: Manas
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 5 only
(d) 3 and 5 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Amangarh Tiger Reserve
Why in the News?
The body of an eight-year-old tiger was found on the border of Amangarh Tiger Reserve of Bijnor and Jim Corbett National Park.
About Amangarh Tiger Reserve
|
Details |
| Location |
Bijnor district, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Established |
2012 |
| Area |
80 square kilometers (approx.) |
| Significance |
Part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve landscape (buffer zone of Jim Corbett National Park) |
| Tiger Population |
Acts as a buffer zone for tigers migrating from Corbett Tiger Reserve |
| Primary Fauna |
Tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and several species of birds |
| Flora |
Sal, teak, khair, and several other deciduous trees |
| Rivers |
Ganga and Ramganga rivers flow near the reserve |
| Significance in Conservation |
Part of “Project Tiger,” contributing to the national conservation strategy for tigers in India |
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following areas:
1. Bandipur
2. Bhitarkanika
3. Manas
4. Sunderbans
Which of the above are Tiger Reserves?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Trachoma; Its causes and treatment
Why in the News?
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that India has successfully eliminated Trachoma as a public health problem.
- This makes India the third country in the Southeast Asia Region to achieve this milestone.
- WHO has classified Trachoma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD).
- WHO estimates that around 150 million people worldwide are affected by Trachoma, and 6 million of them are either blind or at risk of severe visual problems.
- Trachoma is commonly found in underprivileged communities living in poor conditions.
|
What is Trachoma?
- Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes.
- It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia Trachomatis.
- It is contagious, spreading through contact with the eyes, eyelids, or secretions from the nose or throat of an infected person.
- If untreated, Trachoma can lead to irreversible blindness.
Trachoma in India: A Historical Perspective
- In the 1950s and 1960s, Trachoma was one of the leading causes of blindness in India.
- To tackle this, India launched the National Trachoma Control Program in 1963.
- Later, these efforts were integrated into India’s National Program for Control of Blindness (NPCB).
- In 1971, the rate of blindness due to trachoma was 5% in the country.
- Due to various interventions under the National Programme for Control of Blindness & Visual Impairment (NPCBVI), the rate has now dropped to less than 1%.
What are the key measures taken to eliminate Trachoma?
- India implemented the WHO SAFE strategy across the country. This strategy includes:
- Surgery
- Antibiotics
- Facial hygiene
- Environmental cleanliness
- Although by 2017, India was declared free from infective Trachoma, it continued surveillance of Trachoma cases from 2019 to 2024.
PYQ:
[2018] Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Marburg Virus and its treatment
Why in the News?
Rwanda has reported a Marburg virus outbreak with several confirmed cases and deaths, making it a country of concern for public health.
About the Marburg Virus
- The Marburg virus is a highly dangerous virus that causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever.
- It belongs to the same family of viruses as Ebola (the filovirus family).
- MVD has a case fatality rate that can range from 24% to 88%, depending on the virus strain and how cases are managed.
- The virus was first identified in 1967 during simultaneous outbreaks in Marburg and Frankfurt in Germany.
How does it spread?
- The Marburg virus initially spreads from animals to humans, primarily through exposure to Rousettus bats, particularly the Egyptian fruit bat, found in caves or mines.
- Once a person is infected, it can spread from human to human through:
- Direct contact with the blood, and bodily fluids (urine, saliva, sweat, vomit, feces, breast milk, and semen) of an infected person.
- Indirect contact with surfaces or objects like bedding or clothing that have been contaminated with these fluids.
- Medical workers are often at risk, especially during outbreaks, due to contact with patients when proper infection control practices are not followed.
- The virus does NOT spread through the air like the common cold or flu.
Symptoms and Treatment
- Symptoms typically begin between 2 to 21 days after exposure to the virus.
- Early symptoms are: High fever, severe headache, Muscle aches, Chills, Severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal pain and cramping, nausea and vomiting.
- As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, including: Bleeding (both internal and external) ex—blood in vomit and faeces.
- Patients often die 8 to 9 days after the onset of symptoms, primarily from severe blood loss and multiple organ failure.
- Currently, there are no approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for MVD. However, supportive care can improve the chances of survival.
- Supportive treatment includes:
- Rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Treatment of specific symptoms like fever, pain, and diarrhoea.
- Blood transfusions and oxygen therapy may be required for severe cases.
PYQ:
[2015] Among the following, which were frequently mentioned in the news for the outbreak of Ebola virus recently?
(a) Syria and Jordan
(b) Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia
(c) Philippines and Papua New Guinea
(d) Jamaica, Haiti and Surinam |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of climate change;
Why in the News?
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)‘s October 2024 report revealed that 2023 was the driest year for global rivers in 33 years, intensifying stress on water supplies globally.
What factors contributed to 2023 being the driest year for global rivers?
- Record High Temperatures: 2023 was marked as the hottest year on record, which significantly contributed to prolonged drought conditions and reduced river flows across many regions globally.
- Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures have led to a more erratic hydrological cycle, resulting in both extreme droughts and flooding. This unpredictability has exacerbated water shortages in many areas.
- Transition from La Niña to El Niño: The climatic shift from La Niña to El Niño conditions in mid-2023 played a crucial role in altering weather patterns, leading to widespread dry conditions in many regions while simultaneously causing flooding in others.
- Glacier Melting: The report indicated that glaciers experienced their largest mass loss in 50 years, which threatens long-term water security for millions who rely on glacial meltwater for their water supply.
How has climate change impacted global water resources and glacier conditions?
- Increased Water Scarcity: The report highlighted that approximately 3.6 billion people currently lack reliable access to water for at least one month each year, a number expected to rise to over 5 billion by 2050 due to worsening water scarcity.
- Glacier Dependency: Many regions depend on glacial meltwater for their river systems. As glaciers continue to shrink, future water availability is jeopardized, particularly in areas like Europe and North America.
- Erratic Water Supply: The hydrological cycle’s acceleration leads to unpredictable rainfall patterns, causing both droughts and floods that disrupt agricultural and industrial water supplies.
What are the implications for global water access and management?
- Increased Demand vs. Supply Shortages: With growing populations and rising demand for water resources, the current trends indicate a critical imbalance between supply and demand, leading to heightened competition for available water resources.
- Need for Improved Monitoring: The WMO emphasizes the necessity for better data collection and sharing regarding water resources. This is crucial for effective management strategies that can adapt to changing conditions.
- Urgent Action Required: There is an urgent need for global cooperation and action to address these challenges. Enhanced monitoring systems and international collaboration are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Water Resource Management and Adaptation Strategies: Governments should implement integrated water resource management (IWRM) plans to address both water scarcity and flooding risks.
- Enhance Global Cooperation and Data-Driven Decision Making: Countries must prioritize data-sharing, improve monitoring of water resources, and foster cross-border collaborations to manage shared water systems effectively.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Fake propaganda against India ;
Why in the News?
On October 2, the Washington DC-based United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a country update on India, highlighting what it described as “collapsing conditions for religious freedom.”
Mandate of the USCIRF
- Monitoring Religious Freedom: The USCIRF is tasked with monitoring the universal right to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) in countries outside the U.S. This includes assessing violations based on international human rights standards, particularly Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Annual Reports: The commission produces annual reports that evaluate religious freedom conditions and recommend countries for designation as “Countries of Particular Concern” (CPC) or for inclusion on the “Special Watch List” (SWL).
- Policy Recommendations: USCIRF provides policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress regarding actions to address violations of religious freedom.
How does the UNSCIRF designate a country as a ‘Country of Particular concern’?
- Criteria for CPC Designation: A country is designated as a CPC if it engages in or tolerates “systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations” of religious freedom. This includes severe actions such as torture, prolonged detention without charges, and other flagrant denials of basic rights.
- Recommendation Process: The USCIRF assesses countries based on its findings and recommends those that meet the CPC criteria. The U.S. Secretary of State ultimately decides whether to accept these recommendations and designate countries accordingly.
How has the Indian government reacted to the report?
- Rejection of Findings: The Indian government has strongly rejected the USCIRF’s report, labeling it as biased and politically motivated. Officials argue that the commission misrepresents facts regarding religious freedom in India.
- Defense of Policies: The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India is committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all its citizens, regardless of their faith, and urged USCIRF to refrain from agenda-driven narratives.
Way forward:
- Engage in Diplomatic Dialogue: India should proactively engage with international bodies like USCIRF to address concerns, clarify its stance, and present factual data on religious freedom, fostering mutual understanding.
- Strengthen Domestic Protections: India should reinforce legal and institutional frameworks to safeguard minority rights and religious freedoms, ensuring transparent mechanisms to address grievances and counter negative perceptions globally.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Textile sector;
Why in the News?
Union Minister announced the Indian textile sector’s $350 billion business target by 2030, aiming to generate 3.5 crore jobs, despite recent challenges affecting the projected 10% CAGR.
Present Status:
- The Indian textile and apparel industry is currently valued at $153 billion (2021), contributing significantly to India’s GDP (2.3%) and manufacturing GVA (10.6%).
- The industry employs around 105 million people and is highly dependent on global markets, with 80% of its capacity in MSMEs.
- India was the third largest textile exporter in FY22, but faced a slowdown in FY23 and FY24, with significant drops in exports and domestic demand.
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What caused the slump in the Indian textile sector in the last two financial years?
- Geopolitical Tensions: Global geopolitical issues reduced demand in key export markets.
- High Raw Material Prices: Cotton and Man-Made Fibre (MMF) prices surged, hurting competitiveness.
- Import Duties: A 10% import duty on cotton made Indian cotton more expensive than global prices.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Quality control measures affected the availability and price stability of MMF, further straining production.
What are the other challenges?
- Evolving Business Models: The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer retailing is reshaping traditional business systems in the textile industry.
- Sustainability Standards: Global brands are increasingly focusing on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, forcing Indian manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices.
- Changing Consumer Preferences: Growing demand for comfort wear, athleisure, and multi-brand outlets is shifting consumer behavior, impacting smaller or less-known brands.
- Labour Costs and Productivity: Labour constitutes 10% of production costs, and the industry faces pressure to improve productivity through technology adoption and workforce skilling.
Way forward:
- Enhance Global Competitiveness: The government should consider reducing import duties on key raw materials like cotton and stabilize supply chains by aligning domestic prices with international markets, ensuring competitiveness in global exports.
- Invest in Technology and Sustainability: The industry should focus on adopting advanced technologies to improve productivity and meet global ESG sustainability standards, while simultaneously upskilling the workforce to handle these technological advancements effectively.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Artificial Neural Network, Physics Nobel, 2024
Why in the News?
John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, 2024 for their pioneering work that laid the foundation for machine learning and artificial neural network.
What is Artificial Neural Network?
- Artificial neural networks are systems inspired by the structure of the brain.
- In these networks, nodes represent the brain’s neurons, and they influence each other through connections, similar to synapses in the brain.
- These connections can be made stronger or weaker through training.
- For instance, connections between nodes with high values can become stronger as the network learns.
- Since the 1980s, Hopfield and Hinton have been conducting important research on artificial neural networks.
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Significance of their contribution
- Hinton’s work on the Boltzmann machine and other neural networks helped drive the explosive growth of machine learning.
- His methods continue to play a significant role in modern AI, enabling technologies like image classification and pattern recognition.
PYQ:
[2020] With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following?
1 Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units
2. Create meaningful short stories and songs
3. Disease diagnosis
4. Text-to-Speech Conversion
5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant
Why in the News?
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, in collaboration with other researchers have developed the Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant.
What is the Combination Therapeutic Clotting Implant?
- It is a hybrid implant made of metal-based nano-medicine combined with patient-derived blood clotting components.
- It is designed to reduce localized tumor recurrence after surgery.
- It uses nanotechnology and autologous fibrin (derived from the patient’s own blood) to enhance post-surgical cancer treatment by providing localized therapy and promoting healing in the tumor bed.
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How does It Work?
- The implant is created using Nano-Micro-Sera (NMS), which consists of drug and metal-based nanomedicine stabilized by the patient’s own serum protein corona.
- The hybrid implant is reinforced into autologous fibrin, which quickly bonds with damaged tissue in the tumor bed after surgery.
- Once the surgical site is closed, the implant delivers localized chemo-phototherapy, triggering immunogenic cell death (ICD).
- This process activates dendritic cells and T-cells, which boosts the body’s immune response and prevents the recurrence of tumors.
Significance of the Implant
- The implant offers an affordable and effective solution for localized post-surgical cancer management, especially for marginalized patients.
- By using the patient’s own serum proteins and fibrin, the implant ensures personalized treatment, reducing the risk of systemic toxicity.
- The implant’s design is resource-efficient, making it accessible for bedside fabrication with simple equipment, ensuring wider availability.
- It has demonstrated superior outcomes in suppressing recurrent breast tumors, and its use could prevent tumor recurrence and reducing the chances of metastasis.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: 'Humsafar Policy' and its features
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the ‘Humsafar Policy’ in New Delhi to improve travel convenience on National Highways and boost the development of Wayside Amenities.
About the ‘Humsafar Policy’
- The Humsafar Policy is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to enhance the convenience and experience of travelers on National Highways (NHs).
- It focuses on developing Wayside Amenities along highways to provide a range of facilities for highway users, ensuring smooth, safe, and comfortable journeys.
- The policy also emphasizes environmental sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices like water conservation, solar energy, and waste recycling.
Features of the Humsafar Policy
- Wayside Amenities: Includes food courts, fuel stations, EV charging stations, parking, toilets, ATMs, and pharmacies.
- Standardized Facilities: Ensures well-maintained and hygienic services for commuters.
- Visibility for Service Providers: Featured on the ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app, with signage space and renewal fee waivers for high-rated providers.
- Monitoring & Inspection: Regular third-party checks to maintain service quality, with alerts for low-rated facilities.
- Green Focus: Encourages solar energy, water conservation, and waste recycling.
Significance
- Better User Experience: Enhances travel with high-quality facilities.
- Economic Impact: Creates jobs and supports local communities.
- Standardization: Ensures consistent quality and accountability.
- Technological Integration: The ‘Rajmarg Yatra’ app gives real-time facility info and allows feedback from users.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hanle Dark Sky Reserve
Why in the News?
Expert astro-photographers and astronomers have gathered at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve from for the second Star Party.
Star Party and Its Details
- The Star Party at the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve is a gathering of amateur astronomers and astro-photographers who travel to Hanle to observe and capture celestial phenomena.
- It was hosted by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) from and attended by over 45 astronomy enthusiasts from across India.
- Participants brought their own telescopes and cameras to capture unique celestial events, including faint galaxies, the Zodiacal Light, and the rare sight of Venus casting a shadow.
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About Hanle Dark Sky Reserve (HDSR)
- The HDSR is a designated area in Changthang region of eastern Ladakh created to control man-made light pollution and protect the naturally dark night skies.
- It spans approximately 1,073 square kilometers and is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
- Established to promote astronomy and astrophotography, it offers some of the darkest skies in India, ideal for astronomical research.
- Hanley is also the home to second-highest optical telescope in the world, established in 2001 by IIA.
Special Features of HDSR and the Surrounding Region
- High Altitude: Hanle is situated at a high altitude, providing clearer skies with minimal atmospheric interference.
- Minimal Light Pollution: The region has low light pollution, which makes it perfect for observing faint celestial objects.
- Dry Climate: The dry weather in the region contributes to excellent visibility, reducing the impact of humidity on astronomical observations.
Significance of HDSR
- Astrophotography and Research: The dark skies allow for detailed observation of celestial phenomena and astrophotography, attracting enthusiasts and researchers.
- Astro-Tourism: The reserve fosters astro-tourism, boosting the local economy by creating jobs for guides and supporting infrastructure.
- Preservation of Night Skies: It plays a crucial role in preserving the natural darkness of the sky, curbing light pollution in the region.
- International Attention: The reserve has attracted amateur and professional astronomers from across India and beyond, making it a hub for astronomical events.
| PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following phenomena:
- Light is affected by gravity.
- The Universe is constantly expanding.
- Matter warps its surrounding space-time.
Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in media?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India’s relation with major powers in the world;
Why in the News?
India’s participation in the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S., on September 21, 2024, has heightened expectations for strengthening security cooperation among the “four key maritime democracies in the Indo-Pacific.”
How can India navigate its relationships with major powers?
- Strategic Autonomy: India maintains a policy of non-alignment, balancing relations with both the U.S. and Russia. It is careful not to be drawn into formal alliances but seeks to leverage its partnerships for national interests.
- Quad vs. Russia: India’s engagement with the U.S.-led Quad strengthens its Indo-Pacific strategy, while its ties with Russia (a Quad opponent) focus on maintaining historical military and strategic benefits.
- Russia-China Dynamics: As Russia moves closer to China, India seeks to rebalance, ensuring its interests are not sidelined, particularly in the context of China’s growing influence in Asia and unresolved border disputes.
- U.S. Partnership: While deepening ties with the U.S., India is cautious about fully aligning with Washington’s agenda (for exports), especially regarding tensions with Russia.
What role does India play in Global Conflict Resolution?
- As a Peace facilitator: India is increasingly positioning itself as a peace facilitator, evidenced by the NSA (Ajit Dowal) of India’s outreach to Russia and France regarding the Ukraine conflict and peace plan.
- As a ‘Vishwa Bandhu’: India’s engagement with both Ukraine and Russia shows its willingness to serve as an interlocutor, navigating complex diplomatic terrains while pushing for dialogue in global conflicts.
- India’s attempts to mediate in conflicts like Ukraine emphasize its independent foreign policy, aiming to project itself as a “Vishwa Bandhu” (friend to the world).
What implications do Domestic Issues have on India’s Foreign Policy?
- Economic Dependencies: India’s reliance on Russian military equipment and discounted oil affects its stance on the Ukraine war, pushing for a more nuanced approach in balancing U.S. and Russian relations.
- Border Tensions with China: Domestic security concerns, such as the standoff at the LAC, influence India’s foreign policy decisions, especially in its cautious relationship with China despite economic interdependence.
- Public Opinion and Strategic Decisions: India’s foreign policy must account for domestic perceptions of global powers, balancing national security with economic growth and political stability in a complex international environment.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Strategic Autonomy: India should continue balancing its relationships with major powers by deepening economic and security ties with both the U.S. and Russia, while maintaining flexibility to protect its national interests, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and vis-à-vis China.
- Expand Peace Diplomacy: India can further leverage its role as a mediator in global conflicts, enhancing its international standing by promoting dialogue and peace initiatives.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sustainable Development;
Mains level: Issues associated with Urbanization; Sustainable development; High-performance building;
Why in the News?
Due to rapid urbanization, India is facing the challenge of exceeding global energy efficiency and carbon benchmarks. High-performance buildings (HPBs) offer resilient, adaptive, and self-sufficient designs, promoting healthier indoor environments and better air quality.
What are High-Performance Buildings (HPBs)?
- These are structures designed to achieve peak levels of energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.
- They go beyond standard building practices by integrating advanced technologies and smart design strategies to minimize environmental impact, optimize resource use, and improve overall performance.
- For example, Unnati (Greater Noida) and Indira Paryavaran Bhawan (New Delhi) showcase smart designs like sun-optimized facades and advanced HVAC systems, reducing energy use.
Key features of HPBs include:
- Energy Efficiency: HPBs use cutting-edge technologies like energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart lighting controls, and advanced insulation to reduce energy consumption.
- Water Conservation: Techniques like greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting help HPBs minimize water usage.
- Sustainable Materials: HPBs use eco-friendly, durable materials to reduce their carbon footprint and increase building longevity.
- Site-Specific Design: HPBs leverage natural lighting, ventilation, and terrain-specific water management to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy demand.
- Building Management Systems (BMS): HPBs employ BMS to monitor real-time performance metrics such as energy usage, water consumption, and indoor air quality, ensuring continuous optimization of resources.
How can HPBs help Indian cities?
- Resource Efficiency: HPBs help reduce energy consumption and promote water conservation, addressing India’s resource scarcity and fluctuating energy markets.
- Urban Resilience: By being energy-efficient and self-sufficient, HPBs can help cities adapt to rising temperatures and urbanization pressures.
- Healthier Environments: HPBs enhance indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and occupant well-being through intelligent systems like air filtration, natural lighting, and smart temperature control.
- The strain on Infrastructure: HPBs can relieve pressure on public infrastructure by minimizing resource usage, making them crucial for fast-growing cities.
- Sustainable Growth: HPBs are key to driving India’s transition to a low-carbon economy, supporting sustainable urbanization, and enhancing property value through long-term cost savings.
Way Forward:
- Scaling Adoption of HPBs: Promote widespread implementation of HPBs through government incentives, regulations, and public-private partnerships, aligning with SDG Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) to foster inclusive, safe, and resilient urban spaces.
- Innovation and Capacity Building: Encourage innovation in building technologies and workforce training to develop HPBs, contributing to SDG Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by ensuring energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in cities.
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