Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.
About Asiatic Lion
Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
They are classified as Endangered(IUCN), listed in CITESAppendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Details
Objective
Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
Initial Funding
₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies.
Membership
Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats.
Key Activities
Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization.
Governance
General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly.
Governance Framework
Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee.
India’s Role
India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.
PYQ:
[2012] Consider the following:
Black-necked crane
Cheetah
Flying squirrel
Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
India will be the exclusive partner for European Hydrogen Week in November 2024.
About European Hydrogen Week
European Hydrogen Week is an annual event organized by the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe, and others.
It serves as a platform to discuss the future of hydrogen technologies, policy developments, and their role in decarbonizing Europe’s economy.
It features conferences, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.
It focuses on the development, deployment, and scaling of green hydrogen as part of the European Green Deal and the EU’s climate-neutrality targets for 2050.
Significance of India’s Partnership
Strengthening Green Energy Goals: Aligns India with global initiatives in decarbonizing industries and energy systems, advancing its commitment to the Paris Agreement and Net Zero 2070 target.
Access to Advanced Hydrogen Technologies: Provides India with cutting-edge hydrogen technologies from Europe, enhancing production, storage, and transportation capabilities for Green Hydrogen.
Boosting Technological Innovation: Facilitates collaborative research and development, allowing India to create cost-effective hydrogen solutions and drive domestic innovation in clean energy.
Building Global Leadership: Establishes India as a global leader in the Green Hydrogen sector, reinforcing its commitment to climate change mitigation and sustainable development.
PYQ:
[2019] In the context of proposals to the use of hydrogen-enriched CNG (H-CNG) as fuel for buses in public transport, consider the following statements:
1. The main advantage of the use of H-CNG is the elimination of carbon monoxide emissions
2. H-CNG as fuel reduces carbon dioxide and hydrocarbon emissions.
3. Hydrogen up to one-fifth by volume can be blended with CNG as fuel for buses.
4. H-CNG makes the fuel less expensive than CNG.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Union Cabinet approved the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-Drive) Scheme with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over two years.
About PM E-DRIVE Scheme:
Details
Name
PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme
Total Outlay
₹10,900 crore for two years
Goal
Promote electric mobility, reduce pollution, and enhance fuel security
Reduce range anxiety by providing charging infrastructure in cities and highways.
Incentives
Direct subsidies for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-buses, e-ambulances, and e-trucks
Key Components
₹3,679 crore for demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, and e-trucks.
₹500 crore for e-ambulances.
₹4,391 crore for e-buses.
Other components:
E-Vouchers
Aadhaar-authenticated e-voucher for EV buyers;
Signed by both buyer and dealer for claiming incentives.
E-Bus Procurement
₹4,391 crore for 14,028 e-buses in 9 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad)
Charging Infrastructure
₹2,000 crore for 72,300 public EV charging stations, including fast chargers for e-4Ws, e-buses, e-2Ws, and e-3Ws
Incentivizing E-Trucks
₹500 crore tied to scrapping certificates from MoRTH-approved scrapping centres
Testing and Upgradation
₹780 crore for upgradation of MHI’s test agencies for green mobility technologies
PYQ:
[2019] How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India?
Q “The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Q ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Q. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC IAS/2018)
Mentor comment:In the Indian context, there is a need for improved infrastructure to support economic growth and facilitate investment, which requires coordinated efforts at both state and national levels. While prioritizing industrial growth, it is essential to balance this with the provision of public services to ensure comprehensive development. We can learn from the experience of our neighbour – China.
China’s decentralized policy has become a threat to itself. China’s decentralized policy initially spurred economic growth. Still, it has now become a source of structural inefficiencies, regional disparities, ineffective investments, and governance challenges that threaten the country’s long-term stability and development.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
PM urged the states to compete with each other to attract investors. The difference was highlighted with India’s more centralised system where city-level governments account for less than 3% of total spending.
China’s extreme fiscal decentralization (in 1994), with sub-provincial governments accounting for 51% of government spending and having broad qualitative mandates, has turned counter-productive.
What are the challenges faced by the Chinese local government?
Overcapacity as a Structural Issue: Initially, during the Hu Jintao era, the local governments prioritized industrial construction over public services to boost economic growth and political prospects.
This model led to competitive sub-national growth, resulting in structural overcapacity and wasteful investments.
Tipping Point Under Xi Jinping: As the investments made between 2009 and 2013 were ineffective, Xi Jinping focused on strengthening central control and narrowing directives, focusing on specific product lines like semiconductors, which often ignored market demands.
By mid-2024, 30% of industrial firms reported losses, highlighting the negative impact of overcapacity and ineffective local government spending.
Geopolitical Ramifications: Other countries view China’s overcapacity as a national security threat, particularly regarding tech-enabled products, exacerbated by China’s international conduct.
The geopolitical climate has shifted, affecting China’s ability to export excess capacity and creating challenges for local firms reliant on government funding.
What were the effects of this on the Asian region?
Positive Impacts:
In the Southeast Asian Region: These economies have become highly integrated into China’s supply chains, relying on Chinese intermediate inputs to produce goods for export. This has boosted trade and economic growth in the region.
On ASEAN Region: China’s upgraded trade agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), have strengthened economic ties and trade flows between China and its Asian neighbors.
Negative Impacts:
Over-dependence on China: Southeast Asian manufacturers heavily rely on Chinese components, making them vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
Increasing Trade Deficits: Growing trade deficits with China concern many Southeast Asian countries as they import more from China than they export.
Increasing Sanctions: Countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia impose anti-dumping measures and tariffs on certain Chinese products to protect domestic industries.
Lessons for Indian States from China’s Experience
•Decentralization of Authority: Meaningful decentralization of budgets and authority to local governments, particularly cities, can enhance political accountability and improve service delivery, akin to China’s local governance model. •Investment in State Capacity: Indian states must invest in building effective governance structures and administrative capacity, ensuring local governments can effectively manage resources and deliver services. • Policy Innovation: Encouraging local innovation and flexibility in policy implementation can lead to tailored solutions for regional challenges, mirroring China’s approach during its economic reforms. •Balancing Central and Local Authority: Finding the right balance between central oversight and local autonomy can help avoid the pitfalls of over-centralization while ensuring accountability and effective governance.
Conclusion:
The overcapacity and export orientation model has now reached its limits due to China’s arrogant approach to international relations and drive towards self-reliance. Though we might see a jump in exports for some sectors, China faces an economic decline if it does not transform its political and economic relations with the world’s major countries.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Germany as part of a three-nation tour, met with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in Berlin. They discussed various defence topics, including Ukraine, Gaza, and the Indo-Pacific region.
Defence Partnership between India and Germany:
Late Engagement: Germany has been late in engaging India’s defence interests compared to France and the U.S., who have stronger partnerships with India.
Opportunity Post-Russia-Ukraine War: With Russia’s industrial capacity focused on the war, Germany sees an opportunity to enhance its defence exports to India.
German defence manufacturers like ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems are already involved in projects like submarine construction for the Indian Navy.
Technology Transfer: Technology transfer is a key condition for India’s defence partnerships, and Germany’s ability to meet this requirement could shape future cooperation.
Complementary Systems: Germany’s Eurofighter and its future replacement by U.S.-made F-35s highlight Germany’s readiness to integrate its defence systems with Western platforms, easing potential interoperability issues for India.
Exercise Tarang Shakti:
Tarang Shakti is one of the most extensive multilateral air exercises hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), showcasing India’s commitment to international defence cooperation.
This exercise marked the first time the German Luftwaffe (Air Force)participated in air sorties over Indian skies, symbolizing Germany’s growing defence ties with India.
It would become a biennial exercise, highlighting India’s intent to make such multinational military cooperation a regular feature.
Tarang Shakti was seen as a tryout for the larger Pacific Skies 24 air exercise involving France, Germany, and Spain, further emphasizing the Indo-Pacific’s growing military relevance.
Present Dilemma of China:
Germany’s Strategic Interest in the Indo-Pacific: China’s aggressive actions, such as building artificial islands in the South China Sea, pose a significant threat to regional stability, international shipping, and trade routes, which Germany heavily depends on.
Germany’s Balancing Act: While Germany has clear political positions against China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific, its economic dependence on China complicates the situation. Germany’s increasing defence presence in the region is partly aimed at ensuring free and secure shipping routes.
Europe’s Shift in Focus: Post Russia-Ukraine war, Europe, including Germany, is recalibrating its foreign policy towards the Indo-Pacific, recognizing the region as the future centre of global economic and geopolitical influence, which is driving greater German defence engagement in the region.
Way Forward:
Enhance Defence Collaboration: India and Germany should focus on deepening defense cooperation, particularly in areas like technology transfer, joint military exercises, and advanced systems integration to build long-term strategic partnerships.
Strengthen Indo-Pacific Engagement: Germany and India should align their Indo-Pacific strategies to ensure regional stability, emphasizing free trade routes and countering China’s assertiveness while balancing economic dependencies.
Mains PYQ:
Q To what extent can Germany be held responsible for causing the two World Wars? Discuss critically. (UPSC IAS/2015)
The Prime Minister has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to addressing sickle cell disease, a genetic blood disorder that alters the shape of red blood cells.
About the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission:
The Union Budget 2023-24 announced a mission to eliminate sickle cell anemia by 2047. The mission focuses on awareness and screening programs for people ages 0 to 40.
The mission aims to reduce the burden of sickle cell disease, which primarily affects India’s tribal belt (Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra).
These include nationwide screening programs and the inclusion of vital medicines like hydroxyurea in the essential medicines list, improving access to treatment.
Challenges faced by the Indian Government:
High Disease Burden: India has the world’s second-largest burden of sickle cell disease, with over a million affected individuals, primarily in tribal areas.
Low Treatment Coverage:Only 18% of those affected receive consistent treatment, with significant drop-offs in screening, diagnosis, and treatment adherence.
Stigma and Misinformation: Social stigma around the disease, myths such as “God’s curse” or “black magic,” and mistrust of public health systems, particularly in tribal areas, result in delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Adherence Issues: Challenges include inconsistent availability of medicines like hydroxyurea, long travel distances for treatment, and stock shortages at health centers.
Poor Vaccination Coverage: Vaccination, which reduces infection rates and improves quality of life, remains inadequate in many affected regions.
Research and Development: The lack of ongoing research into treatments and understanding of the disease in India, and the unaffordability of emerging therapies like gene therapy, hinder long-term progress.
Financial and Operational Gaps: Health systems in tribal areas require additional funding and operational strengthening to address region-specific health challenges effectively.
What are the WHO recommendations?
Early Identification: Implement newborn screening programs to identify sickle cell disease at birth.
Integration into Health Systems: Sickle cell management should be integrated into national health services. This includes establishing specialized centers for comprehensive care and ensuring that primary healthcare providers are trained in managing sickle cell disease.
Public Education and Awareness: Conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness about sickle cell disease, reduce stigma, and inform communities about genetic risks and prevention strategies.
Genetic Counseling: Provide genetic counselling to families, especially in communities with high prevalence, to inform them about the risks of having children with sickle cell disease and the importance of carrier screening.
Mains PYQ:
Q Stem cell therapy is gaining popularity in India to treat a wide variety of medical conditions including leukaemia, Thalassemia, damaged cornea and several burns. Describe briefly what stem cell therapy is and what advantages it has over other treatments. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Ministry of Tourism has pledged to replace the Sakthan Thampuran statue that was knocked over by a state transport bus in Thrissur.
Who was Sakthan Thampuran?
Sakthan Thampuran, born Raja Rama Varma IX in 1751, was a powerful ruler of the Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.
He was raised by anaunt who nicknamed him Sakthan, meaning powerful, reflecting his strong personality and leadership.
The title Thampuran is derived from the Sanskrit word samrat, meaning emperor.
The Cochin kingdom, a part of the Late Chera Empire, spanned regions from Ponnani (Malappuram) to Thottappally (Alappuzha) in modern-day Kerala.
At age 18, in 1769, he became heir apparent, advising the king to maintain friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English, who were competing for control of trade in the region.
He orchestrated the Mysore invasion of Travancore, which eventually led to the Powney treaty.
This treaty freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to Mysore and formalized its relations with the British East India Company.
He ended the institution of the Yogiatirippads, spiritual heads of key temples. He shifted temple management to the government, earning a reputation as a fearsome leader who rid his kingdom of crime.
Sakthanand the Thrissur Pooram Festival
Sakthan relocated the capital of his kingdom from Thrippunithura toThrissur.
He developed Thekkinkadu Maidanam and the surrounding Swaraj Round, which became the foundation for Thrissur’s infrastructure.
He invited merchants from all religions and British officials to settle in Thrissur, and personally managed the kingdom’s finances.
In 1797, he started the Thrissur Pooram as an alternative to Arattupuzha Pooram, uniting major temples in Thrissur to pay respects to Lord Shiva, the deity at Vadakkumnathan Temple.
It is held every year on the Pooram day – the day when the moon rises with the Pooram star in the Malayalam Calendar month of Medam.
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to Indian history, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. The Nizamat of Arcot emerged out of Hyderabad State.
2. The Mysore Kingdom emerged out of Vijayanangara Empire.
3. Rohilkhand Kingdom was formed out of the territories occupied by Ahmad Shah Durrani.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
The Union Cabinet has approved health coverage of ₹5 lakh for all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, regardless of their income, under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest publicly funded health assurance scheme, offering ₹5 lakh of coverage per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalizations.
It was launched in February 2018.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having central sector component under the Ayushman Bharat Mission.
It covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and diagnostics.
It covers up to 3 days of pre-hospitalization and 15 days post-hospitalization expenses.
It currently covers 55 crore people from 12.34 crore families, providing comprehensive health benefits regardless of the family members’ age.
7.37 crore hospital admissions have been covered under the scheme, with 49% of the beneficiaries being women.
Eligibility Criteria:
All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for the scheme, receiving a ₹5 lakh health cover on a family basis.
Additional Benefits:
Senior citizens belonging to families already under AB PM-JAY will get an extra top-up of ₹5 lakh, exclusively for their personal healthcare.
Those with private health insurance can also avail of the scheme.
Senior citizens covered under other public health insurance schemes, like CGHS, ECHS, or CAPF, must choose between their current plan and AB PM-JAY.
All eligible beneficiaries will be issued a distinct healthcard for easy access to the scheme’s benefits.
PYQ:
[2012] With reference to National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of Asha, a trained community health worker?
1. Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkups
2. Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
3. Providing information on nutrition and immunization
4. Conducting the delivery of baby
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
The Union Cabinet has approved Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) to build 62,500 km of all-weather roads, connecting villages across India.
AboutPradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)
Details
Launch
In 2000 by former PM Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
To provide connectivity to unconnected habitations.
Nodal Agency
Ministry of Rural Development
Type
Centrally Sponsored Scheme
Phases
Phase I: Focus on connecting unconnected habitations.
Phase II: Upgrading roads built in Phase I to enhance rural infrastructure.
Phase III: Consolidation of 1.25 lakh km of rural roads connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets, Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals. Cost: ₹80,250 crore (2019-2025). Funding: 60:40 (Centre), 90:10 for North-East and Himalayan States.
Phase IV: Aims at constructing 62,500 km of all-weather roads to provide connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations with focus on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) areas, tribal areas, and remote regions.
Road Length and Coverage
62,500 km of all-weather roads covering 25,000 unconnected habitations.
Benefits of PMGSY-IV
Road Connectivity for 25,000 Villages:All-weather roads will provide reliable access to previously unconnected rural habitations, improving transportation and accessibility.
Socio-Economic Transformation: These roads will act as catalysts for socio-economic development in rural areas, enabling access to government educational institutions, health services, markets, and growth centers.
Enhanced Infrastructure: The construction will adopt international benchmarks and best practices, such as using Cold Mix Technology, Waste Plastic, Full Depth Reclamation, and materials like Fly Ash and Steel Slag, contributing to eco-friendly construction.
PYQ:
[2020] In rural road construction, the use of which of the following is preferred for ensuring environmental sustainability or to reduce carbon footprint?
Copper slag
Cold mix asphalt technology
Geotextiles
Hot mix asphalt technology
Portland cement
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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