Archives: News

KAZA Summit 2024: Delegates renew calls to leave CITES

Explained World Mapping | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the news?

At the KAZA 2024 Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, delegates reiterated the urge for member states to withdraw from CITES because they seek approval to trade their plentiful ivory and wildlife items.

About the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES):

It is an international agreement adopted in 1973 (entered into force in 1975) between governments.
Aim: To ensure that international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties – in other words, they have to implement the Convention–it does not take the place of national laws.
Representatives of CITES nations meet every two to three years at a Conference of the Parties (COP) to review progress and adjust the lists of protected species, which are grouped into three categories with different levels of protection:
- Appendix I: Includes the world’s most endangered plants and animals, such as tigers and gorillas. International commercial trade in these species, or even parts of them, is completely banned, except in rare cases such as scientific research.
- Appendix II: Contains species like corals that are not yet threatened with extinction, but which could become threatened if unlimited trade were allowed. Also included are “look-alike” species that closely resemble those already on the list for conservation reasons. Plants and animals in this category can be traded internationally, but there are strict rules.
- Appendix III: Species whose trade is only regulated within a specific country can be placed on Appendix III if that country requires cooperation from other nations to help prevent exploitation.

What is Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA)?

The Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) spans 520,000 square kilometers. It covers parts of five southern African nations. These nations are Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The area is centered around the Okavango and Zambezi river basins. The combined elephant population in these nations represents over two-thirds of Africa’s total, estimated at around 450,000.
Botswana has the largest elephant population within the region, with 132,000 elephants. Zimbabwe follows with 100,000 elephants.

Key Objectives of KAZA 2024 Summit :

Conservation: Promote the sustainable management and conservation of wildlife across the five member states: Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Economic Benefit: To explore ways to monetize abundant wildlife resources, particularly elephants, to fund conservation efforts and benefit local economies.

Dominant Issues:

At the 19th meeting of the CITES conference in Panama in 2022, KAZA states and five other southern African countries advocated for opening up trade in ivory and elephant products.
Southern African countries, including those in the KAZA region, argue that their large elephant populations contribute to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.
Despite repeated requests, CITES delegates rejected the proposal, leading to frustration among African countries.
Ten countries, including KAZA states and others like Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania, declared a dispute with CITES. They criticized CITES for straying from its founding principles and adopting ideologies over science-based conservation strategies.

Way forward:

Lobbying for Change: Advocacy for a more equitable and science-based approach to wildlife trade regulations within international frameworks like CITES.
Regional Cooperation: Enhance collaboration among member states to develop joint conservation strategies and share best practices for managing human-wildlife conflicts.
Diversification of Revenue Streams: Explore alternative sources of funding for conservation efforts, such as ecotourism, carbon credits, and sustainable agriculture.

Mains PYQ:

Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in the conservation of flora and fauna? (250 Words, 15 Marks) (UPSC IAS/2018)

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Tobacco: The Silent Killer

The Tobacco Epidemic in India

Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

Why in the News?

Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of disease which affects nearly 26 crore Indians and 60 lakh industry workers, posing significant health risks.

Reports on Tobacco Consumption in India

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), there is a general decline in tobacco use, except for an increase in women between 2015-2016 and 2019-2021. (above 15 years)
According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), tobacco use among students aged 13-15 years indicates a reduction in tobacco use in this demographic.
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS), which captures data on tobacco use in people above 15 years of age, aligns with the GATS findings, showing a decrease in tobacco use except among women.

What is the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)?

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) is an international treaty adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2003. It is a legally binding treaty.
It means that countries that have ratified it are obligated to implement the measures outlined in the convention within their national jurisdictions.
It addresses the global health risks associated with tobacco use and provides a comprehensive framework for governments and organizations to implement effective tobacco control policies and strategies.

Challenges in India: Lobbying by the Tobacco Industry

The tobacco industry exerts substantial influence on policy-making to maintain low tax rates and evade stricter regulations.
Government Engagement: Both in-service and retired government officials often engage with the tobacco industry. Example: A retired Indian Administrative Services officer joined the board of Godfrey Phillips as an independent director.
Government Stake: The Central government holds a 7.8% stake in ITC Ltd., India’s largest tobacco company.
Tax Exemptions: Continuous exemptions of cess on bidis and smaller tobacco manufacturers. Persistent extensions of these exemptions despite the harmful effects of tobacco.

Tax Measures and Lobbying

Current Tax Burden: Cigarettes 51%, Bidis 22%, Smokeless Tobacco Products (SLTs) 64%
FCTC Recommendation: At least 75% tax on tobacco products.
Challenges at affordability level: Low taxes relative to income growth have kept tobacco products affordable, with cigarettes and SLTs becoming more affordable over the past decade due to the transition to the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Thus, India’s score has worsened since 2021, indicating increased interference by the tobacco industry in governance.

Initiatives taken by the Government:

Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003: It regulates the advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship of tobacco products, prohibits smoking in public places, mandates pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packaging, and sets rules for the sale of tobacco products to minors.
Awareness on Media: India is the first country in the world to implement the larger steps through implementing warnings on OTT platform content when actors are seen using tobacco products.
Awareness of Product: India has implemented prominent and graphic pictorial health warnings on tobacco product packaging.

Challenges in Implementation

Poor Enforcement: Existing measures are not strictly implemented, leading to widespread non-compliance, especially among smokeless tobacco products (SLTs).
Indirect Advertisements: Surrogate advertisements (e.g., using elaichi to promote tobacco brands) circumvent direct advertising bans, undermining control efforts.
Inadequate Fines: Penalties for violations of COTPA regulations have not been updated since 2003, making them ineffective deterrents.

Way forward:

Update COTPA Fines and Penalties: Revise and significantly increase fines for violations of COTPA regulations to create a stronger deterrent.
Strengthen Border and Market Surveillance: Improve customs and market surveillance to combat smuggling and illicit trade of tobacco products.

Mains question for practice:

Q Discuss the various measures undertaken by the Indian government to control tobacco consumption. Evaluate the effectiveness of these measures and suggest improvements. 15M

Tobacco Board of India

- The Tobacco Board is a statutory body established under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- Hq: Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.
Functions:

- To regulate the production and curing of Virginia tobacco by improving the yields and quality of tobacco.
- To facilitate the sale of tobacco through e-auctions, undertaking various grower welfare measures and export promotion of tobacco.

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Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

40 Years since Operation Blue Star

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

Why in the News?

June 1, the day Punjab votes in the last phase of the Lok Sabha election, happens to be the anniversary of “Operation Blue Star” which has influenced the recent history and politics of the state.

Operation Blue Star

Operation Blue Star was a military operation carried out by the Indian Army in June 1984 to remove Khalistani group-based militants who were hiding inside the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, Punjab.
The militants, led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, had fortified the temple complex and were advocating for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan.
The operation aimed to flush out the militants from the Golden Temple complex and restore law and order in the region.
However, it resulted in significant casualties and damage to the sacred shrine.
The operation began on June 1, 1984, and lasted for 10 days

The operation was highly controversial and led to widespread outrage among Sikhs, both in India and abroad. It also had political repercussions, including the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards later that year, which sparked anti-Sikh riots across India.

What is the Khalistan movement?

The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement aiming to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan (Land of the Khalsa) in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan.

Factors Contributing to Khalistan’s Rise:

Partition of India (1947): The division of Punjab and the loss of Sikh holy sites in Pakistan led to a sense of displacement and marginalisation among Sikhs.
Linguistic Reorganization of States (1966): The creation of a Sikh-majority Punjab but with reduced territorial size and economic potential further fueled the desire for greater autonomy and cultural rights.
Anandpur Sahib Resolution (1973): The demand for greater autonomy and cultural rights for Punjab was seen as a secessionist threat by the central government, leading to increased tensions.
External Support: The involvement of external forces, such as Pakistan, which have supported and funded some Khalistani groups for their strategic interests, has also played a significant role in the movement’s persistence.

PYQ:

[2016] Has the formation of linguistic states strengthened the cause of Indian unity?

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Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

K-9 Vajra Howitzers and Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Engines

Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

Why in the news?

Several critical ‘Make in India’ defence projects, including acquisitions of K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines, are pending final approval from the Centre post-elections.

About K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzers:

It is a self-propelled howitzer.
Technology: It incorporates technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based on its K9 Thunder.
Development: The K9 gun has been developed under the ‘Buy Global’ programme of the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) where foreign companies are allowed to participate.
Features: The platform boasts all-welded steel armour protection. Initially intended for desert use, it has been deployed in mountainous regions due to the India-China standoff.
Winterisation: To ensure optimal performance in extreme cold conditions, the Army procured winterisation kits for the regiment deployed in mountainous areas.

About Su-30MKI:

- The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a two-seater, twinjet multirole air superiority fighter. It is built under license by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

Design:

- It was designed by Russia’s Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- The first squadron was inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2002.
Characteristics:
- It is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter with a highly integrated twin-finned airframe.
- The construction materials include titanium and high-strength Aluminium alloy.

Engine Upgrade:

India’s “Super Sukhoi” Program aims to enhance the performance and longevity of AL-31F engines, addressing long-standing engine failure issues and deficiencies.

PYQ:

[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

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ISRO Missions and Discoveries

Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Why in the News?

Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota.

About 3D Printed PS4 Engine

The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), comprises two Earth-storable liquid engines.
It uses a bipropellant combination of nitrogen tetroxide as the oxidizer and monomethyl hydrazine as the fuel, both developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre.
This same engine is employed in the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1) of PSLV.
ISRO redesigned the PS4 engine for production using 3D printing technology.
The technology helped ISRO bring down the number of parts in the engine from 14 to a single piece.
ISRO was able to eliminate 19 weld joints and saved 97% of raw material.
It also reduced the overall production time by 60%.

What is Agnibaan SOrTeD (Suborbital Tech Demonstrator)?

Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by Agnikul’s patented Agnilet semi-cryogenic engine.
In contrast to traditional sounding rockets, Agnibaan SOrTeD’s vertical take-off and precise trajectory enable orchestrated manoeuvres during flight.

PYQ:

[2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:

PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 1 and 2
(d) 3 only

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Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

[pib] India Hosts Digital Health Side Event at World Health Assembly

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Why in the News?

India hosted a side event on Digital Health during the 77th World Health Assembly.The event saw participation from Quad countries (Australia, Japan, and the United States of America) and delegates from over 100 countries.

Key Highlights of the 7th WHA:

Transformative Role: India highlighted digital health’s role in ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare services, contributing to Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3.
India’s Advancements: WHA noted India’s success in implementing digital public infrastructure at scale, including Aadhaar for digital identities, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for financial transactions, and Co-WIN for health service delivery during the pandemic.
Transition to UWIN: Co-WIN is being transformed into UWIN for the National Immunization Programme, facilitating immunization records for millions of newborns and mothers, as well as Anganwadi and school health records.
Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): India highlighted efforts under ABDM to create a robust national digital health ecosystem, with over 618 million Unique Health IDs (ABHA IDs) generated, 268,000 registered health facilities, and 350,000 healthcare professionals enlisted.
National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX): GoI is launching NHCX as part of ABDM to transform the insurance payments ecosystem, enabling real-time settlements with auto adjudication of claims through public-private partnerships leveraging digital public infrastructure.

About World Health Assembly (WHA):

	Details
Establishment	Established in 1948 as the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO)
Frequency	Typically meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland
Membership	Includes all 194 member states of the WHO, as well as certain international organizations as observers
Role and Functions	Setting Health Policies Adoption of Resolutions Reviewing Reports Collaboration and Partnerships
Decision-Making Process	Decisions made by a simple majority vote of member states present and voting
Themes and Agendas	Each session focuses on specific global health priorities, addressing a wide range of health topics
Notable Achievements	Development and adoption of international health instruments and initiatives, including: International Health Regulations (IHR), Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health.
Challenges	Resource constraints, geopolitical tensions, need for greater inclusivity and transparency in decision-making

PYQ:

[2016] ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is

(a) A division of World Health Organization.

(b) A non-governmental international organization.

(d) A specialized agency of the United Nations.

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Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

Dispelling population myths triggered by a working paper

Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Why in the News?

The working paper released by the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to the Prime Minister makes an erroneous assertion regarding the growth of the Muslim population.

Composition of the Population of various communities highlighted by EAC:

Absolute Increase in Population (1950-2015): Hindu population grew by 701 million. The Muslim population increased by 146 million.
Proportional Changes: The proportion of Hindus in the population fell by 6.64 percentage points (from 84.7% in 1950 to 78.06% in 2015). The proportion of Muslims increased by 4.25 percentage points (from 9.84% in 1950 to 14.09% in 2015).
- Despite these changes, the Muslim population remains significantly smaller compared to the Hindu population.

What does the 2011 census say?

The proportion of the Hindu population to the total population in 2011 declined by 0.7 percentage points (PP); the proportion of the Sikh population declined by 0.2 PP and the Buddhist population declined by 0.1 PP during the decade 2001-2011.
The proportion of the Muslim population to the total population has increased by 0.8 PP. There has been no significant change in the proportion of Christians & Jains.

Issue of Misinterpretation and Sensationalism of Data:

Misleading Media Reports: Many media reports and politicians have sensationalized the findings of the EAC-PM working paper inaccurately suggesting that the Muslim population in India is growing rapidly while posing a threat to the Hindu population.
- Such interpretations contribute to a divisive political narrative and misinform the public about population issues.
Limitations of the Paper: The working paper itself states that understanding changes in religious demography is a multivariate phenomenon. However, the paper does not contain sufficient evidence to support this claim.

The true story behind this Data::

Influence of Socio-Economic Factors: Population growth is significantly influenced by socio-economic conditions such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Higher fertility rates in a community often reflect lower levels of socio-economic development rather than religious factors.
Policies and Development Indicators: The Muslim community in India has a higher population growth rate primarily because it lags in some of the Population and Marriage policies that affect socio-economic development indicators as compared to the Hindu community.

Need for Exact Data:

Contextual Analysis: Detailed analysis is essential to avoid misinterpretation of demographic changes. Understanding the multi-faceted reasons behind population changes requires considering socio-economic, cultural, and political factors.
- Religious Composition: According to the Pew Research Center (2021), the proportion of India’s six largest religious groups has remained relatively stable since Partition.
- Fertility Rates: Recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) rounds indicate significant declines in Muslim fertility rates.

Conclusion: Accurate and comprehensive analysis is necessary to understand population trends and avoid fueling divisive narratives.

Mains PYQ:

Q Demographic Dividend in India will remain only theoretical unless our manpower becomes more educated, aware, skilled, and creative.” What measures have been taken by the government to enhance the capacity of our population to be more productive and employable? (UPSC IAS/2016)

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Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

An overview of the AMRUT scheme | Explained

Explained | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

Why in the News?

By 2047, over 50% of India’s population will be urban. The AMRUT scheme launched in 2015 and updated in 2021, addresses urban infrastructure needs.

About Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation -AMRUT:

It is a flagship urban development scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2015.
The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme.
Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns.
Objectives:
- Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection.
- Increase the green areas in the cities.
- Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport.
Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage.
The Mission covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over one lakh with notified Municipalities.
Revenue Set Aside for the Scheme:
- AMRUT 1.0: Total outlay was ₹50,000 crore for five years from FY 2015-16 to FY 2019-20.
- AMRUT 2.0: Total outlay is ₹2,99,000 crore, with a central outlay of ₹76,760 crore for five years, starting from October 1, 2021.

Achievements by AMRUT Mission:

- Financial Utilization: As of May 19, 2024, a total of ₹83,357 crore has been disbursed under the AMRUT scheme, combining contributions from the Central Government, States, and cities.

Infrastructure Achievements:

- Tap Connections: A total of 58,66,237 households have been provided with tap connections, ensuring access to a reliable water supply.
- Sewerage Connections: 37,49,467 households have been connected to the sewerage system, improving sanitation and hygiene.
- Parks Development: 2,411 parks have been developed, enhancing urban green spaces and recreational areas.
- LED Street Lights: 62,78,571 LED street lights have been replaced, contributing to energy efficiency and better urban lighting.

Present Challenges:

Public Health Crisis: Approximately 2,00,000 deaths annually due to inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene. The disease burden from unsafe water and sanitation in India was 40 times higher per person than in China as of 2016.
Water and Sanitation Issues: Significant untreated wastewater increases vulnerability to diseases. Major reservoirs are at just 40% capacity, threatening water supply for drinking, irrigation, and hydro-electricity.21 major cities are projected to run out of groundwater soon.

Causes for the present shortcomings:

Non-Comprehensive Approach: The scheme adopted a project-oriented rather than a holistic approach, failing to integrate comprehensive urban planning.
- For example, cities had no significant participation in the scheme’s design or implementation, reducing its effectiveness.
- Secondly, the governance was led by bureaucrats and private interests with little involvement of elected city governments, violating the 74th constitutional amendment.
Inadequate Water Management: The scheme did not adequately factor in local climate, rainfall patterns, or existing infrastructure, leading to inefficient water and sewage management.
- Urban planning became dominated by real estate development interests, resulting in the disappearance of water bodies, disrupted stormwater flows, and poor drainage systems.
- Continued inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene contribute to significant public health problems, including high disease burden and mortality rates.

Way Forward:

Comprehensive Approach: Shift from a project-oriented to an extensive urban planning approach that includes all aspects of infrastructure development.
- Ensure active participation of city governments and local bodies in planning and implementation to reflect local needs and conditions.
- Strengthen the role of local elected representatives in decision-making processes to ensure accountability and community involvement.
Nature-Based Solutions: Incorporate sustainable urban planning, including preserving and restoring water bodies and green spaces.
- Integrate climate and rainfall pattern considerations into water and sewage management to enhance efficiency and resilience.
- Prioritize water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure improvements to reduce disease burden and improve public health outcomes.

Conclusion: The need to take a balanced approach combining holistic urban planning, enhanced city participation, empowerment of local bodies, nature-based solutions, climate-responsive strategies, and a strong public health focus is essential for sustainable urban development.

Mains PYQ:

Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

Q What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)

Q With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.” (UPSC IAS/2016)

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Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

Why in the News?

As per Nature Index” India’s scientific prowess is rising but lacks essential research infrastructure. Initiatives like I-STEM aim to bridge this gap by democratizing access to advanced facilities.

The Indian Science Ecosystem:

Growth in Research: India ranks third globally in research output and eleventh in research quality according to the “Nature Index”.
Infrastructure Shortfalls: Despite an increase in the number of universities from 760 in 2014 to 1,113 in 2021, many lack essential resources such as advanced labs, instrumental access, and research literature.

Why is the Open Access Crucial for Self-Reliance in Science?

Open Access (OA) ensures that scientific knowledge is freely available to all, regardless of geographical or financial barriers.
It promotes inclusivity and allows researchers from diverse backgrounds to access the latest research findings, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Initiatives to Address Gaps:

I-STEM: Catalogues all publicly funded research facilities nationwide and makes them available to researchers based on need.
One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS): Proposes a centralized model of subscription to scientific journals to make them universally available to all publicly funded institutions, addressing the high cost of accessing commercial journals.

What is the Optimal Solution?

The optimal solution lies in prioritizing Open Access (OA) initiatives. With a global shift towards OA and increasing mandates from major funding bodies, India should leverage this trend to reduce dependency on costly subscriptions and ensure widespread access to scientific literature.
- Major funding bodies and countries are pushing for OA, with the U.S. mandating immediate open accessibility of publicly funded research by 2025.
Challenges with ONOS: The high cost and oligopolistic academic publishing market make negotiation difficult. OA reduces the necessity of a costly unified subscription. ONOS does not ensure long-term access or global accessibility of Indian research.
The Green Open Access: Green Open Access allows authors to deposit a version of their work in a university repository, making it freely accessible globally. Ensures long-term preservation and accessibility of research funded by taxpayer money.

Limitations:

Indian funding agencies have mandated green OA, but it has not been enforced effectively.
Recent issues should catalyze a stronger push for green OA.

Conclusion: India should enhance its journal system, avoiding payment burdens on authors or readers. Utilise digital technology capabilities to create and share low-cost, high-quality scientific publishing infrastructure for the global south.

Mains PYQ:

Q India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open-source licensing. (UPSC IAS/2015)

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Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

What is Golden Rice?

Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

Why in the News?

The Court of Appeals in the Philippines revoked biosafety permits for GM Golden Rice and BT eggplant, citing safety violations and ordering a halt until issues are resolved.

Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant in the Philippines

What is Golden Rice?

Golden Rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) developed through genetic engineering to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice.
This modification aims to address vitamin A deficiency, particularly in areas where it’s prevalent.

The Philippines approved its commercial production in 2021.
The Philippines became the first country to officially issue a biosafety permit for commercially propagating golden rice in July 2021.

Bt Eggplant: Developed by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Bt eggplant is engineered to resist pests, aiming to enhance farmer productivity and reduce environmental impact.

Development of Golden Rice:

Research for golden rice began as a Rockefeller Foundation initiative in 1982.
Peter Bramley discovered in the 1990s that a single phytoene desaturase gene (bacterial CrtI) could be used to produce lycopene from phytoene in genetically modified tomato.
Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg published the scientific details of golden rice in 2000 after an eight-year project.

Genetics:

Golden rice incorporates Psy and CrtI genes from daffodils and a soil bacterium into the rice genome to enhance beta-carotene production in the endosperm.

Field Trials and Approvals:

The first field trials of golden rice cultivars were conducted by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in 2004.
Additional trials were conducted in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
In 2018, Canada and the United States approved golden rice as safe for consumption.
In 2019, the Philippines approved golden rice for use as human food, animal feed, or for processing.

In the context of India

Currently, there is no cultivation or commercialization of Golden Rice in India. Growing and selling GM brinjal remains banned in India.
Recently, the Supreme Court has also intervened on the issue of stubble burning and paddy cultivation in India esp, Punjab and Haryana states.
- India has approved commercial cultivation of only one GM crop, Bt cotton. No GM food crop has ever been approved for commercial cultivation in the country.
- We can have some lessons from the Philippines.

Controversy over its Use

Legal challenges emerged in the Philippines in 2023 and 2024, leading to a halt in commercial propagation.
Critics have raised concerns about its safety, environmental impact, and efficacy compared to other interventions like supplements and dietary diversification.
Greenpeace opposes the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture and opposes the cultivation of golden rice.
Vandana Shiva, an Indian anti-GMO activist, has argued against golden rice, citing potential issues with loss of biodiversity and availability of diverse and nutritionally adequate food.

Golden Rice 2:

In 2005, researchers at Syngenta developed Golden Rice 2, which contains the phytoene synthase (psy) gene from maise combined with the crtl gene from the original golden rice.
Golden Rice 2 produces significantly higher levels of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, compared to the original golden rice.

PYQ:

[2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest resistance to a wide variety of pests.
GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridisation.
GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

[2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

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