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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    1.5 degree Celsius Threshold: Is Climate Change real?

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    climate change

    Introduction

    • The year 2023 witnessed alarming signs of climate change, from record-breaking summer temperatures to shrinking Antarctic sea ice and extreme weather events across the globe.
    • Despite the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change, there remains confusion and misinformation on this critical issue.

    Is the Earth Becoming Warmer?

    • Temperature Measurement: Temperature measurements since the late 1880s show global warming trends. Satellite data confirms an increase of at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880.
    • Indirect Verification: Analyzing natural indicators like tree rings and ice cores. Observing effects such as warming oceans, shrinking ice cover, and rising sea levels. Multiple monitoring systems enhance confidence in global-scale warming.
    • Acceleration of Warming: Recent decades witness unprecedented rapid warming. The majority of warming observed since 1975. 2022 marked the 46th consecutive year of temperatures above the 20th-century average.

    Role of Human Activities

    • Natural Factors: Throughout Earth’s history, natural factors like solar variations and volcanic activity influenced climate.
    • Current Acceleration: However, natural factors exert too little influence and operate too slowly to account for recent rapid warming, as acknowledged by NASA.
    • Greenhouse Gases: The primary driver of global warming is the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and water vapor.
    • Human Influence: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have released substantial greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
    • Unprecedented Change: Changes that would typically occur over hundreds of thousands of years are now happening within decades.

    Overwhelming Evidence

    • Scientific Consensus: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has stated that “human influence on the climate system is clear and growing.”
    • Unprecedented Warmth: 2022 marked the 46th consecutive year with global temperatures exceeding the 20th-century average, with the last nine years ranking among the warmest.

    1.5 Degree Celsius Threshold

    • Paris Agreement: 195 countries pledge to limit warming to “well below 2 degrees Celsius” and aim to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
    • Baseline Year: Pre-industrial levels based on measurements from 1850 to 1900, providing a reliable historical reference.
    • Reason for 1.5 Degrees: Scientific consensus: 1.5 degrees is a defense line against severe climate impacts. It avoids extreme and irreversible consequences associated with 2 degrees warming.
    • Continuous Improvement: Lowering the target reduces climate risks further. Science supports aiming for the lowest possible temperature increase.

    Consequences of Breaching the Threshold

    • Increased Extreme Weather: More frequent and intense heavy precipitation. Elevated drought intensity and frequency in some regions.
    • Warmer Oceans: Higher number of strong hurricanes with rapid strengthening.
    • Intensified Wildfires: Longer-lasting and more intense wildfires.
    • Rapid Sea Ice Melt: Accelerated sea-level rise.
    • Emerging Consequences: Many of these impacts are already underway. Breaching the threshold exacerbates these effects.

    How Close Are We to Breaching the Threshold?

    • WMO Warning: World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warns of a 66% chance of crossing the 1.5-degree limit between 2023 and 2027.
    • Hottest Year: 2023 declared the hottest year on record, 1.48 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels.
    • Daily Fluctuations: Daily temperatures occasionally exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, but long-term trends are the focus.

    Conclusion

    • The evidence of climate change and global warming is undeniable.
    • Human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases, are driving these changes at an unprecedented rate.
    • Understanding the science behind climate change is crucial in addressing this real global crisis.

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  • NGOs vs. GoI: The Conflicts and Scrutinies

    Why was FCRA registration for several NGOs cancelled?

    ExplainedPrelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: NGO, SHG & Civil Society

    Introduction

    • In recent developments, the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010 (FCRA) registration of two prominent non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and World Vision India (WVI), has been cancelled.

    FCRA: Regulating Foreign Donations

    • Objective: FCRA regulates foreign donations to ensure they do not adversely affect India’s internal security.
    • Compulsory Registration: Any association, group, or NGO intending to receive foreign donations must register under FCRA.
    • Amendments: The FCRA was first enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010, with further changes in 2020.

    Registration and Renewal

    • Initial Registration: NGOs initially register under FCRA for five years, with the possibility of renewal if they adhere to the specified norms.
    • Scope of Usage: Registered groups can receive foreign contributions for various programs, including social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural.

    Cancellations and Renewals

    • Cancellations: Since 2015, over 16,000 NGOs have had their FCRA registrations cancelled due to violations.
    • Active NGOs: As of January 22, 16,989 FCRA-registered NGOs were active in India.
    • Expired Registrations: Nearly 6,000 NGOs’ FCRA registrations ceased from January 1, 2022, either due to the MHA’s refusal to renew or NGOs not applying for renewal.

    Significance and Controversies

    • Risk of Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing: The MHA’s 2012 report highlighted the vulnerability of the NGO sector to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.
    • Record Number of Registrations: In 2023, 1,111 associations received fresh FCRA registrations.
    • Reasons for Rejection: Out of 1,615 applications received for FCRA registration in 2021 and 2022, 722 were granted clearance, while 225 were rejected.
    • Foreign Contribution Amount: In 2019-2022, a total of 13,520 associations received ₹55,741.51 crore in foreign contributions.

    Reasons for Cancellation: CPR and WVI

    • CPR Allegations: The MHA accused CPR of diverting foreign donations to fund protests and legal battles against developmental projects, affecting India’s economic interests. CPR’s publication of current affairs programs using foreign funds was deemed a violation.
    • CPR’s Response: CPR deemed the ministry’s decision incomprehensible and disproportionate, challenging the reasoning behind equating policy reports on their website with current affairs programming.
    • WVI’s Allegations: WVI had its FCRA registration cancelled for alleged violations from 2012-13 to 2020-21. WVI received the highest amount of foreign donations among all NGOs registered under the Act in 1986.

    FCRA Amendments: Recent Changes

    The FCRA underwent significant amendments in 2020, introducing several restrictions:

    • Fund Transfer Prohibition: Section 7 of the Act prohibits the transfer of foreign funds received by an organization to any other individual or association.
    • Designated Bank Account: Recipients must open an FCRA bank account in a designated SBI branch in New Delhi, mandating that all foreign funds be received in this account.
    • Shared Information: The designated bank informs authorities about foreign remittances with source and receipt details.
    • Aadhaar Requirement: The Government can collect Aadhaar numbers of key functionaries of organizations applying for FCRA registration.
    • Cap on Administrative Expenditure: The portion of funds allowed as administrative expenditure was reduced from 50% to 20%.

    Criticisms and Government’s Perspective

    • Arbitrary Restrictions: NGOs criticize the prohibition on fund transfer as arbitrary and restrictive.
    • Non-Sharing of Funds: This prohibition hinders the sharing of aid received as material, impacting collaborative efforts.
    • Inconvenient Designated Bank: The requirement for a Delhi-based bank account is inconvenient for NGOs operating elsewhere.
    • Government’s Justification: The government maintains that these amendments are necessary to prevent foreign state and non-state interference in India’s internal affairs and to curb malpractices in fund utilization.

    Conclusion

    • The FCRA plays a crucial role in regulating foreign donations to NGOs in India.
    • The recent cancellations of CPR and WVI registrations, coupled with the amendments, highlight the complex and evolving landscape of foreign contributions and their impact on Indian NGOs.
    • Understanding these developments is essential for comprehending the dynamics of funding, regulation, and accountability in the non-profit sector.

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  • Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

    Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana: India’s Solar Revolution

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    solar

    Introduction

    • PM Modi announced the launch of the ‘Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana,’ a government initiative aimed at providing rooftop solar power systems to one crore households in India.
    • This ambitious scheme builds upon previous efforts to promote rooftop solar installations in the country, addressing the growing demand for clean and sustainable energy sources.

    About Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

    • Rooftop Solar Installations: The scheme focuses on the installation of solar power systems on 1 crore residential rooftops.
    • Reduced Electricity Bills: It aims to reduce electricity bills for households, especially benefitting the “poor and middle class.”
    • Energy Self-Reliance: The scheme aligns with India’s goal of achieving self-reliance in the energy sector.

    India’s Current Solar Capacity

    • Total Solar Capacity: As of December 2023, India boasts a total solar power installed capacity of approximately 73.31 GW.
    • Rooftop Solar Capacity: The rooftop solar capacity stands at around 11.08 GW, emphasizing the need for expansion.
    • Leading States: Rajasthan leads in total solar capacity with 18.7 GW, while Gujarat tops the list in rooftop solar capacity with 2.8 GW.

    Importance of Expanding Solar Energy

    • Growing Energy Demand: India is projected to experience substantial energy demand growth over the next 30 years, requiring a reliable energy source.
    • Diversifying Energy Mix: To meet this demand and reduce dependency on coal, India aims to reach 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
    • Solar Power Growth: India has significantly increased its solar power capacity, from less than 10 MW in 2010 to 70.10 GW in 2023.

    Existing schemes: Rooftop Solar Programme

    • Launched in 2014: The programme seeks to boost rooftop solar installations in the residential sector.
    • Financial Assistance: It offers Central Financial Assistance and incentives to distribution companies (DISCOMs).
    • Capacity Target: The programme aims to achieve 40 GW of rooftop solar capacity by March 2026, having already grown from 1.8 GW in March 2019 to 10.4 GW by November 2023.
    • Consumer Benefits: Consumers can access the scheme through DISCOM tendered projects or the National Portal. They have the flexibility to select vendors and solar equipment. Subsidies are directly transferred to their bank accounts, and surplus solar power can be exported to the grid, offering monetary benefits.

    Conclusion

    • The news scheme signifies India’s commitment to harnessing solar power as a clean and sustainable energy source for its growing population.
    • With a focus on residential rooftop installations, this scheme aims to reduce electricity bills for millions of households while contributing to India’s energy self-reliance goals.

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  • Coal and Mining Sector

    Fired up and plugged in

    op-ed snap | International Relations | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Unlocking the co-benefits of decarbonising India's power sector | TERI

    Central Idea:

    India aims to balance economic growth and environmental concerns as it strives to become the fastest-growing economy, focusing on decarbonizing the power sector, ensuring development, and securing energy needs. Coal remains crucial, but strategies involve managing existing assets, enhancing coal fleet flexibility, incentivizing energy storage, and promoting domestic manufacturing of renewable energy technologies.

    Key Highlights:

    • India is actively involved in climate action, reducing fossil fuel subsidies, and planning a threefold increase in renewable power capacity by 2030.
    • Coal, despite being essential, is slated to persist until India attains developed country status.
    • Strategies include better managing thermal plant outages, increasing coal fleet flexibility, incentivizing energy storage, and promoting domestic clean energy manufacturing.

    Key Challenges:

    • Balancing economic growth with the imperative to phase down unabated coal.
    • Uncertainty in predicting India’s coal reliance due to rising electricity demand.
    • Adapting existing coal plants for flexibility in integrating renewable energy.
    • Compensating entities for energy storage services and boosting domestic value and job creation in clean energy.

    Key Terms:

    • COP-28: The 28th Conference of the Parties, relevant to global climate change negotiations.
    • Unabated Coal: Coal burning without a reduction in carbon emissions.
    • Renewable Power Generation: Electricity from sustainable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower.
    • Atmanirbhar: A Hindi term signifying self-reliance, commonly used in promoting domestic manufacturing.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Decarbonizing the power sector while ensuring economic development and energy security.”
    • “Reducing overall fossil fuel subsidies” and “tripling installed renewable power generation capacity by 2030.”
    • “Managing thermal plant outages during peak demand periods.”
    • “Increasing the flexibility of the existing coal fleet to integrate more renewable energy into the grid.”
    • “Indigenizing supply chains for battery storage and renewable energy technologies.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “India has reduced overall fossil fuel subsidies by 76% between FY14 and FY22.”
    • “Coal will remain a vital energy source until India reaches the status of a developed country.”
    • “Entities deploying batteries must be compensated for the value they bring to grid operation.”
    • “Boosting domestic value and job creation in clean energy will mitigate concerns associated with disruptions in the global supply chain.”

    Key Statements:

    • “To keep the economy powered while decarbonizing, India must use existing assets better and invest in energy storage capabilities.”
    • “Improving availability and utilization of existing plants can mitigate the need for investments in new thermal assets.”
    • “Indigenizing supply chains for clean energy will support exports and domestic value additions, mitigating concerns of global supply chain disruptions.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • “In 2023, coal-based power plants in India witnessed unplanned outages during peak demand days.”
    • “The PLI scheme committed funds to solar manufacturing, supporting domestic value additions.”

    Key Facts and Data:

    • “India reduced overall fossil fuel subsidies by 76% between FY14 and FY22.”
    • “India produced coal worth substantial amounts in FY22, providing significant revenues to the government.”
    • “The PLI scheme committed funds to solar manufacturing, supporting potential domestic value addition.”

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article underscores the tension between economic growth and environmental concerns in India’s energy strategy.
    • Emphasizing strategies for managing existing assets and enhancing coal fleet flexibility reflects a pragmatic approach to the transition to renewables.
    • Highlighting the importance of incentivizing energy storage services and promoting domestic manufacturing underscores the need for a comprehensive and sustainable energy policy.

    Way Forward:

    • Prioritize transparent assessments of long-term opportunity costs of conventional power sources.
    • Focus on affordable electricity for all segments of the economy.
    • Build on the success of the PLI scheme to further indigenize supply chains for clean energy.
    • Implement policies encouraging flexibility in the coal fleet and compensating entities for energy storage services.
    • Continue investing in renewable energy and storage technologies to align with global decarbonization commitments while ensuring energy security.

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  • One Nation, One Election: Prospects and Challenges

    The idea of one nation, one election is against federalism

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People’s Act

    One Nation, One Election': Panel gets thousands of responses on simultaneous polls | India News - The Indian Express

    Central Idea:

    The article discusses the formation and potential implications of the ‘High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election’ set up by the Union Government in September 2023. It delves into the reasons for and against the concept, focusing on the financial aspects and governance downtime. The author raises legal concerns, particularly regarding the constitutional autonomy of states, linguistic bias in consultations, and the role of the Election Commission. The looming possibility of a constitutional showdown in the Supreme Court is emphasized, drawing parallels with the U.S. case of Baker v. Carr.

    Key Highlights:

    • Formation of the ‘High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election’ chaired by former President Ramnath Kovind.
    • Reasons supporting the concept include reducing election expenses and minimizing governance downtime caused by the Model Code of Conduct.
    • Opposition argues that democratic processes, including elections and the Model Code of Conduct, are essential for a functioning democracy.
    • Legal concerns raised, citing potential violation of state autonomy and constitutional provisions, particularly as stated in the S.R. Bommai case.
    • The linguistic bias in consultations, with the committee’s website available only in English and Hindi, is highlighted.
    • The Election Commission’s seemingly passive role and lack of involvement in the process are questioned.

    Key Challenges:

    • Constitutional and legal concerns regarding the potential alteration of the duration of State Legislative Assemblies.
    • Linguistic bias in consultations, limiting the inclusivity of the decision-making process.
    • Potential compromise of the Election Commission’s independence and autonomy.
    • Balancing financial considerations with the fundamental principles of democracy.
    • The challenge of ensuring a fair and unbiased decision-making process amid political interests.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • One Nation, One Election
    • High Level Committee
    • Model Code of Conduct
    • S.R. Bommai case
    • Constitutional autonomy
    • Governance downtime
    • Baker v. Carr moment
    • Linguistic bias
    • Election Commission
    • Constitutional showdown

    Key Quotes:

    • “The cost of holding free and fair elections… is a price that can never be high.”
    • “The introduction of a common election process would necessarily require alteration of the existing duration of a number of State Legislatures.”
    • “Similar to demonetisation, when the Reserve Bank of India was kept in the dark, the Election Commission seems to be a silent spectator.”

    Key Statements:

    • “The Supreme Court would be called upon to determine the ultimate fate of Indian democracy.”
    • “The potential alteration of the duration of State Legislatures would be anti-federal and unconstitutional.”
    • “The stage is set for a constitutional showdown in the not-too-distant future.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Baker v. Carr case in the U.S. as a reference for the potential role of the Supreme Court in a constitutional showdown.
    • Comparison with demonetization to highlight concerns about the Election Commission’s apparent lack of involvement.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • The estimated cost of the 2014 general elections was ₹3,870 crore.
    • The High Level Committee’s website is available only in English and Hindi.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article critically examines the potential consequences of One Nation, One Election, questioning its feasibility and highlighting legal and constitutional concerns. It underscores the importance of democratic processes and the need for the Supreme Court to play a pivotal role in preserving India’s constitutional architecture.

    Way Forward:

    • Ensure comprehensive and inclusive consultations in multiple languages to address linguistic bias.
    • Strengthen the autonomy of the Election Commission and ensure its active participation in decision-making processes.
    • Balance financial considerations with the preservation of democratic principles.
    • Address legal concerns, particularly those related to state autonomy and constitutional provisions.
    • Encourage public discourse to raise awareness and engage citizens in the decision-making process.

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  • Tax Reforms

    Tax contribution by States needs to be revisited

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

     

    16th Finance Commission - INSIGHTSIAS

     

    Central Idea:

    The article advocates for the inclusion of tax contribution, particularly from Goods and Services Tax (GST) and petroleum consumption, as a significant efficiency indicator in the distribution formula used by Finance Commissions to allocate Union tax revenue among states. The authors argue that these measures provide a fair and stable representation of a state’s economic contribution to the national exchequer.

    Key Highlights:

    • Finance Commissions play a crucial role in recommending the distribution of Union tax revenues among states.
    • Historically, tax contribution had less weight in the distribution formula, but it was completely dropped since the 10th Finance Commission.
    • The article contends that tax contribution, especially under the GST regime, is a reliable measure of efficiency, unlike other indicators like tax effort and fiscal discipline.
    • The authors propose that GST and petroleum consumption, being stable and indicative of income, should be given a substantial weight in the distribution formula.

    Key Challenges:

    • Resistance from states that may perceive a potential shift in their shares based on tax contribution.
    • The stability of indicators like tax effort and fiscal discipline is questioned, making it challenging to assign them higher weights.
    • The need to ensure that the inclusion of tax contribution does not lead to unfair outcomes or discourage states from adopting progressive tax policies.

    Key Terms:

    • Goods and Services Tax (GST): A unified consumption-based destination tax equally divided between the State and Central governments.
    • Tax Contribution: The amount of revenue generated by a state through taxes, considered as an efficiency indicator.
    • Finance Commission: A body responsible for recommending the distribution of Union tax revenues among states in India.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Equity and efficiency in tax revenue transfers.”
    • “Tax contribution as an efficiency indicator.”
    • “GST and petroleum consumption as fair measures of states’ contributions to the national exchequer.”

    Key Quotes:

    • “Tax contribution is an efficiency indicator because a State’s level of development and economic structure decides its tax contribution.”
    • “GST satisfies the criterion of stability in tax structure, making it an ideal efficiency indicator.”
    • “There is a persuasive case for the 16th Finance Commission to debate and include these ratios as a measure of efficiency.”

    Key Statements:

    • “Since the 10th Finance Commission, tax contribution was dropped from the distribution formula.”
    • “GST is a consumption-based destination tax that is equally divided between the State and Central governments.”
    • “The Finance Commissions have always favored assigning more than 75% weight to equity indicators.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • The article references the 15th Finance Commission’s distribution formula, which included tax effort, fiscal discipline, and demographic performance.
    • The stability of GST as an efficiency indicator is supported by calculations presented by the authors.

    Key Facts:

    • The share of personal and corporate income taxes is 64% in Central tax revenue in 2021-22.
    • Finance Commissions historically assigned 10% to 20% weight to tax contribution in the distribution formula.

    Key Data:

    • The weightage of tax effort in the 15th Finance Commission’s distribution formula was 2.5%, with demographic performance receiving a weight of 12.5%.
    • The recommended weight for equity indicators in the same formula was 85%.

    Critical Analysis:

    The article provides a compelling argument for the inclusion of tax contribution in the distribution formula, highlighting the stability and fairness of GST as an efficiency indicator. However, potential challenges such as resistance from states and the need for careful consideration to prevent unintended consequences are acknowledged.

    Way Forward:

    The authors suggest that the 16th Finance Commission should actively debate and consider including GST and petroleum consumption with a substantial weight in the distribution formula. This, they argue, would better represent states’ contributions to the national exchequer and promote efficiency in resource allocation.

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  • Languages and Eighth Schedule

    Madhika: A Perishing Language with just 2 Speakers

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Introduction

    • In the remote colony of Kookanam, Kerala, the Chakaliya community faces a sobering reality—their unique language, Madhika, teeters on the brink of extinction.
    • With no script to preserve it, Madhika is struggling for survival, and the last two speakers.

    About Madhika Language

    • A Linguistic Blend: Madhika may sound reminiscent of Kannada, but its influences run deeper, encompassing Telugu, Tulu, Kannada, and Malayalam.
    • Endangered Heritage: The younger generation, drawn to mainstream languages like Malayalam, shows little interest in preserving Madhika, leading to its decline.

    Chakaliya Community’s History

    • Nomadic Origins: The Chakaliya community was once nomadic and worshippers of Thiruvenkatramana and Mariamma.
    • Migration to Kerala: Centuries ago, they migrated from the hilly regions of Karnataka to northern Malabar in Kerala.
    • Change in Status: Initially recognized as Scheduled Tribe, they were later included in the Scheduled Caste category in Kerala.
    • Historical References: References to the Chakaliya community can be found in the book “Caste and Tribes of Southern India.”

    Social Stigma and Its Impact

    • Untouchability and Dehumanization: The Chakaliya community faced social stigma, including untouchability and exclusion from important feasts and ceremonies.
    • Modern Disassociation: Many young and educated members of the community seek to disassociate themselves from the past, preferring to speak Malayalam over Madhika.

    Also read about:

    [pib] Scheme for Protection and Preservation of Endangered Languages of India (SPPEL)

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

    Re-evaluating the Use of Mosquitofish in India

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Mosquitofish

    Introduction

    • In recent months, several regions in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab, have resorted to releasing mosquitofish into local water bodies as a means to combat mosquito-borne diseases.
    • While this approach aims to address a pressing public health concern, it brings to light ecological challenges associated with the introduction of mosquitofish.

    Understanding Mosquitofish

    • Biological Control of Mosquitoes: Mosquitofish, particularly Gambusia affinis and Gambusia holbrooki, were introduced in freshwater ecosystems in the 1960s as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for mosquito control.
    • Widespread Distribution: Originally native to the U.S., these fish have become global inhabitants due to their adaptability and tolerance to environmental fluctuations.
    • Unintended Consequences: Despite good intentions, the proliferation of mosquitofish has led to detrimental ecological and environmental effects.

    Historical Use in India

    • Early Introduction: Gambusia was first introduced in India in 1928 during British rule as a measure to combat malaria.
    • Government and Non-Governmental Involvement: Various governmental organizations, such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), as well as local municipal corporations and health departments, were entrusted with introducing mosquitofish.
    • Widespread Distribution: Gambusia species are now established in multiple habitats across India.

    Ecological Impact

    • Invasive Alien Species: Mosquitofish are among the hundred most detrimental invasive alien species worldwide, leading to the displacement and extinction of native fauna.
    • Threat to Biodiversity: They exhibit voracious feeding habits and aggressive behavior, posing a threat to native fish, amphibians, and freshwater communities.
    • Global Examples: Studies in Australia, New Zealand, and India have shown the harmful consequences of Gambusia presence, including the decline of endemic species and predation on native fish and frogs.

    Sustainable Alternatives

    • WHO Recommendations: The World Health Organization stopped recommending Gambusia as a mosquito control agent in 1982.
    • Government Recognition: In 2018, the National Biodiversity Authority of the Government of India designated G. affinis and G. holbrooki as invasive alien species.
    • Local Solutions: Collaborative efforts between mosquito biologists, entomologists, invasion ecologists, and fish taxonomists can identify native fish species capable of mosquito control.
    • River Basin Approach: Authorities can compile lists of native fish species in each river basin that are effective in controlling mosquito larvae, offering an eco-friendly alternative to invasive species.

    Conclusion

    • The introduction of mosquitofish in India, once intended to combat mosquito-borne diseases, has led to ecological challenges and the disruption of native ecosystems.
    • To mitigate the adverse effects and protect indigenous aquatic biodiversity, it is essential to discontinue the use of Gambusia and instead explore sustainable alternatives rooted in local solutions.
    • By adopting a river basin approach and collaborating across disciplines, India can strike a balance between mosquito control and environmental preservation.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Ingenuity: NASA’s Pioneering Mars Helicopter

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

    Ingenuity

    Introduction

    • NASA’s Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, recently regained contact with Earth after a brief communication lapse during its 72nd flight on the Red Planet.
    • This remarkable solar-powered robotic chopper has accomplished groundbreaking feats in extraterrestrial aviation, making history with its powered, controlled flight on Mars.

    About Ingenuity 

    • Inaugural Flight: Ingenuity landed on Mars on February 18, 2021, alongside the Perseverance Rover. On April 19 of the same year, it achieved the first powered extraterrestrial flight in human history.
    • Launch and Deployment: NASA launched a spacecraft on July 30, 2020, carrying the Perseverance rover with Ingenuity attached. The helicopter was deployed on the Martian surface on April 4, 2021, after reaching a suitable “airfield” location.
    • Experimental Purpose: Ingenuity’s primary mission was experimental, aiming to test powered, controlled flight on another celestial body.
    • Historic Flight: During its maiden flight, Ingenuity hovered, covered the same spot, and remained airborne for an impressive 39.1 seconds, establishing a historic milestone.

    Challenges and Impressive Records

    • Vast Distances: Despite the relatively short flight duration, Mars’ distance of over 225 million kilometres from Earth results in signal delays of 5 to 20 minutes.
    • Harsh Martian Conditions: Ingenuity must endure Mars’ challenging conditions, including low atmospheric density, “continent-sized” dust storms, and various hazards.

    Significance of Mars Flight

    • Historical Milestone: On April 19, 2021, Ingenuity’s inaugural flight marked two significant achievements. Firstly, it was the first aircraft to fly on another planet. Secondly, it operated in Mars’ thin atmosphere, unsuitable for conventional flight.
    • Challenges of Martian Flight: Ingenuity’s flight on Mars was challenging due to the planet’s lower gravity, one-third that of Earth’s, and its extremely thin atmosphere with just 1% of Earth’s surface pressure.
    • Autonomous Operation: Ingenuity is an autonomous aircraft, piloted by onboard guidance, navigation, and control systems, running algorithms developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Perseverance serves as a crucial link between the chopper and Earth.

    Evolving Mission Role

    • Scouting and Exploration: Initially designed for a limited number of flights, Ingenuity’s role evolved as scientists began to use it for scouting. It aided Perseverance in exploring Martian terrain efficiently, avoiding unexceptional rocks and enhancing mission productivity.
    • Impressive Flight Record: Before the recent communication lapse, Ingenuity completed 72 flights, accumulating more than 128 minutes of flight time and covering a total distance of 17.7 kilometers, as recorded in the mission’s flight log.

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  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    What are Labour Rules for Workers abroad?

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

    Introduction

    • The governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), have initiated the recruitment of around 10,000 workers for employment in Israel, primarily for construction roles.
    • These workers are being recruited to address employment challenges and offer an opportunity for overseas employment.

    Labour Laws: International Practices

    • ILO Conventions: International labor standards are governed by conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
    • India’s Non-Ratification: India has not ratified these conventions, while Israel ratified the Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949, in 1953.
    • Action against Misleading Propaganda: The 1949 convention calls for action against misleading propaganda related to emigration and immigration.

    Emigration Rules

    • Registration Requirement: Workers going to conflict zones or regions lacking sufficient labor protections are required to register on the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘e-migrate’ portal.
    • Exclusion of Israel: However, Israel is not on the list of countries covered by this requirement, despite ongoing violence in certain areas.

    Opposition and Legal Concerns

    • Conflict Zone Concerns: Central trade unions argue that sending workers to a region of conflict goes against the principles of bringing back citizens from such zones.
    • Political Motivation: They assert that the government’s move is politically motivated and aimed at pleasing Israel.
    • Service Charges: Trade unions highlight that the Emigration Act prohibits the collection of service charges exceeding ₹30,000 from workers.
    • High Recruitment Costs: In the case of recruitment for Israel, workers are required to pay a significant fee to the NSDC, as well as cover other expenses, adding up to nearly ₹1 lakh.
    • Violating Emigration Act: This paid recruitment in a conflict zone facilitated by governments is seen as a violation of the Emigration Act, 1983.

    Way Forward

    • ILO’s Outlook: The ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 report highlights rising global unemployment rates in 2024.
    • Migration Policy: Countries are urged to design sensible migration policies and skill development initiatives to support and develop local labor markets.
    • Education and Training: Strengthened education and training systems are also recommended in countries with growing labor resources.

    Conclusion

    • The recruitment of workers for employment in Israel has sparked legal concerns and opposition from trade unions.
    • These concerns center on the Emigration Rules, paid recruitment in a conflict zone, and the need for strengthened labor protections.
    • International labor standards and the demographic transition of countries with excess labor resources are important considerations in the context of overseas employment.

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