💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (April Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Archives: News

  • Electric and Hybrid Cars – FAME, National Electric Mobility Mission, etc.

    Fleet electrification to tackle urban pollution

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

    Adani to deploy 400 BYD Electric Trucks at 4 Indian ports - India Shipping News

    Central idea

    The central idea revolves around the urgent need to address worsening air quality in Indian cities, focusing on the critical role of transitioning to electric trucks to mitigate PM2.5 pollution. Despite challenges like upfront costs, the article emphasizes the imperative of swift action, proposes green freight corridors as a demonstration, and calls for a concerted effort involving public and private sectors to accelerate the transition and ensure a healthier urban environment.

    Key Highlights:

    • Air Quality Crisis: Rising air pollution in Indian cities necessitates prioritizing mitigation strategies, focusing on PM2.5 and PM10 pollution from the transport and construction sector.
    • Truck Fleet Expansion: The significant increase in the truck fleet poses a threat to air quality, and the transition to electric trucks is crucial for sustainability and energy security.

    Challenges:

    • Air Pollution Impact: The annual addition of 9 lakh new trucks to Indian roads contributes to air pollution, consuming a substantial portion of oil imports and contributing to over 90% of road transport CO2 emissions.
    • Obstacles to Electric Adoption: Upfront costs and charging infrastructure constraints pose challenges to the adoption of electric trucks, despite the success in electrifying rail freight and buses.

    Key Phrases:

    • Urgent Deployment: Urgent deployment of solutions is paramount in addressing the air quality crisis.
    • Targeted Mitigation: Diesel trucks and dust mitigation are identified as significant PM sources requiring immediate attention.
    • Corridor Demonstration: Green freight corridors are proposed as a demonstration effect to accelerate the transition to electric trucks.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Swift Action Call: The need for swift action is emphasized, with a call to accelerate the pace of transition to electric trucks.
    • Financial Implications: Public funding alone is insufficient, and the importance of attracting private and institutional capital is highlighted.
    • Decarbonization Priority: Despite the success in electrifying three-wheelers, truck electrification is recognized as a pivotal step in transport sector decarbonization.

    Key Examples and References:

    • E-truck Demand: The demand for 7,750 e-trucks in India by 2030 is cited as a potential measure to save over 800 billion liters of diesel till 2050.
    • Cost Disparity: The upfront cost disparity between mid-range electric trucks and diesel trucks is identified as a major hurdle.

    Key Data:

    • Electric Penetration Rate: India’s electric vehicle penetration rate has crossed 6%, but electric trucks remain a challenge.
    • Fleet Projection: The Indian truck fleet is projected to reach 1.7 crore in 2050, emphasizing the urgency of transitioning to electric trucks.

    Key Facts:

    • Corridor Proposal: Electrifying expressways and national highways as green freight corridors is proposed for demonstration and impact.
    • Financial Innovation: Innovative financial instruments and a conducive regulatory environment are deemed essential for the breakthrough in truck electrification.

    Way Forward:

    • Concerted Efforts: Urges the need for concerted efforts, including feasibility studies, demand aggregation, and a conducive regulatory environment, to create green freight corridors.
    • Recognition of Urgency: Stresses the importance of recognizing the urgency in addressing air quality issues and transitioning to electric trucks for a healthier urban environment.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • AYUSH – Indian Medicine System

    [pib] Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI)

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

    Central Idea

    • The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has introduced the “Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative” (AGNI) to promote research and innovation among Ayurveda practitioners.

    Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative

    • AGNI aims to document and validate Ayurvedic medical practices, enhance evidence-based practice culture, and facilitate scientific research in the field.
    • It provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to share their innovative practices, fostering an evidence-based culture.
    • It also supports research to validate pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific methods.

    Key functions

    • CCRAS will document and publish reported medical practices and therapeutic regimens for educational and academic purposes in consultation with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
    • AGNI provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to report their innovative practices and experiences across various disease conditions.
    • The initiative encourages the culture of evidence-based practice among Ayurveda practitioners, ensuring that their methods are grounded in scientific research.
    • AGNI seeks to identify interested Ayurveda practitioners willing to collaborate in creating a comprehensive database through applications.
    • Capacity building through research methods and good clinical practice training will also be offered.
    • AGNI will undertake research to mainstream pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific validation and evidence-based appraisal.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

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

    DSOC

    Central Idea

    • NASA’s DSOC experiment onboarded to Psyche spacecraft, recently demonstrated successful transmission of data over near-infrared laser signals to Earth.
    • This technology addresses the challenge of transmitting vast amounts of data over long distances from spacecraft, moving at high speeds in deep space.

    Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)

    • NASA’s DSOC experiment introduces near-infrared laser signals for spacecraft communication.
    • DSOC promises data rates at least 10 times faster than conventional radio communication systems, leading to enhanced data transfer rates, higher-resolution images, increased scientific data volume, and even real-time video streaming.
    • DSOC’s laser communication technology is comparable to how fiber optics revolutionized Earth-based telecommunications.

    Psyche Spacecraft and DSOC

    • The Psyche spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver, which will test high-bandwidth optical communication with Earth during its initial two years of travel to the asteroid belt.
    • DSOC’s successful “first light” milestone was reached when the transceiver locked onto a powerful laser beacon transmitted from NASA’s Table Mountain Facility in California.
    • Achieving high data rates relies on extremely precise pointing, which is akin to hitting a small target from a great distance while both are in motion.
    • This precision is necessary for the laser transceiver to track its target despite vibrations on the spacecraft.

    Key Components for Success

    • The spacecraft must isolate the transceiver from vibrations to maintain precision.
    • As Earth and the spacecraft change positions during data transmission, DSOC systems adjust to ensure accurate pointing.
    • New signal-processing techniques are essential to extract information from weak laser signals transmitted across vast distances in space.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Air Pollution

    How Satellite Data monitors Farm Fires in Northern India?

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Central Idea

    • Farm fires, particularly paddy crop residue fires, contribute to air pollution in northern India. To monitor and address this issue, satellite data is utilized.

    CREAMS Laboratory: Monitoring farm fires

    • Agency: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s (IARI) Consortium for Research on Agro-ecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) Laboratory is responsible for collecting and disseminating daily bulletins on paddy residue fires.
    • Coverage: Data covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.
    • Information Provided: The bulletin includes district-wise fire incident numbers, comparative data from previous years, location, satellite details, time, and fire intensity.

    Satellite Data Collection

    • Satellites: Three NASA satellites (VIIRS on Suomi NPP, MODIS on Terra and Aqua) capture data by recording land surface temperatures.
    • Coverage: These satellites pass over the Indian subcontinent twice daily, with varying times.
    • Resolution: VIIRS offers higher resolution, while MODIS has coarser resolution.
    • Data Use: Satellite data is used to differentiate farm fires from other types, such as forest fires or industrial fires.

    Monitoring Protocols

    • Standardization: In 2021, a standard protocol for monitoring farm fires using satellite data was established.
    • Data Comparison: Comparative data is available from 2020 onwards.
    • Punjab’s Data: The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre provides similar data specific to Punjab.

    Identifying Paddy Fires

    • Reflectance Signature: Paddy crop residue fires are distinguished based on the unique reflectance signature of paddy fields.
    • Land Surface Temperature: Active fires are identified based on land surface temperature deviations from surrounding areas.
    • Fire Intensity: Intensity, expressed as energy emitted per unit area per unit time, indicates the amount of residue burned.

    Bulletin Dissemination

    • Recipient Agencies: Bulletins are sent to central and state-level agencies, including the Commission for Air Quality Management, the Ministry of Agriculture, and state agriculture departments.
    • Action Measures: Authorities use the data to identify hotspots and plan measures, such as machinery availability, to address farm fires.
    • Targets: Some states, like Punjab and Haryana, set targets for reducing farm fire incidents based on satellite data.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Cyber Security – CERTs, Policy, etc

    CERT-In exempted from RTI Ambit

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Cyber Security

    Central Idea

    • The Centre has included the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005.
    • There are 26 other intelligence and security organisations established by the Central government such as the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, and National Technical Research Organisation that are exempt under RTI.

    About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)

    Details
    Nodal Agency Part of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
    Establishment Formed in 2004 under the Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B)
    Inter-agency Coordination Works with NCIIPC (under NTRO and PMO) and NDMA (under Ministry of Home Affairs)
    Functions Monitors cyber-attacks, issues security guidelines, liaises with national cybersecurity bodies
    Recent Activities Hosted ‘Synergy’ exercise in 2022 with international participation
    International Agreements MoUs with UK, Korea, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Uzbekistan; cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
    Notable Incidents Reported Android Jelly Bean flaw (2014), Chrome vulnerabilities (2020), WhatsApp vulnerability (2021); investigated AIIMS cyber-attack (2022)
    Cyberattack Statistics (2021) Faced 11.5 million cyberattack incidents including attacks on infrastructure and government

     

    Back2Basics: Right to Information (RTI) Act

    Enactment June 15, 2005
    Objective Promote transparency and accountability
    Applicability All public authorities at central, state, local levels
    Scope Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc.
    RTI Application Filed in writing with the concerned public authority
    Response Time Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues)
    Exemptions Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc.

    Judiciary
    Fees Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested
    First Appellate Authority Filed if dissatisfied with the response
    Second Appeal Filed with the relevant Information Commission
    Whistleblower Protection Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption
    Impact Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance

     

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    ibef

    Central Idea

    • Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the global community has struggled to secure adequate funding for biodiversity conservation.
    • However, on August 27, 2023, a significant step was taken as countries established the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF).

    GBFF: A New Hope for Biodiversity Funding

    • Inception: The GBFF was officially established on August 27, 2023, at the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.
    • KMGBF Integration: The GBFF’s primary objective is to support countries in achieving the 23 targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
    • Funding Needs: COP15 determined that at least $200 billion per year until 2030 is required to fund biodiversity protection programs worldwide.
    1990: GEF launched with ~US$1 billion; 46% funds for biodiversity.

    1996: GEF becomes financial mechanism for the Convention at COP3, Argentina.

    2002: GEF’s 3rd replenishment: $3 billion, 30% for biodiversity (2002-06).

    2010: COP10 in Japan sets Aichi targets; 5th GEF replenishment: $4.34 billion, $1.15 billion for biodiversity.

    2014: GEF’s 6th cycle: $4.43 billion, 6.3% for biodiversity.

    2019: IPBES report shows 1 million species at extinction risk.

    2023: 7th GEF Assembly ratifies GBFF with $200 million seed capital; $1.92 billion for biodiversity in 8th cycle.

    1992: CBD signed at Earth Summit, effective 1993; COP1 in Bahamas.

    1998: First GEF Assembly in New Delhi; $418 million allocated for biodiversity.

    2006: 4th GEF replenishment: $3.13 billion, 26% for biodiversity.

    2012: COP11 in India; IPBES to assess biodiversity status.

    2018: COP14 in Egypt assesses Aichi targets; GEF’s 7th cycle: $4.1 billion, 21.8% for biodiversity.

    2022: COP15 in Montreal adopts Kunming-Montreal Framework; $200 billion/year needed, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund proposed.

    What makes GBFF unique?

    • Diverse Funding Sources: Unlike the GEF, which relied on a limited number of donors, the GBFF will source funds from private, philanthropic, and government investments.
    • GEF’s Role: The GEF will manage the GBFF, making it a more robust and versatile funding mechanism.
    • Budget Allocation: The GBFF has a cumulative budget of $5.25 billion for 2022-26, with 36% allocated for biodiversity. The remaining funds are dedicated to projects addressing climate change, pollution, land, and ocean health.
    • Enhanced Impact: Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, Chairperson of GEF, emphasizes the need not only for increased funds but also for strategic utilization to maximize impact.
    • Multilateral Fund Potential: GBFF might receive contributions from a proposed multilateral fund generated from fees related to digital genetic sequence information, potentially generating over $15 billion annually.

    Challenges Ahead

    • Funding Gap Persists: Despite GBFF’s establishment, the financial gap for biodiversity conservation remains significant. In 2019, global spending on biodiversity conservation was far below the estimated need.
    • Domestic Financing Struggles: Relying on domestic funds has been challenging, especially for developing countries.
    • Long-Term Funding Concerns: The world faces a projected financing gap of $4.1 trillion for biodiversity by 2050, underscoring the need for sustainable funding mechanisms.

    Importance of Domestic Funding

    • Diverse Solutions: KMGBF’s Target 19 suggests various nature-based solutions such as payment for ecosystem services, green bonds, and benefit-sharing mechanisms to mobilize domestic funding.
    • Challenges of Blended Finance: Blended financing, where public resources catalyze private investment, may not be an ideal solution and takes time to implement.
    • Biodiversity Credits: Similar to carbon credits, biodiversity credits (biocredits) have gained popularity. They have the potential to generate the funds needed to meet KMGBF targets.
    • Biocredits Challenges: Biocredits are in their infancy, and their implementation, including regulation, certification schemes, and policy systems, is still being discussed.

    Challenges in Achieving KMGBF Targets

    • Protecting 30% of Land and Waters: Achieving the 30×30 target faces challenges, considering existing protected areas’ effectiveness and the inclusion of OECMs (other effective area-based conservation measures).
    • Data Gap: The effectiveness of existing protected areas is unclear due to limited available data.
    • Debate over OECMs: OECMs are not fully understood, and there are concerns that they might be designated without proper evaluation.

    Way forward

    • Inclusion in KMGBF Targets: Indigenous peoples and local communities play a crucial role in conservation. KMGBF explicitly emphasizes the need to respect their rights in achieving targets.
    • Funding Allocation: The GEF Assembly has allocated up to 20% of donor funds to support indigenous communities in conservation efforts.
    • Capacity Building: To avoid human rights violations, there is a need for substantial investment in building the capacity of indigenous communities.
    • Strict Norms: Stricter norms should ensure that biodiversity-rich areas are not diverted for other purposes, such as plantations, which cannot replace old-growth forests.

    Conclusion

    • The establishment of the GBFF represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing financial challenges in biodiversity conservation.
    • However, challenges, such as securing adequate funds and ensuring equitable conservation practices, persist.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Important Judgements In News

    Ram Madhav writes: Don’t rewrite the Constitution

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Indian Constitution

     

    Central idea

    On Constitution Day, voices are emerging to replace India’s Constitution, a unique document created through extensive discussion and amendments.

    Comparative Constitutionalism:

    • The comparison with other countries like France, Nepal, Chile, and Uzbekistan highlights India’s distinct process of constitution-making.
    • Critics label the present Constitution as “colonial,” citing similarities with the Government of India Act 1935, but the historical context and unique influences are acknowledged.

    Historical Influences and Unique Drafting Process:

    • Dr. Rajendra Prasad asserted that India wasn’t bound to adhere strictly to global constitutional categories, emphasizing the influence of India’s historical realities.
    • The Nehru Report’s significance in shaping constitutional ideals, serving as a foundation for future constitutional struggles.

    Challenges and Criticisms:

    • The challenge lies in addressing criticisms of the Constitution being “colonial” and responding to calls for a rewrite, balancing historical influences with contemporary needs.
    • Achieving political consensus, as witnessed in the unique drafting process, is a monumental task, especially considering the diverse opinions and interests.

    Back2Basics: The Government of India Act (1935)

    • Under Lord Linlithgow’s leadership, a committee drafted the Government of India Act 1935, which was passed by the British Parliament and implemented.
    • The Act drew from the Simon Commission Report, Round Table Conferences, White Paper of 1933, and Joint Select Committees’ reports to formulate its provisions.

    Provisions of the GoI Act, 1935:

    • All India Federation: Established an All-India Federation comprising British Indian Provinces and Indian States, although its implementation was hindered by lack of princely state participation.
    • Provincial Autonomy: Introduced provincial autonomy where provinces functioned as autonomous units with responsible governments, though governors retained significant powers.
    • Division of Subjects: Introduced three lists—Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent—to delineate legislative authority between the Centre and provinces, aiming to clarify jurisdictional matters:

     

    Description Example Subjects
    Federal List Subjects of all-India interest requiring uniform treatment across British India. Only the Federal Legislature had the authority to legislate. Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Railways, Taxes on Income
    Provincial List Subjects of local interest where Provincial Legislatures had exclusive jurisdiction. Public Health, Police, Local Government, Agriculture, Education
    Concurrent List Subjects of both Provincial and Federal interest, requiring uniformity across the country. Both levels of government could legislate. Criminal Law, Marriage and Divorce, Bankruptcy, Trusts, Trade Unions

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Nehru Report: Draft constitution prepared in 1928 as a response to the challenge posed by Lord Birkenhead, emphasizing fundamental rights and democratic principles.
    • Government of India Act 1935: Considered by some as a “colonial” precursor to the Indian Constitution, but viewed differently by considering historical context.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article navigates the complexities of assessing India’s Constitution, acknowledging historical influences while defending its efficiency in serving the nation.
    • The challenges of potential rewriting are highlighted, emphasizing the need for political consensus and the unique historical context.

    Way Forward:

    • The way forward involves careful consideration of the Constitution’s strengths, historical foundations, and the feasibility of rewriting in the context of contemporary needs.
    • Any potential rewriting should uphold the principles of a “fair measure of general agreement” among India’s diverse population, echoing the spirit of the Nehru Report.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

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

    At COP 28, a chance to get past fear-mongering

    op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    How Can Climate Action Be Inclusive? | Global Climate Change

    Central idea

    The article emphasizes that climate change action is essential for economic sustainability and counters the notion that it is unaffordable. It highlights the impact of fossil fuels on the cost-of-living crisis and advocates for redirecting funds from fossil fuel subsidies to renewable energy. The author calls for international cooperation at COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency, and address climate justice concerns.

    Key Highlights:

    • Global Cost-of-Living Crisis: Inflation’s widespread impact on billions globally, prompting a false narrative of green initiatives against the interests of the poor.
    • Fossil Fuels and Economic Strain: Fossil fuels, a major driver of the cost-of-living crisis, contribute to economic strain, affecting household budgets and impeding growth.
    • Worsening Climate Disasters: Amid rising costs, climate disasters intensify, causing economic damage and affecting millions globally.

    Key Challenges:

    • Fossil Fuel Dependency: Persistent reliance on fossil fuels remains a significant hurdle to addressing the cost-of-living crisis and mitigating climate change.
    • Government Spending on Subsidies: Trillions spent on fossil fuel subsidies divert funds from essential services and hinder investments in renewable energy.

    Key Terms:

    • Cost-of-Living Crisis: Global economic strain exacerbated by inflation.
    • Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Government financial support to the fossil fuel industry.
    • Renewable Energy: Sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
    • Climate Disasters: Increasingly severe climate-related events.
    • Energy Access: Ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy.

    Key Phrases for value addition:

    • “Green versus poor” Narrative: Misleading rhetoric obscuring the need for a sustainable future.
    • “Fossil fuel taps can’t be turned off overnight”: Recognizing the gradual nature of transitioning from fossil fuels.
    • “Global Stocktake on climate action”: Assessment of progress and tools to speed up climate action.
    • “Tripling the world’s renewable energy capacity”: Ambitious goals for renewable energy expansion.
    • “Fear Mongering”: Misleading tactics to discourage climate action.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Impact of Fossil Fuel Prices: Household bills rising up to $1,000 in 2022.
    • Government Spending: Trillions spent globally on fossil fuel subsidies in 2022.

    Key Facts:

    • Climate Predictions: This year projected to be the hottest in 125,000 years.
    • Inflation Impact: Disproportionately affecting the poorest households.
    • Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Diverting funds from essential services and renewable energy projects.

    Key Data:

    • Global Spending on Subsidies: Trillions allocated to fossil fuel subsidies.
    • Climate Impact: Economic damage and lives affected by escalating climate disasters.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The article underscores the interconnected challenges of inflation, fossil fuel dependency, and climate change.
    • Governments’ hesitation to phase out subsidies is identified as a critical obstacle.
    • Emphasis on the imperative shift to renewable energy for economic growth and effective climate action.

    Way Forward:

    • Advocacy: Push for responsible phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies.
    • Encouragement: Support governments in investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions.
    • Climate Justice: Back initiatives addressing climate justice and adaptation to climate impacts.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Organic Farming – Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY), NPOF etc.

    Need for climate-smart agriculture in India

    op-ed snap | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Climate change threatens food security of urban poor

    Central idea

    The article underscores the critical challenges of climate change and food insecurity facing humanity. It emphasizes the significance of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic approach, promoting sustainable development, resilience to climate change, and greenhouse gas emission reduction.

    Key Highlights:

    • Global Challenges: Addressing climate change and food insecurity as critical global issues.
    • Impact on Agriculture: Discussing the negative effects of climate change on agriculture, leading to increased challenges for farmers.
    • Holistic Solution: Introducing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic solution to adaptation and mitigation challenges.
    • Emphasizing Importance: Highlighting the importance of CSA in enhancing resilience, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Government Initiatives: Citing Indian government initiatives promoting CSA, such as the National Adaptation Fund and Soil Health Mission.

    Key Challenges:

    • Climate Risks: Analyzing the substantial risks posed by climate change to agricultural productivity, with India potentially facing a 9% decline in crop yield.
    • Need for Reforms: Discussing the need for significant reforms in the agriculture industry to adapt traditional farming practices to climate change.
    • Transformative Approach: Emphasizing the requirement for a radical transformation of the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable development goals.

    Key Terms/Phrases:

    • Holistic Approach: Exploring the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and its three pillars.
    • Precision Farming: Highlighting the importance of precision farming in optimizing agricultural methods.
    • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Describing the role of CSA in building resilience against climate change.
    • Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration: Identifying specific CSA measures for environmental benefits.
    • Paris Agreement: Linking CSA to global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Global Efforts: Noting community-supported agriculture efforts worldwide as examples of CSA in action.
    • Specific Measures: Citing studies from the northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain showcasing the benefits of CSA for wheat production.
    • Government Support: Referring to government initiatives in India, including the Soil Health Card Scheme.
    • International Frameworks: Connecting CSA to international frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • Climate Impact: Highlighting the potential 9% decline in crop yield in India due to climate change.
    • GHG Emissions: Noting agriculture’s significant share (17%) in greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.
    • Economic Autonomy: Pointing out the economic autonomy gained by farmers through CSA implementation.
    • Government Initiatives: Providing data on government spending on initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Urgency of Action: Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on agriculture and the need for a comprehensive approach like CSA.
    • Positive Outcomes: Discussing the positive outcomes of CSA, including economic autonomy for farmers and benefits to biodiversity conservation.
    • Localized Responses: Highlighting the importance of localized responses to climate change and the role of CSA in meeting international obligations.

    Way Forward:

    • Investment in Capacity-Building: Recommending continued investment in capacity-building programs for CSA.
    • Knowledge Dissemination: Emphasizing the importance of providing practical tools and knowledge for the adoption of CSA.
    • Triple Goals: Stating the role of CSA in ensuring food security, empowering farmers, and protecting ecosystems.
    • Unique Juncture in India: Recognizing the unique juncture in India where CSA adoption is essential due to climate vulnerability and agricultural significance.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Remembering Justice Fathima Beevi: India’s First Woman Supreme Court Judge

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Role Of Women & Women Organization

    Justice Fathima Beevi

    Central Idea

    • Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India (also the first Muslim woman Judge of SC), passed away at the age of 96 in Kerala’s Kollam.

    Who was Justice Fathima Beevi?

    • Early life: Born in 1927, Justice Beevi was the eldest of eight children and came from a family where her father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, encouraged his daughters’ education despite societal norms.
    • Decision for Law: Her father persuaded her to pursue law instead of post-graduation in Chemistry, inspired by the story of Anna Chandy, the first woman judicial officer in Travancore.
    • Breaking Barriers: She made history by graduating in law in 1950, becoming the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council.

    A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment

    • Pioneering Achievement: Justice Fathima Beevi’s appointment as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court was a milestone in India’s legal history.
    • Role Model: She became an icon of women’s empowerment, encouraging women to pursue careers in the legal field.
    • Recognition for Kerala: Kerala gained recognition as the state that contributed the first female judge to the country through her appointment.

    A Trailblazing Legal Career

    • Junior Advocate: She began her legal career as a junior advocate at Kollam district court, facing resistance from orthodox elements due to her headscarf.
    • Barrier Breaker: Despite initial challenges, Justice Beevi rose through the ranks, eventually joining the judicial service as a munsiff in 1958.
    • Remarkable Achievements: She continued to break barriers, becoming the district sessions judge in 1974 and getting elected as a munsiff through a competitive exam.

    Political Career

    • Judicial Ascension: Justice Beevi’s journey continued as she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983, and later elevated to the Supreme Court in 1989.
    • Champion of Equality: In the Supreme Court, she advocated for equality in significant verdicts, including cases related to reservation and constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state authority.
    • Governor of Tamil Nadu: Justice Beevi served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001, making headlines for her role in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and political developments.

    Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor

Join the Community

Join us across Social Media platforms.