In the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, the farmers are using razor wire and electric fencing to defend their farms against stray cattle.
About the Wildlife Populations in the Biodiverse Terai Areas of Uttar Pradesh
The Terai region in the U.P., encompassing districts like Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich, is known for its rich biodiversity, thriving sugarcane agriculture, and two tiger reserves.
This area supports endangered species such as tigers, rhinoceros, swamp deer, and the Bengal florican. The landscape blends forests, grasslands, and agriculture, creating a habitat where people and wildlife coexist.
What does the Statistics say?
During the 2022-23 fiscal year, the livestock industry accounted for 30.1% of India’s Agricultural GDP and 4.35% of the national GDP.
India’s farming practices involve a blend of crop farming and livestock rearing. This combined approach offers extra income and job prospects, especially supporting landless workers, small-scale farmers, and women in the workforce.
Constitutional Provision for the Protection of stray cattle:
As per Article 243(W) of the Constitution of India, the local bodies are responsible for cattle pounds and pinjrapole. Therefore, the State may also endow panchayats to establish and run. Cattle Pounds (Kanji Houses)/ Gaushala Shelters (community assets) to keep stray cattle.
Many States have established Gaushalas and Shelter houses for stray cattle and provide for feeding of those animals.
Present Conflicts and Conservation Challenges:
Conflicts between humans and wildlife are common, including tiger attacks and crop damage by herbivores.
Farmers near protected areas sometimes use lethal methods such as razor wire and high-voltage electric fencing along the farm-forest boundaries. The presence of stray cattle, or “chutta jaanwar,” has intensified conflicts and conservation challenges.
Stray cattle disrupt wildlife movement corridors vital for species survival and potentially increase disease transmission risks to wild populations.
The Unvaccinated stray cattle can transmit diseases like bovine tuberculosis and lumpy skin disease to wildlife, with cases reported in various Terai districts.
The degradation of productive grasslands in protected areas further threatens the habitat of imperilled species.
Way Forward:
Providing safe and comprehensive shelters: Construct adequate cow shelters outside protected areas to house stray cattle, preventing them from impacting wildlife habitats and agricultural fields.
Promote and subsidize non-lethal fencing solutions for farmers to protect crops without harming wildlife, such as wildlife-friendly barriers.
Invest in habitat restoration projects in the Terai, focusing on expanding and maintaining productive grasslands within protected areas to support wildlife populations.
Enhanced monitoring and management: Implement comprehensive vaccination and disease monitoring programs for stray cattle to prevent disease transmission to wildlife.
Strengthen enforcement against illegal cattle trade and vigilante activities that disrupt the livestock economy.
Provide economic incentives and support for farmers to adopt alternative livelihoods that do not depend heavily on livestock, reducing the need for cattle rearing.
Community Engagement and Education: Engage with local communities to educate them on the ecological impact of stray cattle and encourage participatory conservation efforts. Foster collaboration between farmers and wildlife authorities to develop sustainable solutions for coexisting with wildlife.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources in India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)
India’s imports from China crossed $101 billion in 2023-24 from about $70 billion in 2018-19, and the country’s share of India’sindustrial goods imports has risen from 21% to 30% over 15 years, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).
The data shows, it’s resulting in a cumulative trade deficit exceeding $387 Billion in the last 5 years, which is an alarming situation for the Indian government.
What is meant by Trade Deficit?
A trade deficit refers to a situation where the country’s imports exceed the receipts from its exports. A trade deficit arises in the course of international trade when the payments for imports exceed the receipts from export trade.
A trade deficit is also referred to as a negative balance of trade.
The concerns arising due to this deficit include pressure on external payments and on the currency value of a country. Countries often alter import and export policies, curbing imports or increasing import duties on certain goods due to this.
They also encourage exports and consumption of indigenous goods.
India’sIndustrial Imports from China:
Electronics and Telecom Sector: During April-January 2023-24, India’s import value for electronics, telecom, and electrical products was $67.8 billion, with China contributing $26.1 billion. (38.4% of the total imports)
Machinery Sector: China contributed 39.6% of India’s imports in this category. This highlights China’s essential role as a supplier of machinery to India.
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector: India’s chemical and pharmaceutical imports were $54.1 billion, with $15.8 billion coming from China (29.2% of the total).
MSMEs sector: Products like mobiles and data processing units, are imported by Indian MSMEs. These imports could potentially be produced domestically, highlighting gaps in India’s industrial capabilities.
Current Trade Observations concerning China and other countries:
Rising Trade Deficit with China: India’s exports to China have stagnated at around $16 billion annually (from 2019 to 2024), while imports from China surged from $70.3 billion in 2018-19 to over $101 billion in 2023-24.
Growth Rate of Imports: China’s share in India’s industrial product imports increased from 21% to 30% over the last 15 years. China’s exports to India grew 2.3 times faster than India’s total imports from all other countries.
Diverse Product Imports: Chinese firms are increasingly entering the Indian market, which is expected to accelerate the import of industrial products from China. India’s imports span high to low-technology items, like smartphones, electronics, electric vehicles, and solar energy.
Strategic Concerns: The growing trade deficit and dependence on China have profound strategic implications, affecting both economic and national security dimensions.
Way Forward:
Supply chain diversification: India must focus on diversifying its supply chains and reducing dependency on single-country imports, especially from geopolitical competitors like China.
Boosting R&D: Increase investment in research and development for electronics, semiconductors, and machinery to foster innovation and improve domestic production capabilities.
Incentivizing Production: Provide tax incentives, subsidies, and grants to local manufacturers of electronics, data processing units, and semiconductor devices to encourage production and reduce import dependency.
Mains PYQ:
Q China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Despite improvements in menstrual hygiene, female prisoners in India face neglect, highlighting systemic biases and unmet basic needs like sanitary products and proper facilities.
About NFHS Recently Conducted Survey:
The 5th round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020) revealed that approximately 80% of young women aged 15-24 years are now using safe menstrual hygiene products.
This survey highlights a positive shift in menstrual hygiene management across India, particularly in urban areas and among certain demographics.
About the NCRB Data:
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), there are 23,772 women in Indian prisons. Of these, 77% are in the reproductive age group (18-50 years) and are likely to be regular menstruators.
The availability of sanitary napkins has been inconsistent across different prisons, and the quality has often been unsatisfactory.
Many States have not implemented provisions from “the 2016 Model Prison Manual”, such as supplying adequate water and washroom facilities for female prisoners.
Overcrowding and poor socio-economic conditions further exacerbate the struggle of incarcerated women to secure basic necessities during menstruation.
BACK2BASICS: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
NCRB was set up in 1986 to serve as a repository of information on crime and criminals. Its establishment was based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee, the National Police Commission (1977-1981), and the Ministry of Home Affairs Taskforce (1985).
It is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is headquartered in New Delhi.
NCRB acts as a “national warehouse” for the fingerprint records of both Indian and foreign criminals. It assists in locating interstate criminals through fingerprint searches.
About the National Menstrual Hygiene Policy:
In 2023, India formulated this policy to recognize menstruation as a natural process requiring meaningful attention. The policy aims to ensure equity in the safe and dignified management of menstrual hygiene.
It prioritises ensuring that all menstruating individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status and geographical location, have equal opportunities to access and manage their menstruation safely and hygienically.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, which influences menstrual hygiene management in prisons, is overlooked as a critical stakeholder in the policy.
The key challenge of the policy is that it identifies prisoners as a target population with compromised access to menstrual hygiene facilities but lacks a concrete action plan to enhance menstrual hygiene management in prisons.
Other Government Initiatives to Improve Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHH) in India
Integration of MHH into ASHA’s Role (2005-2010): The government integrated menstrual health and hygiene into the responsibilities of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) as part of the National Rural Health Mission.
Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) Launched (2010): India initiated the Menstrual Hygiene Scheme (MHS) to distribute sanitary napkins to young girls.
Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram Programme (2010): This program, under the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health scheme, increased awareness and access to sanitary pads.
Menstrual Hygiene Management Guidelines Issued (2011-2015): In 2011, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued menstrual hygiene management guidelines. Additional directions were issued by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in 2015.
Nirmal Bharat Yatra and Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (2012): The Nirmal Bharat Yatra, a flagship sanitation program, included MHH as an integral aspect of its agenda. Simultaneously, other similar programs under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan began, including initiatives to promote sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators for safe disposal.
WASH targets for prisons:
Way Forward:
Ensure Basic Standards of Menstrual Hygiene: The Indian government must guarantee that basic standards of menstrual hygiene for women in captivity are met consistently across all prisons.
Implement Model Prison Manual 2016: The government must ensure that all States adhere to the recommendations outlined in the manual, which includes provisions for adequate water and washroom facilities for female prisoners.
Mains PYQ:
Q In order to enhance the prospects of social development, sound and adequate health care policies are needed particularly in the fields of geriatric and maternal health care. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The Kerala state government permitted Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus for financial reasons in 2024-2025. Environmentalists objected, citing forest impact and potential human-animal conflicts.
Reasons for Allowing KFDC to Plant Eucalyptus Trees:
Financial Sustenance: KFDC was permitted to plant eucalyptus trees to support its financial viability.
Existing Plantations: KFDC manages around 7,000 hectares of plantations, including eucalyptus, which contribute to its revenue generation.
Rotation Age: Plantations like eucalyptus have specific rotation ages for harvesting, ensuring a continuous cycle of revenue generation.
Significance of Eucalyptus
Timber and Fuel: Eucalyptus wood is extensively used in Australia as fuel and for building construction, fencing, and other timber applications.
Paper and Pulpwood: The bark of many eucalyptus species is used in papermaking and tanning, while the wood is used for pulpwood production.
Eucalyptus Oil: The leaves of many eucalyptus species contain aromatic oils, which are used for various purposes such as:
Medicinal Uses: Eucalyptus oil is used in expectorants and inhalants to relieve respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.
Insect Repellent: The oil is used as a natural insect repellent.
Antimicrobial Activity: Eucalyptus oil has antimicrobial properties, making it effective against bacteria and fungi
Why were environmentalists and social activists against the order?
Ecological Impact: Environmentalists raised concerns about the adverse effects of eucalyptus plantations on natural forests and ecosystems.
Human-Animal Conflicts: The proliferation of invasive species like eucalyptus was linked to increased human-wildlife conflicts, as animals ventured into human habitats in search of food due to habitat depletion.
Contravention of Eco-Restoration Policy: Activists argued that permitting eucalyptus plantations contradicted the state’s eco-restoration policy, which aimed to phase out exotic species and replace them with natural forests by 2024.
Invasive Species Management: The order was seen as undermining efforts to eradicate invasive species and mitigate their damaging effects on natural habitats and ecosystems.
Government Initiatives for Plant Conservation:
The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in India operates seed banks to conserve crop diversity and wild plant species.
National Afforestation Programme (NAP) has been implemented since 2000 for the afforestation of degraded forest lands. It is being implemented by the MoEFCC.
Conclusion: The controversy over eucalyptus planting in Kerala reflects the balance between financial sustainability and ecological concerns. While eucalyptus offers economic benefits, it also poses ecological risks and challenges to conservation efforts.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the status of forest resources of India and its resultant impact on climate change. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The Zero Debris Charter was signed by twelve nations and the European Space Agency (ESA) at the ESA/EU Space Council.
Zero Debris Charter
The Zero Debris Charter was unveiled at the ESA Space Summit in Seville, Spain, in November 2023.
The Charter was facilitated by ESA’s “Protection of Space Assets” Accelerator and developed through extensive collaboration among various space actors.
Objectives:
To achieve debris neutrality in space by 2030.
Long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit.
Members:
The signatory countries are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The ESA signed as an International Organization.
Community Support and Leadership
Over 100 organizations are expected to sign the Charter in the coming months.
This includes national space agencies, satellite manufacturers, space startups, and astronomical societies.
Space Debris Challenges
ESA estimates over one million pieces of space debris larger than 1 cm in Earth orbit.
These debris pieces pose significant risks to satellites and astronauts.
Threats posed by Space Debris
Space debris also leads to two major risks:
It creates unusable regions of the orbit due to excessive debris, and
Leads to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ – the creation of more debris due to cascading collisions resulting from one collision.
The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) is underway in Antigua and Barbuda.
What are Small Island Developing States (SIDS)?
SIDS encompass 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions, facing unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
SIDS are situated across three regions:
the Caribbean,
the Pacific
the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS).
Their distinctive challenges were acknowledged at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
SDGs supporting SIDS
Small island development states are mentioned in several of the Sustainable Development Goals.
For example, Target 7 of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (“Life below Water“) states-
“By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism”.
Challenges Faced by SIDS:
Remote geography and reliance on external markets due to narrow resource bases contribute to high import/export costs.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), substantially larger than landmasses, provides vital resources but poses challenges like high transportation costs and vulnerability to economic shocks.
Biodiversity and Economic Significance:
Biodiversity sustains key industries like tourism and fisheries, often constituting over half of SIDS’ GDP.
Beyond economic benefits, biodiversity holds aesthetic and spiritual value, providing essential services like food supply, erosion prevention, and protection from natural disasters.
UN Programmes Supporting SIDS:
The Barbados Programme of Action (1994), Mauritius Strategy (2005), and Small Island Developing States Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway (2014) outline specific actions to achieve sustainable development and address gaps in implementation.
Barbados Programme of Action (1994): It prescribed actions enabling SIDS to achieve sustainable development.
Mauritius Strategy (2005): It addressed remaining gaps in implementing the Barbados Programme of Action.
SAMOA Pathway (2014): It emphasises challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, outlining priorities for sustainable development.
These programmes underscore the ongoing commitment to supporting SIDS’ development and resilience.
Human Health and Social Development: Enhance food security, and water/sanitation, reduce non-communicable diseases, and promote gender equity.
Partnerships: Foster collaborations among SIDS, UN Agencies, development partners, and stakeholders to achieve sustainable development goals.
PYQ:
[2021] Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?
GAIL (India) Ltd has commissioned its first green hydrogen plant at Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant step for the nation’s largest natural gas transmission and distribution firm into new and alternate energy sources.
About Vijaipur Green Hydrogen Plant
The plant aligns with the National Green Hydrogen Mission‘s objective of achieving 5 million tons of annual green hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
The plant features a 10-megawattproton exchange membrane electrolyser imported from Canada.
It will produce approximately 4.3 tonnes of green hydrogen per day with a purity of about 99.999% by volume.
The production process utilises electricity from renewable sources, such as solar energy, to split water and produce green hydrogen.
Major Objective: Hydrogen Blending
GAIL is currently conducting experimental blending of hydrogen with natural gas.
Current regulations permit blending up to 5% hydrogen with natural gas, with ongoing studies to explore higher blending ratios.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, where electricity derived from renewable sources, such as solar or wind power, is used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
Since it relies on renewable energy, green hydrogen production has no direct emissions of CO2 or other greenhouse gases.
What is the Green Hydrogen Standard?
Definition of Green Hydrogen: It has defined green hydrogen as having a well-to-gate emission – including water treatment, electrolysis, gas purification, drying and compression of hydrogen – of not more than 2 kg CO2 equivalent per kg of hydrogen produced.
Nodal Agency: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, will be the nodal authority for green hydrogen production projects.
Back2Basics: National Green Hydrogen Mission, 2023
Details
Ministry
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Purpose
To incentivise the commercial production of green hydrogen and make India a net exporter of the fuel.
Key Activities
Facilitates demand creation, production, utilisation, and export of green hydrogen.
Sub-Schemes
Strategic Interventions for the Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT): To fund the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and the production of green hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen Hubs: Identify and develop states and regions capable of supporting large-scale production and/or utilisation of hydrogen as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
Green Hydrogen Hubs Details
Identifies and develops regions capable of large-scale hydrogen production and utilisation as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
Objectives
Develop 5 MMT per annum of green hydrogen production by 2030.
Add 125 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
Entail over Rs 8 lakh crore investments and generate six lakh jobs.
Reduce fossil fuel imports by over Rs 1 lakh crore and abate 50 MT of greenhouse gases annually.
Significance of Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen is an important source of energy since it has zero carbon content and is a non-polluting source of energy in contrast to hydrocarbons that have net carbon content in the range of 75–85 per cent.
Hydrogen energy is expected to reduce carbon emissions that are set to jump by 1.5 billion tons in 2021.
It has the highest energy content by weight and lowest energy content by volume.
As per the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Hydrogen shall make up 6 per cent of total energy consumption by 2050.
Hydrogen energy is currently at a nascent stage of development but has considerable potential for aiding the process of energy transition from hydrocarbons to renewable.
Types of Hydrogen
Hydrogen extraction methods are classified into three types based on their processes: Grey, Blue, and Green etc.
Green Hydrogen: Discussed above.
Grey Hydrogen: This type of hydrogen is obtained through coal or lignite gasification (black or brown), or by steam methane reformation (SMR) of natural gas or methane (grey). These processes are typically carbon-intensive.
Blue Hydrogen: It is derived from natural gas or coal gasification, coupled with carbon capture storage (CCS) or carbon capture use (CCU) technologies to mitigate carbon emissions.
Turquoise hydrogen: It refers to hydrogen produced from methane pyrolysis, while yellow hydrogen is produced from biomass.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following heavy industries:
Fertilizer plants
Oil refineries
Steel plants
Green hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in decarbonizing how many of the above industries?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
[2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:
It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion.
It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation.
It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles.
The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) is hosting “PRAGATI-2024” at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, to promote collaboration and research opportunities between CCRAS and the Ayurveda drug industry.
About Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)
The CCRAS is an autonomous body of the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.
It was established in 1978 to formulate, coordinate, develop, and promote research on scientific lines in the Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine.
Primary Objectives:
Research: To undertake research to scientifically establish the efficacy of Ayurvedic practices.
Development: To develop and promote Ayurveda science through research and education.
Integration: To integrate traditional Ayurvedic methods with modern medicine for more comprehensive healthcare.
Functions of CCRAS
Research Studies: Conducting various types of research studies like drug research, fundamental research, clinical research, literary research, and medicinal plant research.
Publication: Publishing scientific journals, research papers, and other documentation to disseminate knowledge.
Medicinal Plant Development: Focusing on the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants used in Ayurveda.
Public Health Initiatives: Implementing public health programs and providing training to practitioners.
Achievements of CCRAS:
Development of Ayurvedic Formulations: CCRAS has developed several notable Ayurvedic formulations and technologies, which have been patented and commercialised.
National Ayurveda Morbidity Codes: CCRAS has developed morbidity codes and standard terminologies to standardise the practice of Ayurveda.
AYUSH Research Portal: A comprehensive database of research on Ayurveda, which includes information on drugs, case studies, and clinical trials.
Notable Projects:
Golden Triangle Partnership: A collaborative project with CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) and ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) for enhancing the scientific validation of Ayurveda.
Tribal Health Care Research Program: Aimed at documenting ethno-medical knowledge and validating it for scientific purposes.
PYQ:
[2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies?
Q) With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 Words, 15 Marks) (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation? (250 Words, 15 Marks) (UPSC CSE 2018)
Prelims Consider the following countries (UPSC CSE 2015) 1) China 2) France 3) India 4) Israel 5) Pakistan Which among the countries given above are Nuclear Weapons States as recognized by the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons, commonly known as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)? (a) 1 and 2 only. (b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Note4Students:
Prelims: Global Issues; Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT);
Mains: Global Security Issues; Nuclear Policies;
Mentor comment: When each country pursues its security without regard for others, we create global insecurity that threatens us all. Almost eight decades after the incineration of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons still represent a clear danger to global peace and security, growing in power, range, and stealth. States possessing them are absent from the negotiating table, and some statements have raised the prospect of unleashing nuclear hell — “threats that we must all denounce with clarity and force.” Moreover, emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber and outer space domains have created new risks. We must find a way back to the negotiating table to fully implement the New Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms or START Treaty.
Let’s learn.
–
Why in the News?
The leaders of France and Russia have raised alarm bells globally with tensions rising between major powers and the threat of nuclear weapons being used.
Background:
French President Macron has warned of an “apocalyptic vision” and the danger of nuclear “annihilation” due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He plans to raise the nuclear aspect at an upcoming European meeting.
Russian President Putin has stated that Russia’s nuclear forces are always on alert and that Moscow will not tolerate Western threats. Russia has also revoked its ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
These statements reflect rising nuclear tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine. The international community has expressed concern over Russia’s nuclear posturing.
How does the specter of Nuclear conflict raise a Global concern?
Firstly, the absence of influential global leaders on the brink of a potential nuclear threat of war.
Russia is “ready for nuclear war” and would use such weapons if its sovereignty is threatened.
China has recently completed sea trials for an aircraft carrier fitted with electromagnetic catapults and is well on its way to building a fourth carrier.
Secondly, the prevailing economic turmoil across many regions in the world has exacerbated the situation, making the prospect of nuclear war more alarming.
The potential consequences of a nuclear war are catastrophic and far-reaching:
Immediate Effects
Incinerate cities: Intense heat and radiation would incinerate cities within the blast radius leaving millions would suffer fatal burns, blindness, internal injuries, and radiation poisoning.
Burden on Healthcare services: Hospitals and emergency services would be overwhelmed and unable to respond to the massive number of casualties.
Long-Term Effects
Economic Collapse: Radioactive fallout would expose survivors to dangerous radiation levels. Electromagnetic pulses could cripple electrical grids and modern technology.
Potential human extinction: Nuclear winter caused by soot and debris in the atmosphere could lead to global famine, killing billions of people.
Environmental Devastation: Large parts of the Earth could become uninhabitable due to radiation and climate changes. Contaminated Oceans and the extinction of much of Earth’s biological life are some of the long-lasting consequences.
BACK2BASICS
About the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT):
TheCTBT is a multilateral treaty aimed at prohibiting all nuclear explosions, whether for civilian or military purposes, in all environments. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996 but has not yet entered into force.
The treaty requires ratification by eight key nations, including China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, Israel, Iran, Egypt, Russia, and the United States, which still need to ratify it for it to become effective.
India avoids the signing of CTBT as it would undermine its National security and Strategic Autonomy, as it would constrain its ability to conduct nuclear tests.
The CTBT establishes a global monitoring system to verify compliance and allows for on-site inspections of suspicious events to ensure adherence to its provisions.The treaty’s primary goal is to end nuclear weapon test explosions and promote nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts globally.
The Recent Discussion at the Hoover Institution:
The discussion focused on the U.S.-India civil nuclear deal (2005-08) and its impact on bilateral relations, despite the current nuclear tensions in Europe.
The deal brought a fundamental change in U.S.-India relations, with relevance to resolving current disputes.
India and the U.S. made significant concessions to negotiate the deal:
India agreed to separate its nuclear program and accept safeguards, export controls, and a testing moratorium.
The U.S. amended laws, obtained NSG approval, and helped India get an IAEA safeguards agreement.
The deal lifted roadblocks preventing India from joining the global nuclear regime, giving it a status similar to a nuclear weapon state under the NPT.
Conclusion: The discussions at the Hoover Institution seemed to be that the deal had even more significance than merely an arrangement about revising India’s nuclear status. From India’s standpoint, the India-U.S. nuclear deal originated from India’s desire to obtain high-grade uranium from outside to complement its energy requirements, the deal confirms that nuclear energy could be a major resource for peaceful purposes.
The PM JANMAN presents a new opportunity to transform the lives of India’s Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
About PVTGs:
India has numerous Adivasi groups, with 75 identified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). These comprise around 14.6 lakh households and live in scattered, remote, and often inaccessible areas. Their livelihoods rely on methods and tools that predate agriculture. PVTGs have low literacy rates, economic backwardness, and stagnant populations.
In 1960-61, the Dhebar Commission identified disparities among Scheduled Tribes, leading to the creation of the “Primitive Tribal Groups” (PTG) category. In 2006, this category was renamed Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Government Initiatives:
Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission. Announced for the fiscal year 2023-24 to improve socio-economic conditions of PVTGs.
Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) launched in November 2023.
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojana, Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP).
PM JANMAN Objectives:
Provide essential services to PVTGs, including safe housing, clean drinking water, and sanitation.
The largest Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in the initiative.
Aims to reach 4.90 lakh PVTG households by 2026.
Households to receive ₹2.39 lakh each in three instalments.
Technical Challenges in the PM JANMAN Housing Scheme
App Functionality and Data Gathering:
Data Collection Areas: The ‘Awaas+’ app records geographical locations, household profiles with geo-tagging, and bank account details for cash transfers.
Mandatory Jobcard: Registration requires a jobcard, but many have been deleted, affecting PVTGs’ eligibility.
Jobcard Issues:
Deletion of Jobcards: Widespread deletion of over eight crore MGNREGA jobcards in the past two years has led to many PVTGs being ineligible for the scheme.
Jobcard Misuse: Cases of fraudulent registrations with someone else’s job cards further complicate the registration process.
Village List Discrepancies:
Inconsistent Data: The pre-populated list of villages in the app does not match the MGNREGA Management Information System (MIS). For example, the app lists 22 villages while the MIS lists 31 villages for ‘Vanjari’ Panchayat in Andhra Pradesh, causing confusion.
Aadhaar-related Issues:
Name Matching: The app requires names as per Aadhaar records but does not guide what to do if Aadhaar is absent.
PVTG Identification: The app does not explicitly identify PVTGs, using a default ‘ST’ option, leading to non-PVTG registrations.
Certification Issues:
Local Certification: Ineligible registrations prompt local officials to ask PVTGs for certification from sarpanches/mukhiyas.
Conflict of Interest: Non-PVTG sarpanches/mukhiyas in mixed communities may act against the interests of PVTGs, complicating the certification process.
Geo-tagging Problems:
Network Issues: Geo-tagging required for planned construction locations faces chaos due to poor network connectivity, hindering accurate data capture.
Bank Selection Complexity:
Overwhelming Options: The app’s dropdown lists for banks are excessively long. For example, selecting ‘Commercial Bank’ shows over 300 options, and choosing ‘State Bank of India’ in Andhra Pradesh presents over 500 branches, adding unnecessary complexity for both PVTGs and officials.
Opportunity/Way Forward for PM JANMAN Housing Scheme
Simplify App Interface: Update the ‘Awaas+’ app to have a more user-friendly interface and reduce unnecessary complexities, such as the long dropdown lists for banks.
Clear Guidelines for Aadhaar: Provide explicit instructions on what names to use in the absence of Aadhaar, ensuring all eligible PVTGs can register.
Verify Jobcard Authenticity: Introduce robust mechanisms to prevent fraudulent registrations using others’ jobcards.
Improve Network Infrastructure: Invest in better network infrastructure in remote areas to support the geo-tagging feature.
Mains PYQ:
Q Given the diversities among tribal communities in India, in which specific contexts should they be considered as a single category? (UPSC IAS/2022)
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