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

    What are Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)?

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    heat wave

    Central Idea

    • MHWs have engulfed regions like the northeast Pacific, southern Indian Ocean, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean, as reported by Mercator Ocean International.
    • In April, the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) peaked at 21.1 degrees Celsius, breaking the previous record set in 2016.

    What are Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)?

    • While we often associate heatwaves with the atmosphere, they can also occur in the ocean, known as Marine Heatwaves (MHWs).
    • These prolonged periods of excessively warm sea surface temperatures (SST) can have significant consequences for marine ecosystems and industries.

      • SST is the temperature of the top layer of the ocean, typically measured at a depth of 1 millimeter to a few meters using buoys.

    • MHWs can happen in both summer and winter, with “winter warm-spells” affecting specific regions and species.

    How are MHWs measured?

    • Threshold Criteria: A marine heatwave is characterized by seawater temperatures exceeding a seasonally-varying threshold (often the 90th percentile) for at least 5 consecutive days.
    • Continuity of Events: Successive heatwaves with gaps of 2 days or less are considered part of the same MHW event.

    heat wave

    Causes of Marine Heatwaves

    • Air-sea heat flux: Ocean currents and air-sea heat flux are common drivers of MHWs, leading to the build-up of warm water in specific areas.
    • Influences of Wind and Climate Modes: Wind patterns can enhance or suppress MHWs. They influence the likelihood of events occurring in certain regions.
    • Large-Scale Climate Drivers: Events like the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) can also contribute to the formation of MHWs.
    • Intensification with Global Warming: Rising global temperatures have resulted in longer-lasting, more frequent, and intense MHWs in recent decades.
    • Human Influence: 87% of MHWs can be attributed to human-induced warming, with the oceans absorbing significant amounts of heat due to greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Oceans as Heat Sink: Oceans have absorbed 90% of the additional heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions, increasing global mean sea surface temperature by nearly 0.9 degrees Celsius since 1850.

    Impacts of Marine Heatwaves

    • Ecosystem Structure: MHWs can disrupt ecosystem structure, supporting certain species while suppressing others.
    • Kelp Forest Destruction: MHWs along the Western Australian coast in 2010-2011 devastated kelp forests and fundamentally altered the ecosystem of the coast.
    • Economic Losses: MHWs can cause economic losses, particularly in fisheries and aquaculture industries.
    • Vulnerability of Temperature-Sensitive Species: Species such as corals are highly vulnerable to MHWs. The 2016 marine heatwaves in northern Australia caused severe bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef.

    Impact on Marine Ecosystems

    • Catastrophic Effects: MHWs have led to the death of numerous marine species, altered migration patterns, and caused coral bleaching, endangering coral reefs.
    • Coral Bleaching: High ocean temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean in 2005 led to a massive coral bleaching event, impacting over 80% of surveyed corals, with severe consequences for marine life.
    • Invasive Species and Ecological Imbalance: MHWs fuel the growth of invasive alien species, disrupting marine food webs and posing threats to wildlife. Ex. Whale entanglements in fishing gear.

    Consequences for Humans

    • Amplifying Storms: Higher ocean temperatures associated with MHWs make storms like hurricanes and cyclones stronger, leading to severe weather events and flooding.
    • Threat to Coral Reefs: Half a billion people depend on coral reefs for food, income, and protection, but MHWs pose a grave threat to these ecosystems, impacting human livelihoods.
    • Socio-Economic Impact: Coastal communities are particularly vulnerable to the socio-economic impacts of MHWs, affecting fisheries and tourism.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Gyanvapi’s scientific survey by ASI begins

    | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    gyanvapi

    Central Idea

    • The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has commenced a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
    • It aims to ascertain whether the mosque was constructed atop a pre-existing Hindu temple, a matter that has been a subject of contention.
    • The mosque is not an ASI-protected site, and the ASI has no role in its maintenance or upkeep.

    Updates till date

    (A) Varanasi Court’s Order

    • Discovery during Previous Survey: During a court-mandated survey in May 2022, a structure claimed to be a “Shivling” by the Hindu side and a “fountain” by the Muslim side was found in a sealed section, which remained inaccessible since a previous Supreme Court order.
    • Exclusion from Survey: The court directed the ASI to exclude the sealed section from the survey while emphasizing the necessity of a scientific investigation to establish the historical facts.

    (B) Supreme Court’s Ruling

    • Protection Order: Earlier, the Supreme Court ordered the protection of the area around the claimed “Shivling” discovered during a video survey of the complex.
    • Mosque Management’s Argument: The mosque management contended that the structure in question is part of the water fountain mechanism at the ‘wazukhana’, the reservoir where devotees perform ablutions before offering namaz.
    • Legal Implications: Lawyers representing the mosque cited the Place of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits altering the character of any place of worship from its status on August 15, 1947. However, this Act does not apply to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid legal dispute.

    History of the Gyanvapi Mosque

    • Construction: The Gyanvapi Mosque was constructed in 1669 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who ordered the demolition of the existing Vishweshwar temple and its replacement with a mosque.
    • Temple Elements Incorporated: The plinth of the original temple was left intact, serving as the mosque’s courtyard, while one wall was spared and turned into the qibla wall, facing Mecca. Evidence of the temple’s materials can still be seen in the mosque’s construction.
    • Name Origin: The mosque’s name is derived from an adjoining well known as the Gyanvapi or Well of Knowledge.
    • Current Temple: The present Kashi Vishwanath Temple was built in the 18th century, adjacent to the Gyanvapi Mosque, becoming a significant Hindu religious centre over the years.

    Longstanding Claims and Legal Framework

    • Claims of Hindu Worship: Many Hindus believe that the original deity of the Vishweshwar temple was hidden inside the Gyanvapi well during Aurangzeb’s raid. This belief has fueled the desire to perform puja and rituals at the site.
    • Places of Worship Act: The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, stipulates that the nature of all places of worship, except for the one in Ayodhya, should be maintained as it was on August 15, 1947. It aims to preserve the character of religious sites and prevents legal challenges to pre-existing structures.
    • Conflicting Claims: The case involved arguments from both sides, with the temple worshipers claiming that the mosque was built on the site of an older temple, while another side pleaded that it was built on Wakf premises.

    Issue in the Limelight

    • Archaeological Survey: In April 2021, a Fast Track Court Civil Judge ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a comprehensive physical survey of the complex. The survey aimed to determine the structural relationship between the two religious structures.
    • Critique of the Cut-off Date: Worshippers argue that the cut-off date of August 15, 1947, prohibiting claims to religious sites, is arbitrary and denies Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs the right to “reclaim” their places of worship.
    • Opposition to the Law: Some groups have opposed the Places of Worship Act since its introduction, contending that the Centre lacks the authority to legislate on pilgrimage or burial grounds, which fall under the state list.

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  • Biofuel Policy

    Ethanol Blending Programme

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: S&T – Applications In Everyday Life

    Ethanol

    What’s the news?

    • The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has recently announced an ambitious plan to achieve 20% ethanol-blended petrol nationwide by 2025.

    Central idea

    • India’s ethanol production program has witnessed significant strides in the last five years, with both increased quantities supplied to oil marketing companies (OMCs) and a shift towards diverse raw materials, including rice, damaged grains, maize, and millets. Ethanol, a 99.9% pure alcohol blendable with petrol, has seen a remarkable transformation in its sourcing, production, and utilization.

    What is Ethanol?

    • Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol, is a clear, colorless, and flammable liquid. It is a type of alcohol with the chemical formula C2H5OH.
    • Ethanol is one of the most common types of alcohol and is produced through the fermentation of sugars by yeast or other microorganisms.

    Applications of Ethanol

    • Ethanol is a key component in alcoholic beverages
    • Ethanol is now heavily used as a biofuel or an additive to gasoline, creating a blend known as ethanol-blended petrol or gasohol
    • Ethanol is used in various industrial processes, including in the production of solvents, cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and chemicals
    • Its ability to kill bacteria and viruses makes it a valuable ingredient in antiseptics and hand sanitizers
    • Ethanol is utilized in food processing for various purposes, including as a preservative, flavor enhancer, and food-grade solvent

    An overview: Evolution of India’s ethanol production

    • Traditional Feedstocks: Until 2017-18, ethanol production in India relied mainly on ‘C-heavy’ molasses, a by-product of sugar production. Sugar mills produced ethanol from molasses with a sugar content of 40-45%, yielding 220–225 liters of ethanol per tonne.
    • Policy Changes: In 2018-19, the Indian government introduced a differential pricing policy to incentivize the use of alternative feedstocks for ethanol production. Higher prices were fixed for ethanol produced from B-heavy molasses and sugarcane juice, compensating mills for reduced sugar production.
    • Feedstocks Diversification: Apart from molasses and sugarcane juice, ethanol production expanded to include rice, damaged grains, maize, jowar (sorghum), and other millets. Ethanol yields from grains were found to be higher than from molasses.
    • Year-Round Production: Leading sugar companies invested in modern distilleries equipped to operate on multiple feedstocks throughout the year. This flexibility allowed distilleries to switch between B-heavy molasses during the crushing season and grains during the off-season, ensuring continuous ethanol production.
    • Increase in Ethanol Blending: The government’s policy and the adoption of diverse feedstocks led to a significant boost in ethanol production and blending with petrol. The all-India average blending of ethanol with petrol increased from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.75% in 2022-23.
    • Environmental Sustainability: Distilleries implemented modern techniques like the multi-effect evaporator (MEE) units to treat liquid effluents (spent wash), reducing pollution.
    • Promoting Green Energy: The evolution of ethanol production in India aligns with the country’s goal of reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable and green energy sources

    Advantages of India’s ethanol production program

    • Ethanol production reduces India’s reliance on imported fossil fuels, enhancing the country’s energy security and reducing vulnerability to fluctuating global oil prices.
    • Blending ethanol with petrol lowers carbon emissions. This helps combat climate change and improve air quality.
    • Ethanol production from various feedstocks supports agricultural diversification and provides additional income sources for farmers, benefiting the rural economy.
    • The program utilizes agricultural byproducts and residues to produce ethanol, promoting efficient resource utilization and reducing waste.
    • The ethanol production program creates job opportunities in rural areas, particularly near sugar mills and distilleries, contributing to rural economic growth.
    • Ethanol production aligns with India’s renewable energy goals, contributing to the country’s commitment to sustainable development.

    Byproducts of ethanol production

    • Spent Wash:
    • During alcohol production, liquid effluent known as spent wash is generated. Spent wash is a byproduct that can pose serious environmental problems if discharged without proper treatment.
    • It contains residual sugars and other substances from the fermentation process, making it a high-strength organic wastewater.
    • DDGS (Distillers’ Dried Grain with Solubles):
    • DDGS is a byproduct of grain-based distilleries.
    • After the liquid from the spent wash is separated, the remaining solid material undergoes a drying process, resulting in distillers’ dried grain with solubles (DDGS).

    How byproducts of ethanol production can be beneficial?

    • Concentrating the spent wash reduces its volume, and using it as a boiler fuel along with bagasse offers a sustainable energy source, minimizing the need for fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • The ash resulting from the incineration of the concentrated spent wash contains up to 28% potash. This potash can be used as fertilizer, promoting soil health and supporting agricultural sustainability.
    • Byproduct utilization in the form of DDGS as animal feed optimizes resource utilization and minimizes waste.
    • The conversion of spent wash and wet cake into useful products reduces waste generation.
    • The byproduct utilization exemplifies the principles of a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are recycled and reused.

    Way forward

    • India should continue to diversify its feedstocks for ethanol production, including cane molasses, direct sugarcane juice, rice, damaged grains, maize, jowar, bajra, and other millets.
    • States like Uttar Pradesh, a major sugarcane grower, can contribute significantly to ethanol production from cane and molasses, while Bihar, known for maize cultivation, can play a crucial role in utilizing maize for ethanol.
    • Emphasize research to optimize the conversion of maize and other grains into ethanol, reducing the process duration and enhancing overall productivity.
    • Build new distilleries and upgrade existing ones
    • Provide stable and long-term policy support, including differential pricing, tax incentives, and mandates for ethanol blending with petrol, tailored to the specific characteristics of different feedstocks.
    • Gradually increase the blending percentage of ethanol with petrol
    • Explore opportunities for international collaboration in ethanol production and blending

    Conclusion

    • The move towards a 20% ethanol-blended petrol by 2025 demonstrates the nation’s commitment to energy independence and a greener future. By leveraging multiple feedstocks and adopting sustainable practices, the ethanol industry can continue to play a vital role in India’s journey towards a cleaner and more self-reliant energy landscape.

    Also read:

    Global Biofuel Alliance can power India’s energy transition drive, but must have time-bound targets

     

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

    Tele-MANAS counsels 2 Lakh distressed people

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

    manas

    Central Idea: The government-run national tele-mental health programme, Tele MANAS, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving over 2,00,000 calls from individuals across India since its launch in October 2022.

    What is Tele-MANAS?

    • Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October 2022.
    • It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.

    Implementation of the scheme

    • Counselling: The programme includes a network of 38 tele-mental health centres of excellence spread across 27 States and UTs working in over 20 languages.
    • Helpline: A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. Service is also accessible at 1-800-91-4416.

    Two-tier working

    • Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system; Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
    • Tier 2 will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.

    Call Demographics and Concerns

    • Age Group: Two-thirds of the callers fall in the 18-45 years age group, while 12.5% belong to the 46-64 years age group, and 8% are below 18 years of age.
    • Gender Distribution: Of the two lakh calls, 59.6% were made by male callers, and 40% by female callers.
    • Top Concerns: The most common reasons for seeking help were general feelings of sadness (28.8%), sleep-related problems (27.6%), anxiety (20.4%), relationship issues (10%), aggression (9.2%), and low interest in activities (9.7%).

    Expansion of the scheme

    • The initial rollout providing basic support and counselling through a centralized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs.
    • It is being linked with other services like National teleconsultation, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat, mental health professionals, health centres, and emergency psychiatric facilities for specialized care.
    • This will not only help in providing immediate mental healthcare services but also facilitate a continuum of care.
    • Eventually, this will include the entire spectrum of mental wellness and illness, and integrate all systems that provide mental health care.

    Back2Basics: National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)

    • The Indian Government announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru is the nodal centre for the programme.
    • The programme sought to establish a digital mental health network that can address the mental health crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The pandemic has brought forth challenges to mental health, and the NTMHP aims to provide accessible and affordable mental health services to all.
    • The programme will involve the use of digital platforms such as teleconsultations, chatbots, and mobile applications to deliver mental health services.
    • The NTMHP will integrate with existing mental health services to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental healthcare.

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  • Tax Reforms

    Tax can be an incentive

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Tax

    What’s the news?

    • While India’s tax reforms have been awe-inspiring in magnitude and scale in recent years, the country needs a voluntary tax transparency framework to sustain its current economic growth.

    Central Idea

    • As the Indian economy aims to surpass the $5 trillion milestone, focusing on sustainable growth has become paramount. Achieving this goal requires the active participation of key stakeholders, including the government, corporations, investors, and civil society. In this context, tax transparency emerges as a crucial catalyst for sustaining India’s economic growth.

    What is meant by voluntary Tax Transparency?

    • Voluntary tax transparency refers to a proactive approach taken by organizations, businesses, or individuals to disclose their tax-related information and practices willingly and without any legal obligation. In this context, the term voluntary implies that there is no specific legal requirement or regulatory mandate forcing entities to disclose their tax-related information.

    The Framework for Voluntary Tax Transparency

    • The proposed voluntary tax transparency framework aims to incentivize organizations operating in India, encompassing private companies, multinationals, and public-sector units, to disclose their strategies and approaches towards domestic and international taxation.
    • Moreover, these voluntary disclosures could be linked to the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework, creating a standard of commitment to sustainability for every company.

    What is a tax transparency report (TTR)?

    • Globally, a tax transparency report (TTR) serves as a format for such disclosures, providing annual voluntary information on a company’s global tax strategies.
    • While some large companies voluntarily file these reports, the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project initiated by the OECD is working towards addressing gaps and mismatches in international tax regulations, which, over the years, have allowed many multinationals to minimize their tax outgo through creative tax structuring.

    Benefits of Tax Transparency

    • Economic benefits:
    • Tax transparency serves as a litmus test to assess each company’s contribution to India’s growth and provides valuable insights into corporate tax strategies.
    • It will attract international investors who prioritize transparency and responsible tax behavior, resulting in increased capital inflow, job opportunities, economic expansion, and overall prosperity.
    • Environmental benefits:
    • It will attract larger capital inflows, particularly in sectors like infrastructure and green energy.
    • It fosters healthy competition among companies, encouraging them to disclose tax strategies and engage in responsible tax practices, thereby improving their ESG scores.
    • Extending transparency to include environmental practices, such as reporting environmental taxes related to carbon emissions, plastic usage, waste management, and water consumption, incentivizes businesses to adopt greener practices.
    • Social benefits:
    • Tax transparency highlights a company’s contributions to areas such as social insurance, healthcare, and pension premium
    • Additionally, under governance disclosures, the framework motivates companies to align their ESG policies with tax behavior, promoting robust corporate governance practices, accountability, and transparency.

    The Influence of Tax Transparency on Consumer Behavior

    • As India approaches the $5 trillion milestone and witnesses growing per capita income, the younger generation’s consumer behavior is undergoing a noticeable shift.
    • These individuals prioritize a company’s ESG performance when making purchasing decisions or evaluating job prospects.
    • Tax transparency, falling under the broader ESG umbrella, will play a significant role in influencing these choices.

    Challenges for implementing voluntary tax transparency in India

    • Lack of awareness and understanding of the concept of voluntary tax transparency among companies and organizations. Many may not fully grasp the benefits and importance of voluntarily disclosing tax-related information.
    • Some companies may be hesitant to embrace voluntary tax transparency due to concerns about revealing sensitive financial information or competitive advantages.
    • India’s tax system is known for its complexity. Companies may find it challenging to navigate India’s complex tax system
    • The absence of clear regulations or guidelines on voluntary tax transparency
    • Companies may be cautious about how the public, investors, and other stakeholders will perceive the information disclosed voluntarily.
    • Smaller companies or organizations with limited resources might find it challenging to allocate time and effort to prepare and disclose voluntary tax-related information.

    What India needs to do to promote voluntary tax transparency?

    • India should develop a well-defined voluntary tax transparency framework that incentivizes organizations, including private companies, multinationals, and public-sector units, to disclose their domestic and international tax strategies voluntarily.
    • Link tax transparency with the broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework.
    • Social contributions and governance policies should also be considered as part of the disclosure.
    • Launch extensive awareness campaigns to educate businesses, investors, and the public about the benefits and significance of voluntary tax transparency
    • India can establish a voluntary framework for companies on the lines of TTR to solidify its economic foundations and cultivate a business environment cantered around integrity.
    • Set up a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the effectiveness of voluntary tax transparency efforts regularly.
    • Ensure that India’s voluntary tax transparency framework aligns with international best practices and standards.
    • Ensure that the voluntary tax transparency framework does not hinder the ease of doing business in India.

    Conclusion

    • India’s pursuit of becoming a global economic powerhouse demands sustained and responsible growth. Adopting a voluntary tax transparency framework will not only attract sustainable investments but also demonstrate India’s commitment to a greener, more socially responsible, and transparent business environment. By embracing tax transparency, Indian companies can become trailblazers in promoting sustainable development and fostering a prosperous future for the nation

    Also read:

    Levying the Wealth tax to reduce income inequality

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

    Climate targets are becoming outdated: India needs its own

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

    Climate

    What’s the news?

    • The media’s attention has been focused on the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming target and the influence of El Niño this year. While crossing this temperature threshold is a cause for concern, the hyperbolic end-of-the-world messaging around the climate crisis deserves revaluation.

    Central idea

    • The target in the Paris Agreement, to keep the planet’s surface from warming by 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, has been touted as a monumental goal. However, despite negotiations for more than two decades, global carbon emissions have not slowed. Also, the target was not derived scientifically. Instead of fixating on alarming scenarios, it is crucial to approach the climate challenge with a balanced perspective.

    What is 2 Degrees Celsius Target?

    • In 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, the Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly all countries of the world.
    • The central aim of the agreement is to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
    • The 1.5 degrees Celsius target was introduced to address concerns raised by vulnerable nations, particularly small island states.
    • To achieve the 2 degrees Celsius target, countries are required to make nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that outline their planned efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and collective action to tackle climate change

    What is Earth System Models (ESM’s)?

    • ESM’s are complex computational models used by climate scientists to simulate the Earth’s climate system.
    • These models are designed to represent the interactions and feedbacks between various components of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, ice, and biogeochemical processes.
    • These models use numerical methods to solve these equations over a grid covering the entire globe, allowing scientists to simulate climate processes and changes over both short and long-time scales.

    Key concerns regarding 2 Degrees target

    • The 2 degrees Celsius target was not established based on robust scientific evidence or a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts of such warming.
    • Despite the international efforts and commitments made under the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions have not shown signs of significant reduction.
    • The 2 degrees Celsius target may not adequately address the regional variations in climate impacts.
    • ESM’s used for climate projections struggle to accurately simulate regional-scale climate variations, especially in places like the Indian subcontinent.
    • There are doubts about the ability to distinguish between the consequences of 1.5- and 2-degrees Celsius warming and to design region-specific climate adaptation policies.

    Uncertainties for India

    • Uncertainties in ESM’s make it difficult to accurately predict regional climate impacts at the scale of the Indian subcontinent.
    • Climate change affects water availability, precipitation patterns, and glacial melt in the Himalayas. Unpredictability of these factors can have significant implications for India’s overall water security.
    • Uncertainties in climate projections impact India’s agricultural sector, making it challenging to predict crop yields and plan for food security.
    • Coastal areas in India, including major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, are vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels, leading to increased risks of flooding and coastal erosion.
    • Climate change can exacerbate health issues, including heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and air pollution. Uncertainties in how climate change affects disease patterns make it challenging to plan and implement effective public health responses.

    Way forward

    • Set ambitious and science-based climate targets that align with the latest climate research and international commitments.
    • Revisit the 2 degrees Celsius warming target and consider more stringent goals to limit global warming.
    • Invest in climate science and research to enhance the accuracy of regional climate projections and improve understanding of climate impacts on India.
    • Strategies should focus on sectors like agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and health to build resilience against the impacts of climate change.
    • Accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
    • Develop and implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
    • Strengthen public health systems to address health challenges related to climate change. This includes heatwave preparedness, disease surveillance, and measures to reduce air pollution.
    • Foster climate education and empower citizens to participate in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

    Conclusion

    • The 2 degrees Celsius target, while widely accepted and seen as a significant milestone in addressing climate change, is not without its flaws and uncertainties. Going forward, it is essential for the global community to reassess and update climate targets based on the best available scientific evidence and consider the specific needs of different regions to effectively combat the climate crisis.

    Also read:

    Climate Change: Mission Adaptation A Comprehensive Measure

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    World’s Largest Office Space: Surat Diamond Bourse

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    surat diamond

    Central Idea

    • The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), hailed as the world’s largest office space project, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister.

    About Surat Diamond Bourse

    • The SDB is a large-scale project located in Surat, Gujarat, India.
    • It is claimed to be the world’s biggest office space in a single project.
    • It is built to expand and consolidate the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat.
    • Surat is renowned as a major hub for cutting and polishing diamonds, and the development of SDB aims to bring all diamond-related activities and infrastructure under one roof.

    Key features  

    • Location: The SDB is situated at DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) city in Surat.
    • Size: The bourse spans an area of 66 lakh square feet (approximately 6.6 million square feet), making it one of the largest office spaces in the world.
    • Design: The thematic landscaping of the project is based on the ‘panch tatva’ theme, representing the five elements of nature – air, water, fire, earth, and sky.
    • Infrastructure: The SDB consists of nine towers, each with ground plus 15 floors. It will accommodate over 4,200 offices with sizes ranging from 300 square feet to 7,500 square feet.
    • Security: Given the high-security nature of the diamond industry, over 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at different locations inside and outside the SDB.
    • Shifting from Mumbai: The bourse seeks to address the space crunch and expensive office real estate in Mumbai, where much of the diamond trading currently takes place.

    Economic significance of SDB

    • Businesses: The complex will house various diamond-related businesses, including the sale of rough and polished diamonds, diamond manufacturing machinery, diamond planning software, diamond certificate firms, lab-grown diamonds, and more.
    • Employment: The SDB is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, providing direct employment to over 1 lakh people in various roles related to the diamond industry.

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

    [pib] IMD launches Heat Index

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

    heat index

    Central Idea

    • Union Ministry of Earth Sciences informed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced the Heat Index on an experimental basis.

    IMD Heat Index

    • The Heat Index aims to provide general guidance for regions in India where the combination of temperature and humidity leads to higher apparent temperatures, causing discomfort for people.
    • It is derived using an equation similar to the one used by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the USA.
    • It considers the impact of humidity on high temperatures, providing a “feel-like” temperature for human beings and indicating the level of discomfort.

    Color Codes for Experimental Heat Index

    The Heat Index is represented with different color codes to signify the varying levels of heat impact and discomfort:

    1. Green: Below 35°C
    2. Yellow: Range of 36-45°C
    3. Orange: Range of 46-55°C
    4. Red: Above 55°C

    Mitigating heat impact in India

    • The Heat Index is currently being implemented on an experimental basis across India, including Andhra Pradesh.
    • Under the Heat Action Plan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) collaborates with local agencies such as the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) to implement the Heat Index project for Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad.

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    Niti Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index, 2022

    DOMRPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    export
    PC: Live Mint

    Central Idea

    • Tamil Nadu has emerged as the most export-competitive state in India, securing the top spot in the Export Preparedness Index 2022 by Niti Aayog.

    Export Preparedness Index (EPI)

    • EPI is a comprehensive tool aimed at gauging the export readiness of India’s states and union territories (UTs).
    • The index analyses various parameters, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in each region and offering valuable insights for effective policy formulation.
    • EPI focuses on four pillars:
    1. Policy: This pillar evaluates the effectiveness of a state’s trade policy, providing strategic direction for both exports and imports.
    2. Business Ecosystem: The efficiency of a business ecosystem is crucial for attracting investments and fostering an enabling infrastructure for startups and entrepreneurship.
    3. Export Ecosystem: This pillar assesses the business environment specific to exports, determining the level of support and facilitation provided to exporters.
    4. Export Performance: The sole output-based parameter, this pillar examines the reach of export footprints in states and UTs, measuring their actual export achievements.
    • 10 Sub-pillars include: Export Promotion Policy; Institutional Framework; Business Environment; Infrastructure; Transport Connectivity; Export Infrastructure; Trade Support; R&D Infrastructure; Export Diversification; and Growth Orientation.

    States performance

    • Export-Competitive State: Top Contenders: Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat (last year’s leader) followed closely, while Haryana claimed the fifth position.
    • Coastal States’ Dominance: Coastal states dominated the top rankings, with four out of the top five positions occupied by them. Andhra Pradesh also secured the ninth spot.
    • Gujarat- Leading Merchandise Exporter: Gujarat holds the top position as the leading merchandise exporter, accounting for one-third of India’s total merchandise exports.
    • Top Five Exporting States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh complete India’s top five exporters.
    • Seven States’ Dominance: An impressive 75% of India’s total exports are contributed by just seven states.

    Reasons for export boost

    • Export Promotion Policies: The top-performing states have implemented export promotion policies at both state and district levels.
    • Diversified Export Basket: These states have a diverse export basket, showcasing their global footprint.
    • Promoting Unique Products: Successful states focus on promoting products unique to their region. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka lead in exporting geographical indication (GI) products.

    India’s Export Performance

    • Resilient Exports: Despite pandemic challenges and supply-side issues, India’s goods exports remained robust, reaching an all-time high of $447 billion in FY23.
    • Target for FY24: The government refrained from setting a specific export target for FY24 due to global headwinds but may aim for $450 billion to $500 billion in goods exports.
    • Services Exports: Services exports amounted to $323 billion in FY23, bringing India’s overall exports to $770 billion.

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  • Languages and Eighth Schedule

    Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    langauge eighth

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court said it cannot direct the Centre to include Rajasthani as an official language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

    About Eighth Schedule

    • The Eighth Schedule outlines the official languages of the Republic of India.
    • Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution contain constitutional provisions relating to the Eighth Schedule.
    • It was originally created to grant representation on the Official Languages Commission and enrich Hindi and English, the official languages of the Union.
    • Candidates appearing for public service examinations have the privilege of using any language from the Eighth Schedule as a medium to answer the exam papers.
    Article 344(1): It mandates the appointment of a Commission by the President after 5 years from the date the Constitution comes into effect.

    Article 351: It places the responsibility on the Union to promote and develop the Hindi language, enabling it to be a medium of expression for India’s diverse cultural elements.

    Article 351(1): The President is required to establish a commission every five years, and subsequently every ten years, with a chairman and members representing languages listed in the Eighth Schedule. The primary role is to provide advice to the President on the effective use of Hindi for official purposes by the GOI.

    Languages included

    • 22 languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
    • Classical Languages among these: Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).

    Chronological Additions

    • 1950: The Constitution initially included 14 languages in the Eighth Schedule.
    • 1967: Sindhi was added through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), and Nepali were included through the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 2011: The spelling “Oriya” was replaced with “Odia” through the 96th Constitutional Amendment Act.

    Try this PYQ:

    Consider the following languages:

    1. Gujarati
    2. Kannada
    3. Telugu

    Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Post your answers here.

     

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