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

    Botanical Gardens Today Represent a Metric of National Success

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

    Botanical Gardens

    Central Idea

    • The establishment of a large botanical garden in Tamil Nadu, the Chengalpattu Botanical Garden, is a welcome piece of news as it has the potential to become a major center for the exploration and discovery of India’s plant wealth, research, education, citizen science, and outreach in plant biology.

    Chengalpattu Botanical Garden (CBG)

    • It will be India’s largest botanical garden: The ₹300 crore Chengalpattu Botanical Garden (CBG), at Kadambur village in Chengalpattu district, is being planned across 138 hectares and will be India’s largest botanical garden.
    • Potential major centre exploration and discovery of our plant wealth: The CBG has the potential to become a major center for the exploration and discovery of our plant wealth, a center of research, education, citizen science, and outreach in plant biology, and be a forceful voice in conservation.

    Background: Historical association of Plants and Gardens

    • Plants have been the foundation of human civilization and the long-standing association of humanity with gardens can be traced back to the dawn of agriculture over 11,000 years ago.
    • The tradition of home gardens, which are planned spaces around homes to grow edible and medicinal plants, has been noted in ancient texts and depicted in cave paintings, demonstrating the antiquity of gardening.
    • Rulers, from ancient to modern civilizations, have owned botanical gardens that are rich in native plants and plants collected from distant places.
    • These patrons of botanical gardens not only funded them but also oversaw botanical collections as a beautiful garden was a metric of one’s prosperity and eclectic administration.

    History of Botanical Gardens

    • European explorations led to the establishment of several academic botanical gardens between the 15th to 17th centuries.
    • The oldest of these, Orto Botanico di Padova in Italy, was founded in 1545, and the most well-known, the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew near London, was formally consolidated in 1840.

    Botanical Gardens in India

    • Oldest garden: The oldest of the Indian academic gardens, the Acharya Jagadish Chandra (AJC) Bose Indian Botanic Garden, in Howrah, Kolkata, was established in 1787.
    • Exact number is not yet known: The exact number of botanical gardens in India is not known, but only a handful of botanical gardens have plant exploration and education programs.
    • India’s flora diversity: India is home to approximately 47,000 plant species, which make up around 6-7% of the world’s total plant species. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Himalayas are two of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots, with a large number of endemic plant species found in these regions.
    • The Importance of Plants: India has a high diversity of plants and animals. Plants are the structural foundations of our diverse ecological communities that feed us, provide us with nutrition and medicine, mitigate climate change, enrich our spirits, and secure us against an uncertain future. Yet, our knowledge of our vast botanical heritage is extremely limited.

    Facts for prelims: Botanical Garden in India

    Botanical Garden Location Established Special Features
    Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden Howrah, West Bengal 1787 Oldest botanical garden in India; over 12,000 specimens of plants
    Lalbagh Botanical Garden Bangalore, Karnataka 1760 Known for its collection of rare plants, Glass House which hosts an annual flower show
    Ooty Botanical Gardens Ooty, Tamil Nadu 1848 Spread over 55 acres, collection of over 650 species of plants and trees, Toda tribal hut
    Jijamata Udyan Botanical Garden Mumbai, Maharashtra 1861 Oldest Botanical Garden in Western India; houses Mumbai’s Byculla Zoo
    Shalimar Bagh Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 1619 Mughal garden, UNESCO World Heritage Site
    Government Botanical Garden Udhagamandalam, Tamil Nadu 1848 Home to over 1000 species of plants including some rare ones, Fossil Tree Trunk
    The National Botanical Research Institute Botanical Garden Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 1953 Over 6000 species of plants including rare medicinal plants
    The Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University Botanical Garden Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 1964 Specializes in medicinal and aromatic plants
    The Calcutta Botanical Garden Kolkata, West Bengal 1786 Has a large collection of plants including rare plants, Cactus House
    The Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park and Botanical Garden Darjeeling, West Bengal 1958 Botanical garden houses a collection of Himalayan plants, zoo has endangered species such as Red Panda

     What are Botanical Gardens?

    • Botanical gardens are institutions that are dedicated to the collection, cultivation, preservation, and display of a wide range of plants, with the aim of promoting public education and awareness of the importance of plants in the ecosystem.
    • These gardens may be associated with universities, museums, or government bodies, and are often open to the public for visitation and education.
    • They are often involved in research, conservation, and horticultural activities, and may collaborate with other botanical gardens around the world to share knowledge and resources.
    • Botanical gardens typically feature a variety of plants from different regions and climates, including rare and endangered species, and may also include features such as greenhouses, herbaria, and educational exhibits.

    Significance of botanical gardens

    • Conservation of plant species: Botanical gardens often maintain collections of rare, threatened, and endangered plant species for conservation purposes. These gardens also serve as a refuge for plants in danger of extinction and work towards their preservation.
    • Scientific research: Botanical gardens play a significant role in scientific research related to plants and their uses. Researchers use the gardens to study the characteristics and behavior of various plant species, their adaptability to different environmental conditions, and their potential uses in medicine, agriculture, and other fields.
    • Education and awareness: Botanical gardens offer an opportunity for the public to learn about plant diversity, conservation, and ecology. They often organize tours, exhibitions, and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of plants and their role in sustaining life on earth.
    • Recreation and tourism: Botanical gardens are often popular tourist destinations and provide a peaceful and scenic setting for people to relax and enjoy nature. They also offer recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and photography.
    • Aesthetic value: Botanical gardens are also valued for their aesthetic beauty and are often designed to showcase different plant species in a visually appealing manner. The gardens often include water features, sculptures, and other artistic elements that enhance their beauty and appeal to visitors.

    Challenges related to botanical gardens in India

    • Maintenance and conservation: Botanical gardens require regular maintenance to ensure that the plants remain healthy and the infrastructure is in good condition. Lack of funding and trained staff can make it difficult to maintain the gardens, leading to deterioration of the plants and infrastructure.
    • Climate change: Climate change is a major challenge for botanical gardens, as it can affect the growth and survival of plants. Changing rainfall patterns, temperature fluctuations, and extreme weather events can all have a negative impact on the plants in the gardens.
    • Invasive species: Invasive species can pose a serious threat to the biodiversity of botanical gardens. These non-native plants can outcompete local species and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem in the garden.
    • Urbanization: Urbanization and the expansion of cities can lead to the destruction of natural habitats and reduce the available space for botanical gardens. It can also lead to increased pollution, which can have negative effects on the plants in the gardens.
    • Lack of public awareness: Many people in India are not aware of the importance of botanical gardens and the role they play in conservation and research. This can make it difficult to raise funds and gain support for the gardens, which can limit their potential impact.

    Way ahead: Steps to conserve botanical gardens in India

    • Conservation measures: The conservation of botanical gardens can be done through various measures, such as preserving rare and endangered plant species, protecting the habitats of various plants, and using sustainable gardening practices.
    • Education and awareness: Education and awareness programs should be conducted to promote the significance of botanical gardens and their role in preserving plant diversity. It can help in spreading the knowledge about the importance of plants, conservation methods, and ecosystem services.
    • Scientific research: Scientific research on plant biology, taxonomy, and ecology can be carried out in botanical gardens. It can help in better understanding the plants and their natural habitat, thus helping in developing better conservation strategies.
    • Sustainable practices: Botanical gardens should adopt sustainable practices, such as the use of eco-friendly materials, rainwater harvesting, and composting, to conserve the environment and reduce carbon footprint.
    • Community participation: Community participation can be encouraged in botanical gardens by organizing various events, such as plant shows, gardening competitions, and nature walks. It can help in creating awareness and generating interest in plant conservation.
    • Collaboration and partnerships: Collaboration and partnerships with various organizations, such as NGOs, research institutions, and government agencies, can help in creating a network for sharing knowledge, resources, and expertise. It can also help in developing new conservation strategies and initiatives.

    Conclusion

    • Given the complex engineering that goes behind the construction and maintenance of a successful garden, botanical gardens today represent a metric of national success, from the perspectives of science, technology, and outreach, just as in the golden ages of this region, dating as far back as the Maurya monarch, Aśoka, when a botanical garden was a display of prosperity, scientific dispositions, and eclectic administration.
    • In this era of climate change and declining biodiversity, we need every inch of our backyards and elsewhere to nurture native plants and associated living organisms, to remind ourselves and the generations to come of the need to heal our earth through the power of plants.

    Mains Question

    Q. Establish historical association of botanical gardens and discuss its significance along with challenges associated with its conservation.

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

    What is Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

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

    carbon

    The Indian government will be analyzing how the European Union’s (EU’s) proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) will affect the Indian industry. The CBAM is set to start from October this year.

    Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

    Proposed by European Union (EU)
    Purpose To reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and prevent competitive disadvantage against countries with weaker environmental regulations
    Objectives Reduce carbon emissions from imported goods

    Promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners

    Protect EU companies that have invested in green technologies

     

    How does CBAM work?

    Coverage Applies to imported goods that are carbon-intensive
    Integration Covered by the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which currently covers industries like power generation, steel, and cement
    Implementation CBAM taxes would be imposed on the carbon content of imported goods at the border, and the tax rates would be based on the carbon price in the EU ETS
    Exemptions Possible exemptions for countries that have implemented comparable carbon pricing systems
    Revenue Use Revenue generated from CBAM taxes could be used to fund the EU’s climate objectives, such as financing climate-friendly investments and supporting developing countries’ climate efforts

     

    Who will be affected by CBAM?

    Details
    Countries Non-EU countries, including India, that export carbon-intensive goods to the EU
    Items Initially covers iron and steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, and electric energy production
    Expansion The scope of the CBAM may expand to other sectors in the future

    Advantages of CBAM

    • Encourages non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations, reducing global carbon emissions.
    • Prevents carbon leakage by discouraging companies from relocating to countries with weaker environmental regulations.
    • Generates revenue that could be used to support EU climate policies.

    Challenges with CBAM

    • Difficulty in accurately measuring the carbon emissions of imported goods, especially for countries without comprehensive carbon accounting systems.
    • Potential for trade tensions with the EU’s trading partners, especially if other countries implement retaliatory measures.

    Conclusion

    • The CBAM is a proposed policy by the EU to reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and to promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners.
    • Although the CBAM has its challenges, it has the potential to incentivize non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations and reduce global carbon emissions.

     

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    First Census of Waterbodies in India

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

    water

    The Ministry of Jal Shakti has recently released the report of the first census of waterbodies in India.

    Waterbodies Census

    • It is the first ever process of conducting a comprehensive survey of all the waterbodies in a particular region or country.
    • The census aims to identify and classify different types of waterbodies like ponds, tanks, lakes, and reservoirs, among others.
    • The information can help in the development of strategies for their conservation and management.

    Major highlight: Definition of Waterbodies

    • The census defines a waterbody as a unit bounded on all sides that is used for storing water for various purposes.
    • These units can be either natural or man-made and may or may not have masonry work.
    • Waterbodies are used for a variety of purposes, such as irrigation, industrial use, pisciculture, domestic and drinking water supply, recreation, religious purposes, and groundwater recharge.
    • The report states that any structure that accumulates water from ice-melt, streams, springs, rain or drainage of water from residential or other areas or stores water by diversion from a stream, nala or river is also considered a waterbody.

    Key facts: Distribution of Waterbodies

    According to the report, India has 24.24 lakh water bodies like ponds, tanks, and lakes, with West Bengal having the highest number (7.47 lakh) and Sikkim having the least number (134).

    Waterbody Type Percentage of Total Waterbodies Number of Waterbodies
    Ponds 59.5% 14,42,993
    Tanks 15.7% 3,81,805
    Reservoirs 12.1% 2,92,280
    Water Conservation Schemes/Percolation Tanks/Check Dams 9.3% 2,26,217
    Lakes 0.9% 22,361
    Others 2.5% 58,884

     

    State-Wise Distribution of Waterbodies

    • The report highlights that West Bengal has the highest number of ponds and reservoirs, while Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of tanks.
    • Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes, and Maharashtra is the leading state with water conservation schemes.
    • South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal has been ranked as the top district having the highest (3.55 lakh) number of waterbodies across the country.

    Issues highlighted: Encroachment of Waterbodies

    • Total 1.6% of waterbodies reported to be encroached
    • 4% of encroached waterbodies in rural areas, 4.6% in urban areas
    • 8% of encroached waterbodies have less than 25% area under encroachment
    • 8% of waterbodies have more than 75% area under encroachment

    Conclusion

    • The census provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of waterbodies in India, highlighting the states and districts with the highest number of waterbodies.
    • The data on encroachment of waterbodies can help in identifying areas where conservation efforts are needed to protect these valuable resources.

     

     

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  • Interstate River Water Dispute

    Assam- Arunachal Pradesh Border Dispute

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    • assam

    Central idea

    • Ahave had a long-standing border dispute over 123 villages that are located in 12 districts of Arunachal and 8 districts of Assam.
    • On April 21, 2022, an MoU was signed between the two states to resolve the dispute.

    Genesis of the dispute

    • The border dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam has around 1,200 points of conflict along their 804 km boundary, which began in the 1970s and intensified in the 1990s.
    • The issue goes back to 1873 when the British government introduced the inner-line permit, vaguely separating the plains from the frontier hills.
    • In 1954, the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) was formed, and 3,648 sq. km of the “plain” area of Balipara and Sadiya foothills was transferred to the Darrang and Lakhimpur districts of Assam based on the 1951 report.
    • Arunachal has been celebrating its statehood with an eye on China since 1987, and its people living in the transferred patches have been resentful, claiming that the transfer was done arbitrarily.
    • However, their counterparts in Assam say the 1951 demarcation is constitutional and legal.

    Past efforts to resolve the border issue

    • Several efforts were made in the past to resolve the border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
    • In 1979, a high-powered tripartite committee was constituted to delineate the boundary, and around 489 km of the 800 km were demarcated by 1983-84.
    • Further demarcation could not take place because Arunachal Pradesh did not accept the recommendations.
    • The apex court appointed a local boundary commission in 2006 to resolve the dispute. However, nothing came of it.

    Process leading up to the signing of the MoU

    • Assam CM and Arunachal CM commenced CM-level talks over the border issue on January 24, 2022.
    • In their second meeting on April 20, 2022, they made key decisions.
    • The border issues between both the states would be confined to a list of 123 villages which Arunachal Pradesh had claimed before the Local Commission in 2007.
    • A boundary line delineated by the high-powered tripartite committee in 1980 would be taken as the notified boundary, and all realignment would be done in relation to it.
    • Both states would set up 12 regional committees covering the 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh and the 8 counterpart districts of Assam for joint verification of the 123 villages.

    Extent to which the issue has been resolved

    • The MoU has resolved the dispute over 34 villages.
    • The village boundaries of 49 of the remaining villages are unresolved.
    • The MoU states that in these, the Regional Committees will finalize the boundaries within a period of six months “through continuous dialogue.”

     

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    India’s first underwater transport tunnel spanning the Hooghly River

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    tunnel

    Central idea: The East-West Metro corridor, the second line of Kolkata’s Metro network that is currently under construction, will connect Kolkata and Howrah, and one of its highlights is India’s first underwater transport tunnel spanning the Hooghly river.

    Hooghly River: Some facts

    Description
    Name Bhagirathi Hooghly River (Anglicized alternatively spelled Hoogli or Hugli)
    Source Close to Giria, north of Baharampur and Palashi, in Murshidabad
    Length 260 km
    Flows through West Bengal
    Endpoint Bay of Bengal
    Importance Lifeline for Kolkata, transportation route for goods and people, historical trade route, cultural and ecological resource
    Challenges Changing course, frequent floods, pollution from industrial effluents and sewage
    Additional Information A man-made canal called the Farakka Feeder Canal connects the Ganges to the Bhagirathi to bring the abundant waters of the Himalayan river to the narrow river that rises in West Bengal.

    The main course of the Ganges then flows into Bangladesh as the Padma.

    The Bhagirathi Hooghly River is also called the Ganga or the Kati-Ganga in the Puranas.

    About the East-West Corridor

    • The East-West Corridor is expected to significantly ease congestion in the city.
    • The line connects Kolkata’s IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V to the western suburb of Howrah.
    • The eastern part of the East-West line is operational while the western portion of the corridor is underground.
    • There are 12 stations on the entire route, including the country’s deepest, Howrah, at a depth of 33 meters.

    Key feature: Underwater Tunnel

    • The tunnels under the Hooghly River are 520 meters long and more than 30 meters below the river surface at its deepest point.
    • The trains will have an operational speed of 80 km/h and will cover the half-kilometre stretch under the Hooghly in about 45 seconds.
    • The underwater tunnels have an internal diameter of 5.55 meters and an external diameter of 6.1 meters.

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Species in news: Olive Ridley Turtles

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

    olive

    Millions of baby Olive Ridley Turtles crawled towards the Bay of Bengal after emerging from eggshells along Odisha’s Rushikulyabeach in the Ganjam district.

    Olive Ridley Turtles

    Description
    Scientific name Lepidochelys olivacea
    Habitat Warm and tropical waters
    Found in Pacific and Indian Oceans
    Nesting sites Rushikulya rookery in Odisha
    Largest mass nesting site Coast of Odisha in India
    Conservation status Vulnerable in IUCN Red List
    Listed in Schedule 1 in Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

    Special feature: Mass nesting

    Notable behavior Arribadas
    Nesting habits Synchronized mass nesting and return to the same beach where they hatched
    Nest structure Conical nests about one and a half feet deep, dug with hind flippers
    Incubation period 45 to 60 days, influenced by temperature of the sand and atmosphere

     

     

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  • Mother and Child Health – Immunization Program, BPBB, PMJSY, PMMSY, etc.

    What is Garbh-Ini Program?

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

    Central idea: The scientists working in the Garbh-Ini program have identified 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.

    What is Garbh-Ini?

    • It is an interdisciplinary research program in India that focuses on the advanced research of birth outcomes.
    • It is a collaborative initiative under the Department of Biotechnology.
    • It is led by DBT-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech cluster, Faridabad, in collaboration with DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, DBT-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Gurugram Civil Hospital, and other organizations.
    • The program aims to use advanced technology to improve maternal and child health outcomes and address the high incidence of preterm births in India.

    What are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)?

    • Genetic markers are specific sequences of DNA that can be used to identify an individual or a particular trait.
    • Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation that occurs in the DNA sequence.
    • SNPs occur when a single nucleotide (A, C, T, or G) in the DNA sequence is altered.
    • These changes can occur in any region of the genome and can be used as genetic markers to identify specific traits or disease susceptibility.

    Significance of the Study

    • The study is significant as it identifies 19 SNPs or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.
    • Out of these 19 SNPs, five were found to be associated with an increased risk of early preterm birth (birth before 33 weeks) and can be used to predict premature births.
    • This is the first study in South Asia to identify genetic markers associated with preterm births, and it has significant implications for improving maternal and child health outcomes in India.

     

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  • Gravitational Wave Observations

    LIGO-India: India’s Contribution to the Growth of Modern Astronomy

    op-ed snap | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Central Idea

    The Union Cabinet approved the full budget for the LIGO-India mega-science project, which includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA, operated by Caltech and MIT.

    About LIGO-India

    • LIGO-India will be the fifth node of this international network of gravitational wave observatories, and possibly the last.
    • The instrument is so sensitive that it can easily get influenced by events like earthquakes, landslides, or even the movement of trucks, and produce a false reading.
    • That is why multiple observatories are needed to revalidate the signals.
    • India’s involvement in LIGO is crucial to demonstrating its intent and capability to pull-off complex science projects independently

    Facts for prelims: What is LIGO?

    What is it?

    Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)

     
    Purpose Detect and study gravitational waves
    Cause Ripples in spacetime caused by violent and energetic events in the universe
    Location Livingston, Louisiana and Hanford, Washington
    Detector Michelson interferometer
    Function Measure changes in length caused by passing gravitational waves

     
    Benefits Improving our understanding of the universe and its origins
    Discovery Detected gravitational waves for the first time in 2015

     
    Significance Confirmed a prediction made by Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity

     
    Field Gravitational wave astronomy
    Discoveries Many exciting discoveries about the nature of the universe

     

     Significance of LIGO-India

    • Advancement in gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics: LIGO-India will significantly enhance global capabilities in the field of gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics. The project will enable an entirely new window to our universe and open up opportunities to study the cosmos in ways that were previously impossible.
    • Boosting research careers: LIGO-India will provide opportunities for Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology, thereby supporting the growth of the Indian science industry and economy.
    • Development of cutting-edge technologies: LIGO-India will lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as lasers, optics, vacuum, quantum metrology and control-system technologies, which have great national relevance. The project will bring together researchers in fundamental and applied sciences from national research laboratories, IITs and IISERs to universities in partnership with the industry, and attract talent from the large pool of Indian researchers spread worldwide.
    • Galvanizing India’s industry: The project will galvanize India’s industry to enhance capability and capacity to engineer and manufacture complex components with precision to meet stringent scientific requirements, thereby enhancing the reputation of Indian industry.
    • Contributing to India’s mega-science ventures: LIGO-India is part of India’s mega-science ventures, which aim to lead or partner in very high-science goals through large-scale collaborative efforts requiring highly skilled human resources, significant fiscal capital and infrastructural investment, and close academia-industry partnerships. LIGO-India is expected to extend the legacy of successful world-class facilities such as the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune and Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) in Ladakh.

    Facts for prelims: Other Important science projects

    Mega-science Project

    Description
    Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Particle accelerator located in Switzerland, aims to study subatomic particles
    Indian-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) A proposed underground neutrino laboratory to be located in Tamil Nadu, India
    Facility for Antiproton & Ion Research (FAIR) A particle accelerator located in Germany, used for research in nuclear and particle physics
    Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) A proposed astronomical observatory, with a mirror diameter of 30 meters, to be located in Hawaii
    Square Kilometre Array (SKA) A radio telescope that will be the largest and most sensitive in the world, to be located in Australia and South Africa
    Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) A facility designed to detect gravitational waves, with observatories located in the USA and India

    Way ahead: Mega-Science Projects and India’s S&T Policy

    • Mega-science projects like LIGO-India inculcate invaluable elements of work ethic in the scientific community.
    • The key is the ability to create a focused but adequately large well-knit collaborative ecosystem that remains open to growing by bringing in wider participation.
    • There is need for a culture within S&T communities to anticipate breakthroughs and appreciate new findings that may often deviate from the current comfort zone for policymakers to be receptive and for executing agencies to create robust mechanisms to assess, evaluate, and respond expeditiously to allow sufficient time to set up the enterprise.

    Conclusion

    The LIGO-India mega-science project is a significant milestone in India’s contribution to the growth of modern astronomy. The project will prompt Indian S&T in academia, national laboratories, and industries to leapfrog in a range of cutting-edge technologies. It reinforces the view that a healthy sprinkling of mega-science efforts in the overall S&T policy empowers and enriches the nation.

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  • Indian Air Force Updates

    India’s Fighter Jet Conundrum

    | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    india

    Central idea: The article discusses the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in modernizing its fighter jet fleet due to unending delays in procurement and limited resources.

    Why discuss this?

    • Against the sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, the IAF has only 31 squadrons today.
    • And this number is expected to remain the same or even decrease by 2029.
    • The IAF representative informed the Parliamentary standing committee that the shortfall may not be accomplished anytime soon.

    Indian Air Force (IAF): A quick backgrounder

    • The IAF was established in 1932, and it played an important role in India’s defence during World War II and later in the 1947-48 Kashmir War.
    • It underwent modernization in the 1960s and 70s with the induction of new aircraft and weapons systems.
    • Since then, the IAF has grown to become one of the largest air forces in the world, with a significant role to play in India’s defence and security.

    Evolution of the IAF

    Key Events
    Pre-Independence Phase – Small organization with only six officers and 19 airmen

    – Played a crucial role in World War II and the 1947-48 Kashmir War
    1947-1962 Phase – Expansion and modernization of the IAF

    – Acquisition of new aircraft and weapons systems
    1962-1980 Phase – Involvement in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars

    – Modernization with the induction of new aircraft and missiles
    1980-Present Phase – Further modernization with the acquisition of new aircraft, missiles, and weapons systems

    – Focus on enhancing operational readiness

     

    Current Status of the IAF

    • Large workforce: The IAF has around 1,500 aircraft and 140,000 personnel, making it one of the largest air forces in the world.
    • Fleet details: The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, but the current strength stands at 31 squadrons.
    • Victorious wars: It has played an essential role in various conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and the Kargil conflict in 1999.
    • HADR operation: It has also been involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.

    Challenges faced

    The IAF faces multiple challenges in the 21st century.

    • Decommissioning aircraft: By the end of the decade, many of the Jaguars, Mirage-2000s, and Mig-29s will begin going out, which is why the decision on Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is essential to arrest this drawdown.
    • Arsenal shortages: The IAF faces a shortage of fighter aircraft, which is a significant concern given the current geopolitical environment.
    • Selective modernization: One of the critical issues is modernization, which includes the upgrading of its aircraft and weapons systems.
    • Diverse threat: The IAF also needs to ensure operational readiness to address the changing nature of warfare, which involves non-state actors, asymmetrical warfare, and cyber threats.
    • Logistic fallouts: Furthermore, the IAF needs to improve its logistics and infrastructure to support its operations effectively.
    • Maintenance challenges: There is a slow synergy with vendors for ‘long-term spares and repair contracts’.

    Opportunities for the IAF

    There are several opportunities for the IAF to enhance its capabilities in the modern era.

    • Modernization: The acquisition of new aircraft, weapons systems, and technologies can significantly enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities.
    • Joint cooperation: Additionally, the IAF can improve its international cooperation with other air forces to gain experience and enhance its interoperability.
    • UAV induction: The IAF can also explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles.
    • Indigenization: The IAF is emphasizing the need for indigenization of its fighter jet production via LCA and Fifth Gen fighter aircraft program.

    Challenges in fleet modernisation

    • Procurement delay: The IAF faces significant challenges in modernizing its fleet due to delays in procurement and limited resources.
    • R&D, Infra bottlenecks: Implementing indigenization is a complex process that involves significant investment in research and development, infrastructure, and human capital.
    • Others: Other challenges include a lack of skilled labour, limited funding, and the need for technology transfer from foreign partners.

    Way forward

    • The IAF needs to prioritize the acquisition of MRFA, focus on increasing the availability rates of the Su-30, and invest in its own industry to achieve self-reliance in the long term.
    • Effective collaboration between industry, government, and the armed forces is crucial for the success of indigenization efforts in the defence sector.

     

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

    The Caste Census and Mandal Politics: Analysis

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

    Caste Census

    Central Idea

    • The demand for a caste-based census in India has once again brought Mandal politics to the forefront. Mandal politics has succeeded in capturing political power in large parts of India and has shifted the political discourse towards a universal acceptance of OBC reservations. However, the movement has weakened in recent years, and the demand for a caste census is seen as a way for Mandal parties to regain their hold in the public discourse.

    What do you understand by mean Mandal Politics?

    • Mandal politics refers to a political movement initiated by historically marginalized Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or Bahujan caste groups in India in the late 1980s and 1990s.
    • The movement sought to secure a greater share of political and economic power through reservation in the public sector for the OBCs who had been historically excluded from such opportunities.
    • The movement derived its name from the Mandal Commission, a committee appointed by the Indian government in 1979 to identify the socially and educationally backward classes of India and recommend measures for their advancement.
    • The Mandal Commission report in 1980 recommended that 27% of jobs in the public sector be reserved for OBCs, a recommendation that was later implemented by the Indian government in 1990.

    The outcomes of Mandal politics

    Positive outcomes:

    • Increased representation: One of the main positive outcomes of Mandal politics is the increased representation of OBCs and other marginalized groups in the political sphere. This has led to greater inclusivity and diversity in government and a more balanced distribution of power.
    • Reservation policies: Mandal politics has also led to the introduction and expansion of reservation policies, which aim to provide equal opportunities to marginalized groups in education and employment.
    • Recognition of social justice: Mandal politics has brought the issue of social justice to the forefront of political discourse and has highlighted the need for policies that address historic discrimination and disadvantage.

    Negative outcomes:

    • Caste-based politics: One of the negative outcomes of Mandal politics is the perpetuation of caste-based politics. This has led to the further entrenchment of caste divisions and has hindered the development of a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
    • Polarization and conflict: Mandal politics has also led to polarization and conflict between different caste groups, as each group seeks to secure its own interests.
    • Resentment and backlash: The policies introduced by Mandal politics have also led to resentment and backlash from certain upper-caste groups, who view the policies as discriminatory and unjust. This has sometimes led to violent protests and social unrest.

    What is Caste Census?

    • A caste census is basically the counting of people belonging to different castes in a particular marked area.
    • With this two-phase exercise, the Bihar government will try to get numbers of people belonging to SC, ST, and OBC communities and their financial status among other important things.
    • The exercise is termed ‘Jaati Aadharit Ganana’. People belonging to every religion and caste will be covered during the exercise.

    Arguments for caste census

    • Enumerating the marginalized: A caste census would actually bring to the particular the number of people who are at the margins, or who are deprived, or the kind of occupations they pursue, or the kind of hold that institutions like caste have on them. The caste census opens up to enumerating Dalits who are not Hindus, such as Dalit Christians and Muslims.
    • Data for Policymaking: This information is absolutely necessary for any democratic policymaking. The census will be able to answer real public policy questions and direct policies more effectively towards those who most need state assistance and affirmative action policies.
    • Judicial backing: The courts in India have often emphatically said that it is important to have adequate data with regard to the reservation.
    • Caste offers privilege: Caste is not only a source of disadvantage; it is also a very important source of privilege and advantage in our society.
    • Rids away caste rigidities: Counting of caste doesn’t necessarily perpetuate caste or the caste system. Myths of caste elitisms can be debunked through a caste census.

    Arguments against caste census

    • 50% breach of reservation cap: It is argued that a Socio-Economic Caste Census is the only way to make a case to breach the 50% cap on reservation and rationalize the reservation matrix in the country.
    • Caste within Caste: Given the differences in caste hierarchies across various regions of the country, a comparative reading along with generating a common hierarchy may be a challenge.
    • Caste over occupation linked predicaments: Caste linked deprivation or adversity may not be as common as occupation linked predicaments, which become easier to compare across states/regions.
    • Anonymity and bias: An intimate and personalised attribute like caste may have its differential exposition between urban and rural residents. Urban residents’ need for anonymity can always bias the reporting on caste.
    • Identity crisis: Recognition and adherence to caste identity is to a large extent shaped by progressive ideals, cosmopolitanism and education, which has its own regional divide in the country between the north and the south.
    • Hurdle to casteless society: The idea of a national caste census is abhorrent when the stated policy is to strive for a casteless society.

    The Impact of a Caste Census: Analysis In brief

    Positive impact

    • Accurate data: A caste census can provide accurate data on the caste demographics of India, which is necessary for effective policy-making and affirmative action programs.
    • Better targeting of government policies: The data from a caste census can help the government target policies and programs more effectively towards the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society.
    • Improved representation: A caste census can help improve representation of underrepresented castes in government bodies and institutions.
    • Empowerment of marginalized communities: A caste census can help empower marginalized communities by giving them a voice and recognition in the political and social systems.

    Negative impact

    • Polarization: A caste census can lead to polarization and tensions between different castes, especially if the data is used to allocate resources or benefits based on caste.
    • Stigma and discrimination: There is a risk that the caste census data can be used to further stigmatize and discriminate against marginalized communities.
    • Misuse of data: The data from a caste census can be misused by politicians and other groups to further their own agendas, leading to potential conflicts and social unrest.
    • Privacy concerns: Some people may be hesitant to disclose their caste, leading to concerns about privacy and data protection.

    Conclusion

    • The caste census is seen as a way for Mandal parties to regain their hold in the public discourse and direct policies more effectively towards those who most need state assistance and affirmative action policies. However, the demand for a caste census is a double-edged sword that may create conflicts and shift the discourse from historical injustices to distribution. The Mandal movement faces challenges but remains relevant in the ongoing struggle for social justice.

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