Once again, mass protests in Kenya, where at least 30 people were fatally shot by police, highlight opposition to an IMF-supported finance Bill proposing essential goods tax hikes.
Bretton Woods Conference of 1944
The Bretton Woods Conference was held in 1944 in New Hampshire, USA. It established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The IMF was designed to aid economic development and promote monetary cooperation and stability globally.
Criticism: It has been criticized for reflecting and perpetuating power dynamics favouring Western financial interests, with voting rights disproportionately allocated based on financial contributions rather than equal representation.
Functions of IMF and Recent Challenges Faced by Developing Countries
Functions: The IMF aims to provide financial assistance and policy advice to member countries facing balance of payments problems.
Challenges:
Austerity Measures: IMF loans often come with conditions such as austerity measures (like tax hikes and spending cuts) that can be unpopular and detrimental to social services and economic stability.
Dependency: Many developing countries face criticism for being overly dependent on IMF loans, which come with stringent conditions that may not always align with local priorities.
Public Backlash: There is often a public and political backlash against IMF policies perceived as imposing Western economic ideologies without adequate consideration for local contexts.
SAP (Structural Adjustment Programs) and Its Impacts
Definition: SAPs are economic policies imposed by the IMF and World Bank on developing countries in exchange for loans.
Impacts:
Economic Restructuring: SAPs typically involve privatization, deregulation, and liberalization policies aimed at restructuring national economies towards export-led growth.
Social Consequences: They often lead to job losses, reduced public spending on health and education, and increased poverty and inequality.
Criticism of SAPs: SAPs have been criticized for exacerbating social inequalities and benefiting Western financial interests over local populations.
Way forward:
Policy Transparency: The IMF could enhance transparency in its loan conditions and negotiations, ensuring that the terms and impacts of loans are clearly communicated to the public and local stakeholders.
Local Consultation: Before implementing major policy changes or austerity measures, the IMF could mandate extensive consultation with local governments, civil society organizations, and affected communities to ensure that proposed measures align with local economic priorities and social needs.
Mains PYQ:
Q The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandates are distinctly different. Elucidate. (UPSC IAS/2013)
The detection of a Zika virus infection in Pune has once again raised concerns regarding India’s readiness to diagnose emerging infectious diseases.
Recent Outbreaks in Various Regions of India
Zika Virus: Recent cases of Zika virus in Pune and previous outbreaks in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh highlight sporadic but concerning outbreaks across India.
Avian Influenza: Ongoing outbreaks affecting poultry, with occasional human cases reported, indicating challenges in surveillance and testing.
Nipah Virus: Multiple outbreaks in Kerala and sporadic cases in West Bengal underscore the recurrent nature of Nipah virus outbreaks in India.
India’s Lack of Significant Zika Surveillance and Other Diseases
Limited Diagnostic Capabilities: India faces challenges with the absence of approved diagnostic tests for the Zika virus, relying on clinical symptoms and selective testing, which may lead to underreporting.
Surveillance Gaps: There is a notable gap in systematic surveillance systems specifically tailored for Zika and other emerging infectious diseases, hampering early detection and containment efforts.
Infrastructure Deficiencies: The country’s diagnostic infrastructure outside major institutes is inadequate, affecting the timely identification and response to outbreaks of diseases like Zika, Nipah, and avian influenza.
Dependency on Apex Institutes: Diagnostic facilities are largely concentrated in apex national institutes, limiting accessibility and delaying the implementation of crucial public health measures during outbreaks.
Impacts of Unavailability of Infrastructure
Delayed Response: Lack of accessible diagnostics delays the identification and isolation of cases, contact tracing, and implementation of containment measures during outbreaks.
Loss of Time: Delays in releasing genomic sequences and validating diagnostic tests impede the rapid development and deployment of effective diagnostics.
Way Forward (Role of ICMR)
Enhanced Surveillance: ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) should lead efforts to decentralize testing facilities, ensuring availability at district and sub-district levels.
Capacity Building: Develop accessible and affordable diagnostic tests for Zika, Nipah, and avian influenza, leveraging lessons from COVID-19 testing infrastructure expansion.
Genomic Surveillance: Establish a system for the rapid release of whole genome sequences into public repositories like GISAID to enhance understanding and response capabilities.
Collaboration: Foster collaboration with industry and research institutions to streamline diagnostic test approvals and improve preparedness for future outbreaks.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The Santhal Revolt of 1855 was a revolt against imperialism led by four brothers, Sidho, Kanho, Chand, and Bhairav Murmu, along with sisters Phulo and Jhano.
June 30 marks the 169th anniversary of the beginning of the revolt.
About Santhal Hul
The Santhal people revolted against the British East India Company and the Zamindari system, also known as the Santhal Rebellion or Santhal Hul.
The rebellion began on June 30, 1855.
Martial Law was imposed on November 10, 1855, by the East India Company, lasting until January 3, 1856, when the rebellion was suppressed.
Who are the Santhals?
Santhals were agricultural people living in the Rajmahal Hills of Bihar.
Ol Chiki(Ol Chemet) is the writing script of Santhals.
The British asked them to clear forests for agriculture to increase revenue.
Damin-i-Koh (1832) was created as a designated area for Santhals, now known as Santhal Pargana.
Over time, the British began exploiting the Santhals, leading to the Santhal Rebellion.
What makes the revolt so unique?
Marginalized Indigenous Community: Led by the Santhal tribe, a marginalized indigenous community in mid-19th century India.
Agrarian Uprising: Primarily a fight against exploitative land laws, high taxes, and forced labor rather than political or religious issues.
Tribal Unity and Guerrilla Tactics: Characterized by a strong sense of tribal unity and guerrilla warfare tactics, making it unique and significant.
Causes of the Santhal Revolt:
Permanent Settlement System (1793): Introduced by the British East India Company, giving Zamindars long-lasting property rights.
Oppression by Zamindars: Zamindars misused their power to oppress and enslave peasants, leading to resentment.
Exploitation and Debt: Santhals faced exploitation through high-interest loans and lost their land and freedom.
Violent Suppressions: British police supported Zamindars and moneylenders in evicting Santhals violently.
Disruption of Traditional Structures: Traditional social and political structures of the Santhals were disrupted, pushing them into debt and poverty.
Economic Hardship: Led to the Santhals revolting against the British and Zamindars to escape their predicament.
About the Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876) and Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908)
Santhal Pargana Tenancy Act (1876): Enacted by the British as a result of the Hul.
Land Inheritance: Prohibits the transfer of Adivasi lands to non-Adivasis and allows land to be inherited only as per the Act.
Self-Governance: Retains the rights of Santhals to self-govern their land.
Chhotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908): Result of the Birsa Movement.
Land Transfer Restrictions: Allows land transfers within the same caste and geographical areas with District Collector’s approval.
Protection of Adivasi and Dalit Land: Restricts the sale of Adivasi and Dalit land but allows transfers within the same community.
PYQ:
[2018] After the Santhal Uprising subsided, what was/were the measure/measures taken by the colonial government?
The territories called `Santhal Parganas’ were created.
It became illegal for a Santhal to transfer land to a non-Santhal.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL), maker of the indigenous coronavirus vaccine Covaxin, admitted to an “inadvertent error” in patent filings. The error involved failing to include scientists from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as co-inventors in the patent filings.
COVAXIN Story
BBIL patented the process of making a batch of vaccines from virus strains provided by ICMR-NIV (National Institute of Virology).
ICMR-NIV’s role involved extracting viruses, identifying characteristics, conducting tests, and qualifying strains for vaccine development.
ICMR funded these clinical trials with ₹35 crore and incurred costs in developing Covaxin.
In return, ICMR was to receive 5% of the royalties BBIL earned from the sale of Covaxin.
Vaccine Patents in India
In India, patents, including those for vaccines, are governed by the Patents Act, 1970, and its subsequent amendments.
This act aligns with the TRIPS Agreement (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) under the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Key Provisions of the Patents Act, 1970:
Patentable Inventions:
An invention must be novel, involve an inventive step, and be capable of industrial application.
Section 3 of the Patents Act outlines what are not considered inventions, which includes methods of treatment, and processes for medicinal, surgical, curative, prophylactic, diagnostic, therapeutic, or other treatments of human beings.
India grants both process and product patents:
Product Patents: Grant a monopoly over a specific drug.
Process Patents: Prevent competitors from using the same sequence of steps to create a similar product.
Compulsory Licensing:
Under Section 84, compulsory licenses can be issued if the patented invention is not available to the public at a reasonably affordable price, or if the reasonable requirements of the public are not being met.
Bolar Provision:
Section 107A allows the use of patented inventions, including vaccines, for the purpose of research and development to obtain regulatory approval before the patent expires.
Why was the ICMR not included?
Bharat Biotech initially excluded ICMR from patent applications because they viewed the ICMR’s role primarily as providing virus strains and conducting clinical trials, rather than being directly involved in the technical processes of vaccine development.
There might have been a miscommunication or oversight regarding the understanding of intellectual property rights and inventorship between BBIL and ICMR initially.
PYQ:
[2013] Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced amendment to the section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (200 words)
[2014] In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets.
Five soldiers lost their lives when a tank was drowned away by powerful water currents in the Shyok River during a military training exercise in Ladakh.
About Shyok River
The Shyok River is a significant river flowing through the Ladakh region of India and the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.
It is a tributary of the Indus River and is known for its length and the rugged terrain it traverses.
The Shyok River spans approximately 550 kilometres in length.
It has a drainage basin covering parts of both India and Pakistan, making it an essential water source for the regions it traverses.
Source and Course:
The river originates from the Rimo Glacier, located to the southeast of the Karakoram Pass.
It flows northwest to enter the Nubra Valley in Ladakh, a region known for its picturesque landscapes and sand dunes.
The river then turns southwest and flows through the disputed region of Gilgit-Baltistan, eventually joins the Indus River near Skardu.
Tributaries:
The Shyok River has several tributaries, the most notable being the Nubra River, which flows through the Nubra Valley.
Other significant tributaries include the Saltoro River, originating from the Siachen Glacier region.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The river flows through that have been part of ancient trade routes between Central Asia and South Asia.
The Nubra Valley, through which the Shyok flows, is also known for its ancient monasteries and the Bactrian camels, which were used for trade along the Silk Route.
Geographical significance of Shyok River
Strategic Location: The Shyok River flows through the Ladakh region of India and serves as a vital geographical feature due to its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China. Its strategic location influences military deployments and infrastructure development in the region, particularly in the context of border disputes and security concerns.
Glacial Melt and Water Resources: Originating from the Rimo Glacier and fed by numerous tributaries, the Shyok River contributes significantly to the water resources of the region. Its flow is crucial for agriculture, hydroelectric power generation, and sustenance of local ecosystems, impacting the livelihoods and socio-economic activities of communities along its banks.
With the southwest monsoon gradually setting in, Nouka Baich boat races will soon commence in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
About Nouka Baich
Nouka Baich is the traditional boat race of Bengal.
It is predominantly held in the rural pockets of West Bengal, including Murshidabad, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas.
Historically male-dominated, recent years have seen increasing participation by women.
Timing and Duration:
Monsoon Season: The races commence with the onset of the south-west monsoon, usually starting in the middle of the rainy season.
Extended Period: The events continue until September, with some races extending into October and November, depending on the region.
Types of Boats Used:
Diverse Fleet: Unlike Kerala’s boat races, which typically feature a single type of boat, Bengal’s races use various traditional boats.
Common Boat Types: Chhip, Kaile Bachhari, Chande Bachhari, Chitoi, Sorpi, and Sorengi are commonly used in the races.
Unique Features: Each boat type has unique design features and historical significance, with some boats like the Sorengi being over 90 feet long and designed to mimic natural forms.
Similar festivals celebrated in other parts that highlight cultural similarities in India:
Location
Occasion
Highlights
Nehru Trophy Boat Race
Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala
Second Saturday of August
Named after Jawaharlal Nehru; features snake boats (Chundan Vallams) accommodating over 100 rowers.
Champakulam Moolam Boat Race
Pampa River, Alappuzha, Kerala
June or July
One of the oldest boat races, commemorates the installation of Lord Krishna’s idol at Ambalappuzha Temple.
Aranmula Uthrattadi Vallamkali
Pampa River, Aranmula, Kerala
Onam (August or September)
Features Palliyodams (large snake boats); significant for the Parthasarathy Temple.
Payippad Jalotsavam
Payippad Lake, Alappuzha, Kerala
Onam (August or September)
Celebrates the installation of deity at Subramanya Swamy Temple; features snake boats and canoes.
Indira Gandhi Boat Race
Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala
Last week of December
Part of Cochin Carnival; attracts tourists, named after Indira Gandhi.
Pongal Boat Race
Bhuvanagiri, Tamil Nadu
Pongal festival (January)
Vibrant cultural displays; local fishermen participate.
Hiyang Tannaba
Manipur
Lai Haraoba festival
Traditional boat race with long narrow boats, reflecting the Meitei community’s traditions.
Sithargal Boat Race
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Pongal festival
Highlights the maritime culture of the region; attracts numerous participants and spectators.
Researchers at Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram, have developed a way to make activated carbon from coconut husks, which are a common leftover from farming in Kerala. This activated carbon is well-suited for making supercapacitors.
Back2Basics: Supercapacitors
Supercapacitors, also known as ultra-capacitors or electrochemical capacitors, are energy storage devices that bridge the gap between conventional capacitors and batteries.
They store energy through the electrostatic separation of charges rather than through chemical reactions as in batteries.
This allows supercapacitors to charge and discharge much faster than batteries.
Key Characteristics:
High Power Density: Supercapacitors can deliver and accept charge much more rapidly than batteries.
Long Cycle Life: They can endure millions of charge-discharge cycles without significant degradation.
Wide Operating Temperature Range: Supercapacitors perform well in a broad range of temperatures, making them suitable for various applications.
Structure and Components:
Electrodes: Made of materials like activated carbon, carbon aerogels, or graphene, which have high surface areas.
Electrolyte: The medium that allows ionic conductivity between the electrodes, typically a liquid or gel.
Separator: A porous membrane that prevents electrical contact between the electrodes but allows ionic movement.
What is Activated Carbon?
Activated Carbon, also known as activated charcoal, is a highly porous form of carbon.
It is processed to have small, low-volume pores with increased surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions.
It is widely used for purification, decontamination, and as a filtration medium.
Key Characteristics:
High Surface Area: Due to its extensive network of pores, activated carbon has a very high surface area, typically ranging from 500 to 1500 m²/g.
Porosity: The structure includes micropores, mesopores, and macropores, allowing it to adsorb a variety of molecules.
How is it produced?
Activated carbon is produced from carbonaceous source materials such as coconut shells, peat, wood, coir, lignite, coal, and petroleum pitch.
The production involves two main steps:
Carbonization: The raw material is subjected to high temperatures (600-900°C) in an inert atmosphere (usually nitrogen or argon) to remove volatile components.
Activation/Oxidation: The carbonized material is treated with oxidizing agents (such as steam or carbon dioxide) at high temperatures (800-1000°C) to develop a porous structure.
Types:
Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC): Finely ground carbon particles primarily used in liquid phase applications.
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC): Larger particles used in both liquid and gas phase applications, such as water and air filtration.
Extruded Activated Carbon (EAC): Cylindrical pellets used mainly for gas phase applications due to their low pressure drop and high mechanical strength.
Impregnated Activated Carbon: Activated carbon treated with chemicals to enhance its adsorption capacity for specific contaminants.
Applications:
Water Treatment: Removes contaminants like chlorine, odors, and organic compounds from drinking water.
Air Purification: Adsorbs volatile organic compounds (VOCs), odors, and airborne pollutants.
Medical Uses: Used in poisoning cases to absorb toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
Industrial Processes: Utilized in the recovery of solvents, purification of gases, and in gold purification.
Food and Beverage: Helps in decolorization and purification processes in sugar, wine, and juice production.
About Coconut Husk-Derived Activated Carbon
Coconut husk-derived activated carbon is a sustainable and efficient green solution for high-performance supercapacitors.
This material is readily available, low-cost, and eco-friendly.
It was produced by Microwave-Assisted Method designed at the Centralised Common Instrumentation Facility (CCIF) at the college.
Importance of Supercapacitors
Energy Storage: Supercapacitors have significantly higher capacitance and energy storage capacity compared to conventional capacitors.
Search for Ideal Material: Finding the ideal supercapacitor electrode material has been a significant challenge in sustainable energy storage solutions.
Research Findings:
Efficiency: Prototype supercapacitors made from coconut husk-derived activated carbon are four times more efficient than existing supercapacitors.
Cost-Effective and Efficient: Activated carbon produced using this technology is inexpensive and exhibits exceptional supercapacitor capability.
Q) “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022) Q) Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy. (UPSC IAS/2017)
Prelims: Q) The power of the Supreme Court of India to decide disputes between the Centre and the States falls under its (UPSC IAS/2014) (a) Advisory jurisdiction (b) Appellate jurisdiction (c) Original jurisdiction (d) Writ jurisdiction
Note4Students:
Prelims: Supreme Court on Endangered species;
Mains: Landmark Judgements by SC; Judicial Interventions;
Mentor comments: The Supreme Court in M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. ruled that people have a right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change which should be recognised by Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution. The ruling of the Supreme Court was rendered in response to a writ brought by a government official. The court acknowledged the complex interplay between environmental conservation, social equity, economic prosperity, and climate change. It stressed the need to balance the conservation of endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) with the imperative of protecting against climate change.
It appointed an Expert Committee to determine the best way to protect the species. This decision aimed to support India’s renewable energy goals and climate commitments while ensuring environmental protection. However, the effectiveness of court rulings on climate change remains a question, as climate change is a complex, multi-dimensional problem that requires a holistic approach. The court’s decision to defer to the executive on certain matters related to climate change policy has also been criticized by some experts.
Let’s learn
—
Why in the News?
The Apex court’s recent decision on M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. to defer to the executive on certain matters related to climate change policy has been questioned by experts.
What was the Supreme Court’s recent Landmark Judgment?
• The Supreme Court in M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors. ruled that that people have a right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change which should be recognised by Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution. • The ruling of the Supreme Court was rendered in response to a writ brought by conservationist and retired government official M K Rnajitsinh, who sought protection for two endangered species namely the Lessor Florican and the Great Indian Bustard. • The court acknowledged the complex interplay between environmental conservation, social equity, economic prosperity, and climate change. • While modifying its earlier order to underground power cables in the Great Indian Bustard’s habitat, the court prioritized transmission infrastructure to enable renewable energy development to address climate change.
Present challenges along the verdict of Supreme Court:
Unresolved questions: The judgment leaves unresolved questions regarding the court’s emphasis on large-scale clean energy as the main pathway to avoiding climate harm and its potential understatement of climate adaptation and local environmental resilience.
Non-clarity: The court did not clarify how the newly recognized right against the adverse effects of climate change will be protected in practice.
Two potential approaches to realizing this right emerge:
The proliferation of court-based climate litigation, which may lead to an incomplete patchwork of protections.
The enactment of climate legislation, which can provide an overarching framework to guide future policy.
The Need for Climate Legislation in India
Absence of an “umbrella legislation” in India : India needs climate legislation that is tailored to its unique context, rather than blindly copying other countries.
Framework climate legislation can set the vision for engaging with climate change across sectors and regions, create necessary institutions, and put in place processes for structured and deliberative governance in anticipation of and reaction to climate change.
Tailoring Climate Legislation to the Indian Context should also:
create a supportive regulatory environment for sustainable cities, buildings, and transport
enable adaptation measures like heat action plans and climate-resilient agriculture
protect key ecosystems like mangroves
consider social equity in achieving these goals
A single, omnibus law covering all these areas may not be feasible given India’s existing legal framework.
Lessons from International Experience:
• Climate laws in many countries, like the UK’s, focus narrowly on regulating carbon emissions, which is ill-suited for India. • Instead, India needs an “enabling law” that stimulates development-focused decisions across sectors towards low-carbon and climate-resilient growth. • An enabling law should be more procedurally-oriented, creating institutions, processes, and standards for mainstreaming climate change across ministries and society (emphasizing both adaptation and mitigation).
Federal Factor:
On Decentralized approach: Many areas relevant to climate action, such as urban policy, agriculture, water, and electricity, fall under the authority of state and local level governments. An Indian climate law must set a framework for coherent national action and decentralize sufficiently to empower states and local governments.
On Fiscal and Governing Policies: The regional states and local governments need to be provided with information and finance to take effective actions. This would enable diverse segments of society to bring their knowledge and expertise to the table in addressing climate change.
The Way Forward:
India should learn from international experience, both in terms of what not to do and what directions to follow.
The country’s climate legislation should be tailored to its unique context of being a developing, highly vulnerable nation still building its infrastructure.
In early June, approximately 300 families were relocated from the island of Gardi Sugdub in Panama’s Guna Yala province due to concerns about rising sea levels.
What is happening in Gardi Sugdub?
Location and Community: Gardi Sugdub, home to about 1,300 members of the Guna community, is an island in Panama’s Guna Yala province.
Sea Level Rise: The Caribbean region, where Panama is situated, is experiencing sea level rise at an average rate of 3 to 4 millimetres per year. This rate is expected to accelerate to 1 centimetre per year or more by 2100.
Flooding: Annually, particularly in November and December, seawater floods houses and streets on Gardi Sugdub, despite efforts to fortify the island.
Relocation: The Panamanian government constructed 300 new houses on the mainland in a development called Nuevo Cartí to relocate affected families.
How are other island nations affected by sea level rise?
Small island developing states (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable due to their low elevation and reliance on marine resources. SIDS in the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea face existential threats from rising sea levels.
Examples of Impact: Islands such as Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands, and Kiribati are experiencing significant land loss and threats to their culture and economies.
Consequences: Coastal erosion, salinization of freshwater resources, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events due to rising sea levels, storm surges, and ‘king tides.’
How fast is the global sea level rising?
Since 1880, global sea levels have risen by approximately 21–24 centimeters. The rate of increase has accelerated in recent decades.
Causes: The primary drivers are global warming, thermal expansion of seawater, and the melting of land-based ice such as glaciers and ice sheets.
Due to the Global Temperature Increase: The global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880, contributing to rising sea levels.
Way forward:
Strengthen Coastal and Environmental Defenses: Construct seawalls, breakwaters, and other barriers to protect against storm surges and coastal erosion. Restore and preserve natural coastal barriers such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands to enhance natural protection.
Develop and Implement Climate Adaptation Strategies: Create comprehensive climate adaptation plans that include relocation strategies for vulnerable communities.
Mains PYQ:
Q Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (UPSC IAS/2022)
Denmark will impose a tax on its livestock farmers for the greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs from 2030.
What is it?
Denmark plans to impose a tax on livestock farmers for greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs starting in 2030.
Tax Rates: Farmers would initially pay about $43 per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent produced by their livestock, increasing to around $108 by 2035.
Actual Cost: Due to a 60% income tax deduction, the actual cost per ton will start at 120 kroner ($17.3) and rise to 300 kroner ($43) by 2035.
Use of Tax Collection: The funds collected from the tax between 2030 and 2031 will be returned to the industry to support its green transition. The handling of proceeds will be revisited in 2032. The proposal includes the development of over 600,000 acres of new forest areas.
How Do Cows and Sheep Produce Methane?
Ruminants like cows, sheep, goats, and buffaloes have a specialized digestive system with four stomach compartments, including the rumen. In the rumen, partially digested food ferments, producing methane.
Methane is released primarily through burping and farting as the animals regurgitate and chew cud to complete the digestive process. Ruminant digestive systems are responsible for 27% of all methane emissions from human activity.
Why Are Methane Emissions a Problem?
Climate Impact: Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, responsible for 30% of warming since preindustrial times, second only to carbon dioxide. Over a 20-year period, methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.
Ground-Level Ozone: Methane is the primary contributor to ground-level ozone formation, a highly irritating gas just above the Earth’s surface, contributing to 1 million premature deaths annually.
Rising Levels: Atmospheric methane levels have dramatically increased in recent years, with the NOAA reporting a record 17 parts per billion increase in 2021, surpassing the previous record set in 2020.
Way forward:
Dietary Adjustments: Introduce feed additives, such as seaweed or other natural supplements, that can reduce methane emissions during digestion in ruminants. This approach can significantly lower methane production without negatively impacting livestock health or productivity.
Improved Manure Management: Utilize advanced manure management practices, such as anaerobic digestion, to capture and convert methane emissions from decomposing animal waste into biogas. This not only reduces methane emissions but also provides a renewable energy source.
Mains PYQ:
Q 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? (UPSC IAS/2021)
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