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  • Subduction Zone discovered beneath Gibraltar Strait

    What is the news?

    • Scientists in Portugal have uncovered a concerning revelation about the fate of the Atlantic Ocean, highlighting a potential ‘Ring of Fire’ (a Subduction Zone).
    • Researchers caution that the Atlantic may be on the brink of closure due to subduction activity.

    Why discuss this?

     

    • Closure of Gibraltar Strait: Computer simulations project the subduction zone’s expansion over the next 20 million years, forming the ‘Ring of Fire’ in the Atlantic leading to the closure of Gibraltar Strait.
    • Geological Parallel: This process mirrors the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire, reshaping the ocean basin through gradual subduction of the ocean floor beneath continents.

     

    About Gibraltar Strait

    Details
    Location
    • Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea;
    • Separating the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula of Europe from the northern coast of Africa.
    Width Approximately 13 km (8.1 miles) at its narrowest point.
    Depth Varies, with the deepest point reaching around 300 meters (984 feet).
    Formation
    • Convergence point for the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate.
    • Formed around 5.33 million years ago during the Messinian salinity crisis when the Atlantic Ocean breached the barrier separating it from the Mediterranean Sea, resulting in a catastrophic flood known as the Zanclean flood.
    • The strait’s current shape and depth were further influenced by tectonic movements and erosional processes over geological time.
    Historical Significance Serves as a key maritime passage for trade and military purposes.
    Disputes
    • Subject of contention between Spain and the United Kingdom;
    • Gibraltar Overseas Territory under British control.

     

    What are Subduction Zones?

    • Subduction zones occur at convergent plate boundaries, where two tectonic plates move toward each other.
    • This convergence is often between an oceanic plate and a continental plate or between two oceanic plates.
    • Subduction Process:
    1. Collision of Tectonic Plates: When two tectonic plates collide, the denser oceanic plate is forced beneath the less dense continental plate or another oceanic plate.
    2. Partial Melting: As the oceanic plate descends into the mantle, it generates intense heat and pressure, causing partial melting of the mantle material.
    3. Volcanic Activity: The molten material formed by the subduction process rises through the Earth’s crust, leading to volcanic eruptions at the surface.
    4. Formation of Volcanic Arcs: These eruptions often occur in chains known as volcanic arcs, which parallel the subduction zone. Ex. Andes in S. America; Cascade Range in North America.

    Implications of this Activity

    • Earthquakes: Subduction zone earthquakes can be particularly destructive and may trigger tsunamis due to the displacement of large volumes of water.
    • Trench Formation: The surface expression of a subduction zone is often a deep oceanic trench, where the descending plate bends and plunges into the mantle.
    • Mountain Building: Over time, the continuous subduction of oceanic crust can lead to the uplift and deformation of the overriding plate, resulting in the formation of mountain ranges adjacent to the subduction zone. These mountains may exhibit complex geological structures, including folds and faults.
    • Recycling of Oceanic Crust: As oceanic plates are subducted, they are gradually consumed by the mantle, releasing minerals and elements that are eventually returned to the surface through volcanic activity.

    PYQ:

    2010: Which one of the following can one come across if one travels through the Strait of Malacca?

    1. Bali
    2. Brunei
    3. Java
    4. Singapore

     

    2011: Between India and East Asia, the navigation time and distance can be greatly reduced by which of the following?

    1. Deepening the Malacca straits between Malaysia and Indonesia.
    2. Opening a new canal across the Kra Isthmus between the Gulf of Siam and Andaman sea.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Which of the given statement about the Gibraltar Strait is NOT correct?

    1. It connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.
    2. It is approximately 13 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.
    3. The deepest point of the Gibraltar Strait reaches around 300 meters.
    4. It was formed around 5.33 million years ago during the Holocene Epoch due to tectonic movements.

  • What are Critical Minerals?

    Why in the news?

    • India is looking for cobalt and other critical minerals in Zambia, Namibia, Congo, Ghana and Mozambique. It is still engaging with Australia for lithium blocks.
    • Critical minerals, including lithium and cobalt, are crucial for technology, manufacturing and other industries.

    What are Critical Minerals?

    • Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
    • These minerals are mostly used in making electronic equipment such as mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
    • Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.

    List of critical minerals includes:

    The centre has released a list of 30 critical minerals for India in 2023:

    1. Identified Minerals: Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, Platinum Group elements (PGE), Phosphorous, Potash, Rare Earth Elements (REE), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
    2. Fertilizer Minerals: Two minerals critical for fertilizer production, phosphorous and potash, are also included in the above list.

    Critical Mineral Blocks in India

    • Distribution: There are 20 blocks spread across eight states, including Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Jammu & Kashmir.
    • Types of Licenses: Four blocks are for a Mining License (ML), allowing immediate mining post-clearance. The remaining 16 blocks are for a Composite License (CL), permitting further exploration before potentially converting to an ML.
    • Approvals Required: Licensees must obtain various approvals, including forest clearance and environmental clearance.
    • Forest Land: Approximately 17% of the total concession area, or 1,234 hectares, is forest land.

    India’s Critical Mineral Imports

    • Lithium Imports: In FY23, India imported 2,145 tonnes of lithium carbonate and lithium oxide, costing Rs 732 crore.
    • Nickel and Copper Imports: The country imported 32,000 tonnes of unwrought nickel and 1.2 million tonnes of copper ore, costing Rs 6,549 crore and Rs 27,374 crore, respectively.
    • Import Dependence: India relies entirely on imports for lithium and nickel, and 93% for copper.

    Country-wise dependence:

    1. China: India heavily relies on China for the import of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite.
    2. Australia: India is actively engaged with Australia for acquiring mineral assets, particularly lithium and cobalt, to secure its supply chain for critical minerals.
    3. Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile: India is engaging with these countries, known for their reserves of battery metals like lithium and cobalt, to diversify its sources for critical minerals.

     

    PYQ:

    2019: With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements:

    1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
    2. State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
    3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 3
    2. 2 and 3
    3. 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements:

    1. Critical minerals are those elements which are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
    2. India has notified 30 elements in the Critical Minerals List.
    3. Fertilizer minerals Phosphorous and potash are also included in the Critical Minerals List.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Hate Speech: Interpreting Section 153A IPC

    What is the news?

    • The Supreme Court reiterated that to constitute an offence under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the essential ingredient is to create a sense of enmity and disharmony amongst two or more groups or communities.
    • Quite often, politicians are arrested under section 153 A of IPC for alleged hate speech.

    Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

    • Section 153A of the IPC deals with the offence of promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
    • The primary is to prevent the promotion of disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred, or ill-will between different groups in society.
    • It was enacted in 1898 and was not in the original penal code.

    Prohibited Acts:

    The section prohibits several acts:

    1. Engaging in activities that promote or attempt to promote feelings of enmity or hatred between different religious, racial, linguistic, or regional groups.
    2. Committing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony between different groups or communities.
    3. Doing anything that disturbs or disrupts public tranquillity or creates unrest among various groups.

    Essential Elements:

    To constitute an offence under Section 153A, the following essential elements must be established:

    1. Promotion of enmity or hatred between different groups.
    2. Such promotion must be based on religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc.
    3. The intention behind the act must be to disrupt public tranquillity or to create disharmony among groups.

    Punishment:

    • Jail Term: Any individual found guilty of committing an offence under Section 153A may be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 years, or with a fine, or with both.
    • Cognizable and Non-Bailable: The offence is a cognizable offence and the punishment for the same may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both. Further, the offence is non-bailable in nature, wherein the accused is tried by the magistrate of the first class.
    • Burden of Proof: It lies with the prosecution to demonstrate that the accused’s words, actions, or conduct were aimed at promoting enmity or hatred between different groups based on the specified grounds.

    PYQ:

    2014: What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.

     

    2022: With reference to India, consider the following statements:

    1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right.
    2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Q.The Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) essentially deals with:

    1. Fake News
    2. Hate Speech
    3. Protest without permission
    4. Encroachment

  • Story of Usha Mehta and the Secret Congress Radio

    Why in the news?

    Who was Usha Mehta (1920-2000)?

    • Usha Mehta was born on March 25, 1920, in Mumbai, India.
    • Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience, Usha Mehta became actively involved in the Indian independence movement from a young age.
    • One of Usha Mehta’s most notable contributions to the freedom struggle was her involvement in the radio broadcasting network known as the “Secret Congress Radio.”
    • She was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours in 1998.

    The Secret ‘Congress Radio’

    • On August 8, 1942, the historic Quit India Resolution was passed during the All India Congress Committee meeting in Bombay.
    • In this response, the idea of an underground radio station, known by various names such as the Freedom Radio, the Ghost Radio, or the Congress Radio, was conceived to counter the British-controlled AIR.
    • Usha Mehta, a 22 YO master’s student at Wilson College, became the voice of the Congress Radio.
    • The radio was an expensive endeavour, but funds were procured through various means, including contributions from Mehta’s colleague, Babubhai Khakhar.
    • Radio engineering expert Nariman Abarbad Printer constructed the Congress Radio transmission set.
    • Their first broadcast was on 14 August 1942.
    • Welcome line in her voice: “This is the Congress Radio calling on 42.34 from somewhere in India.”
    • In the beginning, they were broadcasting twice a day, in Hindi and English. But they reduced it to just once in the evening between 30 and 8.30 pm.
    • On 12th November 1942, the police raided the radio while Vande Mataram was being played and arrested Mehta and others.

    PYQ:

    2011: With reference to Indian freedom struggle, Usha Mehta is well-known for-

    1. Running the secret Congress Radio in the wake of Quit India Movement
    2. Participating in the Second Round Table Conference
    3. Leading a contingent of Indian National Army
    4. Assisting in the formation of Interim Government under Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru

     

    2021: With reference to 8th August, 1942 in Indian history, which one of the following statements is correct?

    1. The Quit India Resolution was adopted by the AICC.
    2. The Viceroy’s Executive Council was expanded to include more Indians.
    3. The Congress ministries resigned in seven provinces.
    4. Cripps proposed an Indian Union with full Dominion Status once the Second World War was over

    Practice MCQ:

    In context to the Secret ‘Congress Radio’ in modern Indian history, consider the following statements:

    1. It was established to supplement the Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930s.
    2. Usha Mehta was the voice of Congress Radio.
    3. It was broadcasted twice a day, in Hindi and English

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Supreme Court forms panel for Great Indian Bustard Conservation

    bustard

    What is the news?

    • The Supreme Court has taken a decisive step by forming an expert committee to address the pressing issue of conserving the endangered Great Indian Bustard.

    About Great Indian Bustard (GIB)

    • GIBs are the largest among the four bustard species found in India, the other three being MacQueen’s bustard, lesser florican, and the Bengal florican.
    • It is state bird of Rajasthan.
    • It is considered the flagship bird species of grassland.
    • Protection Status:
    1. Birdlife International: Uplisted from Endangered to Critically Endangered (2011)
    2. Protection under CITES: Appendix I
    3. IUCN status: Critically Endangered
    4. Protection under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    Threats to GIBs

    • Overhead power transmission: Due to their poor frontal vision, can’t detect powerlines in time and their weight makes in-flight quick maneuvers difficult.
    • Windmills: Coincidentally, Kutch and Thar desert are the places that have witnessed the creation of huge renewable energy infrastructure.
    • Noise pollution: Noise affects the mating and courtship practices of the GIB.
    • Changes in the landscape: by way of farmers cultivating their land, which otherwise used to remain fallow due to frequent droughts in Kutch.
    • Cultivation changes: Cultivation of cotton and wheat instead of pulses and fodder are also cited as reasons for falling GIB numbers.

    PYQ:

    2014: Consider the following pairs:

    Protected Area: Well-known for

    1. Bhitarkanika, Odisha — Salt Water Crocodile
    2. Desert National Park, Rajasthan — Great Indian Bustard
    3. Eravikulam, Kerala — Hoolock Gibbon

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    1. 1 only
    2. 1 and 2
    3. 2 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

     

    Practice MCQ:

    With reference to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB), consider the following statements:

    1. It is the largest among the bustard species found in India.
    2. It is state bird of Rajasthan as well as Gujarat.
    3. It is considered the flagship bird species of deserts.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • 23rd March 2024 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • [22 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: New capabilities: India and the Agni-V with MIRV

    [22 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: New capabilities: India and the Agni-V with MIRV

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains:Q) Elucidate the relationship between globalization and new technology in a world of scarce resources, with special reference to India. (2022)

    Prelims:Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

    (1) It is a surface-to-surface missile.

    (2) It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.

    (3) It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a)1 only (b)2 and 3 only (c)1 and 3 only (d)1, 2 and 3

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Agni-V;

    Mains: Defence and Security; India’s Development in Science and Technology;

    Mentor comments: Dr. Kalam was instrumental in the development of indigenous radar systems and led the development of key missiles like Agni, Prithvi, Akash, and Trishul. Agni missiles, developed by the DRDO, have been integral to India’s defense arsenal since the early 1990s. The latest variant of Agni-V incorporates Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, a sophisticated capability possessed by only a handful of countries globally. Interestingly, MIRV technology enables a single missile to target multiple locations primarily aimed at countering threats from China.

    Let’s learn.

    —

    Why in the News?

    On March 11, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used social media to announce India’s entry into a small club of countries capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads on a single missile.

    Context:

    • This was accomplished with the maiden flight test of Agni-V, India’s longest-range ballistic missile with a range of over 5,000 kilometers.
    • It enhances its capability with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology under ‘Mission Divyastra’ by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    Image2

    Features of Mission Divyastra:

    • Indigenous Technology: The MIRV system incorporates indigenous avionics systems and high-accuracy sensor packages to ensure precise targeting of re-entry vehicles.Range and Technology: Agni-V has a range of over 5,000 kilometers and features multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicle (MIRV) technology.Maiden Flight Test: DRDO conducted the maiden flight test of Agni-V, India’s longest-range ballistic missile, as part of ‘Mission Divyastra.’Development of canisterization: Since its first test in April 2012, Agni-V has undergone several developments, including canisterization for improved handling and operation.

    Significance for India:

    • Economic Perspective: The pursuit of advanced missile technologies, including MIRV capability, represents a significant investment in defense research and development. While it enhances India’s security, it also entails substantial financial costs and resource allocation, which must be managed effectively.
    • National Perspective:
      • Strategic Autonomy: By advancing its indigenous missile technology, including MIRV capability, India reduces its dependence on external suppliers for critical defense requirements.
      • No-First-Use Policy: India’s nuclear doctrine, based on a no-first-use policy, emphasizes credible minimum deterrence and massive retaliation in case of a second strike. MIRV-equipped missiles contribute to the credibility of India’s nuclear deterrence.
    • Asian Perspective:
      • Regional Security Dynamics: The deployment of MIRV-equipped missiles by India could potentially influence the strategic calculus of neighboring countries, particularly Pakistan, and contribute to stability or escalation depending on how it is perceived and managed.
      • China Factor: The choice of MIRV technology on Agni-V underscores India’s strategic focus on China, given the missile’s range and capability to overcome missile defenses. It serves as a deterrent against potential aggression from China and reinforces India’s strategic posture in the region.
    • Global Perspective:
      • Non-proliferation Norms: India’s successful development and deployment of MIRV technology on Agni-V enhance its standing as a responsible nuclear-armed state capable of safeguarding its security interests.
      • Completion of Nuclear Triad: India achieved the nuclear triad with the deployment of INS Arihant, its first nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, in 2018. The addition of MIRV technology to Agni-V further enhances India’s nuclear triad capabilities, providing diversified and robust nuclear deterrence.

    Conclusion: India’s entry into the MIRV club through the successful test of Agni-V under ‘Mission Divyastra’ marks a significant milestone, enhancing its nuclear deterrence capabilities and showcasing indigenous technological prowess on the global stage.

    Source- https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/new-capabilities-india-and-the-agni-v-with-mirv/article67976702.ece

    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remembering-indias-missile-man-apj-abdul-kalam-his-10-big-achievements/articleshow/94865613.cms

  • 22nd March 2024 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

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  • Navigating the global Waterscape, its challenges

    Why in the news? 

    Today, March 22, 2024, is the 31st World Water Day, with the theme, “Leveraging water for peace”

    Context-

    • In the context of climate change-related pressures, the world also needs to foster improved cooperation over water-sharing
    • The global challenge for securing access to clean water persists for about two billion people and its demand keeps rising. Beyond threatening our basic human needs, this scarcity also risks our collective prosperity and peace.

    Water diplomacy in a time of extremities-

    • Climate Crisis Impact: Meteorological extremities like heat waves and floods exacerbate concerns about the climate crisis. In India, erratic monsoons affect agriculture, crucial for the $3 trillion economy.
    • Need for Improved Cooperation: Amid climate change pressures, fostering cooperation over water-sharing and embracing universal principles of International Water Law is imperative.
    • Water Diplomacy: Effective governance of shared waters and sustainable water use are essential for better water diplomacy, promoting peace and stability regionally and internationally.
    • Collaborative Governance: Collaborative governance ensures equitable water allocation among nations, fostering regional stability and peace.
    • Inclusive Approaches: Water diplomacy should include indigenous and local communities’ cross-border networks and involve civil society and academic networks to prevent, mitigate, and resolve water-related disputes.
    • Water Quality Data Shortage: There’s a general shortage of water quality data globally, with a significant urban-rural divide, highlighting the need for better access to basic drinking water services, particularly in rural areas.

    Addressing rural India’s needs-

    70% of India’s rural population relies on water for household activities, with agriculture being the primary livelihood source. Globally, agriculture accounts for 70% of freshwater use.

    • Water Accessibility: Improved water accessibility in rural areas can lead to positive outcomes in health, education, employment, and basic human needs and dignity.
    • Water Investments: Increased water investments in rural areas can yield positive outcomes across various sectors, benefiting communities in multiple ways.
    • AI Technology in Agriculture: The efficient use of emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology in agriculture can aid in water conservation efforts. AI can help tackle crop and food loss, minimize chemical and fertilizer usage, and optimize water usage for sustainable and productive outputs.

    The issue of transboundary waters

    • Water Pollution: Transboundary rivers like the Meghna, Brahmaputra, Ganga, and Indus are experiencing worsening water pollution, posing significant environmental and health risks to communities relying on these water sources.
    • Lack of Governance: There is a need for sophisticated cross-border water governance to address issues related to equitable water allocation, pollution control, and sustainable management of shared water resources among neighboring countries.
    • Cooperation Challenges: Despite the importance of transboundary water cooperation, many countries face challenges in reaching agreements and implementing effective mechanisms for managing shared water resources. Disputes over water usage, infrastructure development, and environmental impacts hinder cooperation efforts.
    • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Transboundary water management is crucial for achieving the SDGs, particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). However, inadequate cooperation and governance frameworks pose obstacles to fulfilling SDG targets related to water security, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation.
    • Peace and Security: Scarcity of freshwater in transboundary river basins can exacerbate tensions and conflicts among riparian states. Effective management and cooperation on shared water resources are essential for promoting regional stability and preventing water-related conflicts.
    • Ecosystem Services: Transboundary rivers support diverse ecosystems and provide essential ecosystem services such as water purification, habitat for biodiversity, and regulation of water flow. Pollution and overexploitation of these waters threaten the integrity of ecosystems and the services they provide.
    • Climate Change Impacts: Climate change exacerbates challenges related to transboundary water management by altering precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and affecting water availability and quality. Adaptation and resilience-building measures are needed to address climate-related risks in transboundary river basins.

    Suggestive Measures to Resolve Transboundary Water Issues:

    • Strengthen Governance Structures: Establish comprehensive cross-border water governance frameworks, including bilateral or multilateral agreements, to facilitate equitable water allocation, pollution control, and sustainable management of shared water resources.
    • Enhance Cooperation Mechanisms: Foster dialogue and collaboration among riparian states through platforms such as joint commissions, river basin organizations, and diplomatic negotiations to address disputes and promote mutual understanding of water management challenges.
    • Implement Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM): Adopt IWRM approaches that consider social, economic, and environmental factors to promote sustainable development and ensure the efficient use of transboundary water resources while minimizing negative impacts on ecosystems and communities.
    • Enhance Monitoring and Data Sharing: Improve monitoring systems and data-sharing mechanisms to assess water quality, quantity, and usage trends in transboundary river basins. Enhanced transparency and information exchange can facilitate informed decision-making and cooperation among riparian states.
    • Promote Community Engagement: Involve local communities, indigenous groups, and civil society organizations in decision-making processes related to transboundary water management. Empowering stakeholders at the grassroots level can enhance accountability, foster cooperation, and promote sustainable practices.
    • Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Develop and enforce robust legal frameworks at national and international levels to regulate transboundary water resources effectively. Clear and enforceable laws can provide a basis for resolving disputes and ensuring compliance with agreed-upon water management principles.
    • Build Climate Resilience: Implement adaptation measures to address climate change impacts on transboundary water resources, such as enhancing water storage infrastructure, promoting water-efficient technologies, and integrating climate resilience into water management strategies.

    Conclusion-

    Navigating the global waterscape’s challenges requires robust governance, enhanced cooperation, and sustainable practices. By addressing transboundary water issues collectively, we can promote peace, ensure water security, and achieve sustainable development goals.

    Mains PYQ-

    Q- The interlinking of rivers can provide viable solutions to the multi-dimensional inter-related problems of droughts, floods, and interrupted navigation. Critically examine. (UPSC IAS/2020)

  • How to bring about White Revolution 2.0

    Why in the news?

    The government’s latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2022-23 shows milk emerging as India’s top food spend item, both in rural and urban areas

    Key facts as per survey-

    • The monthly value of milk and dairy products consumed by an average person in rural India, at Rs 314, was ahead of vegetables (Rs 203), cereals (Rs 185), egg, fish & meat (Rs 185), fruits (Rs 140), edible oil (Rs 136), spices (Rs 113) and pulses (Rs 76).
    • The HCES data reveals the same for urban India: Milk (Rs 466), fruits (Rs 246), vegetables (Rs 245), cereals (Rs 235), egg, fish & meat (Rs 231), edible oil (Rs 153), spices (Rs 138) and pulses (Rs 90).

    The challenges as per the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)-

    • Rising Milk Prices: Over the last five years, the all-India modal price of milk has surged from Rs 42 to Rs 60 per liter, with a notable increase from Rs 52 to Rs 60 in the past year alone. This upward trend in milk prices poses a challenge for consumers in terms of affordability.
    • Inflationary Pressure: The increase in milk prices is attributed to inflationary pressures, impacting consumer demand. Higher prices may lead to reduced consumption or shifts to alternative products, affecting the dairy industry’s revenue and profitability.
    • Increased Input Costs: The cost of fodder, feed, and raw materials/ingredients has risen significantly. Dairies are compelled to raise procurement prices paid to farmers to offset these increased input costs. Consequently, consumers bear the brunt of these cost hikes through higher retail prices for milk and dairy products.
    • Pass-through to Consumers: To mitigate the impact of rising input costs, dairies pass on the increased procurement prices to consumers, leading to further price hikes in milk products. This pass-through mechanism exacerbates the financial burden on consumers already grappling with inflated prices.
    • Impact on Farmers: While increased procurement prices may benefit farmers initially, they may face challenges in sustaining dairy farming operations if input costs continue to escalate. Balancing the interests of farmers, consumers, and the dairy industry becomes crucial amidst these challenges..

    How can that be achieved?

    • Use of Sex-Sorted Semen (SS) technology: The use of sex-sorted semen increases the probability of female calves being born to over 90%, compared to the 50:50 ratio with conventional semen. This technology ensures a higher proportion of future milk-producing cows, enhancing the productivity of dairy herds.
    • Increased Adoption: Dairy cooperatives like Amul are actively promoting the use of sex-sorted semen among farmers. In 2022-23, Amul performed 2.86 lakh artificial inseminations (AIs) using sex-sorted semen out of a total of 13.91 lakh AIs, constituting 20.5% of the total. The cooperative aims to raise this ratio to 30% by 2024-25.
    • Enhanced Conception Rate: Roughly one-third of artificial inseminations using sex-sorted semen lead to conception. This high conception rate, coupled with the assurance of female calves, contributes to a more efficient breeding strategy, resulting in a larger population of milk-producing cows.
    • Long-term Impact: By increasing the number of female calves born through sex-sorted semen technology, dairy farmers can anticipate a higher yield of milk-producing cows in subsequent generations. This proactive approach ensures the sustainability and growth of the dairy industry by maximizing milk production efficiency.
    • Cooperative Initiatives: Dairy cooperatives play a pivotal role in facilitating the adoption of advanced breeding technologies among farmers. Through initiatives like Amul’s targeted use of sex-sorted semen, cooperatives contribute to improving the genetic potential of dairy herds and enhancing overall milk yield per animal.

    Taking to farmer/ significance of Breeding Centre-

    • Establishment of Bovine Breeding Centre: Amul inaugurated a Bovine Breeding Centre in Mogar, Gujarat, in March 2020, to breed a nucleus herd of superior bulls and cows for artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) technologies.
    • Objective of the Centre: The primary objective of the centre is to produce high-quality semen and in vitro-fertilised embryos, stored at ultra-low temperatures, for use in AI or transferring into farmers’ animals.
    • Breeds and Milk Yield: The centre has produced various breeds, including exotic (such as Holstein-Friesian and Jersey), HF-Gir and HF-Sahiwal crossbred, and indigenous Gir, Sahiwal, and Murrah buffalo breeds, with varying milk yield capacities ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 liters per year.
    • Utilization of Male and Female Genetics: Through AI and sex-sorted semen, the centre exploits male genetics, while IVF-ET technology focuses on harnessing the female genetics of donor cows.
    • Adoption by Farmers: Amul has extended IVF-ET technology to farmers, with successful pregnancies and calvings recorded. Member unions of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation have also embraced these advancements, with farmers like Bhavnaben Chaudhary experiencing the benefits of higher-quality breeds through IVF-ET, leading to better milk yields and economic returns.
    • Preference for Specific Breeds: Farmers like Bhavnaben Chaudhary choose breeds like Kankrej for their higher fat and solids-not-fat content, despite lower yields, to ensure better prices and lower feeding and maintenance costs.

    Animal nutrition/ lowering the cost of producing milk at the farm-gate

    • Feeding Cost Reduction: Intervention is necessary to reduce the feeding costs of animals by cultivating high-yielding, protein-rich green fodder grasses. This reduces reliance on expensive compound cattle feed and oil-meal concentrates.The focus of White Revolution 2.0 would clearly have to be on lowering the cost of producing milk at the farm-gate
    • Introduction of Total Mixed Ration (TMR) Plant: Amul is establishing a 30-tonnes-per-day TMR plant at Sarsa in Anand. TMR will comprise dry and green fodder, concentrates, vitamins, and mineral mixtures, providing animals with a ready-to-eat mashed form of nutrition.
    • Benefits of TMR: TMR will save farmers the cost of purchasing and storing fodder separately, as well as the effort of administering it alongside cattle feed. It offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for animal nutrition.
    • Sourcing Fodder: The plan involves sourcing fodder from farmer producer organizations (FPOs), whose members will cultivate maize, jowar, hybrid napier, or oat grass and prepare silage for use in the TMR plant.
    • Focus on High-Yielding Grasses: Farmers will focus on cultivating high-yielding grass varieties rich in protein content, which are essential for maintaining the health and productivity of dairy animals.

    Conclusion-

    To ensure a sustainable White Revolution 2.0, measures such as the adoption of advanced breeding technologies, the establishment of breeding centres, and focus on animal nutrition are crucial for enhancing milk production efficiency and economic viability.

    Mains question for practice-

    Q- Discuss the role of advanced breeding technologies, establishment of breeding centers, and strategies for reducing feeding costs in ensuring sustainable milk production to achieve White Revolution 2.0.(250 words)

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