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Type: Explained

  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    On India’s ‘heat action plans’ | Explained

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Climatology; Heatwave;

    Mains level: Heat Action Plans (HAPs) ;

    Why in the news?

    Come summer, we are used to seeing heat alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for various parts of India. This year, these alerts began in February itself.

    What is a heatwave?

    • According to the IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions.
    • The IMD will declare a heatwave if the maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more in the coast, and 30 degrees Celsius or more in the hills.

    Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to tackle heatwave 

    • Aim: HAPs aim to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heat waves.
      • The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are reported to be working with 23 States to develop HAPs.
    • Issue with Database: There is no centralized database on HAPs, but at least 23 HAPs exist at the State and city level, with a few States, such as Odisha and Maharashtra, laying out district-level HAPs.

    Key components of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)  

    Limitation 

    • Challenges related to Determining Heatwaves: While a national threshold is currently used to determine heatwaves, determining them at smaller scales such as states, districts, and cities poses a challenge due to variations in local factors like the urban heat island effect, type of roofing, and proximity to water or green bodies, as well as humidity.
    • Inconsistent Methods and Vulnerability Assessments: The methods used for vulnerability assessments in HAPs are inconsistent because of the diverse physiography of regions
    • Addressing Vulnerable Populations: While HAPs prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, targeted interventions often fail to account for varying needs based on local socio-economic and demographic factors.
    • Resource Allocation and Financing: Implementation of HAPs varies depending on local government priorities and available capacities because at the local level Fund crunch.
    • Integration and Collaboration: HAPs are currently standalone plans with limited finance, highlighting the need for integration with broader action plans promoting urban resilience and climate adaptation to pool resources effectively.

    Way Forward:

    • Determination at Local Scales: Invest in local monitoring systems that capture variations in temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors.
    • Standardizing Methods: Establish guidelines for conducting vulnerability assessments that account for diverse physiography and local context.
    • Tailoring Interventions: Conduct comprehensive community consultations to understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations in different localities.
    • Funding and Resources: Advocate for increased funding for HAPs at the national and local levels through budget allocations, grants, and public-private partnerships.
    • Integration and Collaboration: Establish inter-agency task forces or committees to coordinate HAPs with other relevant initiatives, such as urban planning, public health, and disaster management.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

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

    Hapur verdict, challenging vigilantism

    Explained | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Social Media Networks & Internal Security

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: NA

    Mains level: Religious Issues;

    Why in the news? 

    On 12 March 2024, in a first for Uttar Pradesh, a trial court in Hapur awarded life imprisonment in a case of cow protection-related lynching of a Muslim person.

    • Six years earlier, in June 2018, Qasim Qureshi was lynched to death, and Samiuddin was brutally assaulted, by a Hindu group in the Bajhera Khurd village, under the false accusation of cow slaughter.
    Mob lynching is an act of premeditated extrajudicial killing by a group of people, often targeted against a particular individual or group. Mob lynching is based on some false information, unconfirmed rumours etc.

    Key issues in the investigation as per judgment: 

    • Police Fabrication and Accountability: The court censures the police for fabricating the FIR, creating an alternative narrative of the incident, and failing to collect witness statements and conduct proper investigations. This raises questions about police accountability and their collusion with the accused.
    • Intent and Collusion: The judgment questions the police’s intent and alleges collusion of police personnel and investigating officers in protecting the accused. There are allegations of damaging video evidence and neglecting forensic investigations, highlighting potential corruption or bias within the police force.
    • Failure in Investigation: Despite eyewitnesses approaching officers, the police did not conduct an official identification parade, which aided the accused in securing bail. This failure indicates potential attempts by the police to misdirect the investigation.
    • State’s Role and Vigilante Violence: The conviction highlights the state’s role as not only a participant but also an enabler in the violence. It demonstrates how the state delegates illegal policing to vigilantes, with convictions having little material impact on the state’s involvement.

    Way forward 

    • Need Accountability: Implement strict protocols for filing FIRs and conducting investigations to prevent fabrication of evidence.
    • Need for Fast-track courts: The lynching cases should be tried by fast-track courts with day-to-day hearings. It is important to punish the culprit with stringent punishment and conclusion of the cases within 6 months.
    • Enhancing Investigation: Mandate the conduct of official identification parades in all cases involving serious crimes to facilitate accurate witness identification.
    • Addressing State Complicity: Strengthen legal frameworks to hold state authorities accountable for their role in enabling or condoning vigilante violence.

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Reforms needed in the voting process | Explained

    Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: VVPATs, EVM

    Mains level: Limitation and significance of EVM

    Why in the news? 

    The Supreme Court has decided to hear petitions seeking 100% cross-verification of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips with the vote count as per Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

    What is the history of the Voting Process?

    • First two General Elections: In the Elections of 1952 and 1957, a separate box was placed for each candidate with their election symbol. Voters had to drop a blank ballot paper into the box of the candidate whom they wanted to vote for.
    • Third Election: In the third election, the ballot paper with names of candidates and their symbols was introduced with voters putting a stamp on the candidate of their choice.
    • Introduction of EVM in Lok Sabha Elections: In the 2004 general elections to the Lok Sabha, EVMs were used in all 543 constituencies.
    • Global Scenario:
      • Many Western democracies, including England, France, The Netherlands, and the United States, have opted to continue using paper ballots for their National or Federal Elections instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
      • Some countries have discontinued the use of EVMs after trials over the past two decades. For example, Germany’s Supreme Court declared the use of EVMs in elections unconstitutional in 2009.

    Significance of EVM: 

    • Prevention of Booth Capturing: EVMs have significantly reduced the likelihood of booth capturing, a practice where unauthorized individuals seize control of polling booths to manipulate votes.
    • Elimination of Invalid Votes: EVMs have effectively eliminated invalid votes, which were a common issue with paper ballots.
    • Environmental Sustainability: With a large electorate size like India’s, which is close to one billion, the use of EVMs contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the consumption of paper.
    • Administrative Convenience: EVMs provide administrative convenience for polling officers on the day of the poll. They simplify the voting process, making it easier for voters to cast their ballots and for officials to manage polling stations efficiently.

    Limitations on using EVM: 

    • Susceptibility to Hacking Allegations: Despite assurances from electoral authorities, doubts have been raised about the security of EVMs, with concerns that they may be vulnerable to hacking due to their electronic nature.
    • Limited Sample Size for VVPAT Verification: The current practice of verifying the EVM count with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips has a small sample size of only five per assembly constituency/segment.
    • Identification of Polling Behavior: The process of matching EVM counts with VVPAT slips at the booth level allows for the identification of polling behavior by various political parties. This information could potentially be used for profiling voters and intimidation, undermining the secrecy and fairness of the electoral process.

    Way Forward:

    • Enhancing Transparency and Comprehensibility: In a transparent democracy, citizens should be able to understand and verify the election process without requiring specialized technical knowledge.
    • Scientific Sampling for EVM-VVPAT Matching: Rather than a 100% match, the sample for matching the EVM count with VVPAT slips should be determined scientifically, possibly by dividing each state into large regions as suggested by experts.
    • Error Resolution: In case any error is detected, the VVPAT slips for the concerned region should be fully counted, forming the basis for results. This would instill statistically significant confidence in the counting process.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?

    Q To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    Centre Directs Gas-Based Power Plants To Begin Operations Amid Rising Summer Demand

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Status of Gas based plants in India; Section 11 (Electricity Act, 2003);

    Mains level: Significance of Gas-Based Plants;

    Why in the News? 

    • The Central government has issued directives under Section 11 of the Electricity Act, of 2003 to all gas-based generating stations to ensure Maximum Power Generation.
      • This section empowers the Central/state government to specify the operation of generating stations in extraordinary circumstances.

    Why India Needs Gas-based Plants?

    • Electricity Demand in India: India faces a surge in electricity demand, especially during the upcoming summer season. The government has instructed gas-based power plants to commence operations to address this demand surge.
    • Optimizing Power Availability: The directive aims to optimize power availability from gas-based generating stations during the anticipated high-demand period, similar to measures taken for imported-coal-based power plants.
    • Ideal Transitioning Fuel: Gas-based power plants can be an ideal transition fuel for the shift from coal-based generation to renewable energy in the Indian power sector. They can provide the necessary flexibility and reliability to the grid as the share of renewable energy increases.
    • Targets: The Indian government has set a target of increasing the share of non-fossil fuel, especially renewables, in power generation to 50% by 2030, and gas-based power plants can play a crucial role in achieving this target.

     

    Challenges in building Gas-based Infrastructure:

    • Underutilized Capacity: Despite having considerable capacity, gas-based generating stations remain underutilized, primarily due to commercial considerations.
    • Non-availability of Affordable Fuel: India’s gas-based power plants are either stranded or operating at sub-optimal levels due to the non-availability of affordable fuel
    • Lack of Domestic Gas Supply: The limited domestic gas supply has forced gas-based power producers to depend on LNG to meet their fuel needs, but the high cost of LNG has increased the variable cost of power, making it difficult to schedule in merit order dispatch
    • Dependence on Imports: With barely half of the current gas consumption coming from local production, dependence on gas-based power plants can only be interim and not a long-term solution.

    Initiatives taken by the Government:

    • Setting up biogas plants: The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, launched the Biogas program to set up biogas plants for various applications, including power generation.
    • Use of gas-based power for peaking and balancing: The government will use some gas-based power to meet the country’s peaking and balancing needs during the summer of 2024.
    • Increasing gas-based power generation: The government wants the share of gas-based power to rise to 15% of India’s total installed power generation capacity.

    Way forward:

    • Diversification of fuel sources: Encourage the exploration and development of domestic gas reserves to reduce reliance on imported gas and mitigate price volatility.
    • Investment in infrastructure: Develop infrastructure for transporting gas efficiently across the country to ensure a steady and reliable supply to power plants.
    • Policy support: Provide long-term policy certainty and incentives for investment in gas-based power generation, including tax breaks, subsidies, and assured purchase agreements.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q  Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC IAS/2014)

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Why has India allowed FIIs to invest in its Green Bonds? | Explained

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Green Bond;

    Mains level: FIIs; Green Bonds; Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022);

    Why in the News? 

    On April 5 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) greenlighted investments in the country’s Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) by Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).

    • These are the investors such as insurance companies, pension funds, and nation-states’ sovereign wealth funds.

    What is the Sovereign Green Bond?

    • It is a type of bond issued by a government to finance projects and expenditures that have a positive environmental impact and are aligned with sustainability goals.
    • These bonds are specifically earmarked for funding green projects, assets, and expenditures that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate objectives.

    Why has India allowed FIIs to invest in its Green Bonds?

    • For attracting Foreign Investments: By allowing FIIs to invest in green bonds, India attracts foreign capital into its green projects.
    • For Widening the Pool of Capital: Allowing FIIs to invest in India’s green projects expands the sources of funding available for the country’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving net zero emissions by 2070 and increasing the share of non-fossil fuel-based energy sources to 50%.
    • For Meeting Climate Commitments: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021 to reduce India’s carbon emission by 45% and increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix.
    • For Diversification of Investments: FIIs are looking to diversify their portfolios and seek opportunities in green investments due to regulatory support, particularly in developed countries.
      • India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework (2022), addresses concerns about greenwashing by providing a credible framework for green investments.

    Limitation For Govt. of India:

    • Limited credibility of projects: The absence of specific regulations for green bonds leaves investors unable to assess the financial risk associated with the projects.
    • Higher costs of issuing: The high cost of issuing green bonds in India poses a challenge for the market. Green bonds are initially costly but provide long-term cost savings.
    • Greenwashing may not be resolved: Greenwashing, which is the deceptive promotion of a company’s eco-friendly image, is prevalent in the green bond industry. Some bonds are labeled as “green” despite not meeting the specified criteria.

    Way Forward:

    • Establish Clear Regulations: The government should establish clear and stringent regulations for green bonds, outlining specific criteria for eligible projects.
    • Enhance Project Credibility: Implement mechanisms for independent verification and certification of green projects to ensure their credibility.
    • Lower Issuance Costs: Explore options to reduce the issuance costs of green bonds, such as providing incentives or subsidies to issuers.

    BACK2BASICS:

    About India’s Sovereign Green Bonds Framework:

    • It was first announced in the Union Budget 2022-23, where the proceeds of these green bonds will be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure.
    • It was aimed to mobilize Rs 16,000 crore through the issuance of Green Bonds in the fiscal ending of March 2023.

    How they are issued?

    • The Finance Ministry will, each year, inform the RBI about spending on green projects for which the funds raised through these bonds will be used.
    • Green Bonds will be issued through a Uniform Price Auction (a public sale in which a fixed number of similar things are sold at the same price).

    What is the Eligibility for Repurchase Transactions (Repo)?

    • SGrBs will be eligible for Repurchase Transactions (Repo).
    • SGrBs will also be reckoned as eligible investments for Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)

     

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)?

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    India’s Arctic imperative

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Arctic Region

    Mains level: Distribution of resources; Arctic Region;

    Why in the news? 

    The Indian government appears interested in capitalizing on seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic

    About Artice Region:

    • The Arctic region is rich in energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and tidal power.
    • The Arctic covers an area of approximately 8 million square kilometers, with interests belonging to Denmark, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States

    The reason behind the growing interest in the Arctic Region:

    • Climate Change Concerns: India’s increased interest in the Arctic stems from scientific data revealing accelerated warming in the region.
    • Trade Route Opportunities: India seeks to capitalize on the opening up of Arctic sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, to enhance its trade efficiency.
    • Geopolitical Considerations: India’s focus on the Arctic is also driven by geopolitical factors, including concerns over China’s expanding presence and Russia’s decisions regarding access to Arctic routes.
    • Historical Engagement: India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty.

    Indian Initiatives:

    • Arctic Council: As an Observer in the Arctic Council, India actively participates in various working groups and expert meetings. India’s involvement in these discussions helps in understanding Arctic governance issues and contributes to the development of sustainable policies for the region.
    • INS Himadri: In 2019, India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic with the INS Himadri, an ice-class research vessel. The expedition aimed to study climate change, oceanography, and marine biodiversity, furthering India’s expertise in polar research.
    • PAME: India’s commitment to sustainable development in the Arctic is reflected in its engagement with Arctic Council initiatives like the ‘Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment’ (PAME).

    Way Forward – Potential for Collaboration:

    • Green Energy and Clean Industries: India’s current policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic countries, particularly Norway, in green energy and clean industries. This aligns with India’s goal of positioning itself as a responsible stakeholder in global environmental initiatives.
    • Transformational Partnership: Collaboration with Norway could be transformative for India, offering opportunities for increased participation in Arctic Council working groups
    • Scientific Research and Environmental Protection: A partnership with Norway is expected to focus on scientific research, climate, and environmental protection. These areas align with India’s Arctic Policy pillars, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental challenges through research and cooperation.

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  • Air Pollution

    What share of Global CO2 Emissions comes from Aviation?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Climate Change;

    Mains level: Climate Change; CO2 emissions;

    Why in the news?

    Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. But it has contributed around 4% to global warming to date

    Year-wise Global Aviation demand, Energy Efficiency, and CO2 emissions

    Global Co2 emissions from aviation 

    The reason behind Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions:

    • CO2 Emissions: When jet fuel burns, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, much like any other combustion process. CO2 as a greenhouse gas has contributed around 4% to global warming to date.
    • Non-CO2 effects: In addition to CO2, aircraft emissions also include other substances like nitrogen oxides, soot, water vapor, and sulfate aerosols. These substances interact with the atmosphere in various ways and can have different climate impacts. For example:
      • Contrails: These are the visible trails of condensed water vapor and ice crystals that form behind aircraft in certain atmospheric conditions. Contrails can contribute to the formation of cirrus clouds, which can have a warming effect on the climate.
      • Induced cirrus cloud formation: Aircraft can also induce the formation of cirrus clouds through their emissions, further contributing to warming.

    Initiatives taken by the Indian Government:

    • India is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the Paris Agreement (PA).
    • As a Party to the UNFCCC, India periodically submits its National Communications (NCs) and Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the UNFCCC which includes national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory.
    • The energy sector contributed 75%, Industrial Process and Product Use 8%, the agriculture sector 14%, and the waste sector contributed 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016.
    • The Land Use Land-Use Change and Forestry  (LULUCF) sector was the net sink and absorbed about 15% of the carbon dioxide in 2016.

    Way Forward:

    • Transitioning to Alternative Fuels: Invest in Research and Development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), such as biofuels, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels, which emit fewer CO2 emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
    • Improving Aircraft Efficiency: Encourage the adoption of more fuel-efficient aircraft and technologies, including advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and efficient engines.
    • Implementing Operational Improvements: Enhance air traffic management systems to optimize flight routes, reduce delays, and minimize fuel consumption during taxiing, takeoff, and landing.

    Mains PYQs:

    1. 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? (2021)
    2. Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg protocol. (2022)

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  • Oil and Gas Sector – HELP, Open Acreage Policy, etc.

    How are hydrocarbons extracted from under the ground? | Explained

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Hydrocarbons;

    Mains level: The extraction of Hydrocarbons;

    Why in the news? 

    The geological processes, extraction methods, and environmental impact of hydrocarbon extraction.

    BACK2BASICS

    Where are Hydrocarbons located?

    • Hydrocarbons originate from plant and animal fossils that were formed by the forces of temperature and weight over millennia.
    • They are mostly found deep underground, in porous rock formations, such as sandstone, limestone, and shale. Hydrocarbons exist in Subterranean rock formations in various forms like natural gas, coal, crude oil, and petroleum, typically found in reservoirs.
    • The primary source of hydrocarbons in underground rocks is kerogen, organic matter deposits originating from lakes, marine ecosystems, or terrestrial ecosystems.
    • Different types of kerogen yield various hydrocarbon products such as waxy oils, oil and gas, light oils, gas, and coal.
    • Petroleum geologists utilize tools and techniques from petroleum geology to evaluate these rocks, assessing factors like porosity and permeability.

    How Hydrocarbons are extracted? 

    The extraction of hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, has several negative impacts on the environment: 

    • Damage to Marine Life and Ecosystems: The extraction process can lead to the release of toxic substances and chemicals, which can harm marine life and ecosystems. This can lead to the death of fish, birds, and other marine animals, as well as the destruction of habitats.
    • Deforestation and Destruction of Flora: The search for hydrocarbon deposits often involves the clearing of large areas of land, which can lead to deforestation and the destruction of plant life. This can have a significant impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
    • Water Pollution: The extraction process can lead to the contamination of groundwater and surface water.
    • Destruction of Fertile Land: The extraction process can destroy fertile land, which can have serious consequences for agriculture and food production. This can lead to soil erosion, desertification, and the loss of biodiversity.

    Renewable sources that can serve as alternatives for hydrocarbons include:

    • Hydroelectricity: This is the most significant renewable energy source at 6% of the global total
    • Solar Energy: Solar power is a promising renewable energy source that can be harnessed using solar panels to convert sunlight into electrical energy. The solar power development sector is the fastest-growing renewable energy sector in the U.S
    • Wind Energy: Wind turbines can generate electricity from wind power, and this technology is becoming increasingly popular and efficient
    • Biomass Energy: Biomass energy can be derived from organic materials such as wood, agricultural waste, and municipal solid waste.
    • Geothermal Energy: Geothermal energy is generated and stored in the Earth’s crust. This energy source can be used for heating, cooling, and electricity generation
    • Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): RNG is a pipeline-quality gas that can be utilized by utilities interchangeably with conventional natural gas. RNG can be produced from methane waste sources such as farm and landfills

    Conclusion: Hydrocarbons, found in subterranean rock formations, are extracted using petroleum geology techniques. Extraction poses environmental risks like marine damage, deforestation, and water pollution. Renewable alternatives include hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal energy, and renewable natural gas.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain.

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  • Indian Army Updates

    Siachen: 40 years of Operation Meghdoot

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Passes related to Siachen Glacier

    Mains level: Siachen Glacier is strategically important for India for several reasons Why in the News?

    Why in the News?

    April 13, 2024, marks the 40th anniversary of Operation Meghdoot, which was launched by the Indian Army to pre-empt Pakistan and occupy the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram ranges.

    The genesis of Operation Meghdoot

    • Launched: April 13, 1984 (by the Indian Armed Forces);
    • Aim: To seize control of the Siachen Glacier in Kashmir, marking the first assault in the world’s highest battlefield.
      • It was a response to Pakistan’s Operation Ababeel.
    • Indian troops, including the Kumaon Regiment and Ladakh Scouts, successfully gained control of critical peaks and passes like Sia La, Bilafond La, and Gyong La, along with the commanding heights of the Saltoro Ridge, giving India a strategic advantage in the region.
    • Operation Meghdoot resulted in the first of its kind and the only army in the world to have deployed tanks and heavy ordnance at such high altitudes.
    • The Siachen Glacier conflict arose due to a vague demarcation of territories in the Karachi Agreement of 1949, leading to both India and Pakistan claiming the barren heights and the glacier, which escalated tensions in the region.

    Significance of Siachen Glacier:

    • Preventing ingress from Pakistan and China: Siachen forms a hub between Shaksgam Valley, Karakoram Pass, and Aksai Chin, making it vital for India to prevent ingress not only from Pakistan but also from China.
    • Maintaining the status quo: The Indian Army’s presence in the region has helped maintain the status quo and prevent any territorial changes that could compromise India’s security.
    • Watershed and drainage: The Siachen Glacier acts as a watershed, with its melting waters being the main source of the Nubra River in the Indian region of Ladakh, which drains into the Shyok River and ultimately the Indus River, a major water source for Pakistan.

    Recent developments on the Glacier

    • Technological Advancements: The introduction of VSAT technology has revolutionized communication on the glacier, improving mobile and data connectivity for troops. This has enhanced real-time situational awareness and telemedicine capabilities.
    • Improved Mobility and Logistics: The induction of Chinook heavy-lift helicopters, logistic drones, and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) has significantly improved mobility across the glacier and the supply of essential provisions to remote posts, especially during winters. New logistics chains ensure the availability of fresh rations and vegetables for forward posts.
    • Aircraft Support: Various aircraft from the Indian Air Force (IAF) operate in support of Operation Meghdoot, providing crucial support to troops in remote posts. Helicopters, including Chinook, remain a lifeline for troops.
    • Enhanced Medical Facilities: Medical facilities in Partapur and Base Camp boast some of the best medical and surgical specialists in the country.

    Way forward:

    • Continued Diplomatic Talks: India and Pakistan may continue to engage in diplomatic dialogues, potentially at higher levels, to discuss the demilitarization of Siachen and other related issues. These talks could aim to find common ground and address mutual concerns.
    • Authentication of AGPL: India’s insistence on authenticating the Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) as the first step towards demilitarization could remain a key sticking point. Efforts may be made to find a mutually acceptable way to verify and authenticate the AGPL.
    • Involvement of Third Parties:   Third-party mediation or involvement from international organizations could be explored to facilitate discussions and help build trust between India and Pakistan.

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  • Urban Transformation – Smart Cities, AMRUT, etc.

    Urbanization, no liberating force for Dalits

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Urbanization, Their Problems & Remedies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: NA

    Mains level: The reason behind the Urbanisation is not a liberating force for Dalits

    Why in the News?

    The Indian cities have failed with the aspirations and expectations of the Dalit liberation movement in urbanization.

    View of Ambedkar and  Jyotirao Phule on Urbanisation:

    • Urbanization as an Opportunity for Dalit Liberation: Both Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule saw urbanization as an opportunity for Dalit liberation. They believed that the systems of caste oppression that were prevalent in Indian villages would weaken in cities.
    • City Life as Liberating and Liberal: Phule admired city life for its liberal atmosphere and the opportunity it provided him to earn a living. Similarly, Ambedkar saw cities as places where one could become anonymous, breaking free from the constraints of caste-based identities.
    • Transition from Caste to Class: Cities offered the potential for individuals to transition from a caste-based order to a class-based order. In cities, one’s status would be determined more by their accumulation of resources or capital rather than their caste background.

    Why Urbanisation is not a liberating force for Dalits?

    • Extension of Caste in City: The logic of purity-pollution extends to the broader urban environment, where Dalits carry the stigma of their ghettoized identity into public spaces. This perpetuates the association of Dalit identity with impurity and reinforces caste-based discrimination.
    • Meat as impure by the State: Governments impose Brahminical regulations on public spaces, reinforcing the perception of meat as impure. For example, it includes Regulations on meat shops and bans on meat-based street food in certain areas, often justified by citing religious sentiments.
    • Secular and Religious Spaces: The state’s regulations to maintain purity in both secular and religious public spaces, even extending to what pedestrians can visually encounter.
    • Poor Sanitation: A large-scale study also found that public services and access to Municipal Infrastructure such as clean drinking water are the worst in Dalit and Muslim ghettos
    • Issue of Sacrifice Zone: Research in sacrifice zones regions marked for severe environmental pollution such as landfills shows that such areas are overwhelmingly inhabited by Dalits and Muslims.
    • Statistics: A recent report by the ‘Housing and Land Rights Network’ on forced evictions in India also shows that Dalits and Muslims are the most impacted by slum demolition drives.

    Suggestive Measures:

    • Community Empowerment: Empower Dalit and Muslim communities through grassroots initiatives, community organizations, and advocacy groups.
    • Awareness and Sensitization: Conduct awareness campaigns and sensitization programs aimed at challenging caste-based stereotypes and prejudices in urban society.
    • Infrastructure Development: Prioritize investment in infrastructure development in Dalit and Muslim ghettos to improve access to basic amenities such as clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

    Conclusion: Urbanization hasn’t fulfilled Dalit liberation hopes. Ambedkar and Phule envisioned cities as liberating, but caste persists. Measures include community empowerment, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development to combat discrimination and improve living conditions.

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