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  • Insights from UNEA-6

    In the news

    • The Sixth Assembly session of the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEA-6) was convened at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
    • It focussed on the pivotal role of multilateralism in addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

    Abut United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA)

    Details
    Purpose Highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters within the United Nations system.
    Establishment Established in 2012 during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20).
    Frequency Typically convenes every two years in Nairobi, Kenya.
    Membership Consists of all 193 UN Member States and representatives from observer countries and organizations.
    Decision-Making Adopts resolutions and decisions on global environmental issues.

     

    UNEA-6: Theme and Focus

    • Theme: Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
    • Focus: Planning the role of multilateralism in shaping global environmental policy to combat the pressing challenges facing our planet.

    Key Outcomes

    [A] Environmental Multilateralism

    • High-Level Dialogues: UNEA-6 dedicated a day to discussing cooperation and convergence with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), emphasizing effective implementation at both national and global levels.
    • Importance: MEAs play a critical role in addressing specific environmental issues at national, regional, and global levels, providing essential frameworks for international environmental governance.

    [B] Energy Transition to Renewable Sources

    • Rapid Adoption of Renewable Energy: The session emphasized the need for three times the current renewable energy capacity by 2030 to foster a nature and people-positive planet.
    • Global Standards Development: Efforts are underway to establish globally acceptable standards for renewable energy, ensuring environmental sustainability and responsible sourcing of minerals.

    [C] Plastic Pollution

    • Call for Action: Discussions centered on a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, aiming to introduce strong reuse provisions and harmonize definitions of reuse and circularity.
    • Current Scenario: More than half of global plastic production comprises single-use plastics, with significant leakage into the environment.

    [D] Role of Nature-Based Solutions

    • Potential: Nature-based solutions, including reforestation and land restoration, offer promising avenues to combat the climate crisis and restore biodiversity.
    • Financial Constraints: Despite their potential, nature-based solutions receive only a fraction of the required funding, highlighting the need for increased investment and innovative financing mechanisms.

    Conclusion

    • As UNEA-6 unfolds, stakeholders worldwide are poised to collaborate and drive actionable solutions to safeguard our planet for future generations.

  • Appointment of Lokpal chairperson

    Why in the News?
    Recently, the former SC judge A.M. Khanwilkar has been appointed as Lokpal chairperson.

    More details on the news:

    • The Lokpal has been working without its regular Chief after Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose completed his term on May 27, 2022. Justice Pradip Kumar Mohanty, a judicial member of the Lokpal, is currently the acting chairperson.
    • Former High Court judges Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Sanjay Yadav and Ritu Raj Awasthi have been appointed as judicial members of the Lokpal.

    About Lokpal:

    • The Lokpal is established up under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013 to investigate corruption allegations against public functionaries.
    • Former Supreme Court Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose assumed office as the first Lokpal chairperson in March 2019.
    • India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The establishment of Lokpal reflects the government’s commitment to clean and responsive governance by combating corruption.

    Composition of Lokpal:

    • The Lokpal consists of a chairperson and eight members – four judicial and four non-judicial.
    • Appointed by the President of India for a 5-year term or until they reach 70 years of age, whichever comes first.
    • Appointment Process: The President appoints the Chairperson and Members based on recommendations from a Selection Committee comprising the Prime Minister, Speaker of the House of the People, Leader of Opposition in the House of the People, Chief Justice of India or a nominated Supreme Court Judge, and an eminent jurist nominated by the President.

     Lokpal’s Jurisdiction:

    • The Lokpal investigates corruption allegations against current or former Prime Ministers, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials in Groups A, B, C, and D of the Union Government.
    • It extends to chairpersons, members, officers, and directors of entities established by an Act of Parliament or funded by the Union or State government.
    • The jurisdiction includes societies, trusts, or bodies receiving foreign contributions exceeding ₹10 lakh (approximately US$14,300 as of 2019)

  • India’s Leopard Population rises to 13,874

    leopard

    In the news

    • The Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, released the report on the Status of Leopards in India at New Delhi.

    About Indian Leopard

    • The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies widely distributed on the Indian subcontinent.
    • These are the smallest of the big cats.
    • They are known for their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats.
    • They are strong and agile predators that can climb trees and drag their prey up for safety.
    • Conservation Status:
    1. IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    2. CITES: Appendix I
    3. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    About the Fifth Cycle of Leopards Estimation

    • The fifth cycle leopard population estimation was conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), in collaboration with State Forest Departments.
    • It covered 18 States of India, and focused on about 70% of the animals’ expected habitat.
    • The estimation focused on forested habitats within 18 tiger states, covering major tiger conservation landscapes. Non-forested and high Himalayan regions were excluded.
    • A comprehensive foot survey spanning 6,41,449 km and camera traps at 32,803 locations resulted in 85,488 photo-captures of leopards, providing valuable insights into their distribution and abundance.

    Key Findings

    • Population Estimate: India’s leopard population is estimated at 13,874 individuals, signifying stability compared to the 2018 estimate. Notably, this estimation covers 70% of leopard habitat, excluding areas like the Himalayas and semi-arid regions.
    • Regional Trends: While Central India witnesses a stable or slightly growing population, regions like the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains experience a decline. Overall, there’s a 1.08% per annum growth in sampled areas.
    • State-wise Distribution:  Madhya Pradesh houses the largest population of leopards in the country – 3907 (2018: 3421), followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879 ; 2018: 1,783) and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).
    • Habitats: Tiger Reserves or sites with highest leopard population are, Nagarajunasagar Srisailam (AP), followed by Panna (MP), and Satpura (AP).
    • Declining Trends: While Uttarakhand reported a 22% decline in the big cat numbers — reportedly due to poaching and man-animal conflict, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and West Bengal saw a collective 150% rise to 349 animals.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2012

    Q. Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?

    (a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass

    (b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard

    (c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)

    (d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”fipnp0iluh” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your response here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry: A Technological Marvel

    hydrogen

    In the news

    • Prime Minister has unveiled India’s maiden indigenous hydrogen fuel cell ferry, a groundbreaking achievement in the country’s maritime sector.

    About Harit Nauka Initiative

    • In January 2024, the Shipping Ministry unveiled the guidelines for inland vessels.
    • As per the guidelines, all states have to make efforts to use green fuels for 50 per cent of inland waterways-based passenger fleets in the next one decade, and 100 per cent by 2045.
    • This is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as per the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

     

    Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry: Key Features

    • Design: The 24-meter-long catamaran ferry accommodates up to 50 passengers in its air-conditioned area, constructed with high-quality fiberglass reinforced plastic.
    • Manufacture: Manufactured by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the vessel will revolutionize water transportation and contribute to India’s green mobility initiatives.
    • Propulsion: Powered by a 50-kW Proton-Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell and Lithium-Ion Phosphate batteries, the vessel operates with zero emissions and minimal noise, offering enhanced energy efficiency.
    • Energy Source: Hydrogen fuel, stored in five cylinders onboard, fuels the vessel’s propulsion system, supplemented by a 3-kW solar panel for additional energy generation.

    Operational Mechanism

    • Hydrogen Fuel Cells: The vessel utilizes hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity by harnessing the chemical energy of hydrogen, emitting only pure water as a byproduct.
    • Continuous Operation: Unlike conventional batteries, hydrogen fuel cells do not require recharging, ensuring continuous operation with uninterrupted fuel and oxygen supply.

    Indigenous Development

    • Collaborative Effort: Cochin Shipyard Limited spearheaded the vessel’s construction, incorporating indigenous hydrogen fuel cell systems developed by KPIT Technologies and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research Labs.
    • Early Mover Advantage: India’s pioneering hydrogen fuel cell ferry underscores the nation’s commitment to green technology and positions it as a frontrunner in maritime sustainability.

  • Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles from Roen Olmi Mushroom

    gold

    In the news

    • Researchers in Goa have successfully synthesized gold nanoparticles from a wild mushroom species known as Roen Olmi, which is widely consumed as a delicacy in the coastal state.

    About Roen Olmi Mushroom

    • Species: Roen Olmi belongs to the Termitomyces species and is found growing on termite hills.
    • Local Name: Locally known as “roen olmi” in Goa, it is a popular edible wild mushroom enjoyed by the locals, especially during the monsoon season.
    • Habitat: Endemic to the Western Ghats, Roen Olmi mushrooms thrive in the thick forest cover and high humidity prevalent in the region.
    • Ecological Significance: These mushrooms play a crucial role in forest and grassland ecosystems by converting 50% of dead plant material into nutrient-rich soil. They also possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
    • Cultural and Medicinal Value: Roen Olmi mushrooms are valued not only for their nutritional attributes but also for their ethno-medicinal significance in indigenous communities across Asia and Africa.

    Implications and Future Directions

    • Economic Impact: The breakthrough has significant economic implications, especially in the biomedical and biotechnological sectors, where the demand for gold nanoparticles is expected to rise.
    • Environmental Sustainability: Unlike conventional methods that employ toxic chemical agents, the use of Roen Olmi mushrooms offers an eco-friendly approach to mass-producing gold nanoparticles.
    • Local Community Benefits: The researchers advocate for the conservation and sustainable use of this valuable resource, emphasizing the importance of sharing benefits with the local community in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2021

    In the nature, which of the following is/are most likely to be found surviving on a surface without soil?​

    1. Fern​
    2. Lichen​
    3. Moss​
    4. Mushroom​

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.​

    (a) 1 and 4 only​

    (b) 2 only​

    (c) 2 and 3 only​

    (d) 1, 3 and 4 only​

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”rtx1arxcff” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your responses here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Context Windows in AI Conversations

    In the news

    • In conversations with AI chatbots like ChatGPT, the text the AI can “see” or “read” at any given moment is determined by its context window.
    • The context window, measured in tokens, defines the amount of conversation the AI can process and respond to during a chat session.

    What are Context Windows?

    • Tokens: Basic units of data processed by AI models, tokens represent words, parts of words, or characters.
    • Tokenisation: The process of converting text into vectors (format suitable) for input into machine learning models.
    • Example: For English text, one token is roughly equivalent to four characters. Thus, a context window of 32,000 tokens translates to around 128,000 characters.

    Importance of Context Windows

    • Recall and Understanding: Context windows enable AI models to recall information from earlier in the conversation and understand contextual nuances.
    • Generating Responses: They help AI models generate responses that are contextually relevant and human-like in nature.

    Functioning of Context Windows

    • Sliding Window Approach: Context windows work by sliding a window over the input text, focusing on one word at a time.
    • Scope of Information: The size of the context window determines the scope of contextual information assimilated by the AI system.

    Context Window Sizes

    • Advancements: Recent AI models like GPT-4 Turbo and Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro boast context window sizes of up to 128K tokens and 1 million tokens, respectively.
    • Benefits: Larger context windows allow models to reference more information, maintain coherence in longer passages, and generate contextually rich responses.

    Challenges and Considerations

    • Computational Power: Larger context windows require significant computational power during training and inference, leading to higher hardware costs and energy consumption.
    • Repetition and Contradiction: AI models with large context windows may encounter issues such as repeating or contradicting themselves.
    • Accessibility: The high resource requirements of large context windows may limit access to advanced AI capabilities to large corporations with substantial infrastructure investments.

    Conclusion

    • Context windows play a vital role in enabling AI chatbots to engage in meaningful conversations by recalling context and generating relevant responses.
    • While larger context windows offer benefits in terms of performance and response quality, they also pose challenges related to computational resources and environmental sustainability.
    • Balancing these factors is essential for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

  • [pib] Establishment of International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    In the news

    • The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister, has approved the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) with headquarters in India.

    About the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    • Objective: The IBCA aims to spearhead efforts towards the protection and conservation of the 7 major big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
    • Funding: The Government of India has pledged an initial support of Rs. 150 crore for the first five years. Additionally, the alliance will explore contributions from bilateral and multilateral agencies, financial institutions, and donor agencies to augment its corpus.
    • Membership: Membership to the alliance will be open to 96 “range” countries, which are nations containing the natural habitat of the seven big cats.
    • Activities: The alliance’s activities will include advocacy, partnership building, knowledge dissemination through an e-portal, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and financial resource mobilization.

    Governance Structure

    • Composition: The governance structure of IBCA includes a General Assembly comprising all member countries, a Council of elected member countries, and a Secretariat.
    • Appointment: The General Assembly appoints the Secretary General of IBCA upon the recommendation of the Council.
    • Framework: The alliance’s governance framework, drafted on the lines of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), will be finalised by the International Steering Committee (ISC).

    India’s Role in Big Cat Conservation

    • Big Cat Diversity: India is home to five of the seven major big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
    • Conservation Efforts: India has undertaken significant conservation efforts, as reflected in the increase in tiger and lion populations. For instance, India now hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population, and the Asiatic lion population in Gir National Park has shown steady growth.
    • Cheetah Reintroduction: Cheetahs, once extinct in India since 1952, have been reintroduced into the wild. Eight cheetahs were imported from Namibia and released into the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh in November 2022.

  • Cannabis Use: Implications for Psychiatry

    cannabis

    In the news

    • Cannabis (Cannabis sativa) has long intrigued psychiatrists due to its impact on mood and cognition, prompting research into its potential therapeutic applications for conditions like schizophrenia and mood disorders.

    Do you know?

     

    • The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 regulates cannabis by defining it under Section 2(iii) of the act.
    • Cannabis, also known as hemp, includes various forms such as charas (resin), ganja (flowering or fruiting tops), and any mixture or drink prepared from these forms.
    • However, interestingly, bhang, a preparation of cannabis, is NOT covered under this act and remains beyond its purview.
    • Bhang is permitted for production and sale by many States as it falls outside the definition of cannabis under the NDPS Act.

    What is Cannabis?

    • Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or ganja, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Cannabaceae family.
    • It is primarily known for its psychoactive properties due to the presence of compounds such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
    • This THC interacts with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors, resulting in various effects including relaxation, euphoria, altered perception of time, and increased appetite.
    • The plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, with THC and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most well-known and studied.

    Why discuss this?

    • Researchers at the University of British Columbia initiated a clinical trial to explore the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in treating bipolar depression, offering promise for addressing depressive episodes in bipolar disorder.
    • While delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD has garnered attention for its potential antipsychotic and neuroprotective effects.

    Understanding the Cannabinoid System

    • Receptor Mechanisms: The human cannabinoid system, comprising CB1 and CB2 receptors, plays a crucial role in modulating various bodily functions, including pain, memory, and appetite, with THC exerting acute effects on motor control and memory.
    • Endo-cannabinoid System (ECS): The ECS, governed by endogenous molecules, regulates neurotransmitter activity, influencing mood and cognitive processes.

    Therapeutic Applications  

    • Medical Uses: THC and synthetic cannabinoids are utilized to stimulate appetite, alleviate nausea, and manage pain associated with conditions like HIV-AIDS and cancer.
    • Addiction and Withdrawal: Debate surrounds the addictive potential of THC, with animal studies suggesting addictive responses and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of heavy use.

    Psychiatric Implications

    • Mood Effects: Cannabis’ impact on mood is multifaceted, with reports suggesting associations with depression and bipolar disorder, although rigorous scientific scrutiny is lacking.
    • Psychotic Risks: Individuals with psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia, exhibit heightened susceptibility to cannabis-induced psychotic symptoms, with youth cannabis use potentially advancing the onset of schizophrenia in genetically vulnerable individuals.

    Policy Considerations

    • Global Trends: The global trend toward legalizing medical and recreational cannabis underscores the need for informed policymaking to mitigate risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and individuals with mental illnesses.
    • Decriminalization Debate: Broader debates on decriminalization necessitate measures to prevent commercialization and ensure safeguards against misuse, emphasizing protection for vulnerable segments of society.

    Conclusion

    • Navigating the complexities of cannabis necessitates a balanced approach, leveraging its therapeutic potential while addressing associated risks through evidence-based policymaking and clinical interventions.

    Back2Basics: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

    • The NDPS Act is a comprehensive law that consolidates and amends the existing laws relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.
    • The Act prohibits the manufacture, cultivation, possession, sale, purchase, transport, storage, or consumption of drugs without permission from appropriate authorities.
    • Violations are punishable with rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of 10 years and a fine.
    • Lesser punishments are mandated for illegal possession in small quantities for personal consumption.
    • The Act also provides for the forfeiture of property derived from, or used in, illicit traffic in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
    • Drugs covered include:
    1. Narcotic Drugs: Coca leaf, cannabis (hemp), opium, poppy straw, and their manufactured goods.
    2. Psychotropic Substances: Any substance that modifies the mind, including amphetamine, methaqualone, diazepam, alprazolam, ketamine, etc.
    3. Other substances: Cocaine, morphine, diacetylmorphine, or any other narcotic drug or any psychotropic substance as may be specified on this behalf by the Central Government.

  • Article 371A’s Influence on Coal Mining Rules in Nagaland

    In the news

    • The Nagaland CM is facing pressure to regulate coal mining after a tragic incident where six miners died in an explosion.
    • The unique land rights granted under Article 371A of the Indian Constitution have complicated efforts to control illegal coal mining activities.

    Article 371A: Special Provisions for Nagaland

    Details
    Historical Context Established in 1963 for Nagaland, recognizing its autonomy after the Naga people’s struggle.
    Religious & Social Practices Protects Naga tribes’ customs, traditions, and religious practices from external interference.
    Customary Laws Allows continuation of indigenous legal systems and traditional methods of justice.
    **Autonomy Grants Nagaland autonomy in managing its land, forests, and natural resources.
    Legislation Reserves seats in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for various tribes and communities.
    Special Rights Aims to protect Naga people’s rights and promote socio-cultural development within the state.

    Article 371A

    Why discuss this?

    • Rat-hole Mining: Nagaland’s coal mining policy, permitting rat-hole mining due to the scattered nature of coal deposits, presents challenges for effective regulation.
    • Licensing Restrictions: Small pocket deposit licenses, awarded to individual landowners, impose limitations on lease duration, mining area, and machinery usage, as outlined in the Nagaland Coal Policy (First Amendment) of 2014.

    Conclusion

    • The intersection of constitutional provisions, traditional land rights, and regulatory frameworks poses complex challenges for the Nagaland government in its endeavour to address illegal coal mining activities.
    • As legislative deliberations continue, concerted efforts towards public awareness, regulatory reforms, and enforcement actions remain imperative for safeguarding both natural resources and community welfare in the state.

  • Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)

    Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)

    In the news

    • Despite the recent agreement between India and Nepal, discussions over the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) remain deadlocked.

    About Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP)

    • It is a bi-national project between India and Nepal, aimed primarily at energy production and enhancing irrigation in both countries.
    • It involves the construction of a 315-meter high dam across the River Mahakali (Sarada in India).
    • It forms an 80 km long reservoir with a surface area of 116 km square and a total gross storage volume of about 11.35 billion cubic meters.
    • Once completed, the PMP is expected to have a capacity of 5,040 megawatts (MW) and will be among the tallest dams globally, with an estimated cost ranging from Rs. 401.84 billion to Rs. 500 billion.
    • The project’s objectives include energy production and irrigation enhancement, but environmentalists have raised concerns about its potential impact on the region’s ecology and local communities.
    • This project underscores the progress of the Mahakali Treaty signed in February 1996 between India and Nepal includes provisions for the integrated development of the Mahakali River basin.

    Obstacles to Progress

    • Benefit Sharing: Disagreements arise over the distribution of benefits, with India receiving a larger share of irrigation benefits while Nepal emphasizes the value of water as a precious resource.
    • Political and Bureaucratic Challenges: Political considerations, including impending elections in India and domestic political fragility in Nepal, hinder progress. Bureaucratic concerns further impede consensus-building.

    Back2Basics: Mahakali Treaty

    Details
    Mahakali River Also known as Sharda River or Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand.

    Joins Ghagra River in Uttar Pradesh, a tributary of the Ganga.
    Signatories and Date Signed between Nepal and India on February 12, 1996.
    Objective Aimed at the integrated development of the Mahakali River, including projects like the Sarada Barrage, Tanakpur Barrage, and Pancheshwar Project.
    Ratification Process Required a two-thirds majority in the combined session of both houses of the Nepalese parliament.

    Faced opposition and scrutiny from parliamentarians during the process.
    Establishment of Commission Provision for the establishment of a Mahakali River Commission to oversee and regulate matters outlined in the treaty.