Source: Down to Earth Synopsis: The Uttarakhand government may introduce a well-defined concept of ecosystem services Gross Environment Product’ (GEP) its objectives. Background Degradation of ecosystems had led to adverse impacts on more than 60 per cent of services we get from the ecosystems. The idea of valuation of the components of environment got impetus following… Continue reading Introducing Gross Environment Product in Uttarakhand: A jargon or reality?
Category: 9 PM Daily Articles
Wounded mountains
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Tourist tragedy in Himachal Pradesh points to the importance of preserving ecology Background The tragic death of nine tourists in a landslip in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh is another example highlighting the fragility of the ecology of the Himalayan States. Encouraging an incompatible model of development in the hills, represented… Continue reading Wounded mountains
Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Source: The Hindu Synopsis: Scientists for the first time have spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet beyond our solar system. The research offers a deeper understanding of the formation of planets and moons. Background: A study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters has for the first time spotted a Moon-forming region around a planet… Continue reading Moon-forming region seen around exoplanet for the first time
Guardrails of Privacy
Source: Indian Express Synopsis: The allegations of targeted surveillance have a chilling effect on personal and civil liberties that are crucial for a democracy to function. Introduction: The recent allegations and reports by Arsenal Consulting and Amnesty International on targeted electronic surveillance of selected activists, politicians, journalists, businessmen, and even scientists are worrying. The sophistication… Continue reading Guardrails of Privacy
Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
Source: Times of India Synopsis: With Section 66A and Article 35A ended, the government should do the same for Section 124A. It would prevent harassment of dissent and uphold the right to free speech under Article 19 of the constitution. Background: The Supreme Court (SC) had recently asked the Centre the rationale behind not scrapping… Continue reading Opposing Sedition Law is Good Optics and Politics
The great convergence and a lag
Source: Indian Express Synopsis: India and the US have an expansive new agenda for discussion. This includes not only democracy and human rights, but also Afghanistan, the Indo-Pacific region, reform of global economic institutions, climate change and vaccine diplomacy. Background: The Indian leadership will review US ties this week with the visiting Secretary of State,… Continue reading The great convergence and a lag
Cloning overcomes prejudices
Source: Business Standard Relevance: Use of technology for the betterment of agriculture Synopsis: The development and popularisation of cloning technology can be a boon for the Indian livestock sector, which relies heavily on buffalo milk. Background: Dolly (a sheep) was the first cloned mammal created at the Roslin Institute in Scotland on July 5, 1996.… Continue reading Cloning overcomes prejudices
Can SAARC fill the power vacuum left by US withdrawal from Afghanistan?
Source: Indian Express Relevance: Understanding SAARC’s potential in bringing together leaders on one common platform. Synopsis: Revival of SAARC is necessary and it can also contribute positively to the current Afghan situation. Background South Asia is the world’s most complex and closely watched region. There are unsettled territorial disputes, and various trans-border criminal activities. It… Continue reading Can SAARC fill the power vacuum left by US withdrawal from Afghanistan?
Delhi and Tehran can work together on Afghanistan
Source: Indian Express Relevance: India and Iran can work together to restore order in Afghanistan Synopsis: Ensuring a legitimate and peaceful rearrangement in Afghanistan is of common interest to both India and Iran. Indo-Iran co-op on Afghanistan Delhi and Tehran are trying to find common ground amid the deepening crisis in Afghanistan. Following events indicate… Continue reading Delhi and Tehran can work together on Afghanistan
IMD may deploy cutting-edge technology to forecast weather events more accurately
Source: Business Standard Relevance – Weather forecasting is important for disaster management and reducing farmer’s crop loss. Synopsis: The ability of India Meteorological Department (IMD) is looking for the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for improving weather forecasting. Background: The standing crop of Ujjain farmers got destroyed recently… Continue reading IMD may deploy cutting-edge technology to forecast weather events more accurately
