Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Freedom and the big freeze
• Reigning over the capital, from above
• How data can empower MPs to serve people better
• Wrong Answer, Govts – Repeated exam paper leaks should tell authorities that technology not punishment is the cure
• The Express View: Keeping an eye on China

GS Paper 3

• Shuffling feet: On foreign trade and policy responses
• Use a clear compass to navigate our challenges and opportunities
• Deep sea fish conservation must not go adrift
• Fasten Your Seatbelt, India – Air India’s huge order has multiple implications, for the airline, for civil aviation, for policy and for manufacturing. Here’s a deep dive

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• Meet ‘Omorgus Khandesh’, a newly discovered Indian beetle: It can help forensic science
• Now, no age bar to register for cadaver organ transplants
• India accounts for 52% of world’s new leprosy patients, says Union Health Minister
• Unique non-cytotoxic nanocomposite coatings developed to prevent post-surgical infections
• Thwaites Glacier is ‘in trouble,’ scientists say after finding surprising formations under ice shelf
• IAF’s acquisition of 114 fighter jets to be part of a major procurement plan
• Environment Minister announces the translocation of twelve Cheetahs from South Africa to India
• Towards sustainability: Arunachal’s Apatanis use a unique, integrated cultivation method; it needs encouragement
• DHARA – Annual Meeting Of Members Of The River Cities Alliance

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Freedom and the big freeze

News: The article discusses the way the government is trying to curtail the freedom of media and NGOs.

What is the chilling effect and civic space?

The word has its roots in the McCarthyism that was developed in the United States throughout the 1960s. Similar to present India, people were labelled as traitors by elements in the state in U.S. at that time.

Chilling effect is defined as the curbing of free speech through government laws and actions that appear to target free expression.

In the real world, it is a situation where individual keep quiet even if one knows that there is something wrong with the government policy. It happens due to fear of cases, abuse and hatred, mob violence etc.

Civic space refers to the ability of organizations outside of government like NGOs to function freely.

These two words often come in the report due to the repeated raids/action taken by the government against some organisations.

What are highlights of different reports?

As per a report, Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation raids on the Lawyers’ Collective, Centre for Justice and Peace, and other groups have the intended chilling effect on the rest of civil society.

Another report said that the Indian government brings an environment of surveillance that results in a chilling effect on free speech and media freedoms.

Like these, there are various negative reports against government works that resulted into government action on the organization.

What are the impacts of chilling effects on India?

Chilling effects reduce the freedom of expression. It stops people from acting as dissenters. And when such freedom is curtailed by the government, it is a symbol of dictatorship.

Media houses in India are mostly owned by large corporations, they rely on the government for licenses and advertisement.  Hence, it becomes difficult for them to dissent or speak against the majoritarian government.

Moreover, coverage by the mainstream media in India is attacking the victim of the raid. Whereas, in other democracies, other media companies support medias under attack.

These kinds of attacks on victims by the media have reduced the solidarity in India. Thus, further reducing the space to speak freely.

Furthermore, audience is unconcerned and ignored the shrinking spaces and chilling effects.

Reigning over the capital, from above

News– It has been more than a month since the election results to the Delhi Municipal Corporation was declared. But the city still does not have a mayor. Election of the Mayor could not be held in three attempts.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi had nominated 10 members to the Municipal Corporation just before the first session. AAP party approached Supreme Court against this decision.

What are different legal opinions about the right of nominated members to vote for election of Mayor?

The Supreme Court observed that “nominated members cannot go for election”.

Section 3(b) of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 provides that 10 people who have “special knowledge or experience in municipal administration” are to be nominated to the Corporation. Such nominated persons “shall not have the right to vote in the meetings of the Corporation.”

Article 243R (2) provides that state legislation can include those with special knowledge of municipal administration to be represented in municipalities. But such persons shall not have the right to vote.

What is the larger picture behind the recent event related to the election of MCD Mayor?

It is part of the Union government’s increasing attempts to gain control over Delhi’s governance. The Union government passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021.

It has affirmed the primacy of the elected government in Delhi. It has provided that on matters specified by the LG, the Council of Ministers must obtain the permission of the LG before taking any executive decision.

In April 2022, Parliament amended the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act to merge the North, South, and East Delhi Municipalities.

It was initiated by the Union government and passed by Parliament, undercutting the Legislative Assembly. The Union government used its plenary powers under Article 239AA of the Constitution to pass this law.

What are the issues faced by municipalities in India?

First, Local governments tend to function as administrative vessels of the State government, and not as an independent level of government.

Second, the 74th Amendment provides for devolution of 18 functions to municipal governments. But, many of these functions continue to be exercised by state government-controlled parastatal agencies such as development authorities.

Third, the executive powers of the municipality are often vested with the State government-appointed commissioners. It renders the mayor to a ceremonial role.

Fourth, Municipalities are vested with very few revenue generating powers. It keeps them reliant on grants and loans from the State and Union governments.

Fifth, more recently, national-level urban programmes such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission and the Smart Cities Mission have given the Union government a larger role in driving urban development and governance.

What is the way forward for decentralised governance in urban areas?

There needs to be more clarity about the authority of each level of government.

Local autonomy is crucial. But, higher levels of government can also have a legitimate role in local issues to ensure regional coordination, reduce spatial inequality, or manage economic and environmental externalities.

How data can empower MPs to serve people better

News– At present, timely and readily available data on critical issues related to population health and socioeconomic well-being is lacking at the Parliamentary Constituency (PC) level.

What are the various efforts for availability of data for governance?

The Government of India made a concerted effort to make a variety of data from current GOI schemes more accessible by launching National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDAP) in 2012.

In recent years, district-level data from GOI administrative data or independent surveys such as the National Family Health Surveys has emerged as a key input for policy deliberations.

A new interactive PC data tracker developed by the Geographic Insights Lab at Harvard University. For the first time, it has provided data on crucial population, health, and well-being estimates for each of the 543 PCs.

It includes a factsheet for each PC. The data underlying the PC dashboard comes from the NFHS-4 and NFHS-5.

Why does the availability of district-level data not help MPs?

District boundaries of India are not aligned in a straightforward manner with the 543 Parliamentary Constituencies of India. The districts and PC boundaries crisscross.

Even though there is substantial overlap in the names of districts and PCs, it doesn’t mean they have the same size and composition of population.

The lack of congruence of distinct and PCs populations makes it difficult for MPs to have access to accurate data related to important developmental indicators.

The Ministry of Rural Development issued an order in 2016 to all states and Union Territories to constitute a District Coordination and Monitoring Committee, chaired by district MPs.

It was charged with making the implementation and monitoring of central schemes more efficient. But the data still pertains to districts and not PCs.

What is the way forward for data accessibility for PCs?

Data-based monitoring and governance of populations is central to identifying priorities.

It is critical that MPs are empowered with appropriate data related to the populations they have to function effectively, efficiently, and independently without having to solely rely on the district administration.

A more durable solution would entail that all datasets be consistently geo-tagged for PC.

What is the importance of data accessibility at the level of PC?

Timely and accessible data at the PC-level can transform the work of MPs by highlighting the most critical issues and at-risk populations in need of targeted interventions.

It can also empower MPs to raise policy questions at multiple levels of governments, from the floor of Parliament to their frequent interactions with the district administrations.

It facilitates the MPs to independently initiate and sustain meaningful dialogue with civil society NGOs and other stakeholders to collaboratively address the issues most important to their constituents.

In a democratic set-up, the PCs offer a natural unit for policy deliberation and governance. Bringing timely and frequent data on issues related to population health and well-being to PCs can bring much symmetry and synergy between districts.

Wrong Answer, Govts – Repeated exam paper leaks should tell authorities that technology not punishment is the cure

News: Recently, Uttarakhand witnessed protests against corruption in government recruitment exams. The government in response promulgated an ordinance for “control and prevention of unfair means in recruitment”.

Accordingly, the first case was registered under the new law, where offences are non-bailable, fines go up to Rs 10 crore, and jail terms up to life imprisonment.

What are the other issues with government recruitment exams?

Rajasthan: Last year, the state government promulgated a stricter bill to disincentivise corruption in government recruitment exams. However, the bill does not address the ineffectual surveillance to prevent paper leaks.

West Bengal: The malpractices in the state highlighted the demand-supply mismatch and exploitation in the government ecosystem.

Uttarakhand: The aspirants are complaining that irregularities have spread from exams conducted by the state’s Subordinate Services Selection Commission to those conducted by its Public Service Commission.

What are the reasons behind the issues in government recruitment exams?

The central challenge for the issues is a) Administrative challenges in long-identified people management across vast student populations and very porous channels, b) The pen-and-paper mode is too easy to sabotage through digital channels.

To stop irregularities in government recruitment exams, Governments need to work on upgrading exam technologies instead of formulating strict laws.

The Express View: Keeping an eye on China

News: The cabinet has approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – Vibrant Villages Programme(VVP). The programme aims to improve infrastructure and provide livelihood opportunities along the Line of Actual Control.

The plan is to upgrade 633 villages in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

About Vibrant Villages Programme(VVP)

What is the present state of border areas along LAC?

Indian territory along the LAC had no established or limited human settlements. For instance, residents of Ladakh’s border villages have long demanded better facilities such as 4G telecommunication towers, better roads, schools with adequate facilities, and 24×7 electricity.

The government also neglected people’s complaints to surrender acres of traditional grazing land to China’s salami-slicing tactics. The attempted Chinese incursion in Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh last year has underlined Chinese threats along the LAC.

What are the new developments planned and developed along LAC?

Infrastructure development:

-A new 4.1 km all-weather tunnel will connect Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh making troops movement easier.

-Tourism and sporting activities are being planned in these areas to provide livelihood opportunities for local people.

Increase in personnel: The government will spend Rs 1,800 crore to raise seven new battalions (9,000 personnel) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) chiefly deployed along India’s borders with China alongside the Army.

What is the present state of the Chinese threat along LAC?

China is effectively practising salami-slicing tactics on the border. For instance, the villages on the Chinese side are hybrid in nature with a mixture of civilian and military settlements. According to security analysts, they can be used as staging posts for incursions into India.

What India should do to address the Chinese threat along LAC?

At present, both sides are working on an idea to build permanent population settlements along the border to strengthen each side’s claim to the region under their control along the disputed sections of the LAC.

However, India does not have enough time to catch up with China. Hence, building “vibrant” villages and developing infrastructure on the border are important and convey China a message.

India should develop an integrated approach by making the Vibrant Villages Programme a part of a broader defence strategy with an all-of-government approach.

GS Paper 3

Shuffling feet: On foreign trade and policy responses

News: The article discusses the changing trends of export and import in India.

How has export and import been in India for 2023?

The exports from India got a disappointing start in 2023. Merchandise shipments fell 6.6% in January.

Engineering exports fell 10%; pharma products lost momentum along with 14 other products.

However, with the exports, even imports are also falling down.

If this trend continues, India’s current account deficit for 2022-23 will be lower than the projected CAD by most of the agencies.

What are the reasons behind slowing export and import?

The drop in imports suggests that domestic demand growth is decreasing while the decline in export is due to the global economic slowdown.

India’s weaker trade balance for the fiscal year 2022-23 was due to the two reasons- a) a slowing world economy hurting exports and b) resilient domestic demand shoring up imports.

However, these reasons seem to be diminishing.

What is the way ahead?

Economic growth is expected to increase in the major economies.

For example, U.S. retail sales grew faster than expected in January and the U.K.-based trading businesses now expect an increase int the turnover this March.

These will bring opportunities for India’s export markets. Therefore, industry bodies and the government must work together to help exporters and export grow by capturing these global opportunities.

Use a clear compass to navigate our challenges and opportunities

News- The article emphasizes the need to analyse the economic and geopolitical conditions affecting the world.

What is the present macroeconomic scenario around the world?

According to World Bank projections, the share of trade as a percentage of global GDP climbed from roughly 25% in 1970 to 52% in 2020.

Global value chains (GVCs) have grown and spread across the globe. Asia is expected to generate $22 trillion in new wealth between 2020 and 2025.

In 2023, emerging markets will grow more than twice as quickly as developed markets, predicts the IMF.

What are the other events that have impacted the world?

Climate change is yet another phenomenon that has had an impact on not just the world economy, but also our entire society. The decade from 2011 to 2020 has been the warmest on record.

It has become essential for nations to include climate change in all policy deliberations.

Digitalization has also strongly influenced all aspects of society which picked up steam after the pandemic struck.

How can India push for its interests in this situation?

Strategic integration with GVCs is one option. It can increase production by transferring information, investing in them and using international best practices.

India can benefit from investing in climate-resilient and sustainable infrastructure. According to a World Bank analysis, investing in more resilient infrastructure would produce an average net benefit of $4.2 trillion.

The country has an opportunity to continuously expand their own digital infrastructure.

A significant digital payment platform in India, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has enrolled 376 banks and facilitated 7.3 billion transactions, with a total value of ₹11.9 trillion.

What is the way forward?

India will soon have to deal with many of the same issues affecting the rest of the world, such as rising debt levels, inflation, food and energy crises, and geopolitical conflicts.

Overcoming obstacles in a changing external environment necessitates deliberate action across all socioeconomic domains.

It also necessitates a mentality change that accepts the certainty of change.

Deep sea fish conservation must not go adrift

News- The article explains the need of deep sea fish conservation.

What is the judgement of SC on fishing in the high seas?

The Supreme Court of India has given permission to fishermen for using purse seine fishing gear to fish beyond territorial waters and within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)  of Tamil Nadu. But, they have to observe certain restrictions.

It seems to be more concerned about regulating fishing with administrative and transparency measures than about the conservation measures and obligations which a coastal state owes in its EEZ under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

What are the existing conventions related to conservation?

Under Articles 56.1(a) and 56.1(b)(iii) of UNCLOS, coastal states have sovereign rights to ensure that the living and non-living resources of the EEZ are used, conserved and managed. But, they should not be subject to overexploitation.

Access to the zone by foreign fleets is also solely within the coastal state’s discretion and subject to its laws and regulations.

In order to prevent overexploitation, coastal States must determine the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in the EEZ in light of the best scientific evidence available.

Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna 1993 is another instrument. It focuses onTAC and distribution of allocations among the parties to the SBT. TAC and the catch quotas are aimed at putting sustainable use into practice among fishermen.

What are the international legal efforts in this regard?

There are several regional organisations that either prohibit the use of large drift nets or at least call for their prohibition. The examples are the 1989 Tarawa Declaration of the South Pacific Forum.

The United Nations General Assembly passed Resolutions 44/225 (1989) and 46/215 (1991) supported and strengthened this development, calling for a moratorium on all large-scale pelagic drift net fishing vessels in high seas.

What needs to be looked by higher courts on fishing in the high seas?

The top court should seek guidance from the obligations arising from the multilateral and regional conventions which are meant to bring in sustainable fishing practices.

The Court’s final judgement needs to look into non-selective fishing methods by purse seiners. It results in the by-catch of other marine living species which could include endangered species.

The guidance from the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna 1993 (SBT) could have also been sourced by the top court to enable recovery of depleted fishing stocks.

Fasten Your Seatbelt, India – Air India’s huge order has multiple implications, for the airline, for civil aviation, for policy and for manufacturing. Here’s a deep dive

News: Recently, the Tata Group, which acquired Air India, has placed an order for 470 new aircraft. This is the largest ever deal in aviation in India.

About the new deal for Air India

Where does the deal offer Air India?

Domestic significance: Locally, Air India faces a formidable competitor from IndiGo which flies a fleet of 308 aircraft and has more than 55% of the market locked up.

There’s also a fast-growing competitor in Akasa, which has captured more than 2% of the market in five months since its launch.

Air India after combining four entities (the others are Air India Express, AIX Connect and Vistara) has a fleet of 220 aircraft with 26% of the market. Hence, the deal will enable Air India to engage in a complete fleet renewal coupled with significant expansion.

International significance: The deal will a) Match features of international airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, British Airways and Lufthansa and b) Enable Air India to enter, capture traffic flows and build foundations in markets such as Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and SAARC nations.

What does the deal offer for the Indian aviation market?

Over time, the Tata Group aims to bring commercial aircraft manufacturing into the country.  If it was for Airbus, then the set-up of an assembly line will be their second assembly line in Asia after China. This would pave the way for boosting manufacturing and technology transfer agreements with Indian firms.

Note: Boeing already has an existing joint venture with Boeing on the defence side.

The deal will also help India to a) Forecast Indian aviation sector growth at a global level, b) Improve India’s economic growth prospects and geopolitical dynamics, and c) Help in leveraging geopolitical dynamics to provide a competitive edge for India’s international relations.

What should be done to improve the Indian aviation market?

The Indian aviation industry has two major challenges. a) India has a complex fleet infrastructure which challenges the seamless induction and deployment of mammoth aircraft orders, b) The deal does not provide adequate returns on capital unless there is a smooth deployment of aircraft.

To overcome that, India needs policy changes to develop airports as hubs, ensure proper air-traffic management, presence of adequate maintenance facilities and trained manpower. 

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Meet ‘Omorgus Khandesh’, a newly discovered Indian beetle: It can help forensic science

Source: The post is based on the article “Meet ‘Omorgus Khandesh’, a newly discovered Indian beetle: It can help forensic science” published in Down To Earth on 17th February 2023

What is the News?

A new beetle species named Omorgus Khandesh has been discovered in India.

What is Omorgus Khandesh?

Omorgus Khandesh is a beetle species.

It is necrophagous and is, therefore, also called a keratin beetle. 

– Note: Necrophagy is the feeding behaviour of an organism that eats dead or decaying animal flesh that it did not kill. Insects exhibiting this behaviour include burying beetles, wasps and blowflies.

Features: The beetles of this group are sometimes called hide beetles as they tend to cover their body under the soil and hide.

– They are not photogenic; they are usually black or grey and encrusted in the dirt.

– Their bumpy appearance is distinct, with short, dense setae all over the body.

Significance: The beetle is important for forensic science as it helps detect the time of death of an animal or human. 

Now, no age bar to register for cadaver organ transplants

Source: The post is based on the article “Now, no age bar to register for cadaver organ transplants” published in The Hindu on 17th February 2023

What is the News?

The Union Health Ministry has revised several guidelines related to organ donation.

Note: National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization(NOTTO), the country’s apex organ donation agency has framed these guidelines in consultation with state governments.

What is Organ Donation?

Click Here to read

About Organ Transplantation in India

India conducts the third-highest number of organ transplants in the world. 

The total number of organ transplants – with organs from both deceased and living donors – increased from 4,990 in 2013 to 15,561 in 2022.

Organs from deceased donors accounted for nearly 17.8% of all transplants in 2022 in the country.

The challenges for organ donation include poor awareness among doctors, patients and police, religious sensitivities and lack of medical infrastructure.

What are the changes brought in organ transplantation policy?

Upper age limit for registration has been removed: The new guidelines have done away with the 65-year age limit for registration of patients seeking organs from a deceased donor.

– Note: Earlier, there was no age cap for living donor transplants (where family members donate organs like kidneys and livers), people over the age of 65 years. But they couldn’t register to receive organs from deceased donors. This requirement has been done away with.

No domicile requirement: The Government has asked states to remove the domicile criterion for registering those seeking organs from deceased donors for transplant procedures.

Now the needy person can go to any state of the country and register for getting organ and also get the transplant done.

No registration fee required: States have been asked not to charge recipients for registration on waiting lists for organs. States such as Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat and Telangana charge between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 to register recipients for organ donation.

India accounts for 52% of world’s new leprosy patients, says Union Health Minister

Source: The post is based on the article “India accounts for 52% of world’s new leprosy patients, says Union Health Minister” published in The Hindu on 17th February 2023

What is the News?

The Government of India has launched the National Strategic Plan and Roadmap for Leprosy 2023-2027. The aim of the Plan is to eradicate Leprosy in the country by 2027. 

What is Leprosy?

Click Here to read

About Leprosy cases in India

India is making progress and new leprosy cases are declining year after year.

The prevalence rate of Leprosy cases has come down from 0.69% per 10,000 population in 2014-15 to 0.45% in 2021-22.

However, still India accounts for over half (52%) of the world’s new leprosy patients.

Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu have either one or more districts (total 82 districts) which are yet to achieve leprosy elimination target and contributes to more than 90% cases in the country.

What was the impact of Covid-19 on Leprosy case detection services?

Earlier gains made in the leprosy programme were reversed during COVID-19 as a sudden decline in case detection numbers was noted. 

Case detection dropped by 43% in 2020-21 and by 34% in 2021-22 in comparison to the pre-COVID year 2019-20.

Early detection of the infection in the affected person can save them from physical disability.

Unique non-cytotoxic nanocomposite coatings developed to prevent post-surgical infections

Source: The post is based on the article “Unique non-cytotoxic nanocomposite coatings developed to prevent post-surgical infections” published in PIB on 16th February 2023

What is the News?

Researchers have developed a nanocomposite coating that can inhibit biofilm formation and also kill attached bacteria thereby helping tackle growing Post-operative surgical site infections (SSIs).

What are Post-operative surgical site infections(SSIs)?

According to WHO, Post-operative surgical site infections(SSIs) affect 11% of patients in low and middle-income countries.

Post-operative SSIs are caused by the development of biofilms (groups of bacteria growing in formation that are highly resistant to antibiotics) on the incision site or in the soft tissue inside the site.

The biofilm matrix can come from existing infections in the patient’s body or can be transferred from the hospital environment through potential carriers like surgical equipment, wound dressing, or bandage/surgical sutures. This biofilm acts as a physical shield against antibiotics given during the operation, slowing down their penetration. 

Hence, it is important to have an antibacterial coating on the surface of these materials that can act as potential sources of SSI. 

Conventionally antibacterial coatings containing biocides like nanosilver, nanocopper, triclosan, and chlorhexidine have been used to prevent bacterial infections. 

Although Triclosan and chlorhexidine exhibit antibacterial effects towards a broad-spectrum of bacteria, they and other biocides are found to produce cytotoxicity. 

As a result, there is an increasing focus on developing alternative non-cytotoxic materials with antibacterial properties.

What have the researchers developed?

Researchers have developed a nanocomposite coating (named at ARCI as ATL) by combining water repellence and biocidal property (combinatorial approach), which exhibits both hydrophobic and biocidal behaviour. 

The developed coating not only inhibits biofilm formation by restricting bacterial and water adhesion but also kills attached bacteria.

Thwaites Glacier is ‘in trouble,’ scientists say after finding surprising formations under ice shelf

Source: The post is based on the article “Thwaites Glacier is ‘in trouble,’ scientists say after finding surprising formations under ice shelf” published in CNN on 16th February 2023

What is the News?

New research suggests that even low amounts of melting can potentially push a Thwaites Glacier further along the path toward eventual disappearance.

What is Thwaites Glacier?

Click Here to read

Every year, Thwaites Glacier sheds billions of tons of ice into the ocean, contributing about 4% of the annual sea level rise.

The complete collapse of the Thwaites itself could lead to a sea level rise of more than two feet (70 centimetres), which would be enough to devastate coastal communities around the world.

How is the Thwaites Glacier melting?

Researchers have found that the flat topography beneath the glacier is melting slower than expected due to a layer of fresher water between the bottom of the ice shelf and the warmer ocean below.

However, a series of terraces and crevasses that reach up into the ice are expanding. When these crevasses open up, water funnels through them, bringing more water, salt, and heat into the ice. 

The crevasses widen further into cracks and fissures that destabilize the ice shelf even further. Those rifts could, in turn, become the primary trigger for the glacier’s collapse. 

About Glaciers Melting

According to a study published in January 2023, Glaciers are receding at unprecedented rates due to climate change and rising temperatures. Half the Earth’s glaciers will vanish by 2100, even if the world adheres to the Paris Climate Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Impact of glaciers melting: Glaciers, which hold 70% of the Earth’s freshwater, currently encompass around 10% of the planet’s land area.

Melting glaciers raise sea levels dramatically, jeopardizing up to two billion people’s access to water and increasing the risk of natural disasters and extreme weather events like floods.

IAF’s acquisition of 114 fighter jets to be part of a major procurement plan

Source: The post is based on the article “IAF’s acquisition of 114 fighter jets to be part of a major procurement plan” published in The Hindu on 17th February 2023

What is the News?

Indian Air Force(IAF) is reportedly planning to procure 114 Multirole fighter aircraft(MRFA) along with three different indigenous fighter development programmes.

This will result in a mega 500-fighter aircraft acquisition process for the armed forces. 

Why is the Indian Air Force(IAF) planning to go for such a mega fighter aircraft acquisition process?

Indian Air Force(IAF) is currently down to 31 fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42.

These squadrons are set to come down further as the remaining three MiG-21 squadrons are phased out by 2025. By the end of the decade, phasing out of other aircraft would also begin.

Hence, IAF is planning to start a mega fighter aircraft acquisition process.

The acquisition process will start with 83 Light Combat Aircraft(LCA)-Mk1A that would begin coming in from next year followed by the LCA-Mk2 and Fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft(AMCA) in near future along with the MRFA. This will help in overcoming the shortage.

There is also a Twin-engine deck-based Fighter(TEDBF) on the drawing board for the Navy’s aircraft carriers.

Note: TEDBF is a twin-engine single-seat carrier-borne fighter aircraft. It has been designed for operations onboard Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers and is envisaged as a possible replacement for the Russian-origin MiG-29K that takes off from the decks of INS Vikramaditya.

Environment Minister announces the translocation of twelve Cheetahs from South Africa to India

Source: The post is based on the article “Environment Minister announces the translocation of twelve Cheetahs from South Africa to India” published in PIB on 17th February 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate change has announced the translocation of twelve Cheetahs from South Africa to India. The Cheetahs will be translocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. 

When did Cheetahs go extinct in India?

What is the Cheetah Reintroduction project?

Aim: To establish a viable cheetah metapopulation in India that allows the cheetah to perform its functional role as a top predator and provide space for the expansion of the cheetah within its historic range thereby contributing to its global conservation efforts.

As per the Action Plan for Cheetah Introduction in India, annually 10–12 cheetahs are required to be imported from African countries for the next 5 years at least.

– In this context, the Government of India has successfully concluded the signing of MoU with the Republic of South Africa.

– Under the provisions of the MoU, a first batch of 12 cheetahs (7 males, 5 females) will be translocated from South Africa to India.

Note: In September 2022, the Government of India welcomed eight African Cheetahs from Namibia to Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park.

Towards sustainability: Arunachal’s Apatanis use a unique, integrated cultivation method; it needs encouragement

Source: The post is based on the article “Towards sustainability: Arunachal’s Apatanis use a unique, integrated cultivation method; it needs encouragement” published in Down To Earth on 17th February 2023

What is the News?

The Apatanis Tribe from Arunachal Pradesh practices a distinctive form of agriculture where rice and fish are grown together.

About Apatani Tribe

The Apatani tribe is one of the major ethnic groups of the eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh.

The major festivals of Apatanis are the Myoko, Dree, Yapung and Murung. People here believe that these traditional festivals ensure better productivity and well-being.

Apatanis are known for their effective traditional village council called bulyañ which supervises, guides and has legal oversight over the activities of individuals that affect the community as a whole. 

They work by addressing the conscience of the people rather than by instilling fear of the law and by promoting the prevention of unlawful activities rather than by punitive actions. 

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What is the Integrated rice-fish cultivation practised by Apatani Tribe?

Apatanis practice a unique form of agriculture called Integrated rice-fish cultivation where rice and fish are grown together. This is a low-input and eco-friendly practice.

In this type of cultivation, fish almost depend on the natural food sources of the rice fields and thus, farmers hardly need to use any supplementary fish feeds.

– The farmers sometimes use household and agricultural wastes and excreta of domestic animals like pigs, cows, and goats to make farming more sustainable and organic.

Source of irrigation: The water sources in these high-altitude rice fields are mountain streams and rainwater dripped down during the monsoon season. Bamboo pipes are being used to distribute water from the networks of earthen irrigation channels.

Tools: Ancient and old-fashioned agricultural technologies are utilized for cultivation. Modern tools like tractors and power tillers are not affordable as well as inaccessible to the farmers.

Benefits: Fish improves rice productivity (by 10-15%) by controlling the growth of algae, weeds and insects, providing nutrient input through fish excreta and promoting tillering of the rice through the movement of fish inside the field.

DHARA – Annual Meeting Of Members Of The River Cities Alliance

Source: The post is based on the article “DHARA – Annual Meeting Of Members Of The River Cities Alliance” published in PIB on 15th February 2023

What is the News?

DHARA, the annual meeting of the members of the River Cities Alliance(RCA) has been concluded.

What is DHARA?

DHARA stands for Driving Holistic Action for Urban Rivers.

It is an annual meeting of the members of the River Cities Alliance(RCA).

It is being organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in association with the National Institute of Urban Affairs(NIUA).

What is River Cities Alliance(RCA)?

Launched in: 2021

Purpose: It is a dedicated platform for river cities to ideate, discuss and exchange information for sustainable management of urban rivers.

Implementation: It is being implemented by a partnership of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Members: The alliance was started with 30 cities in 2021 and currently has 95 cities as members across India.

– Note: It includes cities from both the Ganga basin and non-Ganga basin states.

Themes: The alliance focuses on three broad themes-Networking, Capacity Building and Technical Support.