9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 27 March, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
The shift in India’s foreign policy language – How Delhi talks to world
Source: The post India’s foreign policy language has shifted from being defensive to more assertive and confident has been created, based on the article “How Delhi talks to world” published in “Indian express” on 27th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News: The article discusses how India’s foreign policy language is becoming more confident as the country grows stronger economically and militarily. However, this new approach isn’t fully embraced by all politicians yet, and the Opposition should focus on constructive debate about India’s development and global role.
How has India’s foreign policy language evolved?
In India’s foreign policy language has shifted from being defensive to more assertive and confident. This change reflects India’s growing global stature and economic progress.
Examples of this change include India’s approach in the India-US nuclear deal in mid 2000s. At that time, India was concerned that a close relationship with US will result in loss of “strategic autonomy“, but now India has much closer relationship with the US. The shift from seeing strategic autonomy as merely freedom from major powers’ influence to leveraging India’s own power marks a significant evolution in its foreign policy thinking.
The evolution in language also reflects in new terms like “leading power,” “net security provider,” and “first responder” to regional crises, indicating a proactive stance in global affairs.
For information on India‘s foreign policy read here
What is the role of the political class in this change?
Adaptation to New Diplomatic Language: The political class, including the Opposition, is slow in embracing India’s evolving assertive foreign policy language. Persistent resistance exists among politicians and intellectuals to viewing India as a major power.
Contribution to India’s Growth: Political parties, including the Opposition, have contributed to India’s growth, being part of coalition governments since 1991. The Opposition’s role is now to engage constructively in shaping India’s path to development.
Debating India’s Future Goals: There is a need for focused political debate on ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, as outlined by the India’s government.
What responsibilities come with India’s growth?
As India’s power grows, it faces more responsibilities in shaping the regional and global order.
India’s role includes contributing to regional security, managing global commons, setting rules for international commerce, and influencing international institutions.
References to India as a “leading power”, “Vishwa Mitra”, and “net security provider” highlight its evolving responsibilities.
What are the challenges ahead?
- Despite India’s growing economy, its low per capita income highlights developmental challenges.
- Becoming a developed country by 2047 is a goal set by the India’s current government, a challenging yet inspiring target.
- Achieving a per capita income of $12,000 by 2047, from the current less than $3000, requires substantial economic growth.
- These challenges include formulating effective economic strategies and industrial policies.
- Addressing issues like inequality and environmental degradation is crucial for sustainable development.
- Navigating a changing global order presents complex questions for India’s international strategy.
Question for practice:
Examine how India’s evolving foreign policy language reflects its growing global stature and the role of the political class.
UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza: Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention
Source: The post UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza has been created, based on the article “Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention” published in “Indian express” on 27th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.
News: This article discusses a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which the US did not veto. It notes tension between the US and Israel’s Prime Minister, Netanyahu.
For details information on Israeli and Palestine relation read here
What is the UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza?
The UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The US, which usually vetoes such resolutions, allowed this one to pass with a 14-0 vote.
Prior to this, the US vetoed three resolutions demanding a ceasefire after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, indicating a shift in the US stance.
Why is the US-Israel relationship strained?
Disagreement over Rafah Offensive: There’s a growing disagreement between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, particularly over Israel’s planned ground offensive in Rafah, which the US opposes.
Netanyahu’s Strong Rhetoric: Netanyahu has reacted sharply to the US vote and scrapped a visit to Washington for talks, indicating increased tensions.
Ignoring US Advisories: Netanyahu is seen as disregarding US concerns and Biden’s “red line” against a ground offensive, straining the relationship further.
Denial of Two-State Solution: Netanyahu’s denial of even the principle of a two-state solution contrasts sharply with the US position, adding to the strain.
Why is a ceasefire important?
Humanitarian Crisis: Rafah is facing a potential ground offensive by Israel, opposed by the US. It’s already sheltering over a million refugees from Gaza. Without ceasefire, the situation could worsen for the Palestinians, who are at risk of famine.
High Civilian Casualties: The conflict has resulted in over 30,000 civilian deaths, including 13,000 children. A ceasefire would help prevent further loss of innocent lives.
Restoring Stability Post-Abraham Accords: Before the October 7 escalation, Israel was part of the Abraham Accords, aimed at normalizing relations with several Arab states. A ceasefire would help return to the stability these accords were fostering in the region.
For information on Abraham Accord read here
Question for practice:
Discuss the importance of a ceasefire in Gaza and the criticisms of the US stance on the UN resolution regarding the ceasefire Gaza?
Set the wheels in motion for a cyclists’ manifesto
Source-This post has been created based on the article “Set the wheels in motion for a cyclists’ manifesto” published in “The Hindu” on 26 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-Social Justice
Context– The author highlights the fact that cycling in India should not just be considered as another transport issue but rather should be viewed as a matter of social justice with a transformative impact on people’s lives.
What is the data on cycling ownership and use in India?
1) National data– Considering the household ownership of cycles over the two decades, from 1998-99 to 2019-21, using data from rounds two and five of the National Family Health Surveys, respectively, the ownership of cycles has increased only marginally, that is, from 48% to 55%.
2) State specific data– In Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the increase was from 30% to more than 75%, while in Uttar Pradesh, it was from 26% to 71%, and in West Bengal, from 53% to 79%.
3) Bicycle distribution schemes (BDS)-Under these schemes, different State governments provide free bicycles to children using either in-kind or in-cash transfers. Nationally, cycling to school increased from 6.6% in 2007 to 11.2% in 2017.
In rural areas, the levels nearly doubled (6.3% to 12.3%) while, in urban areas, the levels have remained stable (7.8% to 8.3%).
It is also observed that States that have implemented BDS have witnessed the greatest decadal increase in cycling to school. For example-In Bihar,BDS was launched in 2006, and the level of cycling to schools quadrupled from 3.6% in 2007 to 14.2% in 2017.
Read more- Decarbonisation of Transport Sector
What is the social impact of access to free bicycles?
1) Enhanced enrollments of girls-Under BDS in Bihar, the State government provided funds to girls who enrolled in class nine to buy bicycles. This has resulted in increased enrolment of girls in class nine and girls appearing for secondary school certification exams.
2) Enhanced participation of women in workforce-As per a survey conducted by a prominent NGO, women who were given a bicycle, along with some training, switched to cycling to go to work. Earlier, they used to walk long distances or take a bus. It has reduced out of pocket expenditure on transportation for women.
What are challenges posed by urbanization to Cyclist?
1) Multi-lane roads, flyovers, and wide junctions make it risky for cyclists to navigate through the traffic.
2) As per some studies, a cyclist is 40 times more likely to be involved in a traffic fatality than a car occupant.
State governments should broaden the coverage of the Bicycle Distribution Scheme. Further, cities should invest in dedicated cycling infrastructure such as cycle tracks, safe and secure parking, and repair shops.
Question for practice
Highlight the impact of enhanced access of bicycles to poor people. How does urbanization pose challenge to Cyclist?
Students suicide in India
Source-This post on Students suicide in India has been created based on the article “A cry for help, a call for reflection and action” published in “The Hindu” on 26 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 2 – Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context– According to “Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2022” report by NCRB, over 13,044 Indian students ended their lives 7.6% of the total suicide fatalities in that year.
The number of suicides (students) rose from 10,335 in 2019, to 12,526 in 2020, to 13,089 in 2021. Further, In Kota (the hub of tuition/coaching) alone ,15 students ended their lives in 2022.
What are the reasons for students’ suicides in India?
1) Education system-The lack of job opportunities, a limited number of seats in government institutions and the high fees charged in private institutions have all created a climate of intense competition. This imposes great pressure on the minds of students, and they are forced to take drastic steps.
Read more- Increasing cases of Student suicide in India-A detailed explanation
2) Financial Concerns: As per All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report (2019-20), only 21.4% of colleges are under governmental administration, with 78.6% under private entities. Due to high tuition or coaching fees, many families are not able to provide their children with supplementary educational resources such as coaching and tuition. This lack of support places immense and intense pressure on students to succeed in examinations of various kinds. A lack of success then leads to tragedy.
3) Social and family expectations– Parental control, emotional detachment, and societal expectations contribute to the sidelining of a student’s individual interest. The inability to satisfy parental expectations can leave young individuals feeling humiliated, dejected, desperate, and harassed. This may force them to take wrong steps.
What are the steps taken by coaching industries in Kota to address this issue?
1) Hostels are now equipped with ‘anti-suicide features’ that include devices fixed to ceiling fans to prevent children from harming themselves.Further,there are iron grills across balconies and passage ways.
2) The local government has stopped all routine testing in coaching institutes for over two months as a temporary measure.
3) Hostel staff are being trained and prepared to deal with the welfare of their wards. There is specialized training in mess administration, psychological support, behavioral counselling and an emphasis on overall student welfare.
4) The Kota police have pushed hostel wardens to become more proactive by endorsing campaigns such as “darwaze pe dastak (knock on door).
It is disturbing to see young students voicing their inner turmoil on social media.Thus,there is an urgent need for our social infrastructure to grow more supportive and accommodative and support these young lives.
Question for practice
What are the reasons for growing students’ suicide in India? What institutional me
GS PAPER - 3
Better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies: Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better
Source: The post better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies has been created, based on the article “Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better” published in “Live mint” on 27th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-economy- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices.
News: The article suggests India should change how it spends its agriculture and food subsidies. It recommends promoting organic fertilizers and millets over chemical fertilizers and rice or wheat, for better environmental and economic benefits. Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better
For details information on fertilizer subsidy read here
For details information on food subsidy read here
What is the current situation with India’s fertilizer and food subsidies?
a) India’s Fertilizer Subsidies
- India’s budget shows a consistent increase in fertilizer subsidies since 2017. Despite higher subsidies, crop yields are declining.
- Farmers are overusing nitrogen fertilizers, leading to nutrient imbalances. The NPK ratio is now 11.8:4.6:1, far from the ideal 4:2:1.
b) India’s Food Subsidies
- India’s food subsidy bill accounts for about 1% of its GDP.
- The bill has been around ₹2 trillion since 2020, largely due to the difference between MSPs (Minimum Support Prices) and CIPs (Central Issue Prices) of grains.
- The emphasis on wheat and rice, supported by high MSPs, has led to environmentally unsustainable farming practices.
What are the government initiatives for better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies?
The Indian government’s key initiatives for better fertilizer and food subsidy utilization include the National Plan for Organic Productions to shift towards organic farming, the classification of nano urea as a ‘nano fertilizer’ by the Ministry of Agriculture for sustainable fertilizer use, and promoting millets in 2023, the International Year of Millets, highlighting their nutritional and environmental advantages to redirect food subsidies effectively.
For information on Government Flagship Schemes in Agriculture read here
For information on nano fertilizer read here
For information on International Year of Millets read here
What are the concerns related to better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies?
Overuse of Chemical Fertilizers: India’s heavy fertilizer subsidies have resulted in an excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers, disturbing soil health and causing an imbalance in nutrient use, as shown by the NPK ratio of 11.8:4.6:1 in 2022-23.
Declining Crop Yields: Increased fertilizer use has not translated into higher yields, suggesting inefficiency and potential environmental harm.
Policy and Oversight Conflicts: The divided management of fertilizer policy between separate ministries creates conflicting objectives and hinders coherent policy implementation.
What should be done?
- Redirect fertilizer subsidies towards nano and organic fertilizers, aligning with net-zero emission goals.
- Consolidate fertilizer oversight under the agriculture ministry to unify policy-making and execution, addressing policy gridlocks.
- Encourage organic farming and crop diversification, as practiced in Odisha, with financial support and initiatives like rice-fallow management.
- Channel food subsidies towards millets, particularly given 2023 being the International Year of Millets, to promote nutritious and less carbon-intensive crops. This would support Tribal communities and women farmers, moving towards a circular economy.
- Maintain subsidy outlay levels while focusing on low-carbon alternatives for balanced welfare, fiscal responsibility, and climate change mitigation.
Conclusion
The strategy involves redirecting subsidies towards low-carbon alternatives like organic fertilizers and millets without reducing the subsidy amount. This approach aims for a balance between welfare, fiscal responsibility, and environmental sustainability.
Question for practice:
Discuss India’s current agricultural subsidy policies and proposed initiatives for improving environmental and economic outcomes.
Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA): Indian cities cry out for UMTA
Source: The post Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) has been created, based on the article “Indian cities cry out for UMTA” published in “Business standard” on 27th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- economy- infrastructure
News: The article discusses the need for Indian cities to create a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA). This authority would manage all city transportation, including roads, buses, and metro systems, aiming for better public transport efficiency and integration.
What is the current status of urban transport in India?
Urban Transport Policy: Since 2006, India has a policy recommending Unified Metropolitan Transport Authorities (UMTAs) for cities over 1 million people. According to the 2011 Census, there were 53 such cities.
Metro Rail Policy 2017: Cities need UMTAs for central funding of metro projects. The policy aims to integrate metro rail with overall urban transport.
Cities’ Response: Many cities still lack UMTAs, hindering integrated transport development.
For more information on Metro Rail Policy 2017 read here
Why is UMTA important?
Integration of Transport Modes: UMTA ensures all forms of urban transport, like buses and metros, work together efficiently.
Policy and Funding Compliance: Under the 2017 Metro Rail Policy, cities need UMTAs to get central funding for metro projects.
Efficient Urban Mobility: UMTA can lead to better traffic control, integrated payment systems, and real-time travel information.
Global Success Models: Cities like New York and London, with unified transport authorities, serve as successful examples for India to emulate.
Focus on Commuters: UMTA puts commuter needs at the center, aiming for a more accessible and reliable urban transport system.
What should be done?
a) A Framework for Selecting an Appropriate Urban Transport System in Indian Cities (Dr. Tiwari’s Report)
- Tailored Transport Systems: Implement transport systems based on city size; metros for cities over 8 million, buses and light rail for 4-8 million, and quality bus systems for smaller cities.
- Integrated Approach: Combine metro, bus, and local transport for efficient movement and connectivity.
- High-Capacity Planning: Plan for high-capacity systems like BRTS/metro in cities expecting to grow beyond 1 million.
b) Strategies to Improve the Financial Performance of Metro Rail System in India (Dr. Chakrabarti’s Report)
- UMTA Management: UMTA should manage all city transport including roads and public transit.
- Private Sector Involvement: UMTA to work with private sectors for functions and equity partnerships.
- Systematic Changes: Initiate institutional changes for transferring ownership of transportation assets to UMTA.
4.Commuter-Centric Approach: Focus on making transport decisions that prioritize commuter needs and experiences.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the current status and importance of implementing Unified Metropolitan Transport Authorities (UMTAs) in Indian cities.
Black Carbon Emission
Source-This post on Black Carbon Emission has been created based on the article “The need to curb black carbon emissions” published in “The Hindu” on 26 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Context– According to a 2016 study, the residential sector contributes 47% of India’s total black carbon emissions followed by Industries 22%, diesel vehicles 17%, open burning 12%, and other sources 2%. Decarbonization efforts in the industry and transport sectors in the past decade have led to reductions in black carbon emissions. However, the residential sector remains a challenge.
What is black carbon?
Description-It is a component of soot emitted by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuel and biomass.
Impact-It contributes to global warming and poses severe risks. Exposure to black carbon can increase risk of heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
Source– Most black carbon emissions in India arise from burning biomass, such as cow dung or straw, in traditional cookstoves.
What is the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?
Entitlements-The scheme would provide free liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) connections to households below the poverty line. The programme has provided connections to over 10 crore households as of January 2024.
Objective-To make clean cooking fuel available to rural and poor households and reduce their dependence on traditional cooking fuels.
Infrastructure-The PMUY has established infrastructure for LPG connections, including free gas stoves, deposits for LPG cylinders, and a distribution network.
Impact-It has helped in reducing black carbon emissions because it is a cleaner alternative to traditional fuel consumption.
Read more- Non Conventional Energy
What are the issues with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?
1) Low LPG refill rate- According to RTI data, in 2022-2023, only 25% of all PMUY beneficiaries availed either zero LPG refill or only one LPG refill. This suggests that they still relied entirely on traditional biomass for cooking.
2) High cost– The cost of a 14.2-kg LPG cylinder, even with an additional subsidy, is still about ₹600 per cylinder. This is a high cost for most PMUY beneficiaries, so they switch to traditional sources like cow dung, firewood, etc.
3) Low consumption of LPG-As per the findings of the The Hindu newspaper, the average PMUY beneficiary household consumes only 3.5-4 LPG cylinders per year as compared to non-PMUY household that consume 6 to 7 cylinders.
This implies that up to half of all the energy needs of a PMUY beneficiary household are still met by traditional fuels. Traditional fuels contribute to black carbon emissions.
4) Last mile connectivity-There is lack of last-mile connectivity in the LPG distribution network. This leads to unavailability of clean cooking fuel in remote areas which leads to enhanced use of biomass.
What should be the way forward?
1) Production of Coal-bed methane-There is a need to promote the local production of coal-bed methane (CBM) gas by composting biomass. It is a much cleaner source of energy. Here, Panchayats can take the initiative to produce CBM gas locally at the village level.
2) Addressing low-refill rate-The government should address the challenge of low refill rate by further subsidizing the cost of LPG cylinder.
PMUY scheme can help India become a global leader in addressing regional health concerns and help meet its Sustainability Development Goal of providing affordable clean energy to everyone and contributing to global climate mitigation.
Question for practice
Highlighting the significance of PMUY. Also enlist some of the challenges in its effective implementation?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road
Source-This post on Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road is based on the article “BRO connects strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh” published in “PIB” on 26th March 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) connected the strategic Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road in Ladakh.
About Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road
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1. It is 298-km road that will connect Manali to Leh through Darcha and Nimmu on Kargil – Leh Highway.
2. It is the 3rd road which connects Ladakh to the hinterland. Other 2 roads are Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh which connects Ladakh to the hinterland.
3. The road starts at Nimo, which lies on the Leh-Srinagar highway, 35 km before Leh. It meets Manali-Leh highway in Darcha, a village in Lahaul and Spiti district.
4. The road is aligned along the course of Zanskar river till Padum, after which it follows the Lungnak river till Purne village and the Kurgiakh river till Shinkun La pass, which is located on the border of Himachal and Ladakh.
5. Strategic significance:
a) The Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road holds strategic significance due to its shorter length compared to the other two axes.
b) It crosses only one pass that is Shinkun La (16,558 feet) on which tunnel work is about to commence by the BRO.
c) This will result in the road having all weather connectivity to the Ladakh region.
d) The tunnel will be designed to withstand long-range artillery shelling or missile firings from neighbouring countries like China and Pakistan, bolstering defence preparedness in the region.
e) This enhanced connectivity will lead to economic development in the Zanskar valley, as highlighted by the ministry.
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
India Employment Report 2024
Source-This post on India Employment Report 2024 is based on the article “Employment scenario in India grim, says ILO report” published in “The Hindu” on 27th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD) have jointly published a report titled “India Employment Report 2024”.
About India Employment Report 2024
1. Prepared by – the Institute for Human Development in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO).
2. It highlights the challenges of youth employment within India’s evolving economic, labor market, educational, and skills landscapes.
3. This report has used the data analysis from the National Sample Surveys and the Periodic Labour Force Surveys between 2000 and 2022.
Key Findings of the report:
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a) There has been an increase in female labor market participation rates since 2019, especially in rural areas.
b) There has been also a gradual shift in the workforce from agricultural to non-farm sectors.
c) There has been predominance of self-employment and casual employment, with nearly 82% of workers in the informal sector.
d) A modest rise in the wages of casual laborers between 2012 and 2022 has been observed while real wages for regular workers have stagnated or declined.
e) India is expected to have a migration rate of around 40 per cent in 2030 and will have an urban population of around 607 million.
Challenges highlighted by the report:
1. Almost 90% of workers remain engaged in informal work.
2. There has been a rise in contractualisation. There is only a small percentage of regular workers covered by long-term contracts. The share of regular work increased steadily after 2000 which declined after 2018.
3. There are widespread livelihood insecurities with only a small percentage being covered with social protection measures, precisely in the non-agriculture, organized sector.
4. India’s large young workforce is a demographic dividend, but they don’t appear to have the skills to deliver with 75% of youth unable to send emails with attachments, 60% unable to copy and paste files, and 90% unable to put a mathematical formula into a spreadsheet.
Measures to address these challenges:
1. Promoting job creation.
2. Enhancing employment quality.
3. Tackling labor market inequalities.
4. Strengthening skills and active labor market policies.
5. Bridging knowledge gaps regarding labor market trends and youth employment.
Read more: International Labour Organisation (ILO)
UPSC Syllabus: Reports (Employment)
Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount)
Source-This post on Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount) is based on the article “Sensing China threat, India joins race to mine new sea patch” published in “The Hindu” on 26th March 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, India applied for rights to explore two vast tracts in the Indian Ocean seabed. The application to explore the Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount) is advantageous for India.
About Afanasy Nikitin Seamount (AN Seamount)
1. It is a major seamount in the central Indian Ocean Basin. It is located about 3,000 km away from India’s coast.
2. It reaches up to about 1,200 meters, rising from an oceanic depth of around 4,800 meters.
3. It is rich in deposits of cobalt, nickel, manganese and copper.
4. Laws related to extraction:
a) For doing extraction in this region, countries must apply first for an exploration licence to the ISBA. These rights to extraction are applied to areas that are part of the open ocean.
b) Open ocean means ocean (including air, surface and seabed) where no countries can claim sovereignty.
c) Around 60% of the world’s seas are open ocean and believed to be rich in a variety of mineral. However, the costs and challenges of extraction are prohibitive.
d) Currently, no country has commercially extracted resources from open oceans.
e) Exclusive rights: Countries have exclusive rights up to 200 nautical miles, and its underlying sea-bed from their borders.
Note: The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf is a UNCLOS-linked body. It decides on the limits of a country’s continental shelf.
About ISA
1. About: The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is an autonomous international organization. It was established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 1994 Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1994 Agreement).
2. Headquater: ISA headquarters is in Kingston, Jamaica.
3. Members: All States Parties to UNCLOS are members of ISA. As of 18 May 2023, ISA has 169 Members, including 168 Member States and the European Union.
4. Mandate: It has the mandate to ensure the effective protection of the marine environment from harmful effects that may arise from deep-seabed-related activities.
5. Function: ISA is the organization through which States Parties to UNCLOS organize and control all mineral-resources-related activities in the Area for the benefit of humankind as a whole.
Read more: UNCLOS
UPSC Syllabus: International treaties, Geography
ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar
Source-This post on ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar is based on the article “As part of overseas deployment to ASEAN countries, ICG Ship Samudra Paheredar arrives at Manila Bay, Philippines” published in “PIB” on 26th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The Minister of External Affairs recently visited Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar, which is in Manila Bay in the Philippines, as part of an overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
About Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar
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Aspects | Details |
About | It is a specialised Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) of the Indian Coast Guard. It is the second PCV of India (the first being ICGS Samudra Prahari). |
Built by | ABG Shipyard, Surat |
Stationed on | East Coast of India in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
Features | a) The ship’s primary role is pollution response at sea. It is equipped with the most advanced and sophisticated pollution response and control equipment for mitigating oil spills. b) It includes containment equipment like hi-sprint booms and river booms, recovery devices like skimmers and side sweeping arms. The ship is capable of unhindered oil-recovery operations. c) The special features include an integrated platform management system, a power management system and a high-powered external firefighting system. d) It is capable of operating one twin-engine ALH/ Chetak helicopter. |
Read More: Indian Coast Guard Pollution
UPSC Syllabus: Defence
Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre
Source-This post on Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) has been created based on the article “ICCC: Integrated farm data dashboard for customised solutions” published in “The Indian Express” on 27 March 2024.
Why in the news?
Agriculture Minister has recently inaugurated a Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) set up at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi. This is a big-screen dashboard of all digital innovations in the sector.
About Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre
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Description-It is a tech-based solution involving multiple IT applications and platforms which helps in making informed decisions. It is housed in the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
Objective– To monitor the farm sector by ensuring availability of geospatial information received from multiple sources at one place.
These sources include remote sensing; plot-level data received through soil survey; weather data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD); sowing data from Digital Crop Survey.
Visual output-Information on crop yields, production, drought situation, cropping patterns (geographic region-wise and year-wise) in map etc will be displayed on 8 large 55-inch LED screens installed at the ICCC.
What is the significance of Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre?
1) FARMER’S ADVISORY:It allows visualisation of GIS based soil carbon mapping and soil health card data for a particular district together at one place. This will help in ensuring a customised and authentic advisory to be sent to the farmers.
2) DROUGHT ACTIONS:Increase or decrease in yield from a specific region (as per GCES data) can be correlated with weather, rainfall, and other information available in Drought Portal.
This would help the administration to understand the reason for increase/ decrease in yield.
3) CROP DIVERSIFICATION: An analysis of crop diversification maps will help decision-makers to identify regions which have a scope for crop diversification.
4) FARM DATA REPOSITORY: Krishi Decision Support System (K-DSS), a platform under development, will act as an agriculture data repository. This platform will help in evidence-based, efficient, and data-driven decision-making.
5) VALIDATION OF YIELD: Yield that is captured through Krishi MApper can be analysed with the yield that is generated through GCES application for a plot.
6) Individual farmer level advisories-It can ensure individual farmer-level advisories by using apps like Kisan e-mitra.
Read more-Agricultural Technology
UPSC Syllabus-Indian economy (Agriculture)
Delisting of lost monument by ASI
Source-This post on Delisting of lost monument by ASI has been created based on the article “ASI will delist some lost monuments, here’s why ” published in “The Indian Express” on 26 March 2024.
Why in the news?
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to declassify 18 monuments from protected status. This is because the national significance of monuments have diminished.
What are Centrally protected Monuments?
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The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958 regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
It protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old. This includes temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars (“kos minars”) that may be of historical significance.
What does the “delisting” of monuments mean?
It refers to the removal of certain specific monuments and archaeological sites from the list of protected sites maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Impact of delisting–
1) When a monument is delisted, it will not fall under the purview of the ASI for conservation, protection, and maintenance.
2) The monument will not receive special attention or protection from the ASI.
3) Construction-related activities that were previously restricted around the protected site can now be carried out.
What is the process of delisting?
1) Gazette notification-It involves a decision by the Central Government, which issues a gazette notification declaring that the monument has ceased to be of national importance.
2) Public feedback– A gazette notification invites public objections or suggestions within 2 months regarding the delisting of these monuments.
About Archaeological Survey of India
Aspect | Details |
Description | It is a premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. |
Year of establishment | 1861 by Alexander Cunningham. He was the first Director-General of ASI. |
Concerned ministry | Ministry of Culture |
Functions | 1) It is custodian of all Centrally Protected Monuments (CPM) in India. 2) It maintains ancient monuments, archaeological sites and remains of national importance. 3) It regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the- a) Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. b) Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972. c) Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) (Amendment) Act, 2010 |
Conservation measures in foreign countries | 1) Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan 2) Ta Prohm and Preah Vihear temples in Cambodia 3) My Son Group of Temples in Vietnam 4) Friday Mosque in Maldives |
Note-India has a total of 3,693 Centrally Protected Monuments or Sites.
Uttar Pradesh having the largest number in the country at 743, followed by Tamil Nadu which has 412.
Untraceable monument-It means that the physical location of the monument cannot be determined or verified.
UPSC Syllabus-Art & culture