Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• Why Govt is going after ‘dark patterns’
• For science to flourish: National Research Foundation plugs a policy gap
• Clearing the water
• How the QS World University Rankings reinforce elitism and caste bias
• Eradicating sickle cell disease, securing the future of India’s tribal communities

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

Why Govt is going after ‘dark patterns’

Source: This article has been framed based on India Express article “Why Govt is going after ‘dark patterns”, published on 4^th July.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Government policies for the various sectors

News: The article discusses the concept of “dark patterns” and the Indian government’s initiative to curb their use on e-commerce platforms.

Dark patterns, also known as deceptive patterns, are tricks implemented by websites or apps to manipulate users into doing things they didn’t intend to, or to discourage behavior that’s not beneficial for companies. The term was coined by Harry Brignull, a London-based user experience (UX) designer, in 2010.

Read More – Centre to Issue Norms Against ‘Dark Patterns’ in Online Advertisements

For example, Instagram simplifies signing up and logging in, but makes deleting or deactivating one’s account a more complicated procedure to subtly discourage users from doing so.

The Indian government has asked e-commerce companies to stop using dark patterns on their platforms. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has set up a 17-member task force to prepare guidelines to protect consumers.

What was the need of guidelines against dark patterns?

Numerous websites and apps trick their users into allowing them to track their location or gather their data. For example, as per Vox report “Instagram uses terms like ‘activity’ and ‘personalised’ instead of ‘tracking’ and ‘targeting’. The user does not realize that what they’re actually giving the app permission to do.

It can lead to consumers making decisions that they may not have made otherwise.

This can result in consumers spending more money, sharing more personal information, or having difficulty in opting out of services.

The government’s move to curb the use of dark patterns is aimed at protecting consumers from such manipulative practices.

Government initiatives against dark patterns?

The Ministry has started classifying complaints received on the National Consumer Helpline 1915 to compile information on dark patterns.

This information can be used by the Central Consumer Protection Authority to initiate action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

What actions have been taken in other countries against dark patterns?

The United States and the United Kingdom have enacted laws to restrict the use of dark patterns.

In 2021, 2021, California introduced amendments to the California Consumer Privacy Act, which aimed to prohibit the use of dark patterns.

UK released guidelines in April 2019, which were later made legally binding under the Data Protection Act of 2018. These guidelines prohibited companies from employing “nudges” to influence underage users into selecting low privacy settings.

For science to flourish: National Research Foundation plugs a policy gap

Source: This article has been framed based on India Express article “For science to flourish: National Research Foundation plugs a policy gap”, published on 4^th July.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2,

News: The article discusses the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF) in India, which has been approved by the Union Cabinet.

The NRF is set to provide high-level strategic direction to scientific research in India, aligning with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2023.

Read More – India’s National Research Foundation (NRF) explained

What is the Significance of NRF?

The establishment of the NRF could lead to a more coordinated and strategic approach to scientific research in India.

It could also stimulate increased spending by industry on research and development, which could lead to more innovation and economic growth.

The NRF will seed, nurture and promote research, innovation and development across universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.

It will fill the funding gap between central and state universities. he NRF will prioritise research funding for institutions set up in states.

The NRF will also encourage young researchers who have gone abroad to do their PhD or post-doctoral work to return to India. It will increase the Intellectual capital.

What are the challenges in achieving the NRF’s aim?

A significant problem faced by scientists is that even after scientific projects are reviewed and sanctioned, fund-release is not timely or adequate. Therefore, fund-release must be thoroughly investigated and correctional steps must be implemented.

it is important to ensure that basic research and small-scale research proposals are not ignored.

Merger of government science institutions under an umbrella may promote crucially important interdisciplinary research. However, with the merger it may happen that funding for some domains get badly reduced.

Clearing the water

Source: This article has been framed based on India Express article “Clearing the water”, published on 4^th July.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues – Availability of drinking water

News: In 2019, government promised that rural households would be assured of piped, potable water by 2024. However, the progress has been slower than expected due to various challenges.

What is the present status of potable water?

In 2019, only about 3.2 crore, or about 16% of rural households, had access to piped water. Today, those figures stand at 64%, a substantial increase but still below the target.

The Jal Shakti Ministry has been working on the ‘Har Ghar Jal’ mission to provide piped water connections to households. Since 2019, about nine crore households have gained access to piped water.

Some of the large States with 100% compliance, i.e., Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, already started on a fairly high base in 2019.

The figures are based on the data reported by States.

What are the factors that are hindering the progress?

The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war have reportedly slowed down the mission. It has created hurdles in accessing pipes and civil construction, which is necessary for the project.

There is a discrepancy in villages declared as ‘har ghar jal’ and the certified villages. States have reported only 1,68,157 villages as ‘Har Ghar Jal’ and only about 35% of these villages have been certified, which means gram panchayats have reported full compliance.

How the QS World University Rankings reinforce elitism and caste bias

Source: The post is based on an article “How the QS World University Rankings reinforce elitism and caste bias” published in The Indian Express on 4^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues Related with the Education System

Relevance: About the QS World University Ranking 2024

News: Recently, the QS World University Ranking 2024 was released.

What are the findings of the QS World University Ranking 2024?

Nine out of the top ten spots were taken by universities from the US and Europe.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) became the first Asian university to come under the top 10, recording the eighth position.

In terms of Indian institutions, IIT-Bombay achieved a significant milestone by making it to the top 150 universities list, ranking at 149.

The ranking criteria comprise the following nine indicators: 1) Academic Reputation, 2) Employer Reputation, 3) Faculty Student Ratio, 4) Citations per Faculty, 5) International Faculty Ratio, 6) International Student Ratio, 7) International Research Network, 8) Employment Outcomes and 9) Sustainability.

What are the concerns with the QS rankings?

Out of the nine indicators, Academic Reputation and Citations per Faculty collectively have 50 percent of the weightage.

In the context of India, these indicators raise questions not only about elite institutions but also about individual faculty members and their research, as both reputation and citation value of each individual carry significant weightage.

Most estimates in India suggest that 98% of professors and 90% of assistant or associate professors in institutions like IISc and IITs come from the upper castes. This shows a significant disparity in representation.

This also implies that the knowledge base and perspectives of only 20% of the population dominate at least 90% in the respective field.

Considering these factors, academics from IIT Bombay will most likely nominate peers from similar institutions known for conducting prominent research, to the Academic Reputation survey.

This raises concerns about the representation of their work and citation.

Furthermore, the number of citations holds significant weight in determining legitimacy and can impact factors such as promotions and salaries.

Without proper representation, researchers from marginalized backgrounds may face even greater challenges in gaining recognition, diminishing their citational value regardless of the merit of their work.

Hence, the QS World University Ranking does not take these factors into consideration and publishes a report preserving global educational inequalities.

What is the way ahead?

This lack of representation in the higher educational institutions in India keeps the knowledge and experience of the majority in this country unexplored or invisible.

Additionally, it maintains elitism in the higher education system. The cyclical nature preserves the status quo, ensuring that institutions remain inaccessible and unassailable.

Hence, even if there has been improvement in the ranking of IIT-Bombay, it is not a matter of pride as there are structural flaws in the education system, which needs to be addressed.

Eradicating sickle cell disease, securing the future of India’s tribal communities

Source: The post is based on the article “Eradicating sickle cell disease, securing the future of India’s tribal communities” published in “Indian Express” on 4th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2- Issues related to Health

News: Recently, PM Modi launched the Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission.

What is Sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell is a genetic disorder in which a person’s red blood cells become distorted and take on a sickle-like shape. This disease is commonly found among tribal communities.

Sickle cell disease exists in two forms within the human body.

One is the Sickle Cell trait, in which the individual does not exhibit any disease or symptoms, and lives a normal life.

The second form is characterised by the presence of symptoms related to sickle cell disease.

If two individuals with Sickle Cell trait marry each other, there is a high probability that their child will have Sickle Cell disease.

How the government plans to eradicate sickle cell disease?

The government plans to eradicate sickle cell disease through two approaches.

The first approach focuses on prevention, ensuring that new cases are not born.

The second approach involves managing the treatment and providing adequate healthcare facilities for individuals already affected by the disease.

The government will provide for screening of individuals for Sickle Cell trait before marriage, to prevent the spread of the disease.

After screening, individuals will be provided with smart cards in their local language, enabling prospective partners to easily determine whether their future children will be affected by Sickle Cell disease or not.

Individuals identified with the disease through screening will undergo regular testing, receive treatment and medication, vaccinations for other diseases, get dietary support, and have access to timely counselling services.

Health and Wellness Centres established through the Ayushman Bharat scheme will also play a significant role.

GS Paper 3

Greedflation and its counter arguments: how consumers ultimately decide prices

Source: This article has been framed based on India Express article “Clearing the water”, published on 4^th July.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – Pricing and Inflation

News: The article discusses the concept of “greedflation,” which refers to price inflation caused by corporate greed for high profits.

The US is facing the record high inflation, since the pandemic. It has given birth to the theory of greedflation.

What are the arguments of theorists favoring greedflation theory?

Proponents of the greedflation theory argue that corporate profit margins have risen significantly since the pandemic, contributing to high inflation.

U.S. corporations have allegedly increased the prices of their goods by more than what was necessary to compensate for higher input costs caused by supply-chain bottlenecks.

As per this theory, market power of large corporations should be controlled and price hikes should be banned to prevent “profiteering”.

What are the arguments of theorists opposing greedflation theory?

Critics of the greedflation theory argue that businesses cannot arbitrarily set prices. Prices are set based on what consumers are willing to pay for products.

Businesses cannot force consumers to pay a certain price for their goods.

The best explanation behind U. S’s inflation is U.S. Federal Reserve’s expansionary monetary policy during the pandemic. Which has increased the money supply, leading to expansion of purchasing power of users.

It might also be a “cost-push” inflation which is due to inflation to a rise in input costs. For example, in the past, a rise in the wages demanded by workers has been blamed for the rise in the prices of goods and services.

A rising tide – Govt should revive disinvestment

Source: The post is based on the article “A rising tide – Govt should revive disinvestment” published in Business Standard on 4^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian Economy – Capital Market

Relevance: About the rising stock market indices and its implications for India

News: In the past few days, the stock market indices have reached record highs with a broad movement across various sectors.

What are the reasons behind high stock market indices?

The surge in the stock market has been primarily driven by foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), who have purchased over Rs 1.14 trillion worth of equities in the 2023-24 period.

There has also been strong buying from retail investors, both directly as well as via mutual funds, and domestic institutions have also been net positive.

Most sectors have witnessed double-digit returns over the past year, including underperforming sectors like the Nifty IT index and oil & gas, which have seen gains of 5.3% and 3.5% respectively.

Sectors like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), banks, realty, and metals have all returned over 30 percent and the automobile index 29 percent. However, the biggest winner is the public sector bank index, which is up 67.9 percent.

Credit growth indicates that businesses and consumers are borrowing again. This is supported by the fact that FMCG revenues have grown in Q4 FY23, and so have two-wheeler sales. However, other concerns are still present.

What are the concerns present?

Despite the stock market indices reaching record highs, valuations remain moderate. For instance, the Nifty is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (PE) ratio, which is significantly lower than its early 2021 PE ratio of over 40.

Similarly, the mid-caps and small-caps are also trading at lower valuations than they had hit earlier. The implication is that the markets could sustain higher prices and valuations.

What can be the way ahead?

A revival in activity across the primary markets is very likely, due to the optimism across secondary markets.

This presents an opportune moment for the government to revive its disinvestment plans, which have been on hold for some time. 

If investors are willing to buy Indian stocks, the government should take advantage of the market conditions and push disinvestment. This additional revenue can be used to push capital expenditure.

A stocktake before the Global Stocktake

Source– The post is based on the article “A stocktake before the Global Stocktake” published in The Hindu on 4th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS3-Environment

Relevance:  Climate change-related issues

News- The Bonn Climate Change Conference was the last big milestone in climate negotiations before the first Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement at COP28 （Conference of the Parties 28） in Dubai.

What is the progress and challenges in global stocktake?

The Global Stocktake assess collective progress towards long-term global goals. This includes progress on greenhouse gas reduction, building resilience to climate impacts, and securing finance to address climate crisis.

In 2015, under the Paris Agreement, countries had agreed to “pursue efforts” to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C and  introduced ‘just transition pathways’ at COP27. It means that the transformational pathways need to be carried out in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned.

The outcome of  Bonn Conference was that developing countries were able to strengthen the ‘just transition pathways’ as opposed to the developed countries which which laid more emphasis on mitigation.

First challenge is that Climate finance flows are not aligned with the priorities identified by countries in their nationally determined contributions. Many observers say that only a fraction of the $100 billion has actually been realised .

Another challenge Adaptation finance has lagged behind mitigation finance, probably due to the absence of universally agreed-upon metrics.

What is the way forward?

In the efforts towards aligning climate finance with the Paris Agreement temperature goals, it is important to integrate the World Bank in climate change negotiations and hold it accountable as it is making huge investments in fossil fuels.

India also underlined the need for “financing” a ‘just transition’ in sectors such as energy and transport in order to reach net zero emissions by 2070.

Therefore, the pursuance of the Global Stocktake as per the Paris Agreement needs to comply with the principle of equity, justice and fairness.

Explore every possible solar shield we can use:

Source: The post is based on the article “Explore every possible solar shield we can use” published in “Live mint” on 4th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Climate Change – solar radiation modification.

News: Recently, the US White House released a report on “solar radiation modification” (SRM).

Why SRM is important?

According to the latest update, the Earth’s temperature may rise beyond 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels earlier than anticipated. Additionally, the risks of surpassing this temperature threshold could be more severe than previously estimated in 2015.

Additionally, progress on climate action has been slow.

SRM has the potential to reduce the effects of increased temperatures and provide time for better solutions.

What is SRM?

The basic objective of SRM is to reflect solar heat back. for which two methods are under consideration.

One is aerosol injection of the stratosphere. The second is marine cloud brightening. Both can achieve a similar effect by acting as a reflector.

What are the risks of SRM?

There are risks of ecological disruption associated with both methods. For example, aerosols could cause ozone depletion and even hurt biodiversity.

The potential impacts on rainfall and other unknown indirect effects of solar geo-engineering would have global ramifications.

What does the report say?

The report advocates in-depth research on SRM to assess all its risks and potential benefits.

The report suggests the adoption of a ‘risk versus risk’ framework to assist policymakers in understanding the risks associated with SRM in comparison to the risks posed by the current pace of climate action.

What should be done?

The potential of space-based solutions, such as mirror lattices, should also be explored. They could offer more precise control over cooling by directly influencing solar radiation without affecting the air.

Including space-based solutions in official research programs in the US would also encourage other space-faring nations, like India, to enhance their own research.

There should be transparency in any intervention efforts, and it is important to thoroughly examine all available options on a global scale.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

DoT Launches Bharat 6G Alliance to Drive Innovation and Collaboration in Next-Generation Wireless Technology

Source: The post is based on the article “DoT Launches Bharat 6G Alliance to Drive Innovation and Collaboration in Next-Generation Wireless Technology” published in PIB on 4th July 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister for Communications has launched Bharat 6G Alliance. It will work towards setting up the 6G network in India.

What is Bharat 6G Alliance?

Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) is a collaborative platform consisting of public and private companies, academia, research institutions, and standards development organizations.

Objectives of the alliance:

– To understand the business and societal needs of 6G beyond technical requirements.

–Foster consensus on the needs, and promote high-impact open research and development (R&D) initiatives.

– To bring together Indian startups, companies, and the manufacturing ecosystem to drive the design, development, and deployment of 6G technologies in India.

– To facilitate market access for Indian telecom technology products and services, enabling the country to emerge as a global leader in 6G technology.

–  Government aims for 10 per cent of 6G patents by 2030.

What is Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)?

Launched in: 2022

Aim: To fund R&D in rural-specific communication technology applications and form synergies among academia, start-ups, research institutes, and the industry to build and develop the telecom ecosystem.

– To promote technology ownership and indigenous manufacturing, create a culture of technology co-innovation, reduce imports, boost export opportunities, and create Intellectual Property.

Funding: 5% of annual collections from the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) will be available for the TTDF Scheme.

What is the Digital Communication Innovation Square(DCIS) Initiative?

​​Digital Communication Innovation Square initiative was launched under the Champion Services Sector Scheme.

Aim: To foster an ecosystem of indigenously developed telecom equipment, in a bid to reduce reliance on imported equipment and technologies.

Under the initiative, startups will get a grant of Rs 50 lakhs, while MSMEs will get a grant of Rs 2 crore, and a consortium will get a grant of Rs 10 crore. Financial support will be provided to those projects and ideas that have reached at least the proof of concept level.

– The initiative will also provide the selected startups and MSMEs mentorships, incubation, and technical advisory support during the project.

DAY-NRLM launches eSARAS mobile App

Source: The post is based on the article “DAY-NRLM launches eSARAS mobile App to Market products made by women of Self-help Groups” published in PIB on 3rd July 2023.

What is the News?

The Union Ministry of Rural Development has launched eSARAS mobile App.

What is eSARAS mobile App?

eSARAS mobile App is an initiative of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), a flagship program of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).

Purpose: It is an e-commerce mobile app. It will be used as a more effective platform for marketing the products made by women of self-help groups.

What is eSARAS fulfillment center?

eSARAS fulfillment center will be managed by the Foundation for Development of Rural Value Chains (FDRVC).

– Note: FDRVC is a Not for Profit Company constituted under MoU between the Ministry of Rural Development and Tata Trusts to support large-scale community-based organizations.

Purpose: The center will be used for processing, packaging, and shipping of products that customers purchase through the eSARAS Portal and eSARAS mobile App.

– It will also handle the logistics required to bring an online order to a customer’s doorstep.

Political parties can now file financial statements online

Source: The post is based on the article “Political parties can now file financial statements online” published in PIB on 3rd July 2023

What is the News?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a new web portal to allow political parties to file their financial accounts online.

What is the purpose of launching an online facility for filing financial statements by Political parties?

The online facility for filing financial statements by political parties has been created with twin objectives:

– Firstly, to facilitate political parties in overcoming the difficulties in physical filing of reports and 

– Secondly, to ensure timely filing of financial statements in the prescribed or standardized formats. 

What are the financial reports political parties have to file online?

Political Parties need to file a Contribution Report, Audited Annual Account, and Election Expenditure Statement.

These financial statements are required to be submitted by political parties to the Election Commission/Chief Electoral Officers of States/Union Territories, as per the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 & transparency guidelines issued by the Commission.

The portal also has a facility for sending reminder messages on the registered mobile number and registered emails of the authorized representatives of the political party so that the dates of compliances are not missed. 

What happens if the political party does not want to file their financial accounts online?

The political parties not willing to file the financial report through online mode will have to convey the reasons to the Commission in writing. Then, it may continue to file its reports in hard copy along with CDs/Pen drives in the prescribed formats. 

The commission will in turn publish all such reports online, along with a letter of justification sent by the party for not filing financial statements online.

WMO revives ozone-UV bulletin after 7 years, shows steady recovery of ozone layer

Source: The post is based on the article “WMO revives ozone-UV bulletin after 7 years, shows steady recovery of ozone layer” published in Down To Earth on 3rd July 2023

What is the News?

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released Ozone and UV Bulletin after a gap of seven years.

What are the key highlights from the Ozone and UV Bulletin?

Steady recovery of ozone layer: The production and consumption of controlled ozone-depleting substances have been phased out up to 99%. This has happened due to the Montreal Protocol and its amendments.

– Stratospheric ozone is slowly recovering, with a full recovery in most parts of the atmosphere projected to occur in the coming decades.

– However, unfortunately, climate change is slowing down the recovery of the ozone layer. Ozone depletion is affecting the climate of the lower atmosphere.

Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption changed the stratosphere: The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption in January 2022 was the largest in the last 100 years, injecting ice and water vapor high into the stratosphere.

– The eruption increased the water vapor content of the stratosphere by 5% to 10%, resulting in substantial cooling of the stratosphere above the Southern Hemisphere.

– The additional water vapor has resulted in less ozone in the lower stratosphere of the Southern Hemisphere in 2022. 

What is an Ozone Layer?

Click Here to read

India refiners start yuan payments for Russian oil imports, say sources

Source: The post is based on the article “India refiners start yuan payments for Russian oil imports, say sources” published in The Hindu on 4th July 2023

What is the News?

Indian refiners have begun paying for some oil imports from Russia in Chinese yuan.

India as the largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil

India has emerged as a largest buyer of seaborne Russian oil. This is because Russia is selling oil at a discounted rate since the invasion of Ukraine.

Moreover, India being able to buy cheap Russian crude has boosted output and profits at Indian refineries. 

It has also enabled them to export refined products competitively to Europe and take a bigger market share.

How is India paying Russia for the oil?

The U.S. dollar has long been the main global oil currency, including for purchases by India.

But now the Chinese yuan is playing an increasingly important role in Russia’s financial system because Russia has been frozen out of the dollar and euro financial networks by international sanctions.

Indian Oil Corporation, the country’s biggest buyer of Russian crude oil, became the first state refiner to pay for some Russian purchases in yuan.

This rise in yuan payments has given a boost to China’s efforts to internationalize its currency, with Chinese banks promoting its use specifically for the Russian oil trade.

Hul Diwas: Remembering the Santal rebellion against the British

Source: The post is based on the article “Hul Diwas: Remembering the Santal rebellion against the British” published in Indian Exprss on 3rd July 2023

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has commemorated Hul Diwas, honoring the sacrifice of Santhals in their fight against British colonial authorities.

What is Hul Diwas or Santhal Rebellion?

The Santal rebellion or ‘Hul’ began in 1855.

It was an “organized war against colonialism” led by the Santals, standing against the various forms of oppression they were subjected to by the British and their collaborators. 

What was the reason for the Santhal Rebellion?

The Santal people – or Santalis – were not the original inhabitants of modern-day Santhal Pargana.

They had migrated from the Birbhum and Manbhum regions (present-day Bengal), due to the 1770 famine in Bengal.

With the enactment of the Permanent Settlement Act of 1790, the East India Company was desperate to bring an ever-increasing area in its control under settled agriculture. 

Thus, they chose the area of Damin-i-Koh, at the time heavily forested, to be settled by the Santhals, in order to collect a steady stream of revenue.

However, once settled, the Santals bore the brunt of colonial oppression. Predatory moneylenders and the police were a byproduct of this system.

Who were the leaders in the revolution?

The Murmu brothers – Sidho, Kanhu, Chand and Bhairab – were among those who led the revolt. 

But the women also played an important role. Phulo Murmu and Jhalo Murmu, sisters from the same family, participated in the Hul, inspiring women to join the rebellion.

The rebellion saw participation from 32 communities, both tribals, and non-tribals, challenging the notion that it was solely a Santhal rebellion.

The East India Company’s army was defeated twice during the rebellion, debunking the belief that they were invincible.

In 1855, martial law was introduced to curb the revolt, and the Hul was quashed by early 1856. 

What was the impact of the Santhal rebellion?

The Santhal rebellion did not end with its suppression in 1855. It continued to inspire future uprisings, such as the Santhal involvement in the 1857 mutiny.

The Hul rebellion also symbolized resistance against British colonialism and laid the foundation for subsequent movements in Jharkhand.

Diversity for Restoration(D4R) Tool to drive India’s eco-restoration initiatives

Source: The post is based on the article “This new tool can drive India’s eco-restoration initiatives; here’s how” published in Down To Earth on 3rd July 2023

What is the News?

Researchers have developed a tool called Diversity for Restoration (D4R) to aid in agroforestry and ecosystem restoration efforts.

What is the Diversity for Restoration(D4R) Tool?

The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool has been developed by Biodiversity International.

The tool has been modified to adapt to the Indian context by researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE).

The tool aims to support ecosystem restoration programs in India by improving decision-making and promoting sustainable development.

The tool is already being used in countries such as Malaysia, Ethiopia, Columbia, Peru, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, etc.

What are the services that Diversity for Restoration(D4R) Tool can provide?

The Diversity for Restoration tool can: 

– Help the user in identifying species that match their restoration objectives.

– Identify species that can resist local stresses and adapt to evolving environmental conditions.

– Can pinpoint areas and regions to procure the seeds for the required species.

– Informs the user whether the tree species offers timber, fruit, manure, or other commercial benefits.

– It also informs if the tree is resilient to physiological stresses such as extremely high or low temperatures, salinity, or acidity tolerance in the soil among others.

– Identify windbreakers – the trees can act as a barrier against high winds.

– The user can also know if the species offers better nitrogen fixing and whether it serves as a good pollinator for birds and bees.

What is the significance of the Diversity for Restoration(D4R) Tool?

The tool will help improve the effectiveness of restoration programs by providing manifold benefits to interested stakeholders while promoting sustainable development.

It will also help in better decision-making and bring the best outcome for plantation programs.