Date: 27-06-2024

   Editorial Analysis and Mains Content   

Opposition’s larger demography, LoP’s big responsibility

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction

• The 2024 general election is historic due to the numerically largest Opposition in the Lok Sabha, securing over 234 seats.
• Debate on the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) has resurfaced.

Background and Definition of LoP

• Criteria for Leader of the Opposition (LoP): The Speaker’s direction from the 1950s required a party to have at least 10% of the House members (Direction 121) for recognition.
• 1977 Act: Defined the Leader of the Opposition as the leader of the largest opposition party recognized by the Speaker or Chairman.
• Note: No LoP in 16th and 17th Lok Sabhas

Conditions for Recognizing LoP

• Two Conditions:
  • The party must be the largest in opposition.
  • The party must be recognized by the Speaker with at least 10% of the House members.
• Example: In 2019, the Congress party with 52 members could not claim LoP as it fell short of the 54-member threshold.

Role of LoP in the Westminster System

• The LoP is considered the Prime Minister-in-waiting and forms a shadow cabinet.
• Mirrors the positions of the government, scrutinizes policies, and offers alternatives.

Indian Context of LoP

• Statutory Position: The LoP in India is a statutory position since 1977 but without defined functions.
• Senior Member: Traditionally a senior member of the principal opposition with respect and wider acceptability.

Challenges for LoP in 2024

• Non-Monolithic Opposition: Composed of multiple parties with divergent ideologies.
• Lack of Power: Unlike the ruling party, the opposition struggles to attract and keep alliances.
• Unified Opposition: The hope of bringing down the government can act as a unifying factor.

Change in 2024 Election

• Sea Change in Political Atmosphere: For the first time, the Lok Sabha has a substantial opposition with over 234 members.
• Impact on House Proceedings: The opposition can significantly influence questions, debates, and scrutiny of bills.

Responsibilities of the LoP

• Capture Opposition Mood: Present views effectively and maintain opposition unity.
• Prime Minister-in-Waiting: Inform the nation about government failures responsibly.
• Primacy in Debates: The LoP has the privilege of intervening in debates without notice and can demand the Prime Minister’s presence during serious issues.

Historical Lessons

• Healthy Traditions: Following traditions like those of Nehru, who valued opposition input, can strengthen democracy.
• Restoring Normalcy: The political class has the opportunity to restore normalcy in Parliament, promoting tolerance towards dissent and learning from the past.

Read the rocks to improve India’s geological literacy

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction

• India boasts a diverse landscape shaped by geological events over billions of years. Rocks, minerals, and fossils tell the story of our land's formation. These features, however, are under threat due to a lack of proper conservation efforts.

Importance of Geological Heritage

• Natural Laboratories: Geological sites act as natural laboratories, offering insights into Earth's history.
• Evolutionary Record: These features reveal the evolutionary journey of the Indian subcontinent.
• Unique Evidence: Sites like the Dhala Meteor Crater hold valuable evidence of ancient cosmic events.

Global Recognition and Efforts

• UNESCO Declaration: The international community recognizes the importance of geological heritage conservation.
• Geo-parks: Many countries have established geo-parks to protect and educate the public about geological features.
• Legislation: Several countries have implemented laws to safeguard their geological heritage.

India's Lag in Conservation

• Limited Protection: Despite being a signatory to relevant agreements, India lacks specific legislation for geo-heritage conservation.
• Threats: Fossil sites and rock formations face destruction due to development and mining activities.
• Inadequate Measures: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 34 geological monuments, but lacks enforcement power.

Urgent Need for Action

• Inventory: A comprehensive inventory of all potential geological sites in India is necessary.
• Legislation: India needs a dedicated law for geo-conservation, similar to the Biological Diversity Act.
• National Authority: Establishing a National Geo-Conservation Authority can oversee protection efforts.

Conclusion

India's geological heritage is a valuable resource that deserves protection. By implementing effective conservation measures, we can ensure its preservation for future generations.

It’s time for India to reclaim its voice on Tibet

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction

The visit of a U.S. lawmakers' delegation to Dharamshala came shortly after the passage of the 'Promoting a Resolution to the Tibet-China Dispute Act' by the U.S. Congress, pending President Biden’s signature. The delegation, invited by the Central Tibetan Administration, aimed to address the ongoing Tibetan issue and advocate for Tibetan freedom.

Key Points

• Bipartisan Support: The delegation included both Democrat and Republican co-authors of the Bill.
• Purpose: Address China’s repression of Tibetans and urge the resumption of talks between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and Beijing.
• Nancy Pelosi's Statement: “This bill is a message to the Chinese government that we have clarity in our thinking on this issue, for the freedom of Tibet.”

India's Position

• Historical Context: India has offered refuge to the Dalai Lama and Tibetan refugees since 1959.
• Recognition: India recognizes the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) as part of China since 1954.
• Current Stance: India refrains from public statements on Tibet due to its own territorial sensitivities.

Recent Developments

• Hosting the Delegation: India’s External Affairs Minister hosted the U.S. delegation, and the Prime Minister met them, signaling a considered decision by New Delhi.
• Potential Weakness: Allowing U.S. politicians to take the lead on the Tibetan issue in India might convey a lack of control over its foreign policy narrative.

Policy Implications

• Sovereignty Concerns: India’s policies reflect its concerns about sovereignty and territorial integrity, similar to its objections to U.S. actions in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
• Need for a Clear Stance: India must decide whether to adopt a more strident position on Tibet or maintain its current approach.

Strategic Considerations

• U.S.-China Rivalry: India’s position in the U.S.-China rivalry affects its influence in regions like South Asia and the Indian Ocean.
• Dalai Lama’s Succession: The future of India’s policy on Tibet is crucial, especially concerning the Dalai Lama’s succession.

Recommendations for India

• India should clearly articulate its own Tibet policy without mirroring the US stance.
• India should reclaim control of the narrative surrounding its Tibet policy.
• India needs to consider the future of its policy, especially regarding the Dalai Lama's succession.

Conclusion

India needs to reclaim its voice and control over its policy narrative on Tibet. This involves balancing its historical stance with the current geopolitical dynamics influenced by the U.S.-China rivalry.

The row over Delhi’s water crisis

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction

Amidst a heatwave in several parts of North India, Delhi is facing a severe water shortage, sparking legal battles with neighboring states in the Supreme Court. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government has accused Haryana of blocking water supplies.

Reasons for Water Shortage in Delhi

• Dependency on Neighboring States: Delhi relies heavily on Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh for its drinking water.
• Major Water Source: Approximately 40% of Delhi's water comes from the Yamuna River via Haryana.
• Water Treatment Plants (WTPs): Raw water is treated in Delhi's WTPs and distributed through a network covering over 15,000 kilometers.

Allegations and Counterclaims

• Delhi Government's Accusation: The Delhi government has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Haryana of blocking water through the Munak Canal, a primary source of Delhi's water.
• Water Minister Atishi's Claim: Atishi claimed that Haryana is purposely blocking water, exacerbating the crisis during the heatwave, leaving Delhi residents without water for days.
• Lieutenant Governor's (L-G) Office Response: The L-G's office argues that Haryana and other states are providing adequate water. The shortage is attributed to a leakage in the Munak Canal and issues with pipeline and WTP maintenance. Additionally, illegal water tanker operations are worsening the situation.

Supreme Court Involvement

• Delhi Government's Plea: On May 31, the Delhi government sought the Supreme Court's direction for Haryana to supply more water due to increased demand from the heatwave.
• Supreme Court's Directive: On June 3, the Supreme Court ordered the Centre to convene an emergency meeting of the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) with Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh.
• Himachal Pradesh's Initial Agreement: Himachal Pradesh agreed to release 137 cusecs of water to Delhi via Haryana.
• Subsequent Objections: Haryana raised objections, and Himachal Pradesh later retracted its statement, claiming it could not spare the water.

Court's Decision

• Supreme Court's Stance: The Supreme Court decided not to interfere further, leaving the issue to the UYRB as per the 1994 MoU among the states.
• Role of UYRB: The board is responsible for regulating water allocation among the beneficiary states.

Future Solutions for Delhi

• Beyond Politics: Water conservationist Rajendra Singh, known as the 'Waterman of India,' emphasized the need for Delhi to prioritize drinking water and redirect water used for other purposes.
• Retreat, Recycle, Reuse: Singh advocated for a thorough examination of Delhi's water resources, focusing on these principles.
• Harvesting Methods: Delhi should enhance its water harvesting methods, such as converting Asola Bhatti mines into harvesting structures.
• Groundwater Recharge: Revitalizing the Aravalli belt to recharge groundwater and creating a water sanctuary along the Yamuna are suggested solutions.

By implementing these measures, Delhi can better manage its water resources and reduce dependency on neighboring states.

How well is India tapping its rooftop solar potential?

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction

• India's installed rooftop solar (RTS) capacity increased by a significant 2.99 GW in 2023-2024, the highest annual growth so far.

• The total installed RTS capacity in India reached 11.87 GW as of March 31, 2024.

What is the RTS Programme?

• Launch: The Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission was launched in January 2010.
• Original Target: Produce 20 GW of solar energy (including RTS) in three phases: 2010-2013, 2013-2017, and 2017-2022.
• Revised Target: In 2015, the target was revised to 100 GW by 2022, with 40 GW from RTS.
• Extended Deadline: By December 2022, the installed RTS capacity was 7.5 GW, and the 40 GW target was extended to 2026.

India's Ambitious Target and Remaining Gap

• To meet its rising energy demand, India needs to significantly expand its rooftop solar potential.
• India aims to install 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, with 280 GW coming from solar power.
• Rooftop solar alone needs to contribute about 100 GW by 2030 to achieve this target.
• India's overall rooftop solar potential is estimated at a massive 796 GW.

State-wise Performance in Rooftop Solar

• Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan are leading the way with impressive installed capacities.
• Gujarat (3,456 MW), Maharashtra (2,072 MW), and Rajasthan (1,154 MW) have shown strong growth due to supportive government policies and high consumer awareness.
• Other states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are performing well, but there's room for improvement in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.

Government Initiatives to Boost Rooftop Solar

• The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is a flagship program aiming to install rooftop solar systems in one crore households.
• This scheme offers financial assistance for consumers, incentives for distribution companies, and promotes advanced solar technologies.

Key Actions Needed to Accelerate Rooftop Solar Growth

• Raising Awareness: Educating consumers about the benefits of rooftop solar is crucial.
• Financial Viability: Multiple low-cost financing options are needed to make rooftop solar more affordable for households.
• Technological Advancement: Promoting research and development in solar technology, energy storage, and smart grids can bring down costs and improve efficiency.
• Skilled Workforce: Investments in training programs and skill development initiatives are essential to create a skilled workforce for installation and maintenance.
• Policy and Regulation Updates: Reviewing and updating net-metering regulations, grid-integration standards, and building codes will ensure smooth implementation and address emerging challenges.

Prolonged exposure to coal mining causes respiratory, skin diseases in workers: study

Source: THE HINDU

Introduction

Prolonged exposure to pollutants from coal mining has led to widespread respiratory and skin diseases among mine workers and inhabitants in six districts in India, according to a survey by the National Foundation for India.

Affected Districts

• Chhattisgarh: Koriya and Raigarh
• Jharkhand: Dhanbad and Ramgarh
• Odisha: Angul and Jajpur

Health Impacts of Coal Mining

• A new study by the National Foundation for India (NFI) found widespread health problems linked to coal mining in six Indian districts.
• 1,200 households were surveyed across Koriya & Raigarh (Chhattisgarh), Dhanbad & Ramgarh (Jharkhand), Angul & Jajpur (Odisha).
• 65% of participants reported respiratory illnesses (chronic bronchitis, asthma) and skin diseases (eczema, dermatitis, fungal infections).
• High medical expenses:
  • Average monthly medical bills: ₹300 - ₹1,000 per household.
  • Dhanbad: Highest average annual hospitalization costs (₹28,461 per household).
• Proximity to mines increases health risks: Dhanbad and Ramgarh have the highest rates of lung/skin problems due to a denser population near mining zones.

Economic Challenges of a Shift from Coal

• The NFI study explores a "just transition" for coal-dependent communities in a world moving away from coal.
• Job losses and economic downturn: A shift from coal is expected to significantly impact miners, workers, and the local economy.
• Uneven economic dependence: Districts like Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and Koriya (Chhattisgarh) rely heavily on coal, leading to lower incomes compared to more diversified districts like Angul (Odisha).

India's Energy Mix

• India aims for nearly 500 GW of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
• Coal remains the main source of power generation with nearly half (205 GW) of India's installed capacity being coal-fired plants.
• However, there's a positive shift: Renewables accounted for a record 71.5% of new power generation capacity (Jan-Mar 2024), exceeding coal's share for the first time.

Conclusion

India faces significant health and economic challenges due to coal mining. A transition to renewable energy is crucial but must be managed carefully to address the impact on coal-dependent communities.

Multi-omics Revolutionizing Healthcare in India

Source: THE HINDU

Why is it in the news?

• Genomics in India has advanced significantly in the past decade, transforming how diseases like tuberculosis (TB), cancers, and antimicrobial resistance are detected and treated.

Genome India Project

• Announced in January 2024, aims to sequence 10,000 genomes from diverse Indian populations.
• Goal: Establish a reference genome for cost-effective diagnostic tools and disease-specific genetic chips.
• Funding: Department of Biotechnology, Government of India.

IndiGen Mission (October 2020)

• Sequenced genomes of 1,008 individuals representing diverse Indian ethnicities in six months.
• Objective: Enhance disease epidemiology analysis, optimize treatments, reduce adverse effects.

Disease-specific Consortia

• Emerging across India to address TB, cancers, rare genetic disorders, and antimicrobial resistance.
• Focus: Utilizing AI, ML, proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics for comprehensive disease management.

Tuberculosis (TB)

Indian Tuberculosis Genomic Surveillance Consortium (InTGS)

• Coalition of ten sites across eight states.
• Aim: Sequence 32,000 TB strains, establish centralized repository.
• Goals: Map genetic diversity, correlate mutations with drug resistance, improve treatment outcomes.

About TB

• Bacterial infection primarily affecting lungs, spread through coughs/sneezes.
• Types: Pulmonary TB, latent TB, active TB.
• Global Context: India reported 24.22 lakh cases in 2022; National TB Elimination Programme aims to end TB by 2025.

Rare Genetic Disorders

Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders (PRaGeD)

• National initiative to address rare diseases affecting children.
• Objectives: Genetic testing, new gene discovery, innovative therapies.
• Implementation: Integrating IndiGen data, collaborating across 15 centres in India.

Cancers

Indian Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC-India)

• Profiling genomic abnormalities in various cancers among Indian populations.
• Initiatives: Establishing genomic data repositories, Indian Cancer Genome Atlas project.
• Focus: Biomarker identification, personalized medicine, targeted therapies.

Antimicrobial Resistance

• Genomics and metagenomics aid in analyzing antibiotic resistance.
• Value: Identifying resistance profiles, optimizing antibiotic treatments.
• Significance: Enhances TB resistance diagnostics, guides effective therapies.

AI, ML, and Multi-omics

• AI and ML tools enable extensive dataset analysis for cancer risk prediction, early diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
• Applications: Disease variant identification in rare genetic disorders, bioinformatic workflows optimization.
• Impact: Accelerates analysis of multi-omics data, pivotal in clinical science advancements in India.

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India's Water Crisis: A Threat to Economic Growth

Source: Indian Express

Introduction

• India faces a persistent water crisis, with per capita water availability significantly below the safe threshold. This scarcity threatens to harm the country's economic growth in several ways.

Current Situation:

• Water Availability: India's current water availability of 1,486 cubic meters per capita is already below the safe limit of 1,700 cubic meters.
• Projected Decline: This number is expected to drop further to below 1,400 cubic meters by 2030.

Economic Impacts:

• Disrupted Agriculture and Industry: Water shortages could disrupt agricultural production and industrial operations, impacting food security and manufacturing output.
• Food Price Inflation: Decreased agricultural productivity could lead to rising food prices, reducing real incomes and impacting overall economic well-being.
• Vulnerable Industries: Certain industries, like coal-fired power and steel production, are highly dependent on water and could face significant setbacks due to shortages.

Climate Change Threat:

• Increased Demand: Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are expected to increase water demand for cooling and agriculture, further stressing the already strained supply.
• Economic Instability: Climate change-induced water scarcity can lead to economic instability.

Government Initiatives:

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: This program launched in 2019 focuses on rainwater harvesting and water conservation.
• Rainwater Harvesting Mandates: Major cities have mandates for rainwater harvesting, but enforcement is weak, and data on implementation is lacking.

Factors Affecting Water Demand:

• Population Growth: India's rapidly growing urban population will increase competition for water between households and businesses.
• Industrial Expansion: Expansion of industries, particularly those using large volumes of water for electricity generation, will significantly raise water demand.
• Inadequate Conservation: Poor enforcement of existing water conservation measures, like rainwater harvesting mandates, leads to underutilization of potential water sources.
• Climate Change: Frequent heatwaves exacerbate water scarcity by increasing demand for cooling and agriculture.

Recommendations:

• Water-Saving Technologies: Promote technologies like dry cooling and non-freshwater cooling in new power plants to reduce freshwater dependency.
• Water Pricing: Implement water pricing mechanisms that reflect the true cost of water, encouraging responsible usage and groundwater conservation.

Tamil Nadu hooch tragedy points to the need for a

public health-centred approach to alcohol

Source: Indian Express

Introduction

• India faces recurring tragedies due to unsafe alcohol consumption, highlighting legal and moral failings.
• The recent hooch tragedy in Tamil Nadu with nearly 60 deaths underscores the severity of this issue.

History of Alcohol Consumption in India

• Ancient & Medieval Periods:
  • Alcohol (Soma) was consumed in religious rituals and seen as a divine drink.
• Mughal Period:
  • Drinking was common despite Quranic prohibition.
  • Elite social life included a sophisticated drinking culture.
• Colonial Period:
  • British introduced new liquor forms, taxation, and stigmatized traditional drinks.
  • Promoted "Indian-made foreign liquor" (IMFL) among the elite.

Independence and Prohibition Movements

• Temperance movement against alcohol gained momentum during the independence struggle.
• Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi saw alcohol as a social evil and promoted prohibition.
• Article 47 of the Indian Constitution urges the state to bring about prohibition.

Modern Era and Issues

• States have varying policies on alcohol, reflecting a tension between morals, culture, and economics.
• Prohibition efforts (like in Bihar) often lead to unintended consequences like increased illicit alcohol.

Contradictory Excise Policies

• Prohibition and Implementation:
  • The implementation of prohibition is left to individual states, leading to a patchwork of policies.
• Economic Considerations:
  • Alcohol sales generate significant revenue for state governments (e.g., TASMAC in Tamil Nadu).
  • This creates a conflict for states aiming to implement strict prohibition.
• Social and Cultural Dimensions:
  • Traditional views see drinking as negative, while modern views see it as personal freedom.

Impact on Health and Public Safety

• Prohibition leads to consumption of dangerous illicit alcohol, causing fatalities (e.g., Kallakurichi tragedy).
• Contradictory policies create a thriving illegal moonshine industry.
• Law enforcement issues and poverty exacerbate the problem.

Way Ahead

• National Consensus:
  • A national approach balancing public health and personal freedoms is needed.
  • Learn from other countries (e.g., legalizing and regulating cannabis in the US).
• Strict Quality Control:
  • Legalize and regulate alcohol with strict quality control and allow indigenous production.
  • Enforce zero tolerance for alcohol-related offenses.
  • Shift from traditional de-addiction centers to evidence-based interventions.
• Learning from International Experience:
  • Learn from successful international experiences (e.g., drink-driving laws in the UK).

Conclusion

• India's contradictory alcohol policies have led to unintended consequences.
• A comprehensive approach that considers public health, respects freedoms, and learns from others is needed.

India as third-largest economy: It’s quality of jobs that will determine quality of life

Source: Indian Express

Why in the News?

• Recently, the IMF forecasted that India is poised to overtake Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy by the end of 2025.

About India’s Economic Growth

• Future Growth Prospects: India's economy is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, potentially reaching the rank of the world’s third-largest economy.
• Economic Size Forecast: By the end of 2025, India may surpass Japan in economic size, and by 2027, it could also exceed Germany's economy, placing it alongside the US and China at the top of global rankings.
• Projected GDP: India’s GDP is projected to rise to $5.8 trillion by the end of the current government’s term, up from $3.5 trillion presently—an increase equivalent to the combined size of Spain and the Netherlands.
• Growth Rate: The IMF anticipates an average annual growth rate of 6.5%, reflecting steady expansion, albeit slower than the rapid growth observed in the mid-2000s.
• Informal Sector: Recent surveys indicate a rise in informal enterprises employing around 110 million workers, primarily in small roadside shops.
• Income Status: Despite economic growth, India is expected to remain the poorest among major economies, with a per capita income projected at $4,281 by 2028-29, categorizing it below the upper middle-income threshold.

Challenges in India’s Growth

• Sectoral Shifts: Key sectors are becoming more capital-intensive, leading to reduced job creation, while limited migration constrains resource distribution from urban to rural areas.
• Low-Productivity Jobs: Sustaining high growth rates and broadening the consumption base is hindered by a large workforce engaged in low-productivity occupations.
• Informal Sector Trends: The percentage of informal establishments hiring workers has decreased from just under 16% in 2015-16 to less than 15% in 2022-23.
• Productivity Disparities: Informal jobs contribute significantly less value—about Rs 1.4 lakh compared to Rs 15.04 lakh in formal enterprises—with minimal wage growth relative to inflation over the past decade.
• Agricultural Dependency: With 230 million people in agriculture, nearly two-thirds of India’s workforce is engaged in low-productivity jobs.
• Gig Economy Challenges: Individuals lacking formal sector skills often find precarious employment in the gig economy, such as through Uber and food delivery services.
• Job Quality Concerns: Persistent issues in job quality and availability are compounded by a burgeoning youth population, increasing female labor force participation due to financial pressures, and a shrinking informal sector.

   Prelims-News   

India's Largest Leopard Safari

Source: THE HINDU

Why in News?

• South India’s first and the country’s largest leopard safari was inaugurated by Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre at the Bannerghatta Biological Park.

About leopard safari

• Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), located 22 km south of Bengaluru, Karnataka, recently opened India's largest leopard safari.
• The 20-hectare fenced area replicates a natural leopard habitat with undulating terrain, rocky outcrops, and semi-deciduous forest.
• Eight leopards currently reside in the safari, with plans to introduce more in the future.
• The safari aims to educate visitors about leopards, human-animal conflicts, and conservation efforts. Rescued leopard cubs will be rehabilitated here and eventually released into the safari.
• A special four-acre section with a solar fence helps newly introduced leopards acclimate to their surroundings.

About Bannerghatta Biological Park:

• Established in 2002, BBP is a unique park combining a zoo, safari, butterfly park, and animal rescue center.
• Originally encompassing 545 hectares, the park has grown to 731.88 hectares, offering a spacious environment for various animal species.
• BBP boasts the distinction of being India's first biological park with a fenced forest sanctuary specifically designed for elephants.
• Key facts of Bannerghatta Park

• Situated in the hills of the Anekal range near Bangalore, Karnataka, this park was designated a National Park in 1974.

• It gained further distinction in 2006 with the inauguration of India's first butterfly enclosure. The Suvarnamukhi stream flows through the park, providing essential water for its wildlife.
• The Park boasts diverse vegetation, including Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests, and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
•  Notable flora includes Narcissus latifolia, Schleichera oleosa, Sandalwood, Neem, Tamarind, Bamboo, and Eucalyptus.
• The Park is a vital habitat for various species such as the Asian Elephant, Indian gaur, Tiger, and many others.

Sri Lanka seals debt deal with Official Creditor Committee

Source: THE HINDU

Why in News?

Sri Lanka has sealed a significant debt restructuring deal worth $5.8 billion with its Official Creditor Committee (OCC) and signed a separate agreement with China for debt treatment.

What is Official Creditor Committee (OCC)?

• The Official Creditor Committee (OCC) in Paris refers to an ad-hoc group of official bilateral creditors that was specifically formed to address the debt restructuring needs of Sri Lanka.
• This committee was established in May 2023 following Sri Lanka's default on its external debt amid a severe financial crisis in 2022.
• The OCC includes 17 member countries, including major creditors like India and Japan, who have extended loans to Sri Lanka.
• While the OCC itself is not a permanent organization with a fixed headquarters, its meetings are typically convened in Paris, often in coordination with the Paris Club, which has its secretariat there.
• The primary function of the OCC is to negotiate and coordinate the restructuring of Sri Lanka’s external debt.
• This involves ensuring that the restructuring plan is fair, equitable, and sustainable, aiming to provide a viable solution to Sri Lanka's debt crisis while safeguarding the interests of the creditor countries involved.

Radioactive implant for rhino horns to curb poaching

Source: THE HINDU

Why is it in the news?

• South African scientists have initiated a pioneering ‘Rhisotope project’, injecting radioactive material into live rhino horns, aiming to curb rampant poaching.

Rhisotope Project Overview:

• South Africa launched the 'Rhisotope' project to protect rhinos from poaching.
• Objective: The goal is to make rhino horns detectable at international borders and render them useless for human consumption.

Implementation:

• Pilot project involves 20 live rhinos.
• A small hole is drilled in the horn to insert radioisotope.
• 11,000 microdots are sprayed on the horn.
• Two tiny radioactive chips are embedded in the horn for detection.

Effectiveness:

• Radioactive material lasts five years, making the horn poisonous and undesirable.
• More cost-effective than dehorning every 18 months.

Ethical Considerations:

• Focus on scientific and ethical aftercare for rhinos.
• Follow-up blood samples ensure the rhinos' well-being.

Challenges:

• Despite efforts, poaching remains a significant challenge.
• Continuous monitoring and adaptation are crucial for sustained success.

About Rhinos

• Rhinoceroses are one of the most fascinating and certainly one of the largest land animals to exist today. There are five species of rhino.
• Africa is home to the White and Black Rhino. The remaining three – the Sumatran, Javan and Indian – exist in Asia.
• Northern white rhinos, once widespread in central Africa, faced extinction due to illegal poaching for their horns. Now, only two females, Najin and her daughter Fatu, remain under tight security at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya.
• The Sumatran and Javan Rhino are critically endangered, with less than 100 individuals left in the wild. The Black Rhino, despite a population in the thousands, is also critically endangered.
• The Indian (Greater One-Horned) Rhino has experienced a significant recovery in recent decades.

Denmark first country to set a carbon tax on agriculture

Source: Indian Express

Why in the News?

• Denmark is set to implement a pioneering carbon tax starting in 2030, targeting emissions from cows, sheep, and pigs.
• Denmark aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 and hopes its initiative will inspire global adoption of similar measures.
• The initiative aims to curb methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas more heat-trapping than carbon dioxide.

About the Carbon Tax in Denmark

• Starting from 2030, Danish farmers will pay a tax for greenhouse gases emitted by livestock.
• Denmark aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels by 2030.
• Initially set at 300 kroner ($43) per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030, rising to 750 kroner ($108) by 2035.
• Farmers will receive an income tax deduction, reducing the effective initial cost to 120 kroner ($17.3) per ton in 2030, increasing gradually to 300 kroner by 2035.

Environmental Impact of Methane

• Methane Emissions: Livestock contribute significantly, responsible for about 32% of human-caused methane emissions, which have been increasing since 2020.

Chandrayaan-4 parts to be sent in 2 launches, assembled in space: ISRO chief

Source: Indian Express

Introduction:

• ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) is planning an ambitious new moon mission called Chandrayaan-4.
• This mission aims to bring back samples from the Moon.
• ISRO Chief S. Somanath revealed details about this mission at an event in New Delhi.

Chandrayaan-4 Mission Details:

1. Unique Launch Approach:
   • Chandrayaan-4 will be launched in multiple parts and assembled in space.
   • This is necessary because the spacecraft is too large for ISRO's most powerful rocket.

2. Assembly in Space:
   • The mission will use a technique similar to how the International Space Station was built.
   • This will be the first time a lunar mission uses this assembly method.

3. New Technologies:
   • ISRO is developing new docking capabilities for this mission.
   • These will allow spacecraft parts to join together in both Earth and Moon orbits.

4. Testing Phase:
   • A mission called Spadex will test the new docking capabilities later this year.

5. Mission Planning:
   • The detailed study and internal review for Chandrayaan-4 are complete.
   • Cost estimates will be submitted to the government for approval soon.

Future Space Plans:

1. Vision 2047:
   • Chandrayaan-4 is part of ISRO's larger Vision 2047 plan.
   • This plan includes building India's own space station by 2035.
   • It also aims to send humans to the Moon by 2040.

2. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):
   • This is the name of India's future space station.
   • It will also be assembled in space through multiple launches.
   • The first segment is planned to launch by 2028.
   • BAS will have a five-module configuration.

3. New Rocket Development:
   • ISRO is developing a new heavy rocket called the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
   • This rocket will be used for future space station modules and other missions.

4. New Launch Facility:
   • A new launch complex is being created for the NGLV.
   • This is needed because current facilities can't handle the 4,000-ton rocket.

Paraguay Joins International Solar Alliance

Source: AIR

Why in News?

• Paraguay becomes the 100th country to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as a full member.
• The official Instrument of Ratification was handed over in New Delhi to the ISA.
• Ceremony held between Paraguay’s Ambassador to India and Abhishek Singh, Joint Secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

About International Solar Alliance

• International Solar Alliance (ISA) was co-founded by India and France during COP21 in 2015 to promote global solar energy deployment.
• It serves as a platform for member countries to enhance energy access, ensure security, and transition to sustainable energy sources.
• Vision: Let us together make the sun brighter.
• Mission: Ensure every home, no matter how remote, has access to lighting.
• Headquarters: Located in India, with the Interim Secretariat established in Gurugram.
• Member: Currently, 119 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement. 100 countries have completed ratification, making them full members. Spain was the 99th member, joining in May 2024, showcasing growing global participation.
• Goals and Impact ISA aims to support the Paris Climate Agreement by accelerating solar energy technology deployment. This collective effort is crucial in combating climate change and advancing renewable energy worldwide.

DRDO hands over Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket to Indian Navy

Source: PIB

Why in News?

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has equipped the Indian Navy with a new technology to counter radar threats: the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR).

What is MOC?

• MOC (Microwave Obscurant Chaff) is a technology developed by DRDO to shield military assets from radar detection.
• It works by deploying a cloud of special fibers that disrupt radar signals.
• These fibers are only a few microns wide and possess unique microwave-blocking properties.

How Does MR-MOCR Work?

• The MR-MOCR is a rocket that launches the MOC cloud into the air.
• Once deployed, the cloud forms a shield around the target platform (e.g., ship), significantly reducing its radar signature.
• This makes it difficult for enemy radar systems to detect and track the target.

Successful Testing

• The MR-MOCR has undergone rigorous testing in two phases:
  • Phase-I: Verified the cloud's formation and persistence.
  • Phase-II: Demonstrated a 90% reduction in radar cross-section (RCS) of aerial targets, signifying a substantial decrease in radar detectability.

Benefits of MR-MOCR

• Enhances the Indian Navy's defensive capabilities by safeguarding ships from radar-guided threats.
• Provides a crucial advantage in modern warfare where radar plays a vital role.