COP 29 in Baku Azerbaijan

Context: COP29 climate talks are set to begin on November 11, 2024, in Azerbaijan.

Global Climate Goals in Peril Amid Leadership Shifts and Limited G20 Attendance

• The re-election of Donald Trump, who plans to reverse the US’s carbon-cutting commitments, casts a shadow over the talks.
• Climate Goals and Warnings
  • Paris Agreement Goals: The climate deal aims to keep warming below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels.
  • Current Trajectory: The world is on track for a catastrophic 3.1°C of warming this century based on current actions.
• Attendance and Participation
  • Absences: Outgoing President Joe Biden and many traditional leaders are not attending.
  • G20 Representation: Only a few leaders from G20 countries, which account for nearly 80% of global emissions, are present.
  • Afghanistan’s Delegation: Afghanistan sends a delegation for the first time since the Taliban took power, expected to have observer status.

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About COP29 

• COP 29 is the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Purpose:
• • It is a major global event where representatives from almost all countries meet to discuss and negotiate strategies to tackle climate change.
• Themes: Enhancing ambition and enabling action, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and addressing loss and damage

Key points about  COP29 

• Climate Funding Debate
  • Funding Target: Negotiators aim to increase the $100 billion-a-year target to help developing nations.
  • Contention Points: Major points of contention include the amount of funding, contributors, and access to funds.
• Developing Countries’ Perspective
  • Financial Needs: Developing countries push for trillions of dollars in mostly grants, not loans.
  • Donor Pool Expansion: Developed countries want to expand the donor pool to include other rich nations and top emitters like China and Gulf states.
    • China’s Position: China warns against renegotiating existing agreements and calls for collective, constructive action on the climate crisis.

Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

First Ever Space Exercise Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 hosted by Defence Space Agency begins in New Delhi”.

• A three day Exercise to war-game the growing threats from and to Space Based Assets and Services.
• According to CDS Gen Anil Chauhan, “Space, once considered the final frontier, is now the critical enabler of India’s defence and security apparatus and India is well  positioned to navigate the challenges posed to space based capabilities”.

About Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

• Aim: Safeguarding India’s strategic interests in space.
• Key objectives: 
  • Identifying potential vulnerabilities to space-based services
  • Preparing for scenarios of service denial or disruption
• Participants and Collaboration:
  • Indian military (Army, Navy, and Air Force)’
  • Specialised defence agencies such as the Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Strategic Forces Command.
  • ISRO and DRDO representatives are also participating, emphasizing an integrated approach to military and civilian space technology development.
• Significance:
  • Enhance inter-agency coordination and collaboration.
  • Develop actionable insights into protecting space-based assets and handling scenarios involving space-based threats.
  • Strengthen India’s position and preparedness in addressing security challenges in space.
  • Contributing to a robust national defense strategy that encompasses space as a critical domain.

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Eurasian Otter

“Rare Eurasian Otter Rescued in Pune District Marks First Sighting of Species in the Area”.

• The discovery highlights the importance of protecting freshwater ecosystems, as Eurasian otters are apex predators that maintain balance within their habitats.

Eurasian Otter:  The eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is one of the three otter species found in India, alongside the Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata) and the small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus).

• Habitat: This species generally inhabits clean freshwater environments with ample fish, including rivers, lakes, and marshes. 
• Characteristics: It is elusive, solitary and nocturnal.
• Distribution: Primarily found in Europe and parts of Asia, its presence in India is rare, mainly confined to the Himalayan foothills, parts of Northeast India, and scattered sightings in the Western Ghats.
• Threats: Pollution, Poaching, Habitat loss, Accidental trapping and road kill etc.
• Protection Status:
  • Eurasian Otter: CITES Appendix I; WPA Schedule II; IUCN Status “Near Threatened”
  • Smooth Coated Otter: CITES Appendix II; WPA Schedule II.
  • Clawless Otter: CITES Appendix II; WPA Schedule I.
• Ecological Role: Sensitive to habitat disturbances, playing an essential role in maintaining ecological balance by regulating fish populations.
• Significance: Their presence is an indicator of ecosystem health and underscores the need to safeguard clean water bodies free from pollution and disturbance.

India and CARICOM Strengthen Ties

Context: India and CARICOM held their second Joint Commission meeting virtually on November 6, 2024.

• Key Areas of Focus:
  • Economic Cooperation: Both sides discussed ways to enhance economic ties, including trade and investment.
  • Renewable Energy: India pledged to share its expertise in renewable energy to support CARICOM’s climate resilience efforts.
  • Education and Human Resource Development: Both sides agreed to strengthen educational partnerships and programs.
  • Infrastructure Development: India expressed its commitment to supporting CARICOM’s infrastructure development projects.
• High-Level Engagements:
  • India-CARICOM Foreign Ministerial Meeting: Held in New York on September 27, 2024, to discuss cooperation on global challenges.

About CARICOM

• CARICOM, which stands for Caribbean Community, is an organisation of Caribbean countries and dependencies originally established as the Caribbean Community and Commons Market in 1973 by the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
• CARICOM is also an official United Nations Observer beneficiary.
• Objectives of CARICOM: To promote economic integration and cooperation among its members and  ensure that the benefits of integration are equitably shared coordinating foreign policy of the Region.
• Members: It has 15 members; Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
  • The Chairmanship of the Community is rotated every six months among the member countries’ Heads.
  • The current Chairmanship lies with Antigua and Barbuda.
• Observer states: Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands have associate member status, and Aruba, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
• Secretariat: Georgetown, Guyana.

Why CARICOM Matters for India?

• Strategic Location: The Caribbean region holds strategic importance for India.
• Shared Values: Both India and CARICOM share common values of democracy and development.
• Economic Opportunities: The region offers opportunities for trade, investment, and technology collaboration.
• Mutual Interest: By strengthening ties with CARICOM, India aims to foster a mutually beneficial partnership that contributes to global stability and development.

Hokersar wetland

Context:  This article sheds light on the significant rainfall deficit and its impact on the Hokersar wetland in Kashmir Valley, impacting migratory bird populations.

More on the news

• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Kashmir is facing a rainfall deficit of 81 per cent.
• Srinagar Deficit: Between early and mid-October, Srinagar faced 36% to 96% rainfall deficit.

About Hokersar Wetland

• Location: Hokersar wetland is situated in the Kashmir Valley.
• Known as: The ‘Queen Wetland of Kashmir’,
• Ramsar Site: Recognized as a Ramsar site, known for its ecological importance.
• Unique Features: Contains the last reedbeds of Kashmir, which serve as critical habitats for various bird species.

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Importance of Hokersar Wetland

• Bird Migration Pathway: The wetland hosts 68 species of waterfowl, including little cormorants, common shelducks, large egrets, and great crested grebes.
• Migration Source Regions: Birds migrate to the wetland from Siberia, China, Central Asia, and Europe.
• Breeding and Feeding Grounds: Acts as a vital source of food, breeding habitat, and nursery for fish.

Seaplane lands in Mattupetty Dam

Context: The Kerala State Government is moving forward with a seaplane project at the Mattupetty reservoir after a successful trial run.

More on the news

• The project aims to boost tourism, but concerns have been raised regarding its impact on the local wildlife.

About Mattupetty Reservoir 

• Location: Situated near Munnar in Idukki District, Kerala, India.
• River: Muthirapuzha River.
• Type: Storage concrete gravity dam.
  • It stores water from Muthirapuzha River, Chanduvarai and Kundale Rivers. 
• Purpose: Built to conserve water primarily for hydroelectric power generation.
• Ecological Importance of Mattupetty
  • Mattupetty reservoir is surrounded by sensitive forest areas, including:
    • Anamudi Shola National Park (3.5 km to the north)
    • Pampadum Shola National Park and Kurinjimala Sanctuary to the east, both having eco-sensitive zones.
  • The nearby Kanan Devan Hills Reserve Forest provides critical habitats for wildlife, including endangered species like wild elephants.

Wildlife Concerns Highlighted by the Forest Department

• Wild Elephant Movements: Elephants frequently move across submerged areas of the reservoir between national parks.
• Potential Disturbances: The noise and activity from seaplane operations could disturb these animals, potentially escalating human-wildlife conflicts.

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