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The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Maharashtra has been marked as India’s first Dark Sky Park and the fifth Dark Sky Park in Asia for protecting the night sky and preventing light pollution.

Pench Tiger Reserve: India’s First Dark Sky Park

• Measures to Mitigate Light Pollution: More than 100 street and community lights have been replaced with lights facing the ground to mitigate light pollution.
• Threat from Light pollution: The escalating global threat of light pollution poses a substantial risk to this invaluable resource.
• Recommendation for Establishing Dark Sky Oases: The Dark and Quiet Skies for Science and Society Working Group, led by the International Astronomical Union, has recommended the establishment of ‘Dark Sky Oases‘ by national and local governments.

About Dark Sky Park

• About: A dark sky park is an area usually surrounding a park or observatory which restricts artificial light pollution. 
• Objective: The purpose of the dark-sky movement is generally to promote astronomy.
• Certification: The certification was given by the International Dark-Sky Association.  As a global dark sky movement to promote astronomy.
  • Elements of Dark Sky Place Certification: It focuses on lighting policy, dark sky-friendly retrofits, outreach and education, and night sky monitoring.

• Significance of Night Sky: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) emphasises the recognition of the intrinsic value of the night sky as a natural, cultural, and historical resource. 
  • The IUCN highlights the need to preserve natural darkness for nature conservation, ecological integrity in protected areas, and the well-being of communities in healthy cities.

About Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR)

• The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) derives its name from the River Pench, dividing the reserve into almost two equal halves.
• Totladoh Reservoir built on the Pench River plays an important role in enriching and sustaining the wildlife in the tiger reserve
• The PTR spans across two states -Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.
• Flora: It supports many Gaur (Indian Bison), Sambar, Barking deer, Chousingha, Chinkara and Wild boar. 

• Key predators include Tigers, leopards, Wild dogs and wolves. 
  • Other animals include Jackal, Fox, Palm civet, Small Indian civet, Jungle cat, Common mongoose, Small Indian mongoose, Ruddy mongoose, Hyena, Porcupine, Ratel.
• Fauna: The Pench National Park consists of dry deciduous forests and flora including species of Mahua Tree, Palash Tree, Teak Tree, etc.

News Source: Live Mint

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India’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation rate touched 5.69% in December.

Consumer Price Index (CPI): Year on Year Inflation Forecast (FY 2023-2024)

• Headline Inflation Rate: December data shows that the Year on Year (YoY)  inflation rate has started rising towards the end of 2023. 

• • Reason: The relative spike in food prices in 4 food groups accounted  for 23% of the total index weight  relative to December 2022.
    • Vegetable prices increased by almost 28%  
    • Pulses were costlier by 21% 
    • spices by 20%.
    • Cereals, too, were costlier by 10%. 
  • Regional variation: Odisha is registering the highest inflation at 8.7% and Delhi is experiencing the lowest at 2.9%
• Core Inflation Rate:  It is the inflation rate after removing the food and fuel inflation that is showing a decreasing trend.
•  FY 2023-2024:  Inflation for the full financial year will likely remain at 5.5%.

What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

•  About: Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes over time in the general level of prices of a basket of selected goods and services that households acquire for the purpose of consumption.
• Prepared  by:  National Statistical Office (NSO),  Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket: It comprises 299 items.
• Types: 
  • CPI for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW): Compiled by NSO
  • CPI for Urban Non-Manual Employees (CPI-UNME): Compiled by NSO
  • CPI for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL): It is used to calculate minimum wages in the agricultural sector across different states and compiled by NSO
  • CPI for Rural Laborers (CPI-RL): Compiled by the Labor Bureau, it reflects price movements specifically for rural laborers.
• Base year: It is 2012  for the current series of indices.
• Method: The monthly price data is collected from 1181 villages and 1114 urban markets spread all across the country. The data for this purpose is collected on a weekly basis by the field staff of NSO.
• Components: Consumer Price Index has 6 main components with differing weights 
  • Food and beverages (45% weight overall with Cereals accounting for 9.67% of the total)
  • Pan, tobacco, and intoxicants (2.38%)
  • Clothing and footwear(6.53%) 
  • Housing  (10.07%)
  • Fuel and light (6.84%)
  • Miscellaneous (services such as education, health care etc.) (28.32%)

News Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

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Recently, a new species of Silverline butterfly has been recognized within the biodiversity-rich regions of the Western Ghats in India. 

New Silverline Butterfly Species Discovered in Karnataka

• The findings were officially published in the journal Zootaxa.
• The documented specimens were located in Honey Valley within the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
• It was first spotted in 2008 by Krushnamegh Kunte during a 2008 field trip to Iruppu Falls in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary but came under extensive research in 2021.

About New Silverline Butterfly

• This unique species is named Cigaritis conjunctiva or the “conjoined silverline.” 
• Naming and Identification: Named “conjoined silverline” due to its distinctive wing pattern.
• Classification: It belongs to the Lycaenidae family.
  • In India, there are 16 species of silverline butterflies.  11 of them are found in both peninsular India and Sri Lanka.

Habitat and Location of Silverline Butterfly

• Primarily found in dense mid-elevation evergreen forests in Honey Valley, Kodagu district, Karnataka.
• It marks the second endemic species discovered in the Western Ghats.

Distinct Wing Patterns Silverline Butterfly

• Appears similar at a distance but unique upon closer inspection.
• Fused bands on the underside of the wings set it apart.

News Source: DownToEarth

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to ensure that coastal States and Union Territories prepare the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).

Prepare Coastal Zone Management Plans without delay, NGT tells Coastal States and UTs

• The National Coastal Zonal Management Authority (NCZMA) issued a direction in August 2023 that all coastal States/Union Territories, whose CZMPs/ICRZP were yet to be finalized as per 2019 notification, must complete it within October 31, 2023. 
• It has been reported that only three States – Odisha, Karnataka and Maharashtra – have formulated the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) as per the Coastal Regulation Zone notification, 2019. 
• Only Great Nicobar and Little Andaman Islands have approved the Island CRZP as per the notification.

What is Coastal Zone Management Plan?

• Coastal Zone Management Plan: It involves managing coastal areas to balance environmental, economic, human health, and human activities.
• The Coastal Zone Management Plan: It encourages coastal states and UTs to work in partnership with the Union  government to design and enforce local programs and Projects consistent with the Coastal Regulation Zone and accompanying regulations.

What is a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)?

• The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, issued the Coastal Regulation Zone notification for regulation of activities in the coastal area.
• Definition: As per the notification, the coastal land up to a distance of 500m from the High Tide Line (HTL) and a stage of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwaters and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations, is called the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).

• CRZ along the country has been placed in four categories, which are as follows:

  • CRZ I – Ecologically Sensitive Areas. 

    • Location: They lie between the low and high tide lines.
    • In this area, exploration of natural gas and salt extraction are permitted

• • CRZ II  – Shore Line Areas

    • Location: The areas that have been developed up to or close to the shoreline.
    • Unauthorized structures are not allowed to be constructed in this zone.

  • CRZ III – Undisturbed Area

    • Location: Rural and Urban localities that fall outside I and II.
    • Only certain activities related to agriculture even some public facilities are allowed in this zone.

  • CRZ IV – Territorial Area

    • Location: An area covered between the Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles seaward.
    • Fishing and allied activities are permitted in this zone.
    • No solid waste should be discharged in this zone.

• New Reforms under Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2018 & 2019 Are as follows: 

• • Development projects: A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands.
  • New CRZ Categories: For CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two separate categories have now been created for improved management: CRZ-III A and CRZ-III B
    • CRZ-III A: Rural Areas that are densely populated with a  population density of 2161/km2. They will have an NDZ of 50 meters from HTL. Earlier it was 200m from HTL according to the CRZ Notification of 2011.
    • CRZ-III B: Rural Areas that are densely populated with a population density of 2161/km2. They will have an NDZ of 200m from HTL.

Source: The Hindu

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“The Global Cooperation Barometer 2024” has been released  by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

About the Global Cooperation Barometer 2024 Report

• McKinsey & Company has collaborated with WEF to prepare it.
• Methodology: It used 42 indicators from 2012 to 2020 to measure five pillars of global cooperation namely: 

• Utility: It is meant to serve as a tool for leaders to better understand the contours of global cooperation.

• Challenges: New power dynamics, changing demographic realities and breakthrough frontier technologies.
  • They are bringing back the long-simmering distrust rather than fueling opportunities for benefit.

Global Cooperation Barometer 2024 Report Findings

• Broad Trend: Despite demonstrating resilience, cooperation saw a 2 percent decline from 2020 to 2022. 
  • Trade and capital: Trade and capital cooperation grew through the pandemic disruption, but slowed in 2023; geopolitical tensions and new restrictions make the future path unclear.
  • Innovation and technology: Flows of data, IP and international students increased cooperation until 2020, but new questions have arisen about how to work together to harness opportunities.
  • Climate and natural capital: The level of cooperation for climate and natural capital has been rising steadily, due largely to increased commitments, but emissions also continue to rise.
  • Health and wellness: Cooperation in health and wellness rose swiftly in response to the pandemic, but appears to be returning to historical patterns.
  • Peace and security: Cooperation in peace and security has declined since 2016 and has plummeted recently.
• Health Cooperation: 
  • Positives: Freely available COVID-19 genome, accelerating vaccine development, and health-related aid flowed to emerging economies. GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, also played a pivotal role in providing basic life-saving vaccines. 
    • Health outcomes like life expectancy, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and maternal and child mortality improved from 2012 through 2019.
  • Before 2020, most indicators of health cooperation, such as health development assistance, trade in health goods and health-related R&D and IP flows, grew slowly and steadily.
  • Negatives: Overall life expectancy and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) suffered due to COVID-19-related deaths and the diversion of resources from other health priorities.
    • Life expectancy at birth declined to 71 in 2021 from 72.8 in 2019.
    • As the immediate impact of COVID-19 subsides, global health cooperation appears to be decreasing but remains above 2019 for certain metrics.  
  • Communicable Diseases: This means that 14 million more people contracted malaria and 69,000 more people died from it than in 2019.

Global Cooperation Barometer 2024 Report’s Key Recommendations

• The entities prioritizing strong cooperative arrangements are more likely to recover effectively from supply disruptions.
• International partnerships will be crucial for deepening basic research on a variety of health conditions, ranging from chronic disease to clinical trials.
• Sustained cooperation is needed against synthetic drugs globally. Eg- fentanyl, tramadol, methamphetamine, captagon, and ketamine. 

Also Refer: Global Risks Report 2024

News Source: DTE

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India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated the 150th Year of its establishment in 2024. 

150 Years of India Meteorological Department: Major Highlights

• The Vice President of India took part in celebrations of the 150th years of the establishment of India Meteorological Department (IMD) as a Chief Guest.
• To commemorate the 150th year, the following initiatives were launched:
  • Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES)
  • Panchayat Mausam Seva for farmersIMD’s Mobile App MAUSAM
  • Mausam Gram available through the Mobile App “Mausam”
  • National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS)

India Meteorological Department and Its Various Initiatives at Glance:

• Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES): 

  • It is an in-house Web-GIS-based integrated Decision Support System (DSS) inspired by Pancha Mahabhuta i.e. Water, Air, Fire, Earth and Sky. 
  • Objective: To analyze meteorological observations and prediction models, aiding decision-making for severe weather phenomena and their socio-economic impact.
  • Function:  It provides real-time information for various sectors such as Urban, Power, Hydrology, Health, Energy, Agriculture, Transport, and Tourism under the “UPHHEATT” initiative (for the cause of welfare).

• Panchayat Mausam Seva for farmers: 

  • Developed by: India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and Green Alert Mausam Sewa
  • Objective: To provide weather forecasts in English, Hindi and twelve regional languages to every panchayat head and panchayat secretary in every village of the country.  

• India Meteorological Department’s Mobile App MAUSAM: 

  • It is an integrated GIS-based interactive mobile app for all weather-related services like current weather forecasts of every hour to 7 days. The app supports 12 Indian languages for varied users in India.

• Mausam Gram Available through the Mobile App “Mausam: 

  • Vision and Theme: Har Har Mausam, Har Ghar Mausam
  • Objective: It allows detailed weather observations, forecasts, and warnings to the public for their location through a map or search function using place names, pincodes, or coordinates disseminated in text and graphics format.

• National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS)

• • Aim:  To maximize utilization of climate information, as a part and parcel of all our activities, with special emphasis on disaster risk reduction, water, health, energy and agriculture management.

News Source: PIB

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Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has utilized the ‘Rejupave technology to build bituminous road sections at the world’s highest Sela road tunnel and LGG-Damteng-Yangste (LDY Road) road section near the China border in Arunachal Pradesh.

About Rejupave Technology

• Developed by: CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI).
• Use of a bio-oil-based product: Rejupave asphalt modifier is a bio-oil-based product that lowers the heating requirement of bituminous mixes besides preserving the bituminous mix’s temperature during transit.
  • Bituminous Road: It is also known as the asphalt road, is a type of road construction that involves the use of bitumen as a binding agent to hold together a mixture of aggregates. 

• Significance of Rejupave Technology: 

• • High-Altitude Bituminous Roads: It is beneficial in constructing high-altitude bituminous roads at low and subzero temperature conditions.
  • Temperature Reduction in Bituminous Mixes: It brings down the temperature of bituminous mixes by 30 to 40 degrees Celsius with negligible heat loss in the bituminous mix during transit.

About CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI):

• Establishment: It is a premier national laboratory established in 1952.
  • It is a constituent of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Mandate: It is the premier national research organization for highway traffic, transport planning, and other allied aspects.

News Source: Times of India

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Recently, a ‘Vulture restaurant’ has been set up in Koderma district, Jharkhand to conserve the vulture species.

Vulture Restaurant In Jharkhand

• The Vulture restaurant awaits the establishment of protocols with cow shelters and municipalities for the provision of diclofenac-free animal carcasses.
• The restaurant plans to serve scavenger birds with carcass sources from these designated places.
• Aim: To address the adverse impact of livestock drugs, particularly diclofenac, on vultures.

About Vulture Restaurant

• Vulture restaurant is an example of in-situ conservation.
• First in the World: The first such restaurant was created in South Africa in 1966.
  • Inspired by this concept, similar restaurants were created in several other countries, including Cambodia, Switzerland, Spain and Nepal.
• In India: The first such restaurant was opened in 2015 at Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in Raigad district of Maharashtra.

About Vultures

• Sociable Creature: Vultures are often seen as a collective unit. Out of 23 species of vultures in the world, nine are found in India.

• Slow Reproduction Rate: Vultures are slow breeders so the survival of every individual is very crucial.
• Need for Conservation: Conservation of vultures is important as the bird species plays an important ecological role through its rapid consumption of animal carcasses.

Conservation Status of Vultures: WPA, CITES, and IUCN

• Wildlife Protection Act (WPA), 1972: Vultures are protected under Schedule (1) of the WPA, 1972.
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix II
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): There are nine species of vultures in India: 
  • Indian Vulture or Long-billed vulture (Gyps indicus)-Critically Endangered
  • Indian White-backed Vulture (Gyps bengalensis)-Critically Endangered
  • Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)- Critically Endangered
  • Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris)- Critically Endangered
  • Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)- Endangered
  • Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)- Near Threatened
  • Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)-Near Threatened
  • Himalayan Vulture (Gyps himalayansis)-Near Threatened
  • Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus)- Least Concern

Also Refer: IUCN Red List Update At COP28

Threats to Vultures

• Hunting: Myths about the medicinal healing powers of vultures’ body parts have led to the hunting of vultures.
• Quarrying: Quarrying and blasting of stones where vultures nest have also caused their decline.
• Diclofenac’s Impact on Vultures: Vultures are exposed to the diclofenac when they consume carcasses of animals that were treated with the drug shortly before their death. 
  • The vultures die from kidney failure within days of exposure to diclofenac-contaminated tissues. 
  • Even 1% of it in the carcass would kill vultures in a short time after it feeds.
    • Diclofenac: A common anti-inflammatory drug administered to livestock for treating symptoms of inflammation and fevers.

Vultures Conservation Steps taken by the Government

• Vulture Care Centre (VCC): To study the cause of deaths of vultures in India, a VCC was set up at Pinjore, Haryana in 2001.
  • Later in 2004, the VCC was upgraded to being the first Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centres (VCBC) in India.
• Vulture Action Plan: In 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Government of India has launched a Vulture Action Plan 2020-25.
  • Aim: To step up conservation measures and set up a mechanism to ensure that toxic drugs other than diclofenac are also banned for veterinary use.
  • In 2023, other drugs like Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac were also banned.
• Safe Zone Declaration: To provide a safe habitat to vultures, the Jharkhand forest department has declared a 100-km radius from the center of Hazaribag as a safe zone. 
  • Hazaribag district is home to several rare varieties of vulture.
• Conservation Centre: In 2014, the Jharkhand Forest Department set up its lone vulture conservation and breeding center in the Muta area. 

News Source: Deccan Herald

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Recently, India’s first National Highway (NH) steel slag road section on NH-66 (Mumbai-Goa NH) was inaugurated.

NH 66 Mumbai-Goa National Highway: India’s First Steel Slag Road

• CSIR-CRRI Technological Guidance: JSW Steel, under the expertise of CSIR-CRRI,  has constructed the 1-km-long, four-lane steel slag road section on NH 66 Mumbai-Goa. 
• CONARC Steel Slag Utilization: Approximately 80,000 tons of CONARC Steel slag were converted as processed steel slag aggregates.

CONARC Steelmaking Process

• The CONARC steelmaking process combines electrode arc melting with oxygen steelmaking.
• The processed steel slag aggregates are superior to natural aggregates in terms of various mechanical properties. They are utilized for steel slag road construction in all layers of the road in place of natural aggregates. 

About Steel Slag Road Technology (SSRT)

• Steel Slag Road Technology (SSRT): It is a method that uses steel slag to build roads. SSRT was developed by CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) to transform the waste of steel industries into wealth. 
• Steel Slag: It is a by-product of steel making, produced during the separation of the molten steel from impurities in steel-making furnaces. 
  • The slag occurs as a molten liquid melt and is a complex solution of silicates and oxides that solidifies upon cooling.

• Uses of Steel Slag: It is used as an aggregate and is considered a standard practice with applications that include its use in granular base, embankments, engineered fill, highway shoulders, and hot mix asphalt pavement.

Significance of SSRT

• Stronger Roads: The roads made out of steel slag are 30% less thick because of better material characteristics. It is helping the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to build stronger national highways in the country.
• Cost-Efficient Process: In comparison to normal highways, the construction costs will also be around 30% cheaper. 
• Eco-Friendly Road Construction: 
  • SSRT paves the way for sustainable use of waste and reduces the reliance on perishable natural aggregates. 
  • This process is also expected to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions and carbon footprint in road construction activity. 
  • It aligns with India’s commitment to the UN SDG (Goal 9) for building resilient infrastructure through inclusive and sustainable industrialization and green technologies.

Also Refer: Road Accidents In India-2022′ Report Released By MoRTH

News Source: PIB

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This article is based on the news “Jaishankar in Iran, discusses Chabahar Port, Red Sea attacks” which was published in the Indian Express. The External Affairs Minister of India visited Iran during the ongoing high-level exchanges between the two sides.

India-Iran Relations: High-Level Talks On Chabahar Port, and Red Sea Concerns

• Maritime Security Concern: Addressed concern about threats to maritime shipping in the region.
• Red Sea Crisis: Highlighted attacks by Houthi militants targeting merchant vessels in the Red Sea amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
• Chabahar Port Development Plan: An agreement between India and Iran on further developing the Chabahar Port was signed. 
  • The new long-term agreement will replace the original contract which only covered India’s operations at the Shahid Beheshti terminal in the Chabahar port and was renewed yearly. 
  • The new agreement has a validity of ten years and will be automatically extended.
• Proposal for Joint Transportation Committee: It will help to expand cooperation between the two countries.
  • The committee will enable the activation of transit capacities and the use of the North-South corridor.
• Humanitarian Focus on Gaza Situation: India expressed concern about the deeply concerning situation in Gaza, focusing on the loss of civilian lives, especially women and children.
• Other Areas Of Discussion: Both sides also discussed the importance of the common view of the two countries in the field of combating terrorism and organized crime; the need for cooperation to establish stability and security in Afghanistan; strengthening international trade, especially through national currencies; 

Also Refer: UN Resolution Calling for ‘Humanitarian Pauses’ in Gaza

Must Read: How Are Houthi Attacks On Ships In The Red Sea Affecting Global Economy?

About India-Iran Relations: Historical, Political, Economic and Cultural

• Historical Relation: The India-Iran relations can be traced back to the ancient times of Indus Valley civilization. There was trade between the coast of southern Iran and India through the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. 
• Political Dimension: India and Iran signed a friendship treaty on 15 March 1950.
  •  The Tehran Declaration signed between the two countries affirms the two countries’ shared vision for an “equitable, pluralistic and co-operative international order.”
• Geo Strategic Location: Iran’s unique geographical position provides India access to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Eurasia markets.
  • India and Iran share a common strategic objective of regional stability in southwest Asia.
  • India abstained during the recent voting on the resolution by the US and its allies to censure Iran at the IAEA. 
• Economic Ties:  Bilateral trade between Iran and India was US$2.5 billion in 2022, reflecting an increase of 48 percent compared to US$1.693 billion in 2021.
  • In 2022, the export of Iranian oil products to India was US$175 million.
  • In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched a system for settling, billing, and paying exports and imports in Indian Rupees (INR). 
  • Other Major Indian Exports: Sugar, manmade staple fibers, electrical machinery and artificial jewelry. 
  • Indian Imports from Iran: Dry fruits, chemicals and glassware.
  • Iran recently included India in the list of countries whose citizens will not require a visa to travel to Iran.
• Energy Security: Iran ranks second globally in terms of gas reserves presenting opportunities for fuel diversification, decarbonization, and increasing the share of gas in India’s energy mix until 2030. 
• Cultural Ties: Civilizational links between India and Iran are the source of robust people-to-people and cultural ties. 
  • The Indian Cultural Centre was established in 2013 and renamed the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in 2018.
  • India recently decided to include Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy.

India-Iran Relations: Recent Challenges 

• US Sanctions impacting India’s Oil Imports and Chabahar Project: India ceased to import Iranian oil on account of US sanctions on Tehran and its withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, 
  • This also impacted the Chabahar project although the project was exempt from sanctions. 
  • US sanctions have impacted Iranian oil exports and hindered Indo-Iranian cooperation on the development of Iran’s southeastern Chabahar Port.
• China’s Increasing Presence:  China has strengthened its relations with Iran by signing a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement.
  • It has been consistently purchasing Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions. China’s plan to expand its maritime trade network and gain access to shipping routes has created a clash with India’s aspirations.
• Israeli Factor:  India has close ties with Israel and it presents a challenge for India to balance its relations with Iran.
  • Israel has strained relations with Iran and due to the existing ties between India and Iran, Israel has raised concerns about the potential transfer of military equipment or technology from India to Tehran.
• Security Concerns: Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthis rebel groups are supported by Iran. 
  • The Houthi militia has been using Kamikaze drones, missiles and other weapons against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Arabian Sea. 
  • Recently, Iranian ammunition targeted a tanker called MV Camp Plato off the coast of Dwarka creating challenges for maritime shipping for India. 
• Afghanistan Issue: The US withdrawal from Afghanistan created challenges for India’s Afghan strategy which relied on US-Iran cooperation for its Afghan interests.

Way Forward to the India-Iran Relations

• Ensuring Energy Security: India should take the lead in establishing an institutional framework and advance the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project to guarantee energy security.
  • A long-term supply agreement on natural gas cooperation out of US unilateral sanctions may be finalized.
• Enhancing Trade: India needs to decrease the tariffs on Iranian agricultural goods through Preferential trade Agreements to enhance bilateral commercial ties through special economic mechanisms like signing preferential trade agreements.
  • An agreement similar to the 25-year investment deal signed between China and Iran may be signed. 
• Infrastructure Cooperation: India’s investment in Iranian oil and petrochemicals, the development of sea lines and the export of technical and engineering services will lead to expanding trade between the two nations.
  • Development of offshore gas fields like Farzad B and the fertilizer industries hold potential for cooperation between India and Iran.
  • Indian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can invest in Chabahar Economic Free Zone (EFZ) to set up petrochemical and fertilizer plants either independently or through joint ventures with Iranian public-private companies.
• Curbing Terrorism:  Both nations need to cooperate to fight terrorism and to create peace, stability, and security in the region. 
  • This is necessary, especially regarding the Pak-Afghan region as the epicenter of international terrorism.
• Boosting Connectivity: India and Iran should promote joint efforts with the Russian Federation and other Central Asia and Caucasus countries to upgrade existing transport corridors, especially the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
• Enhancing Regional Cooperation through Multilateral Forums: India can utilize BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) platforms to discuss important regional issues with the region. 
  • The Ex-Chabahar Port project was stalled for years due to US sanctions as well as the Issue of peace and stability in Afghanistan.

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This article is based on the news “India’s multidimensional poverty rate down to 11.28% in 2022-23 from 29.17% in 2013-14” which was published in the Indian Express. According to a discussion paper ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’ released by NITI Aayog, the share of India’s population living in multidimensional poverty is estimated to have fallen to 11.28% in 2022-23 from 29.17% in 2013-14.

Remarkable Progress: 24.82 Crore Indians Escape Multidimensional Poverty in 9 Years

• Poverty Reduction: NITI Aayog estimates a total of 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional poverty in the last nine years.
• State-wise Estimates: States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan recorded the sharpest decline in people classified as poor based on the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). 
  • For instance, Bihar recorded a drop from 56.3 percent share of MPI poor in 2013-14 to 26.59 percent in 2022-23. 
• Poverty Headcount Ratio: The pace of decline in poverty headcount ratio was much faster between 2015-16 to 2019-21 (10.66% annual rate of decline) compared to the period 2005-06 to 2015-16 (7.69% annual rate of decline).
• Severity of Deprivation: It measures the average multidimensionally poor person who suffers from deprivation. Deprivation declined slightly between 2015-16 and 2019-21 compared to 2005-06 and 2013-14. 
  • Within the standard of living dimension, the highest levels of deprivation in 2005-06 were found in indicators such as Cooking Fuel (74.40%), Sanitation (70.92%), and Bank Accounts (58.11%). 
  • The latest estimates show that Cooking Fuel (43.90%) and Housing (41.37%) continue to have the highest deprivation, while indicators like Bank Accounts (3.69%) maintain the lowest deprivation levels based on NFHS-5 (2019-21).
• Data Used: The discussion paper uses previously released MPI data based on National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted in 2015-15 and 2019-21 also uses NFHS-3 data from 2005-06 to understand long-term poverty trends.
  • Based on these three NFHS datasets, NITI Aayog estimated the share of MPI poor in the years 2013-14 and 2022-23 with technical inputs from the Oxford Policy and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 

About Poverty

• Poverty: According to the World Bank, poverty is pronounced deprivation in well-being and comprises many dimensions. 
  • It includes low incomes and the inability to acquire the basic goods and services necessary for survival with dignity.
  • The international poverty line is currently $2.15 per person per day.
• Poverty also encompasses 
  • Low levels of health and education. 
  • Poor access to clean water and sanitation. 
  • Inadequate physical security. 
  • Lack of voice. 
  • Insufficient capacity. 
  • Opportunity to better one’s life.

About Multidimensional Poverty Index

• Multidimensional Poverty Measure: It seeks to understand poverty beyond monetary deprivations by including access to education and basic infrastructure and the monetary headcount ratio at the $2.15 international poverty line.
• Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): It is an international measure of acute multidimensional poverty that complements traditional monetary poverty measures by capturing the acute deprivations in health, education, and living standards that a person faces simultaneously.
• NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index: It measures poverty using twelve indicators and seeks to measure poverty more holistically than solely relying on income levels to assess deprivation.
• Methodology: MPI’s global methodology is based on the robust Alkire and Foster (AF) method.
• Poverty in India: According to the World Bank, the poverty headcount ratio at US $2.15 a day (2017 PPP) decreased from 18.73% in 2015 to 11.9% in 2021 in India. 
  • With the ongoing rate of decline in India’s Multidimensional Poverty, it is expected to reach a single-digit level of poverty by the year 2024-25.
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MP) is considered a better measure to estimate poverty than conventional measures.
• The conventional measures of monetary poverty  suffer from several limitations:
  • Income is not a sufficient condition to ensure the overall well-being of individuals, as income in some cases is spent on items which do not involve the welfare of the household.
  • Due to the unavailability of income estimates, monetary poverty measures often rely on consumption expenditure. This may not accurately represent the household’s income, especially when borrowed funds contribute to consumption. 
  • Household welfare depends on its own spending and state expenditures for people’s well-being. Monetary poverty measurements overlook the effect of state interventions like subsidized food grains, shelter, sanitation, free education and health, and nutritional support.

Also Refer: Consumption-based Poverty Estimates Have Relevance

Government Multi-Dimensional Approach for Poverty Reduction

The Government of India has made significant efforts to enhance the quality of life for millions of individuals, focusing on the SDG 1.2 target of halving poverty in all its dimensions. 

• Rights-Based Approach: This approach is grounded in the idea that every individual has fundamental human rights, and poverty is seen as violating these rights. 
  • For instance, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), guarantees the right to work and aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment.
  • PM Ujjwala Yojana has provided clean cooking fuel to around 31 crore individuals, and initiatives like Saubhagya have improved electricity coverage, benefiting an additional 2.86 crore households. 
  • The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have led to a nationwide wave of improved sanitation facilities providing 14 crore tap water connections. 
  • PM Awas Yojana facilitated the construction of over 4 crore homes for the underprivileged ensuring access to safe, secure, and comfortable living spaces.
• Welfare Approach: The basic idea is providing direct assistance and support to individuals or communities facing poverty.
  • Poshan Abhiyan and Anaemia Mukt Bharat have been crucial in addressing reach to health facilities, substantially reducing deprivation. 
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) witnessed the opening of over 50 crore bank accounts and has played a central role in bringing a significant section of the population into the formal financial system, providing efficient access to government schemes, savings, and credit.
  • Public Distribution System (PDS): A welfare-oriented initiative to provide subsidized food and essential commodities to the economically disadvantaged population. 
  • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): Focused on welfare, this maternity benefit program provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women to improve their health-seeking behavior and nutrition during pregnancy.
• Capability Approach: Developed by economist Amartya Sen, the capability approach shifts the focus from income and material possessions to an individual’s capability to live a life they value.
  • Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) etc. initiatives of government focus on improving individual’s capability.

Also Read: India Skills Report 2024 And Skill Development In India

The Major Challenges to Eradicating Multidimensional Poverty

• Issues faced by Niti Aayog National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Data lag, an incomplete reflection of COVID-19 impact, regional disparities, and limited granularity pose challenges to National Multidimensional Poverty Index impacting accurate and timely poverty assessment.
  • For instance, National Multidimensional Poverty Index excludes crucial dimensions like social exclusion, discrimination, violence, insecurity, and environmental degradation, potentially compromising the assessment of the poor’s overall quality of life. 
• Methodological Issue with the National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): The issue lies in its diverse indicators, including difficulties in measuring, aggregating, and updating these dimensions. Scholars suggest the analysis of non-income indicators alongside income or consumption-based poverty assessments for a comprehensive understanding. 
  • Furthermore, the lack of official data on consumer expenditure post-2011-12 raises concerns about accurate poverty estimation. 
• Divergence in Poverty and Inequality: Inequality has risen sharply for the last three decades with declining poverty. 
  • For instance, India stands out as a very unequal country, where the top 10 percent holds 57 percent of the total national income. In comparison, the bottom 50 percent’s share is just 13 percent in 2021, according to the latest World Inequality Report 2022.
• Slower Rate of Decline in Deprivation Severity: The severity of deprivation has not declined at the same rate in recent years compared to the previous decade. 
  • This suggests that while the number of people classified as poor is decreasing, the depth of poverty experienced by those individuals has not reduced as rapidly.
• Incomplete Reflection of COVID-19 Impact: The NHFS-5 data collected between 2019 and 21 was gathered before the pandemic, and the paper suggests that the full impact of COVID-19 on the economy may not be completely captured. The pandemic’s repercussions on health, education, and standard of living may have affected poverty dynamics. 
• Persisting Deprivations: Despite improvements, certain dimensions, such as access to cooking fuel and sanitation facilities, still show levels of deprivation. Efforts must continue to address these specific challenges and ensure that improvements are sustained over time.
• Other Challenges: 
  • Regional Disparities: Despite improvements, states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan still face challenges in reducing poverty. 
  • Incomplete Achievement of SDG Target 1.2: While India is likely to achieve SDG Target 1.2 ahead of schedule, it’s crucial to assess the dimensions of poverty comprehensively, and addressing poverty in all these aspects is essential for sustainable development.

Also Refer: Regional Income Disparities In India

Way Forward to Eradicate Multidimensional Poverty in India

• Need for Targeted Interventions: The sharpest decline was observed in the indicator measuring deprivation of access to bank accounts. 
  • This suggests that targeted interventions, such as financial inclusion programs (PM Jan Dhan Yojna), can significantly impact poverty reduction.
• Integrated Policy Approach: Strengthen the integration of rights-based, welfare, and capability approaches in poverty reduction policies and develop comprehensive strategies that address immediate needs, respect fundamental human rights, and enhance individuals’ capabilities to lead fulfilling lives.
  • Since the launch of the Aspirational Districts Programme, all 112 underdeveloped districts included in the scheme have improved their performance.
• Universal Basic Income (UBI): Economists highlight the need for a UBI in the developing world including India, where cash transfers distributed to all citizens, rich and poor, may cut through layers of red tape and lead to gains in poverty reduction. 
• Sustain and Strengthen Successful Initiatives: Recognize and sustain initiatives such as Poshan Abhiyan, PM Awas Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. Strengthen these programs to ensure their continued impact and address persisting deprivations, especially access to cooking fuel and sanitation facilities.
• Enhance Regional Focus: Addressing regional disparities by tailoring poverty reduction initiatives to the specific challenges faced by states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. 
• Enhance Data Collection: Enhance the monitoring and data collection mechanisms to capture better the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on poverty dynamics. Regularly update poverty metrics to reflect the evolving economic and social landscape, ensuring that interventions are responsive to emerging challenges.

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