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In the new study, researchers found that over 1,000 gigatons or 20% of ice around the edges of Greenland had been lost over the past four decades.

Greenland Lost 20% More Ice Than Previously Estimated: Study

• Impact of Global Warming on Glaciers: Researchers found that the Greenland glaciers are most susceptible to seasonal changes and are most sensitive to the impact of global warming and experienced the most significant retreat since 1985. 
• Melting Ice Sheet & Sea level Rise: Greenland’s vast ice sheet is the world’s second-largest after Antarctica, its melting is estimated to have contributed more than 20% to observed sea level rise since 2002. 

About Greenland

• Greenland: It is the world’s largest island, lying in the North Atlantic Ocean. 
  • The Greenlandic people call their homeland Kalaallit Nunaat (“Country of the Greenlanders”)
• Capital: Nuuk
• Highest Point: Gunnbjorn’s Fjeld 
• Location: It is located in the North Atlantic Ocean off the northeastern coast of Canada, bounded on the north by the Arctic Ocean; on the west by Smith Sound, Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait; and on the east by the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans. 
  • It is the world’s largest (non-continent) island.
  • It shares its maritime borders with Canada, Iceland and Norway.
  • It is positioned both in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth.

Greenland Map

• Physical Feature: It is noted for its vast tundra and immense glaciers. 
  • One of the largest glaciers is the Peterman.
• Greenland’s major physical feature is its massive ice sheet, which is second only to Antarctica’s in size and covers over four-fifths of Greenland’s total land area. 
  • In Greenland, the sun does not set from May 25 to July 25 and July is the only month when the temperature reaches above freezing.
• Greenland Sea: It is an outlying portion of the Arctic Ocean, which lies south of the Arctic Basin proper and borders Greenland (west), Svalbard (east), the main Arctic Ocean (north), and the Norwegian Sea and Iceland (south).
• National Park: Northeast Greenland National Park is the world’s largest national park.

Also Read:

• Antarctica Ice Shelves: 40% Volume Loss In 25 Years
• Rapid Ice Melt In Amundsen Sea, West Antarctica

News Source: TH

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The Ministry of Education has released new guidelines for coaching centers in the country. 

What Are the New Guidelines For Coaching Institutes?

• Misleading Advertisement: Coaching institutes should not make any false promises to prospective students and avoid publishing any misleading advertisement. 
• Mandatory Registration: Coaching centers must apply for registration with the local competent authority, as set by the government. 
  • Each branch of a coaching is treated as a distinct entity, requiring separate registration applications for each.
• Enrollment: Only students above the age of 16 can be admitted, and admission is permitted only after the successful completion of secondary school examinations.
• Tutor Qualification:  The coachings can not engage tutors having qualifications less than graduation.
• Fees: Tuition fees for various courses should be reasonable and just, with detailed receipts provided.
• Fee Changes: Any fee increases during the course, including both course fees and hostel-related charges, are strictly prohibited.
• Withdrawals: In case of mid-course withdrawals, a pro-rata refund is required within 10 days. 
• Complaint Mechanism: There should be a mechanism in place for filing complaints against coaching centers by students, parents, or tutors/employees of the coaching center. 
  • Additionally, coaching centers can file complaints against students or parents. 
• Attendance: The guidelines state that class schedules should not overlap with regular school hours to ensure consistent attendance.
• Off Time: Both students and tutors must have mandatory weekly offs. 
• Attention to each pupil: Class sizes should be maintained to ensure a healthy teacher-student ratio.
• Mental Health: The Coaching shall ensure the mental well-being of students by avoiding undue pressure and establishing a mechanism of assistance to students in stressful situations.
• Space: Coaching centers should allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each class. 
• Fire Compliance: Compliance with fire safety and building codes, including obtaining Fire and Building Safety Certificates, is mandatory. 
• CCTV: The coaching center should also be equipped with CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, and access to medical assistance.

Guidelines For Coaching Institutes: Penalty for Violations of Guidelines

• In the event of a coaching center violating any terms or conditions of registration or general requirements, penalties will be imposed. 
  • The first offense incurs a penalty of ₹25,000, the second offense warrants a penalty of ₹1 lakh, and repeated breaches may lead to the revocation of registration.

News Source: LiveMint

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The study of the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), a research and policy think-tank — analyzes high resolution meteorological data spanning four decades, from 1982 to 2022 which has been recorded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). 

• For the first time a rainfall pattern analysis at the sub-district level has been done. 

Changing Rainfall Patterns in India’s Sub-Districts (Tehsil-level): Key Findings of the Report

• Results: It points to a rapid shift in monsoon behaviour, with erratic patterns emerging due to the accelerating pace of climate change.
  • While 55% of tehsils have seen a rise (over a 10% rise) in rainfall, about 11% of them have experienced decreasing rainfall in the southwest monsoon rainfall in the last decade (2012-2022).
• Extreme Weather: 23 districts — including New Delhi, Bengaluru, Nilgiris, Jaipur, Kachchh, and Indore — experienced both extremes, with a higher number of both deficient as well as excessive rainfall years.
• Increase: Increase in rainfall during the southwest monsoon, with the excess coming from short-duration, heavy rainfall events leading to flash floods. 
  • 31% of tehsils reported an increase of four or more days of heavy rainfall annually during the southwest monsoons over the past decade compared to the previous 30 years.
• Delayed Retreat: The report finds a rise in October rainfall by more than 10%, possibly due to the delayed retreat of the southwest monsoon. 
• Locations: Drier regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, central Maharashtra, and parts of Tamil Nadu saw a pronounced rainfall increase of over 30% during the June to September period.
• Reason of Increase: Monsoon’s convergence with a low-pressure weather system in the Himalayas in recent years has caused extremely heavy rains, due to rising temperature. 
• Reduction: Of the tehsils experiencing lower rainfall: 
  • About 68% saw reduced rainfall in all the monsoon months from June to September, 
  • About 87% showed a decline during the initial monsoon months of June and July, which are crucial for the sowing phase of kharif crops. 
• Location of reduction: The tehsils that recorded deficient rain are located in the rain-fed Indo-Gangetic plains, northeast India and the upper Himalayan region. 
• Impact of Reduction: These areas are crucial for agricultural output which contribute to more than half of India’s agricultural production and are home to fragile ecosystems particularly vulnerable to extreme climate events.

Recommendation of the Report

• Mapping monsoon performance at more localized level: Considering the high month-to-month variability and increasing occurrence of wet extremes, localized decision-making is crucial. 
  • Therefore granular level data is needed to provide comprehensive, actionable insights, enhancing disaster preparedness and response.
• Development of district-level climate action plans: In line with the MoEFCC’s 2019 directive, revision of State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) is taking place. 
  • It is recommended  to develop district-level climate action plans, for detailed climate risk assessments in critical sectors like agriculture, water, and energy. 
• Investing in automatic weather stations and community-based recordings to capture rainfall variabilities at a hyper-local level: The need for hyperlocal climate adaptation strategies through initiatives such as the national Weather Information Network and Data System (WINDS) and community efforts. 

News Source: The Hindu

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) begins a nationwide awareness programme on EVMs and VVPATs ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election.

ECI Begins a Aation-Wide Awareness Programme on EVMs and VVPATs Ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections 

• Reach: The programme includes outreach and awareness activities in 3464 Assembly Constituencies spread across 613 Districts in 31 States/UTs.
• State Chief Electoral Officers need to start a focussed awareness campaign approximately 3 months prior to the announcement of election.The campaign shall have three components:
  •  EVM Demonstration Centers (EDC)
  •  Mobile Demonstration Vans (MDV)
  •  Digital outreach

EVM Vs VVPAT

• EVM Machine Or Electronic Voting Machine:

• • Design: It comprises two units: the control unit and the balloting unit. 
    • These units are joined together by a cable. The control unit of the EVM is kept with the presiding officer and the balloting unit is kept within the voting compartment for electors to cast their votes.
  • History: It was used in 1982 Kerala elections  on a pilot basis and  The 2004 Lok Sabha election was conducted completely using EVMs
  •  Legal Sanction: Section 61A was included in the Representation of the People Act 1951, empowering the ECI 
  • Manufacturer:  Bharat Electronics Ltd. (BEL), Bangalore, a Defence Ministry PSU, was elected along with ECIL to manufacture the EVM.

EVM Machine

• VVPAT Or Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail

• • It is a system attached to EVMs and works  by printing a paper slip containing the serial number, name, and symbol of a candidate for whom a vote has been cast.
  • After being visible for seven seconds through a transparent window, the printed slip is automatically cut and drops in.
  • It was first used in the Noksen constituency in Nagaland in 2013 and used at an all India level in the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections.
  • VVPAT machines can be accessed by polling officers only.

VVPAT Machine

Also Read: Simultaneous Elections

News Source: PIB

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Statue of Social Justice: The Andhra Pradesh government erected the world’s tallest statue of Dr BR Ambedkar at the Ambedkar Smriti Vanam, Amaravati.

About Dr BR Ambedkar

• About: Dr BR Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh and dedicated his life to opposing caste injustice and advocating for the rights of oppressed populations.
• Role in Social Reforms: In 1924, he started the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha organization committed to the welfare of the oppressed classes. In 1927, he founded the Bahishkrit Bharat newspaper to address the needs of underprivileged populations. 
  • In 1927, he led the Mahad Satyagraha, which advocated for the right of the poor to public water sources.
• Role in Constitutional Development: He was the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly of India’s Drafting Committee.
• Contribution Towards Marginalised Sections: He founded many groups to work for the rights and welfare of marginalized populations, including the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha (1923), the Independent Labor Party (1936), and the All India Scheduled Castes Federation (1942). 
• Role in Social Justice: He was nominated as Minister of Law in the first government of independent India in 1947.

News Source: Live Mint

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Recently, the Union Cabinet Minister for the Ministry of Earth Science, inaugurated the young Scientist conference at the International Science Festival 2023 at Faridabad in Haryana. 

About India International Science Festival 2023

• Associated Agencies: Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy in partnership with Vijnana Bharati – a science movement spearheaded by scientists of the nation with swadeshi spirit. 
• Theme For India International Science Festival 2023: “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal”. 

News Source: PIB

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Recently, the traditional buffalo fight (Moh-Juj), an integral Bihu celebration of Assam, was revived after nine years. 

Assam Govt Revives 400 Year Old Bulbul Fights After 9 years

• The Assam Government revived a traditional bird-fight ‘Bulbul fight’ which was banned by the high court in 2016. 
• Request by PETA to Stop: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), India has requested the Assam chief minister to urgently stop Moh-Juj fights.
• Reason: As per PETA, these animal fights are in violation of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 and judgments of the Supreme Court of India including in Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja, (2014).

About Moh Juj:  A Traditional Buffalo Fight in Assam

• Origin: It was introduced to Assamese culture by 30th Ahom king Swargadeo Rudra Singha nearly 200 years ago.

Moh-Juj: A Traditional Buffalo Fight of Assam

• Celebrated asSport: The riverside town of Ahatguri has hosted buffalo fight tournaments as part of Magh Bihu since 1972.
  • Magh Bihu, also known as Bhogali Bihu or Maghar Domahi, is a significant harvest festival celebrated in the northeastern region of India, particularly in Assam.
  • It occurs in the month of January–February.

About Wild Buffalo (Bubalus arnee)

• Habitat: The wild buffalo is mainly found in the alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps and river valleys. 
• Conservation Status:
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Endangered
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix III

Challenges Associated with Bull Fight

• Cruelty and Suffering: Bullfighting inflicts immense physical and psychological suffering on the bulls, all for the sake of entertainment.
• Exploitation for Profit: Bulls are used as commodities, and their suffering is exploited for financial gain. The bullfighting industry profits from the spectacle while the animals pay the price.
• Cultural Tradition vs. Animal Welfare: While some argue that bullfighting is a cultural tradition, it is essential to consider the ethical implications. Cultural practices should evolve to align with contemporary values of compassion and respect for animals.
• Prolonged Torture in the Arena: The bullfight itself is a gruesome display of violence. Bulls are repeatedly stabbed with sharp instruments, leading to significant blood loss and suffering. 
• Confinement and Isolation: Bulls are typically confined to small, dark enclosures for days leading up to the fight. This isolation and confinement can lead to stress and anxiety, further exacerbating their aggressive tendencies.

Conclusion

• As societies continue to evolve and prioritize animal welfare, it is crucial to reevaluate practices like bullfighting and seek alternatives that do not involve cruelty and suffering. 
• By advocating for the humane treatment of animals, we can work towards a more compassionate and ethical future.

News Source: Hindustan Times

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The 12th General Assembly of the Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace was inaugurated  in New Delhi by the Vice President of India.

• Theme:  – Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace- The Buddhist Voice of Global South.

Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP)

• Established: It  was founded in 1970 at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia as a voluntary movement of followers of Buddhism with both monastic (monks) and lay members. 
• Headquarters:  Gandanthegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
• Members: Mongolia, North Korea, South Korea, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Central Tibetan Administration in Dharamshala, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Japan and Russia
• Aim:  Disseminating the Buddhist culture, tradition and heritage.
• Journal: It publishes a journal called  “Dharmaduta’ 
• Recognition: The United Nations granted the ABCP the status of an accredited Non-Governmental Organization with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

News source: PIB

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In January 2024, the 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF), a state festival of Arunachal Pradesh was celebrated with a theme ‘Let Our Hornbills Remain’.

• Recognition of the Nyishi Tribe: The Festival aims to Celebrating their Contribution to Hornbill Conservation in the Pakke Tiger Reserve (PTR)

About Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF)

• Origin: The first-ever Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival was held in January 2015, with the aim of recognising the efforts of the Nyishi hunters-turned-conservationists of hornbills.
• Focus on: Wildlife conservation, with a particular emphasis on hornbills. 

About Hornbill (Bucerotidae)

• Geographical Spread: Himalayan foothills, the Northeast and the Western Ghats, Tropical and subtropical Africa and Asia.
• In India: India is home to nine species of hornbills and within India the northeastern region has the highest diversity of hornbill species.
• Significance: Gardeners or farmers of the forest for their significant role in dispersing seeds.
• State Bird: Great Hornbill is the state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Threats: Illegal logging, forest clearance, hunting for meat and medicinal value of body parts.
• Conservation Status:
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: 40% of hornbills are Globally Threatened or Near Threatened with extinction, with all other species listed as Least Concern
    • The Great hornbill is vulnerable.
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix I

News Source: Down to Earth

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This article is based on the news “Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare releases third advance estimate of area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2022-23” which was published in the PIB. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare released the Third advance estimate of area and production of various horticultural crops for the year 2022-23. 

Horticulture Production Surpasses 355 Million Tonnes for 2022-23 – Agriculture Ministry

• Increase in Horticulture Production: The total horticulture production estimated for the year 2022-23 is 355.25 million tonnes, which is an increase of about 8.07 million tonnes from the year 2021-22 (347.18  million tonnes). 
• Increase in Fruit Production: Fruit production is estimated to increase to 109.53 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 from 107.51 million tonnes in the year 2021-22.
• Increase in Vegetable Production:  The production of vegetables is estimated to increase to 213.88 million tonnes in the year 2022-23  from 209.14 million tonnes in 2021-22. 
• Expansion in Plantation Crops: Production of plantation crops is estimated to increase to 16.84 million tonnes in the year 2022-23 as compared to 15.76 million tonnes in the year 2021-22 i.e. an increase of about 6.80%.

About Indian Horticulture Sector 

• Horticulture can be defined as the branch of agriculture concerned with intensively cultured plants directly used by people for food, medicinal purposes, or aesthetic gratification. 
• M. H. Marigowda is considered the father of horticulture in India.

Status of Indian Horticulture Sector

• Share in GDP: Horticulture contributes around 30.4% to Agriculture’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), using only 13.1% of the gross cropped area. 
• Share in GVA:  The Indian horticulture sector contributes about 33% to the agriculture Gross Value Added (GVA) making a significant contribution to the Indian economy.
• Sector Growth: India’s horticulture production is estimated to have risen annually by 1.37 per cent to 351.92 million tonnes in 2022-23 due to better productivity.
• Production Status: In 2021-22, the total horticulture production was around 341.63 million tonnes, with fruit production at around 107.10 million tonnes and vegetable production at around 204.61 million tonnes.
• India as Global Leader: India has emerged as a world leader in the production of Mango, Banana, Guava, Papaya, Sapota, Pomegranate, Lime & Aamla (Indian Gooseberry).
  • According to the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), India ranks second in fruit and vegetable production after China.
• Major Fruit Export Destination: In the fiscal year 2021-22, India exported fruits and vegetables worth Rs 11,412.50 crore, with major destinations including Bangladesh, UAE, Nepal, Netherlands, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the UK, Oman, and Qatar.

Advantages/ Significance of Indian Horticulture Sector

• Horticulture Production: India is currently producing about 320.48 million tons of horticulture in 25.66 million Ha of the area as compared to food grain production, in 127.6 M. ha.
  • Higher Productivity than Food Grains: Horticulture occupies only a fraction of the area under agriculture (about 20% of the total area under foodgrain in 2018-19). 
  • The productivity of horticulture crops is much higher compared to productivity of food grains (12.49 tones/ha against 2.23 tones/ha.).
• Short Duration Crops: Vegetables are short-duration crops that are mostly grown on small patches of land by marginal farmers, often in less than an acre of land. 
  • As land holdings become increasingly fragmented, production of vegetables ensures quick returns to farmers, compared to some pulse varieties that take up to six months to harvest.
• Employment Generation: Horticulture creates additional job opportunities in rural areas, expands the range of agricultural activities, and generates higher incomes for farmers.
  • One hectare of fruit production generates 860 man-days per annum as against 143 man-days in cereal crops. 
  • The Cashew industry alone employs over 5.5 lakh workers annually.
• Industrial development: Horticulture plants directly or indirectly serve as raw material for many industries. 
• • The plantation crops like tea, coffee, rubber, oil palm, etc. are the raw materials for industries.
  • Growing ornamental plants is an industry in itself. Aromatic plants like Rose, Jasmine, Tuberose, Sandal, Khas, etc. are used in the perfumery industry. 

Challenges Faced by the Indian Horticulture Sector

• Capital Intensive Nature of Horticultural Crops: The limited outreach of farm insurance and farm mechanisation, combined with a lack of access to institutional credit for small and marginal farmers, contribute to lower investment in the sector.
  • According to NABARD, approximately 30 per cent of agricultural households still avail credit from non-institutional sources.
• Infrastructure Issues:  Lack of proper irrigation facilities is a crucial limiting factor of horticultural production.
  • Lack of irrigation is detrimental during dry spells or droughts, where crops can quickly wither and die due to insufficient water supply. 
  • In contrast, excessive water can also be harmful, leading to waterlogging, root damage, and reduced yields.
• Poor Linkages of Value Chain: The horticulture marketing chain faces challenges due to the perishable nature of fruits and vegetables, which makes it difficult to store and transport them efficiently. 
• • Poor logistics and lack of equitable cold storage and warehousing facilities contribute to delays and wastages. 
  • There is  inequitable distribution of the cold storage facilities among the states, with around 59% of the storage capacity (i.e., 21 MMT) present in the four states of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Punjab.
• Poor Quality of Seeds: According to the National Horticultural Board,  the inadequate availability of quality planting material was one of the primary reasons for the low productivity of various horticulture crops in India.
• Pests and Diseases: Horticultural crops in India face the possibility of fungal infection and bacterial blights spreading fast and wide.
  • Farmers, facing bacterial blights affecting pomegranate orchards, have been forced to remove their orchards.
  • Exporters of potatoes faced similar challenges on account of late blight fungus.
• Poor Coordination Between Horticulture Departments: There appears to be a lack of coordination among state horticulture departments, with each promoting crops independently without considering the choices made by farmers in other states. 
  • The oversupply issue, such as the significant drop in tomato prices to one rupee per kg earlier highlights the need for better market intelligence. 
  • Farmers require clearer information on future demand and supply to make informed decisions about their crop choices.
• Poor Research and Development (R&D):  There is an R&D shortfall in horticulture varieties. Presently, the capacity utilisation of processing facilities in the country is only around 25 to 30%.
• Insignificant Share in Global Trade: The country’s global horticulture trade remains insignificant, accounting for only 1% of the global trade in vegetables and fruits. 
• Tariff Barriers for Exports: Indian horticulture products face tariff barriers in developed countries, along with non-tariff, phytosanitary requirement-related barriers.

Way Forward

• Institutional Support: Institutes like National Horticultural Board, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Development Authority, and NABARD need to provide liberal financial assistance for undertaking extension services in horticulture. 
  • Commercial banks and Export-Import Bank of India may extend packing credit to horticulture exporters by providing credit-plus services. 
  • Besides, exporters should be imparted training on good agricultural practices and in commodity derivatives to protect them against price volatility and exchange rate risks.
• Strengthening Post-Harvest Mechanism: Establishing post-harvest and logistics infrastructure is crucial for efficiently transporting marketable surplus, preventing farmers from being compelled to engage in distress sales during harvest.
  • A better cold chain network with pack houses and access to refrigerated transport can also help prolong fresh produce’s shelf life and earn farmers better value.
• Accessibility of Good Quality Seeds: It is imperative to enhance the accessibility of superior-grade seedlings and rootstock within the marketplace. 
  • By providing farmers with easier access to superior seedlings and rootstock through government subsidies and initiatives, crop yields can be effectively increased, contributing to overall profitability.
  • The Union Finance Minister allocated Rs 2,200 crore to boost the availability of disease-free, quality planting material for horticulture crops in Budget 2023.
• Investment in Agri-infrastructure: By capitalising on the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture and Operation Greens schemes, horticulture produce should reach the airport cargo handling facility within three hours to reach final destination in the Middle East, East Asia, and European markets. 
• • While ginger from Kochi can be transported to the Asian markets, roses may be exported from Bengaluru to the European markets during the Christmas season.
• Co-operatives in Horticulture: To harness market efficiency and boost exports, co-operatives in horticulture should be promoted. 
• • For instance, HOPCOMS supplies seeds, fertilizers and insecticides to farmers at reasonable prices and collects the horticultural produce directly from them for sale through retail outlets spread across Karnataka.
• Promoting Export Growth through ODOP:  Food processing of fruits and vegetables may be done by leveraging the One District One Product model, to expand the export basket. 
  • Litchi (Bihar), strawberries (Bundelkhand) and kiwis (Uttarakhand) are being cultivated and processed by farmers for making juice, jam, jelly, etc., with technical assistance from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.  
  • These fruits can be exported by building social capital through farmer producer organisations (FPOs), which can leverage the entire horticultural value chain.

• Compliance with International Standards: Horticultural producers have to comply with world-class quality norms (Codex standards).
• For ex, Japan and the US banned the import of mangoes and other fruits from India due to the prevalence of fruit-fly pest infestation. 
• Digitalisation of Horticulture: Climate-smart technologies, biotechnology (for cultivation of Bt Brinjal), and nanotechnology(for improving the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables) should be promoted to boost exports. 
  • Corporate Social Responsibility grants may be utilised to undertake advanced research for digitalisation of horticulture through artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Internet of Things.

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This article is based on the news “Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurates Asia’s largest Aviation Expo-Wings India 2024” which was published in the PIB. According to the Union Civil Aviation Minister, the government is working to make India the third largest aviation sector in the world in the next three years from the fifth position currently. 

Civil Aviation Sector: India Aims for 300 Million Domestic Air Passengers by 2030

• Increasing Domestic Passenger Market: The domestic passenger market will grow to 300 million by 2030. 
• Increasing Aviation Capacity: On the sidelines of Wings India 2024 in Hyderabad, the Minister said that India should increase its aviation capacity to 2000 aircraft from the current 700 plus by 2030. 
  • Further, the Indian aviation sector had a purchase order of 150 aircraft at the Wings India 2024.
• Violation of the Standard Operative Procedures: According to the Minister, stringent action will be taken against airlines if they violate the Standard Operative Procedures as far as passenger amenities are concerned.

Status of Indian Civil Aviation Sector

• Position of Indian Aviation Industry: According to the Civil Aviation Minister, India is the third largest domestic civil aviation market and seventh largest international civil aviation market. If both are combined, India is the fifth largest civil aviation market in the world.
• The civil aviation industry in India has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries in the country during the last three years and can be broadly classified into scheduled and non-scheduled air transport service.
• • Scheduled services include domestic and international airlines and non-scheduled service consists of charter operators and air taxi operators, air cargo service, which includes air transportation of cargo and mail.
• Passengers Status:
  • Domestic Passengers: The total number in 2014 was 60 Mn which doubled to 143 Mn in 2020 prior to Covid-19. 
  • International Passengers: They have increased from 43 Mn to 64 Mn (increase of almost 50%). 
• Number of Aircrafts: The numbers have increased from around 400 in 2014 to 723 in 2023 despite the impact of Covid-19.
• Airports: Currently, the country has around 148 operational airports which includes 137 airports, 2 Water aerodromes and 9 Heliports. 
  • Among them there are 29 international, 92 domestic, and 10 custom airports.

Potential Opportunities in the Indian Civil Aviation Sector

• Sector is Becoming Profitable: According to IATA, the airline sector returned to profitability in 2023, with net profit expected at $23.3 billion on a 2.6% margin, and is set to reach $25.7 billion and a margin of 2.7% next year. The airline industry’s operating profit is expected to touch USD 49.3 billion in 2024 from $ 40.7 billion this year.
  •  In 2024, the total revenue is estimated to grow 7.6 per cent to $964 billion compared to 2023.
• Growing Airport Infrastructure: To augment the airport infrastructure the government aims to develop 100 airports by 2024 (under the UDAN Scheme) with 74 airports having been developed. 
• Boosting Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Services: The projected upsurge in air travel in India further ignites the demand for MRO services. The Indian Civil Aviation MRO market is anticipated to grow to $4.33 Bn by 2025. 
  • Land allotment for entities setting up MRO facilities in India has been revised to a period of 30 years in September 2021, from 3-5 years as the government aims to make India a ‘Global MRO Hub”. 
• Growing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV): Indian drone (UAV) industry is expected to have a total turnover of up to US$ 1.8 Bn by 2026. In June 2023, the US committed to creating a global hub for MRO for high-end drones in India.
• Rapidly Growing Passenger Traffic: India’s annual domestic air passenger traffic has been around high single- to double-digit growth for the past few years. 
  • According to the International Transport Association (IATA), India’s annual passenger traffic is expected to grow to around 500 million by 2037 from 141 million in 2017.
• Growing Fleet of Airplanes: According to the aviation minister, Indian airlines will have a cumulative fleet size of 1,500-2,000 planes by 2028, up 185% at the higher end of the estimate from the current count. 
  • Indian carriers together have ordered a total of 1,120 planes, Air India and IndiGo ordered 970 planes in 2023. 
• Domestic Manufacturing: With ‘Make in India’ initiatives in this segment, it is estimated that the high procurement costs can be significantly reduced. 
  • For instance, the C-295 aircraft manufacturing facility in Gujarat laid the foundation of India’s first transport aircraft manufacturing facility in Vadodara in October 2022.

Also Read: Analyzing Aviation Accidents and DGCA’s Role in Enhancing Safety Measures

Challenges Associated with Indian Civil Aviation Sector

• Infrastructure: India’s airports face modernization needs due to age and challenging locations, causing congestion and safety concerns. Insufficient runway capacity and an outdated air traffic management system contribute to delays and congestion. 
  • The lack of night parking stands in Mumbai and New Delhi Air Port often forces airlines to fly the last flight of the day to smaller cities such as Ahmedabad and Lucknow Respectively.
• Regulation: The complex regulatory framework in India’s aviation industry, involving agencies like the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, AAI, etc. leads to challenges such as unclear policies and delays in obtaining permits.
• Skilled Workforce: The aviation sector faces challenges due to a shortage of skilled professionals, impacting safety and causing delays. High training costs and outdated training facilities in India contribute to a skills mismatch. 
  • For instance, many people rushed out of an IndiGo aircraft at Mumbai airport, some sitting on the tarmac and eating food as their diverted Goa-Delhi flight landed
• Dollar Dependency: Fluctuations in the dollar rate against the Indian Rupee can severely impact profits since major expenditures like aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and lease costs are dollar-denominated.
• Cutthroat Pricing: To attract passengers, airlines in India often resort to drastically reducing ticket prices, making it challenging to balance the cost, especially when operational costs remain high. 
  • For instance, Go First (also known as Go Air) has recently been grounded citing the shortage of funds and lack of supply of parts, similar to Jet Airways, Kingfisher, and many other airlines that once operated in India and are now defunct.
• Supply Chain Issues: According to Centre for Aviation (CAPA) India, more than 100 planes of various Indian carriers are on the ground due to supply chain and non-supply chain issues. Nearly 110 aircraft or 15% of India’s total fleet across four major airlines viz. Air India, SpiceJet, GoAir, IndiGo are grounded for want of maintenance or engine replacements.
• Comparatively Low Penetration: Despite the rapid growth witnessed in the passenger traffic, its per capita penetration is still significantly low versus global average. 
  • As per data compiled by the World Bank and Jeffries, India is at 0.13 seats deployed per capita (domestic air travel penetration) against 0.49 for China and 0.57 for Brazil.
• High Fuel Costs: In India, the cost of Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF) can account for 50-70 percent of an airline’s operational expenses. 
• Safety Preparation: 
  • Mock Drill Frequency: According to a media report citing Japan Airlines’ public relations office, the carrier’s crew members are trained every year to evacuate passengers within 90 seconds under various scenarios, but the frequency of such mock drills in India is every three years.
  • Misplaced Priorities: The cabin crew training in India is focused on customer service and handling of unruly passengers.

Government Policies Support to Indian Civil Aviation

• Increasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Up to 100% FDI under the automatic route is permitted in:
  • Non-scheduled air transport services, Helicopter services and seaplanes.
  • MRO for maintenance and repair organizations; flying training institutes; and technical training institutes.
  • Ground Handling Services subject to sectoral regulations & security clearance. 
  • Brownfield Airport projects.
• National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 (NCAP): It promotes ease of doing business, deregulation, simplified procedures, and e-governance. For instance, in April 2020, the GST for MRO services rendered locally was reduced from 18% to 5%. 
• Regional Connectivity Scheme or UDAN (‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’): It is a vital component of NCAP 2016 and plans to enhance connectivity to India’s unserved and under-served airports and envisages to make air travel affordable and widespread. 
  • The Government has set a target to operationalize 1,000 UDAN routes and to revive/develop 100 unserved & underserved airports/heliports/water aerodromes by 2024.
• Digi Yatra Policy: It is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for providing passengers seamless and hassle-free experience at airports without the need for verification of ticket and ID at multiple touch points.
• Monetising Assets: Airport Authority of India (AAI) has formed joint ventures in seven airports and awarded six airports viz. Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Mangaluru for operations, management and development under public–private partnership (PPP) for a period of 50 years. 
  • As per National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP), 25 AAI airports have been earmarked for asset monetisation between 2022 and 2025. 
• National Air Sport Policy (NASP) 2022: It lays out the vision of making India as one of the top sports nations by 2030, by providing a safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable air sports ecosystem in India. 
  • Air sports encompasses various sports including sports like air-racing, aerobatics, aero modelling, hang gliding, paragliding, paramotoring and skydiving etc.
• Proliferation of Drones: The Government of India has taken several steps to make India a Drone Hub of the World. Government has approved the PLI scheme for drones and drone components as a follow-through of the liberalized Drone Rules, 2021 intended to catalyze growth in the upcoming drone sector. 
  • The total incentive of INR 120 crores and the total PLI per manufacturer is capped at INR 30 crores. 
  • Further, ten thousand self-help group women will be given free drone pilot training and substantial subsidy on drones with an aim to strengthen rural aviation skills.
• Disinvestment Of Air India: The process of strategic disinvestment of 100% stake of Government of India in Air India (AI) along with equity shareholding of Air India in Air India Express (AIXL) and AISATS has been completed.
• Carbon Neutrality Initiatives: The MoCA has standardised the Carbon Accounting and Reporting framework of Indian Airports. MoCA is encouraging developers of new Greenfield airports, in collaboration with respective state governments, to prioritize carbon neutrality and net zero emissions in their development plans. 
  • Airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have achieved Level 4+ as well as higher Airports International Council (ACI) Accreditation and have become Carbon neutral. Additionally, 66 Indian Airports are operating on 100% Green Energy.

Way Forward to the Indian Civil Aviation

• Technological Impetus & Opportunities: Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), AR/VR, blockchain, big data, and machine learning (ML) will maximise operational effectiveness and cut costs. 
  • Advanced monitoring systems, quicker check-in procedures, effective luggage management, and enhanced flight services and maintenance will all be made possible by these technologies.
• New Passenger-Handling Manual for Delayed Flights: There is a need to modify rules and conduct of operations to avoid problems caused by long delays as a personal vendetta against them on the airlines’ part.
  • For instance, fog in Delhi has delayed flights, leading to a passenger assaulting pilot announcing that the flight would be delayed. 
• Ensuring Crew and Passenger Safety:
  • Crew training: Ensuring the crew is well trained and holding regular drills to ensure safety of passenger and crew aboard the plane. As per the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, aircraft manufacturers are required to demonstrate that all passengers and crew members can evacuate a plane within 90 seconds.
  • Education: While Indian airlines do make the mandatory safety announcements, the whole process should be simplified, and the message needs to be conveyed in a more visual manner.
• Efficient Regulatory System: There’s a need for a more clear, consistent, and efficient regulatory system. Achieving enhanced transparency, accountability, faster reform, and increased engagement with industry stakeholders is crucial for the industry’s growth and development.
• Upskilling Workforce: Coordination between the industry and educational institutions is crucial to align training programs with industry requirements. 
  • For this, there is a need to improve training affordability, updating facilities, fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders and educational institutions.

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