Context

Recently, between January and March 2024, about 32,000 cases of Whooping Cough were reported across Europe.

Whooping Cough

Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, affects the respiratory system. It’s recognized by severe coughing fits, sometimes with a distinctive “whooping” sound. It is particularly dangerous for infants and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and, in some cases, death.

• Transmission: The bacteria is transmitted  through respiratory droplets when someone with the infection coughs or sneezes. It sticks to the throat lining and releases toxins that damage tiny hair-like structures that clear debris and mucus.
  • This causes inflammation in the airways, resulting in severe coughing fits and breathing problems.
• Symptoms: Whooping cough begins with cold-like symptoms,   with a slight fever, then leads to intense coughing with a unique “whoop” sound.
  • Coughing fits may cause vomiting, and infants and young children may have trouble breathing during sleep.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

• Diagnosis: Identifying whooping cough relies on clinical symptoms, medical background, and specific tests:
  • Nasopharyngeal swab: This gathers respiratory secretions for PCR testing.
  • Blood tests: These detect antibodies against Bordetella pertussis.
• Treatment: Prompt treatment is vital to prevent complications and alleviate symptoms.
  • Doctors often prescribe antibiotics such as azithromycin, erythromycin, or clarithromycin to infected individuals. This helps shorten the illness duration and decreases transmission.
  • Supportive care may involve staying hydrated, resting, and keeping an eye out for complications like pneumonia or dehydration.
• Prevention Measures: Vaccination stands as the most effective safeguard against whooping cough. Vaccines like DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) and Tdap are advised for children.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Muara, Brunei and was accorded a warm welcome by the Royal Brunei Navy. 

INS Kiltan arrives in Brunei as part of South China Sea deployment

• The visit is part of Operational Deployment of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet to South China Sea.
• The visit will conclude with a Maritime Partnership Exercise at sea between the Indian Navy and Royal Brunei Navy. 

INS Kiltan

INS Kiltan is built indigenously  as one of the  four Kamorta class Corvettes designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organization.

• Project 28: As part of Project 28, INS Kiltan was built as an anti-submarine warfare corvette by Garden Reach Shipbuilders in Kolkata.
• Naming of the Ship: The vessel is named after a coral island within the Aminidivi archipelago, situated in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy group of islands.
• Features: Kiltan is the first Indian naval ship with a carbon fiber superstructure, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing stealth.
  • It is designed for detecting, tracking, and neutralizing enemy submarines, as well as conducting anti-surface and anti-aircraft operations.
  • The corvette comes with cutting-edge sensors, weapon systems, and stealth capabilities to boost its ability to survive and succeed in today’s naval combat situations.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Project 28

Project-28 is a project aimed at constructing four Anti Submarine Warships within India by Garden Reach Shipbuilders And Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.

• • Approved in 2003, Project 28 began with the construction of the lead ship, INS Kamorta, on 12 August 2005.
• Commissioning  of P28 Corvettes: Each of the four corvettes, INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt, INS Kiltan, and INS Kavaratti, entered into service in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2020, respectively.

Corvettes:

These vessels are the smallest within the naval fleet and are classified below frigates in terms of size and capability.

• • They are highly maneuverable and fall into categories such as missile boats, anti-submarine ships, coastal patrol crafts, and fast attack naval vessels.
• Background: During World War II, Corvettes were mainly used for anti-submarine missions. Modern Corvettes, with their displacement of up to 2,000 tons, retain agility in their operations.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

The Council of Europe (COE) adopted The Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law or The ‘AI convention’.

Europe’s AI Convention- Key Highlights

• The agreement is a comprehensive convention covering AI governance and links to human rights, democracy, and the responsible use of AI. 
• The framework convention will be opened for signature in Vilnius, in Lithuania, on September 5.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

About the Europe’s AI Convention 

• Definition of AI: An AI system is a machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs such as predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions that can influence physical or virtual environments.
  • The definition is similar to the one in the EU AI Act, which is based on the OECD’s definition of AI.
• Aims: The Convention aim to ensure that activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems are fully consistent with human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
• Scope: It is mentioned in the Article 3 of the convention, as the activities that have the  potential to interfere with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in the lifecycle of AI.
  • Each Party shall apply this Convention to the activities within the lifecycle of artificial intelligence systems undertaken by public authorities or private actors acting on their behalf.
  • Each Party shall address risks and impacts arising from activities by private actors in a manner conforming with the object and purpose of this Convention.
• Exemptions:

• • Military Applications: Military applications of AI are not covered by the AI convention with Articles 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4 containing exemptions pertaining to the protection of national security interests, research, development and testing, and national defence, respectively. 
  • Private sector: Article 3(b) allows the parties to the treaty the flexibility to exempt private sector in varying  degrees  but without allowing them to completely exempt the private sector.
• General Obligations: It pertains to the protection of human rights (Article 4), the integrity of democratic processes, and respect for the rule of law (Article 5). 
  •  Parties to the convention are expected to take steps against disinformation and deepfakes under Article 5 which  haven’t been addressed specifically.
  • In Article 22, the convention indicates that Parties can go beyond the commitments and obligations specified.

Significance of the AI convention

• Protecting Human Rights: The convention will ensure the protection and application of  the existing human and fundamental rights stay protected during the application of AI systems as well. 
  • The obligations are primarily directed towards governments, which are expected to install effective remedies (Article 14) and procedural safeguards (Article 15).
• Balancing Act:  The  convention itself is the need of the hour because of the balance it codifies between innovation in AI and risks to human rights.
• Comprehensive Approach: The convention aims to mitigate risks from the  use of AI systems for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law particularly at a time when AI regulation regimes are yet to be fully established and technology continues to outpace law and policy.
• Flexibility: The framework convention route allows flexibility to parties even as the basic  core principles and processes by which the objectives are to be realised are encoded. 
  • Parties have the discretion to decide the ways in which to achieve the objectives, depending on their capacities and priorities.
• Act as a catalyst: This convention can catalyse the negotiation of similar conventions at the regional level in other places.
  • As  the U.S. is also a member of the COE, the convention can indirectly affect AI governance in the U.S.A as well, the hotbed of AI Innovations.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

The WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Traditional Knowledge was adopted at a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Diplomatic Conference at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Background of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources

• History: The diplomatic conference marked the final stage of the negotiations that began in 2021. The treaty is borne of a proposal by Colombia in 1999. 
  • This is the 27th treaty under WIPO and the first in the last 10 years.
• First WIPO Treaty: It is the first WIPO treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities. 
  • This is important because under current laws, while genetic resources themselves cannot be patented, inventions developed using them can be protected.
• Role of India in Treaty Negotiations: India played a critical role during these negotiations. India was the only country which prepared a detailed paper on the base text for treaty negotiations. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Significance of the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources for India

• Rich Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge: The new WIPO treaty is important to India as the country holds 7-8 per cent of global biodiversity and a rich repertoire of knowledge based on these genetic resources
• Enhancing Protection: Strengthens Legal Safeguards for India’s Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge against Global Misuse.
  • For example, the patent rights for turmeric, a tropical herb native to East India and widely used as a medicine and food ingredient, were awarded to the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
  • Additionally, India has raised concerns over patents being awarded for Neem and Indian Basmati rice in the past.
• Global  Acknowledgment: The treaty will  incorporate India’s Traditional Knowledge into the International Intellectual Property Framework.

Key Provisions regarding the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge

• Disclosure Requirement: It requires patent applicants to disclose the country of origin or source when their application involves genetic resources.
• Disclosure of Traditional Knowledge Providers: If traditional knowledge linked to genetic resources is involved, the applicant must identify the Indigenous Peoples or local community that provided it.
• Genetic Resources in Patents: Genetic resources, present in entities like medicinal plants and agricultural crops, are frequently used in patented inventions, even though the resources themselves cannot be patented.
• Establishment of Legal Framework: Once 15 contracting parties have ratified it, the Treaty will establish an international legal framework. 
  • This framework will require patent applicants to disclose the origin of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge used in their inventions.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a United Nations specialized agency located  in Geneva, Switzerland, set up by the WIPO Convention in 1967.

• Aim: Its goal is to guide the creation of an international intellectual property (IP) system that promotes innovation and creativity for everyone’s benefit.
• WIPO Membership and Observers: WIPO has 193 member states
  • Palestine has permanent observer status. 
  • WIPO meetings also include 281 NGOs, 47 IGOs, 17 UN system organizations, and 10 IP organizations as official observers. 
  • India joined WIPO in 1975.
• Functions: It serves as a worldwide policy platform where governments, intergovernmental organizations, industry groups, and civil society convene to tackle emerging IP issues.
• Organizational Structure: Member states and observers convene regularly in various standing committees and working groups. 
  • Within these forums, they negotiate adjustments and new regulations essential for keeping the international IP system aligned with a changing world. 
  • This ensures that the system remains dedicated to fostering innovation and creativity.
• Publications: The Global Innovation Index, compiled by INSEAD, Cornell University, and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in addition to other institutions, evaluates countries’ innovation capacity and success.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

WIPO-Administered Treaties:

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, An Incident of multiple blast in boilers has occurred at a chemical factory in Thane District due to which more than 10 people lost their life and around 68 individuals were injured.

Mumbai Boiler Blast

• The explosion occurred in a boiler at Amudan chemicals Private limited, a company that manufactures food colours.
• The Explosives Act, 1884 and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 have been invoked to prosecute the accused due to the presence of reactive peroxide chemicals that caused the incident.
• Boiler in the factory was not registered under the India boiler regulations 1950.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Peroxides

Peroxide chemicals are organic compounds that contain a peroxide functional group, which is characterized by two oxygen atoms bonded together.

• It can be represented as R−O−O−R, where ‘R’ can be any element. 
  • The bond between two oxygen atoms (O−O) is known as a peroxide group or peroxy group.
  • Example: Hydrogen peroxide, benzoyl peroxide.

Properties:

• Peroxides have weaker bonds, making them more reactive and allowing other chemicals to change their structure. 
• Peroxides can be dangerous and can explode when exposed to heat or Friction.

Boilers 

A boiler is a closed vessel that heats water to produce steam, commonly used for heating rooms and heavy fuel oils on ships.

• Legislation & Regulation on Boilers:
  • Indian Boilers Act-1923: The Indian Boilers Act-1923 aims to ensure the safety of life and property from steam boiler explosions and standardize registration and inspection procedures for boilers in India.
  • Features of the Indian Boilers Act-1923: 
    • Owners must apply for boiler inspections, and inspections are conducted according to the Indian Boilers Regulation-1950. 

• • • Certificates are issued for operation for up to 12 months if the boiler passes inspection. 
    • Repairs are required for boilers that do not meet safety standards.

Industrial Accidents

The growth of industries has led to an increase in the risk of occurrence of incidents associated with hazardous chemicals (HAZCHEM) and hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

• These events occur due to mishaps or failures in industry and negligence in following international codes and standards for chemical handling which affects the industrial functioning, and productivity.
• Chemical/ industrial accidents are significant and have a long term impact on the community and environment. 
• It leads to injuries, pain, suffering, loss of lives, damage to property and environment.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Factors Contribute to the Industrial Accidents

• Deficiencies in safety management systems &  Inadequate regulation.
• Human errors: Due to lack of training and awareness & because of informal workforce that may compromise safety standards.
• Equipment and machinery failure 
• Negligence in processing & Handling of chemicals.
• lack of awareness of how to act when a mishap occurs and poor investment in worker safety. 
• lacks a comprehensive database of chemicals used by industry and the risks associated with them.

Major Industrial Incident in India

NDMA estimates that the country reported 130 chemical accidents in the last decade, which claimed more than 250 lives. 

• The horrors of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984 – Methyl Isocyanate leak
• Jaipur oil depot fire of 2009.
• Thane explosion of 2016.
• Visakhapatnam Styrene gas leak of 2020.
• Neyveli Boiler Blast 2020.
• Blaze at a natural gas well in Tinsukia in 2020.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, Twelve nations have signed the Zero Debris Charter at the ESA/EU Space Council to make space activities debris neutral by 2030.

About Zero Debris Charter

• The Zero Debris Charter is written by and for the global space community with the aim of shaping the global consensus on space sustainability.
• The Zero Debris Charter is a world-leading effort to become debris neutral in space by 2030 
• It was unveiled at the ESA Space Summit in Seville meeting in November 2023.
• It emphasizes gathering a wide and varied array of space entities to define ambitious and measurable space debris mitigation and remediation targets.
• Country Involved : Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden and the United Kingdom have all pledged to adhere to the charter.
  • In addition to the 12 countries, the European Space Agency also signed the Zero Debris Charter as an International Organisation (IGO).
• Significance: It will solidify their commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

What is Space Debris? 

Space debris is defined as all non-functional, artificial objects, including fragments and elements thereof, in Earth orbit or re-entering into Earth’s atmosphere. 

• Space debris tracked by radar and optical detectors.
• Human-made space debris dominates over the natural meteoroid environment.
• Space Debris ESA estimates that there are currently more than one million pieces of space debris larger than one cm in Earth orbit. 
  • Each of these objects is capable of causing catastrophic damage to space assets. 
• Risk due to Space Debris : If quick and decisive action is not taken to improve the sustainability of space activities,exponential growth of this debris population will pose an ever-increasing hazard to satellites and astronauts and could render some orbits entirely unusable.

India’s Efforts to mitigate Space Debris

• Debris-Free Space Missions (DFSM) by 2030 : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is committed to ensuring that all future space missions are designed to be debris-free by 2030.
  • This initiative involves incorporating technologies and practices that minimize the generation of new space debris. 
• System for Safe & Sustainable Space Operations Management (IS4OM) : It aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of space operations. 
  • This system improves the tracking, monitoring, and management of space objects to ensure safer space activities. 
• Project NETRA (NEtwork for Space Object TRacking and Analysis) : Project NETRA is ISRO’s space situational awareness initiative focused on tracking and analyzing space objects. 
  • It provides critical data for collision avoidance and debris mitigation, contributing significantly to space safety efforts.
• Space Situational Awareness Control Centre (SSACC): ISRO has set up a SSACC to protect its high-value assets from close approaches and collisions with inactive satellites, pieces of orbiting objects, and even near-earth asteroids.
• Zero Debris Milestone : Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) attained a significant milestone in space debris reduction, stating that its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission left Zero debris in Earth’s orbit

International Efforts to Mitigate Zero Debris

• Currently there are no specific international laws addressing debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), most space-faring nations adhere to Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines 2002, endorsed by the United Nations in 2007. 
• Efforts by Various Space Agencies: 
  • USA: NASA Orbital debris program since 1979. 
  • Japan: Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) and 
  • China: Debris Removal through spacecraft with solar sails. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

A portion of the Virupaksha temple in Karnataka collapsed due to torrential rains recently.

Portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapses

• The temple’s pavilion or the saalu mantap was damaged as a section of pillars holding it collapsed.
• Three metres of the 19-metre-long pavilion, consisting of four pillars, are damaged due to heavy rain.
• Reason: The pavilion was constructed using stone pillars and were subject to very heavy rains in the past, due to which foundation of the pavilion lost its strength gradually, leading to the collapse.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

About Virupaksha Temple

• Origin and Evolution:  The Virupaksha Temple originated in the 7th century AD, making it the oldest and principal temple in Hampi.
  • It gained prominence and underwent extensive expansion in the form of the present temple complex during  14th century under the patronage of  Vijayanagara Empire (1336 to 1646).

• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva.
• Built by: This temple complex was constructed by Lakkan Dandesha, a nayaka (chieftain) of the ruler, Paruda Deva Raya II during the Vijayanagara rule.
• Location: The temple is located located on the south bank of the river Tungabhadra, in Hampi, Vijaynagara district, Karnataka.
• UNESCO Recognition: It belongs to the Group of Monuments at Hampi, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Virupaksha Temple Features: 
  • It is also known as the Pampapathi temple and is the oldest temple in Hampi. The main temple is east facing and has two large courtyards, one leading to the other. 
  • Mathematical Construction: The Temple’s construction and decoration shows repeated patterns which depict the concept of fractals. The temple is triangular in shape.
  • Ranga Mandapa: Krishnadevaraya was instrumental in building the central pillared hall (Ranga Mandapa) in 1510 AD  and the gateway tower, which provides access to the inner courtyard of the temple.
  • Annual Chariot Festival: The month of December witness the betrothal and marriage ceremonies of Lord Virupaksha and Goddess Pampa with the annual Chariot festival held.
  • Architecture Style: Dravidian temple architecture, 
    • It is characterised by grand gopurams (towering gateways) depicting  various deities, mythological scenes and animals,  the shikhara towering over the sanctum sanctorum, and the intricate carvings and pillared halls, an enclosed wall compound and water reservoir.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, As per the prediction of The India Meteorological Department (IMD),  Cyclone Remal hit the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal.  

Cyclone Remal Latest Update

• It caused individuals to lose their lives, power outages, and  inundation of Coastal areas. 
• Remal is expected to steadily consolidate and intensify as it moves into a narrow zone of low wind shear in the northern portion of the Bay of Bengal.

About Cyclone Remal

Cycone remal is a tropical cyclone  in the Northern Indian Ocean (Bay of Bengal). 

• Remal means “sand” in Arabic.
  • It was named by Oman.
• This naming follows a standard protocol for cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Reason behind arrival and formation of Remal Cyclone

There are various reasons behind formation of Remal cyclone

• Sea Surface Warming: One of the main reasons for Remal’s formation and strengthening is the warming of sea water.
• • As the sea surface temperature rises, it provides energy for cyclones to develop and intensify. 
• Low Wind Shear: Strong winds at different altitudes can interfere with cyclone development.
  • Areas with low wind shear create a more favorable environment for a storm to organize and strengthen.
• Moist Atmosphere: Tropical cyclones thrive on moisture in the atmosphere. 
  • Abundant moisture allows for condensation, which releases energy further fueling the storm.
• Atmospheric Instability: Certain atmospheric conditions create instability, allowing warm, moist air to rise rapidly. 
  • This rising air cools and condenses that  forms  clouds and releases  energy that powers the cyclone. 

Impact of Cyclone Remal:

• Cyclone Remal’s landfall brought widespread destruction and disruption to coastal India and Bangladesh.

About Cyclone

Cyclone is a large air mass. It rotates around a central point of low atmospheric pressure.

• When viewed from above. 
  • In the Northern Hemisphere, it rotates Counterclockwise. 
  • In the Southern Hemisphere, it rotates clockwise. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Required condition for a Cyclone:

• Sea surface with high temperature (above 27^0).
• Presence of coriolis effect for the creation of a cyclonic vortex.
• Small variations in the vertical wind speed.
• Latent heat for driving storm’s energy
• Upper level divergence above the Sea Level System. 

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

In April 2024, Zimbabwe rolled out a new gold-backed currency called the ZiG, or Zimbabwe Gold, in an effort to mitigate the currency instability and hyperinflation that has plagued the country for decades.

• The introduction of the world’s newest currency in April inspired a reggae artist to record a song praising the ZiG, or Zimbabwe Gold.

About Zimbabwe’s new gold-backed currency

• Refers: The ZiG is the sixth currency Zimbabwe has used since the 2009 collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar amid hyperinflation of 5 billion percent, one of the world’s worst currency crashes to date.
  • It’s the southern African country’s latest attempt to halt a long-running currency crisis underlining its persistent economic troubles. 
• Aim: It aims to provide a stable and reliable foundation for the currency, which is intended to help control inflation, encourage economic growth, restore public trust and reduce dependence on foreign currencies.
  • The introduction of the Zig represents Zimbabwe’s effort to move away from past economic troubles and establish a more secure monetary future.
• Earlier Attempts: The government had previously floated various ideas to replace the Zimbabwe dollar, including introducing gold coins to stem inflation and even trying out a digital currency.
  • It is a strategic move towards utilizing the country’s gold reserves to instill confidence in its currency.
• Uniqueness: It is unique because it is backed by gold reserves, meaning its value is supported by the physical gold held by the government. 
  • In April, the ZiG started trading with an exchange rate of 13.56 to the US dollar, as set by Zimbabwe’s central bank
• Challenges: To establish credibility and stability, ensure acceptance and achieve economic stabilization amid a high inflation, fiscal deficits and external debt.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, the Indian President highlighted the importance of listening to tribal communities to preserve forests as the collective wisdom accumulated by them over centuries can help to move forward on an ecologically sustainable path.

• Due to the serious challenge of climate change, the SC recently ruled that the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change is a fundamental right under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Indian Tribes Contributions to Forest Preservation

• Sustainable Agricultural & Fishing Practices: 
  • Apatani Tribe: In areas like the Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh, the Apatani tribes are known for their sustainable agriculture practices of wet rice cultivation. 
    • Land irrigation is facilitated by canals dug and linked to streams from hills. Soil fertility is maintained by organic wastes and the recycling of crop residues. 
    • Similarly, native animal populations like the Himalayan squirrel are protected through a mechanism called ‘Dapo’, where the community head lays down rules on hunting and extraction, non-adherence to which can lead to penalties.
  • Kadars: The Kadars of Tamil Nadu pluck fruits and vegetables only from the mature stems of the plant, which are then cut and replanted for future harvest. 
  • Irulas, Muthuvas, and Malayalis: These tribes of South India, follow a mixed cropping system wherein several types of crops are grown simultaneously in a specific area. 
    • This prevents overexploitation of the water table and soil nutrients as different crops have different requirements and in addition, prevents soil erosion. 
  • Gond, Pradhan and Baiga: These communities of Madhya Pradesh undertake Utera farming.
    • • Utera Farming: It is a method where the next seeds are sown in paddy fields before the primary crops are harvested to make use of the existing moisture from the soil before the land dries up. 
    • They also follow the Badi cropping system in which fruit crops and trees are planted along the periphery serving as a barricade from droughts and heavy rains while preventing soil erosion. 
    • Mulching, burning of leaves for residue, and retainment of roots and stumps allow for soil fertility and nutrient cycling. 
  • Wancho and Nocte: These tribes of Arunachal Pradesh create obstructions in streams by using bamboo, stones, coir, and tree branches in which fishes get trapped and are then collected and distributed amongst the communities in a method known as Bheta. 
  • Adi and Galo: They employ Lipum fishing techniques wherein large bamboo baskets lined with seaweed are constructed and placed at the bottom of streams. The seaweed attracts small insects which in turn draw the attention of fishes. 
    • Fishes caught are inspected and juvenile fishes are released back into the stream and also this practice is carried out during the winter months to prevent people from fishing during the breeding season. In this manner, fish populations are kept intact while local needs are fulfilled.
• Preservation of Sacred Groves: 
  • Garasia: The Garasia tribes of Rajasthan are known to have extensive knowledge about the ethnomedicinal plants, many of which are listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species. To protect them, tribal communities have developed patches of forest termed sacred groves for folk deities. 
• Sustainable Utilization & Transhumance: 
  • Bhotias: This tribe of Central Himalayas follow the collection of medicinal plants by inspecting the maturity of the leaves to prevent overharvesting. 
    • Tribe members also cultivate barley and buckwheat in the upper valleys during summer for consumption. Once these crops are harvested, cattle and sheep are allowed to graze on the land. 
    • During this time, the upper valleys are prepared for cultivating crops which are then used once the produce is harvested for grazing activities. 
    • This seasonal cycle of farming and grazing allows for the utilisation of pastures and is called transhumance. 
• Wildlife Protection: 
  • Adi Tribe: In terms of wildlife protection, tribal communities often employ totems and religious beliefs that restrict the culling of animals and certain plants. For the Adi tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, tigers, sparrows, and pangolins are believed to be well-wishers of humankind and hence are not hunted. 
    • It is also believed that cutting down banyan trees can lead to famine and death. 
  • Akas: Mount Vojo Phu is considered a sacred mountain for the Akas, a tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh and hence, access to the mountain is restricted in an effort to help preserve the local flora and fauna.
• For Promotion of Eco-tourism:
  • Angami: Khonoma village in Nagaland (India’s first green village), which is managed by the Angami tribe, promotes community-based eco-tourism while preserving forests and traditional practices.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

The Importance of Protecting Indian Tribes

• Stakeholders of Indigenous Knowledge: It is imperative to focus ecological protection on enhancing tribal communities as they are key stakeholders of indigenous knowledge. 
  • Thus, impetus should be provided to tribal communities to share their knowledge towards conservation and indigenous methods that enable researchers, policymakers, and conservationists. 
• Policy Formulation: Some of their practices have helped formulate policies on conservation. 
  • Example: Indian tribes in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh grow red gram along with rice to prevent soil erosion, these are exchanged with Mahua flowers and black gram to replenish soil fertility. 
    • This sustainable model was borrowed by the Regional Agriculture Station and further refined to propagate sustainable agricultural practices. 
  • Similarly, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) implemented the National Agricultural Technology Project to test out the Utera cropping system in 1999.
• Significant Contributions: Tribal communities constitute around 9% of the Indian population with the majority residing in Central India. These communities have accumulated indigenous knowledge on agriculture and cohabiting that have little consequence on the forest ecosystems.
  • For centuries, Indian tribes have helped preserve natural habitats and promote conservation through sustainable practices in farming, fishing, and cohabiting spaces with wildlife. Their rituals and beliefs further contribute to environmental protection.
• Cost Effective Strategies Providers: Regarding traditional knowledge, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has revealed that indigenous and local communities utilise systems of production that are less damaging to the ecosystem of forests. 
• Recognized by International Community: During the COP26 UN climate summit, a historic pledge (worth $19.2 billion) was made by 100 countries to end deforestation by 2030, and a substantial part of this fund is to be allocated towards supporting indigenous communities.
  • The first ever Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, which assessed the status of biodiversity on the planet, also said that the rate of decline in biodiversity is lower in areas where indigenous people own land. 
    • However, the knowledge and perspective of the indigenous communities is absent in the global approaches to conservation.

Challenges Faced by Indian Tribes

• Displacement and Rehabilitation: The acquisition of tribal land for large-scale industrial projects, such as steel plants, power installations, and dams, has resulted in massive displacement of tribal populations. This disruption forces tribals to migrate to urban areas, where they struggle to adapt to a different way of life.
  • The creation of protected land by the government has led to several displacements and the 2006 Forest Rights Act has been an inadequate response to address land rights, leading to the forced eviction of several tribal dwellers. 
• Threats to Traditional Livelihood Practices: Traditional livelihood practices such as shifting cultivation, hunting and gathering are under threat due to conservation policies and restrictions imposed by forest departments.
  • The Van Gujjars, a semi-nomadic pastoral community in the Himalayas, have faced attempts by forest departments to restrict their entry into forests, which is essential for their transhumance practices.
• Loss of Traditional Knowledge: With the migration of tribals to urban areas in search of better opportunities, there is a risk of losing the traditional knowledge and practices, which poses a significant challenge to the conservation of forests and biodiversity.
  • Tribal life is largely an embodiment of conscious extraction without depletion and a sense of responsibility towards future generations. The Soliga tribes of Karnataka take honey from combs and leave some on forest floors for tiger and bear cubs to consume. 
  • They also light controlled fires to prevent invasive plants that can destroy the forests and thereby affect animal life and the forest food chain. 
• Climate Change: Tribal communities are among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Khasi tribe in Meghalaya has witnessed a decline in their traditional agricultural practices due to changing rainfall patterns and temperature increases.
• Others: Cases of harassment, bribes, delays in claim settlement, and illegal evictions have also been reported. In addition to this, the objective of conservation is also not met.

Way Forward

• Balancing Tradition and Modernity: The dual wheels of development—tradition and modernity—must be balanced to address current environmental challenges. The exploitation of nature in pursuit of modernity has often led to environmental degradation.
  • Embracing traditional wisdom alongside modern practices can foster an ecologically sustainable, ethically desirable, and socially just future.
• Tribal Wisdom for Sustainability: Tribal communities, with their deep-rooted knowledge of nature’s laws, offer invaluable insights into sustainable living.
• Learning Sustainable Practices: Forest officers are encouraged to engage closely with tribal communities, learning from their sustainable practices and helping to elevate their living standards.
• Inclusive Development with Tribal Communities: Ensuring tribal communities’ participation in development processes is crucial for inclusive and sustainable progress.
• Promote Eco-tourism Initiatives: It could provide them with alternative livelihood opportunities while preserving their cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
• Implement Tribal Forest Guardians Program: Under this program, members of tribal communities are trained and employed as forest guards or eco-guides. It can leverage their intimate knowledge of the local ecosystems, promote ownership and provide sustainable livelihoods.
• Tribal Knowledge Banks: There is a need to document and integrate traditional ecological knowledge of tribal communities into modern conservation strategies to achieve a positive gain.
• Forest Product Value Addition and Marketing: There is a need to establish value-addition and marketing initiatives for forest products collected by tribal communities, which can provide sustainable livelihoods while incentivizing the conservation of forest resources by the tribes.
• Strengthening of Participatory Forest Management & Joint Forest Management (JFM) program: It could ensure greater representation and decision-making powers for tribal communities, recognizing their traditional knowledge and practices.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently Meme Coins are Garnering considerable popularity (as their inception is rooted in the burgeoning meme culture on the internet, characterized by humor and levity) within the cryptocurrency realm.

What Are Memecoins And How Do They Work?

The term “meme coin” originated with Dogecoin, conceived as a playful response to the Doge meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog.

• Definition of Memecoins:
  • Meme coins, also known as ‘memetic tokens’ or ‘community coins’, are digital currencies created as a form of satire or humorous tribute to the internet culture. 
  • They often feature quirky names, logos, and branding that reference popular memes, jokes, or internet phenomena. 
  • Presently, the market boasts over 300 different meme coins.
    • For Example: Dogecoin (DOGE), Shiba Inu (SHIB), Retik Finance (RETIK).
• Working of Meme Coins:
  • Meme coins function similarly to traditional cryptocurrencies, leveraging blockchain technology to operate.
  • They are commonly established on platforms like Ethereum and Solana, which facilitate their functionalities. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Advantages and disadvantages of Meme Coins 

Here’s a comprehensive look at the advantages and disadvantages of meme coins:

Also Read: E-Rupee’s Journey: Struggles In Trial Phases

DOWNLOAD PDF