Jul 24 2024

Polavaram Irrigation Project

Polavaram Irrigation Project

  • The Finance Minister stated that the government is fully committed to completing and financing the Polavaram irrigation project.

 Polavaram irrigation project: 

  • About: The project is a multi-purpose irrigation development under construction on the Godavari River, spanning the Eluru and East Godavari districts in Andhra Pradesh. 
    • It has been designated as a National project by the Union Government of India.
  • Objectives: Develop irrigation, hydropower, and drinking water facilities in East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, and Krishna districts.
    • Generate 960 MW of hydropower and supply water to 28.5 lakh people in 611 villages.
    • Achieve irrigation potential of 4.368 lakh hectares.
    • Implement the Godavari-Krishna link, transferring 80 TMC of surplus water to Krishna River, shared by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Angel Tax

Angel Tax

  • Recently, the Union Minister for Finance proposed abolishing the ‘angel tax’ for all types of investors during the presentation of the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament.

Angel Tax: 

  • About: The ‘angel tax’ was applied to capital raised by unlisted companies from Indian investors if the share price exceeded the company’s fair market value. 
    • Funds raised above this fair value were considered income and subjected to tax.
  • Origins: It originates from Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961, and was first introduced in 2012 to prevent black money laundering through share sales.
  • Levy: It was charged at a rate of 30.9% on the net investments exceeding the fair market value.
  • Exemption: In 2019, the Government exempted startups from Angel Tax if:
    • They are recognized by DPIIT.
    • Their paid-up share capital and share premium do not exceed ₹25 crores, excluding funds from NRIs, venture capital firms, and specified companies.
    • Angel investors can claim a 100% tax exemption on investments exceeding the fair market value. 
    • However, the investor must have a net worth of ₹2 crores or an income of over ₹25 lakh in the past three fiscal years.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)

WIPO

  • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and WIPO signed a Letter of Intent to develop joint innovation programs in the Global South.

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

  • About: AIM is the Government of India’s flagship initiative, established in 2016 under NITI Aayog, to foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.

World Intellectual Property Organization:

  • Establishment: It was established by the WIPO Convention in 1967. this United Nations (UN) agency promotes creative activity and the protection of intellectual property worldwide. 
  • Members: It currently has 193 member states, including India. 
    • While all UN member states can join specialised agencies, they are not obligated to do so.

Purvodaya

  • In the Budget speech, the Finance Minister said, Government will formulate a plan, Purvodaya, for the all-round development of the eastern region of the country.

About Purvodaya: 

The ‘Purvodaya’ concept was first publicly aired by PM Modi during a meeting in Paradip in 2015, after he had dedicated a refinery to the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).

  • The Government of India will formulate a plan ‘Purvodaya’ for the all-round development of the eastern region of the country covering:
    • Bihar 
    • Jharkhand 
    • West Bengal 
    • Odisha
    • Andhra Pradesh.  
  • This will cover human resource development, infrastructure, and generation of economic opportunities to make the region an engine to attain Viksit Bharat.

Curiosity Rover

Curiosity Rover

  • The NASA Curiosity rover uncovered yellowish-green sulphur crystals on Mars by accidentally cracking open a rock, marking the first discovery of its kind.

Findings:

  • Discovery: The sulphur rocks, exposed when the rover accidentally crushed a rock, showed a crystalline texture and yellowish-green colour, contrasting sharply with Mars’ typical orange landscape.
  • Past Finds: This discovery parallels NASA’s Spirit rover’s 2007 find of pure silica, suggesting the presence of past hot springs on Mars.

About Sulfur:

  • Appearance: Yellow crystalline solid at room temperature.
  • Natural Occurrence: Found in minerals, ores, and biological compounds; common in volcanic regions.
  • Biological Role: Essential for amino acids (cysteine and methionine), vitamins, coenzymes, and cellular processes.
  • Industrial Uses: Used to produce sulfuric acid, fertilizers, refine petroleum, and as a fungicide.
  • Compounds: Includes sulfur dioxide (SO₂), sulfur trioxide (SO₃), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).
  • Physical Properties: Insoluble in water, soluble in carbon disulfide; melting point of 115.21°C.
  • Health Impact: Can be toxic in high concentrations; sulfur compounds may cause respiratory issues and irritation.

Tinzaparin

  • Researchers have made an exciting discovery related to cobra venom and a commonly used blood thinner called tinzaparin.

Findings:

  • Tinzaparin, a drug used to prevent blood clots, can reduce cell damage from spitting cobra venom.
    • It does it by blocking the interaction between venom and its cellular receptor. 
    • Tinzaparin mimics heparan sulphate, tricking the body into stopping the production of heparan sulphate.
  • Animal Testing: During the research, Mice was injected with cobra venom and tinzaparin. 
    • The mice with tinzaparin had less skin damage compared to those without the drug.

 

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In the Union Budget 2024-25, it was announced that the government would develop a ‘Climate Finance Taxonomy’ to boost capital availability for climate adaptation and mitigation, aiding India’s green transition and climate commitments.

Climate Finance Taxonomy/ Green taxonomies

  • About: A climate finance taxonomy is a system that classifies which parts of the economy may be marketed as sustainable investments. 
    • It refers to a set of standardised regulations and guidelines to inform companies and investors on making impactful investments towards environmental conservation and combating the climate crisis.
    • This initiative of Climate Finance Taxonomy will support achievement of the country’s climate commitments and green transition.
  • Derived from: The term ‘taxonomy‘ originally comes from the field of biology. 
    • It is the scientific method of naming and classifying organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms.
  • Countries that have established Taxonomies: Countries that have developed taxonomies to facilitate climate-sensitive investments include South Africa, Colombia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. Additionally, China, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka have also issued green taxonomies for this purpose.
  • Impact of adopting green taxonomies on India:
    • Attract International Climate Funds: A taxonomy could help increase foreign climate investments, addressing the current shortfall in green finance.
      • Currently, green finance flows in India only account for around 3% of total FDI inflows to India, according to the Landscape of Green Finance in India 2022 report, published by Climate Policy Initiative.
    • Clarify Sustainable Activities: Provide clear definitions and criteria, overcoming the existing ambiguity in what constitutes sustainable activity.

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Role of Taxonomies in Climate Finance

  • Standards for Financial Instruments: Establish criteria for classifying climate-related investments such as green bonds.  
  • Climate Risk Management: Aid in assessing and managing risks associated with climate change.
  • Net-Zero Transition Planning: Support planning and implementation strategies for achieving net-zero emissions.
  • Climate Disclosure: Facilitate transparent reporting and disclosure of climate-related financial information.
  • Alignment with Science-Based Pathways: Ensure that economic activities meet credible, science-based transition pathways.
  • Boost Deployment of Climate Capital: Encourage investment in climate-related projects and initiatives.
  • Reduce Greenwashing Risks: Minimise the chances of misleading claims about environmental benefits.

Potential for Green Investments in India

  • Total Climate-Smart Investment Potential: India has a climate-smart investment potential of $ 3.1 trillion from 2018 to 2030, according to a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
  • Electric Vehicle Sector: The largest space for investment is in the electric-vehicle segment, at $ 667 billion as India aims to electrify all of its new vehicles by 2030.
  • Renewable Energy Sector: Significant investment avenue, with potential valued at $403.7 billion.

India’s Climate Commitments 

  • Net Zero Economy: India aims to achieve a net-zero economy by 2070. 
    • According to the IFC, India needs an estimated $10.1 trillion to achieve net-zero by 2070. Public investments alone can’t match this goal, which calls for standardisation in investments.
  • Reduce Emissions Intensity: It has also pledged to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030, from the 2005 level. 
    • India has committed to achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030 as well.

Measures Taken by India to Set Up a Green Taxonomy

  • Task Force on Sustainable Finance: It was established in January 2021 under the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance. 
    • Its objectives include creating a framework for sustainable finance, establishing pillars for a sustainable finance roadmap, drafting a taxonomy of sustainable activities, and developing a risk assessment framework for the financial sector.
  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Initiatives:
    • RBI Joined the Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) as a member.
    • RBI Participates in the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s task force on climate-related financial risks.
    • It also engages with the International Platform on Sustainable Finance.

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Conclusion

While the budget announcement on the green taxonomy is a step forward, it lacks specific timelines for implementation and details on carbon pricing mechanisms.

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The budget allocated for MGNREGA for FY 2024-2025 in this year’s Budget is at Rs 86,000 crore, which remains unchanged since last year from 2023-2024.

  • Expenditure: 44 percent of the Rs 86,000 crore allocated to MGNREGA in the 2024-25 budget has already been spent and the total expenditure on MGNREGA was nearly Rs 1.2 lakh crore last year.
  • Reason: The Union Government in their analysis of MGNREGA in Economic Survey 2024 has concluded that demand for MGNREGA work and fund utilisation by states cannot be a  determinant to regard MGNREGA as an indicator of Rural distress.

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Key Highlights from the Economic Survey 2024 on MGNREGA

  • Not an Indicator of Rural Distress: The Survey stated that utilisation of funds and generation of employment are not proportional to poverty levels in a state and job demand under MGNREGS is not a real indicator of rural distress.
    • The Correlation Coefficient: It is calculated to be only 0.3, between state-wise multidimensional poverty index and person-days generated, and indicates that MGNREGS fund usage and employment generation are not proportional to poverty levels.
  • Supporting Argument: It cites data from Management Information System (MIS) and notes in a state-wise comparison that,
    • Tamil Nadu (less than one per cent of India’s poor population) and Kerala (0.1 per cent of poor population) had spent almost 15 per cent and four per cent of the total MGNREGS funds in FY 2023-2024.
      • The two states alone were responsible for generating 510 million person-days of employment under the poverty alleviation scheme. 
    • Whereas, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh comprising 20 per cent and 25 per cent share of India’s poor people respectively  amounted to 6 per cent and 11 per cent utilisation of MGNREGS funds respectively generating 530 million person-days of employment. 
  • Reason Affecting the State-wise MGNREGS fund usage: 
    • Ad hoc Minimum Wage Fixation: Scheme Data shows no corelation between Minimum Wage fixated by states and the per capita income or poverty headcount ratio. 
      • States such as Haryana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and others have notified high MGNREGA wage rates relative to their per-capita incomes which will be borne by the centre.
      • MGNREGA provisions permit states to decide their own minimum wage which aim to serve as an ideal measure for local employment opportunities, per-capita incomes and alternative income sources.
    • Incapacity of State’s Institution: States with low per capita incomes and high poverty levels often saw weaker institutions resulting in access to fewer funds per work executed, thereby generating less employment per capita for the rural poor.
      • States with higher institutional capacities plan and coordinate better, executing costlier works in rural infrastructure or natural resources management. 
        • Example: Puducherry, Haryana, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu tapped more funds with Rs 8.96 lakh, Rs 4.89 lakh, Rs 2.76 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per work. 
      • Whereas, lower-income states have a higher proportion of “individual works” (50 per cent or more), which are less costly and require less planning
        • Example: UP (1 million work days), Karnataka (0.9 million work days) and MP (0.777 million work days) used less MGNREGS funds per work that is Rs 0.93 lakh, Rs 0.55 lakh and Rs 0.72 lakh respectively. 
    • Timely Registering of the Demand: 
      • The Economic Survey suggests that there lies issues at the block-level, where the functionaries may not register the demand in real-time as the work demanded only reflects on the portal once the employment is actually received by the beneficiary. 
        • Thus the work demanded on the portal is de facto equivalent to work provided and not the “real” demand and does not show the current rural economic distress. 

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Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA):

  • Nodal Ministry: It is one of the largest work guarantee programmes in the world launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development
  • Objective: To guarantee 100 days of employment in every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.
  • Legal Right to Work: 
    • Unlike earlier employment guarantee schemes, the act aims at addressing the causes of chronic poverty through a rights-based framework
    • At least one-third of beneficiaries have to be women.
    • Minimum Wages: Wages must be paid according to the statutory minimum wages specified for agricultural labourers in the state under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
  • Demand-Driven Scheme: The most important part of MGNREGA’s design is its legally-backed guarantee for any rural adult to get work within 15 days of demanding it, failing which an ‘unemployment allowance’ must be given.

 

Unemployment

  • Unemployment refers to a situation where a person 16 years and above actively searches for employment but is unable to find work.
    • Exclusions: The unemployment definition doesn’t include people who leave the workforce for reasons such as retirement, higher education, and disability.

Types: 

  • Demand deficient unemployment: When there is an overall reduction in the demand experienced by businesses for their products or services (recession) they respond by cutting back on their production, making it necessary to reduce their workforce within the organization ie. workers are laid off.
  • Frictional unemployment: It refers to those workers who are in between switching jobs. It is not an unhealthy thing because it is usually caused by workers trying to find a job that is most suitable for their skills.
  • Structural unemployment: Structural unemployment happens when the skills set of a worker does not match the skills demanded by the jobs available, or alternatively when workers are available but are unable to reach the geographical location of the jobs.
    • It is also a result of technological change in the organization, such as workflow automation that displaces the need for human labor.
  • Voluntary unemployment: Voluntary unemployment happens when a worker decides to leave a job because it is no longer financially compelling. An example is a worker whose take-home pay is less than his or her cost of living.

 

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The Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the Centre’s 2022 decision to conditionally approve the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard crops.

Background on GM Mustard Approval

  • On October 18, 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), a regulatory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, recommended the environmental release of transgenic mustard hybrid DMH-11.
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee

  • It is a statutory body. 
  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
  • It evaluates environmental impact of large scale use of hazardous microorganisms and recombinants in the research and industry. 
  • At present, it has 24 members.
  • Meeting: This committee meets monthly to review applications related to responsibilities falling in committee’s areas. 
  • The Centre approved this recommendation on October 25, 2022.
  • National Policy on GM Crops
    • The Supreme court directed the Centre to create a national policy for GM crops.
    • This policy should cover research, cultivation, trade, and commerce related to GM crops.

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GM Mustard (DMH-11)

  • Dhara Mustard Hybrid-11 (DMH-11)  is a genetically modified hybrid variety of the mustard species Brassica juncea.
  • Characteristics: This variant is herbicide tolerant (HT).
  • GM Mustard ApprovalParent Varieties of GM Mustard
    • Varieties Used
      • Indian Mustard: ‘Varuna’
      • East European Mustard: ‘Early Heera-2’
    • Cross-Breeding: The GM mustard is created by crossing these two varieties.
  • Genetic Modification in Mustard
    • Barnase and Barstar: Two genes are used in the modification.
      • Source: These genes come from the soil bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
    • Purpose
      • High-Yield Hybrids: The genes help create high-yielding commercial mustard hybrids.
  • Genetic Purity: The “bar gene” maintains the genetic purity of hybrid seed.

What is Genetically Modified (GM)?

  • Genetically modified (GM) refers to the process of transferring genes between organisms using laboratory techniques.
Other Methods of Genetic Modification

  • Mutational Breeding: An established method for changing genomes.
  • Genome Editing: A newer method
  • Techniques: These techniques include cloning genes, splicing DNA segments together, and inserting genes into cells, collectively known as recombinant DNA technology.
  • GM Crops
    • GM MustardGM crops are plants used in agriculture that have had their DNA modified using genetic engineering methods.
    • Purpose: The goal is usually to introduce a new trait that doesn’t occur naturally in the plant species.
  • Examples of GM Crop Traits
    • Food Crops: Traits include resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental conditions, reduced spoilage, resistance to herbicides, and improved nutrient profiles.
    • Non-Food Crops: Traits include production of pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and other industrially useful products, as well as for bioremediation.
  • GM Crop Cultivation in India

    • Cotton : Bt Cotton, the first GM crop in India, began commercial cultivation in 2002-2003.
      • Adoption: By 2014, 96% of cotton cultivation was Bt Cotton, making India a major GM crop producer.
    • Mustard: GEAC approved two GM mustard varieties for environmental release to develop new hybrids.
    • Brinjal : GEAC approved Bt Brinjal for evaluation, but the move was stopped due to public backlash.
    • Ongoing Research : Research is ongoing for GM seeds of rice, wheat, sugarcane, potato, pigeon pea, lentils, chickpeas, and bananas.

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Advantages of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

  • Insect Resistance
    • Toxin Production: GM crops can produce toxins from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to combat insect pests.
    • Reduced Insecticide Use: These crops often need fewer insecticides.
  • Virus Resistance: GM crops can resist viruses by incorporating genes from the viruses themselves.
  • Herbicide Tolerance : Some GM crops can tolerate herbicides thanks to a gene from a bacterium that makes them resistant.
  • Addressing Poverty and Hunger : GM crops increase yields, which boosts farmers’ incomes and improves food security, aiding in the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
    • Low Production Costs : GM crops typically cost less to produce because they naturally resist pests and insects.
  • Drought Tolerance: GM crops are beneficial in drought-prone areas or regions with poor soil quality.
  • Reduced Spoilage: GM crops often have a longer shelf life and better taste, reducing the likelihood of spoilage.
  • Enhanced Nutritional Value: Genetic modification can increase the nutritional content of foods.

Challenges Associated with Genetically Modified (GM) Crops

  • Ecological Concerns
    • Gene Flow: Cross-pollination can lead to the spread of resistant traits to weeds, making them hard to eliminate.
    • Biodiversity Erosion: GM crops might reduce biodiversity and contaminate the gene pools of endangered plant species.
  • Nutritional Concerns : Focus on yield, lifespan, and pest resistance can sometimes reduce the nutritional value of crops.
  • Economic Concerns: Promises of stress tolerance, better nutrition, and higher yields have often proven untrue, as seen with Bt cotton in India.
  • Chemical Usage (Herbicide Use): Glyphosate, commonly used on GM crops, is considered a probable human carcinogen.
  • Health Concerns
    • Toxicity: There are concerns that GM foods might lead to diseases resistant to antibiotics.
    • Heavy Metal Concentration: Some GM crops can absorb heavy metals from the soil, concentrating them in the plant tissue.

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Acts and Rules Regulating GM Crops in India

  • Key Legislations
    • Environment Protection Act, 1986 (EPA)
    • Biological Diversity Act, 2002
    • Plant Quarantine Order, 2003
    • GM Policy under Foreign Trade Policy
    • Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006
    • Drugs and Cosmetics Rule (8th Amendment), 1988
  • Broad Coverage of Rules
    • Research and Development: Covers all activities related to the research and development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
    • Field and Clinical Trials: Includes regulations for field and clinical trials involving GMOs.
    • Release of GMOs: Addresses both deliberate and unintentional release of GMOs into the environment.
    • Trade and Manufacture: Regulates the import, export, and manufacture of GMOs.
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In the Union Budget of 2024, Corridor Projects were announced for the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. 

  • The project will be modelled on the successful Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, aiming to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations.
  • The two temples are located around 10km from each other

About The Vishnupad Temple at Gaya

Vishnupad Temple at Gaya

  • Presiding Deity: Lord Vishu.
  • Location: It is situated on the banks of the Phalgu river in Gaya district of  Bihar, India.
  • Built by: The temple was built in 1787 on the orders of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Ahmadnagar.
  • Architecture: The temple is around 100 feet tall and has 44 pillars built of large gray granite blocks (Munger Black stone) jointed with iron clamps. The octagonal shrine faces east.
  • Myth: As per popular legend, It is a place where Lord Vishnu put his right foot atop the demon Gayasur’s head and pinned him to the paatal lok underground. 
    • Dharamshila: A 40cm-long imprint of a foot incised into a block of basalt, known as Dharmasila is believed to mark that spot.
  • Important month: Devotees visit the temple during pitra paksh (a period in the Hindu calendar when people take part in rituals to remember their ancestors) as Lord Rama went to Gaya to do pind-daan of his father Dashrath
  • Traditional Priest: The Brahma Kalpit Brahmins, who are also known as Gayawal Brahmins are the traditional priests of the temple from the ancient times.

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Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya

Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya

  • Location: Bodh Gaya, In the Gaya district of Bihar.
    • The temple stands to the east of the Mahabodhi Tree, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained nirvana. 
  • Recognition: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • Built by: The Mahabodhi Temple Complex is the first temple built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. and the present temple dates from the 5th–6th centuries.
  • Architecture: The temple has a unique shape and a height of 170 feet and is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick, still standing, showing significant influence in the development of brick architecture over the centuries.
  • The Complex: 
    • The Main Temple: The grand Temple is  50m high and is built in the classical style of Indian temple architecture. It has entrances from the east and from the north and has a low basement with mouldings decorated with honeysuckle and geese design.
      • Shikharas: The temple includes two large straight-sided shikhara towers, the largest over 55 metres (180 feet) high inspiring the development of Pagodas style of structure.
    •  The  Vajrasana (the Diamond Throne): It was originally installed by Emperor Asoka to mark the spot where Buddha sat and meditated
    • Sacred Bodhi Tree and other six sacred sites of Buddha’s enlightenment, surrounded by numerous ancient Votive stupas.
    • A seventh sacred place, the Lotus Pond, is located outside the enclosure to the south

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Recent Religious Corridor Projects in India

  • Religious Corridors development aims to enrich the spiritual journey of devotees while concurrently fostering economic and social advantages for the respective regions.
  • Examples:
    • The Ram Mandir Complex, Ayodhya: The consecration ceremony was conducted in january 2024 by the PM marking the grand opening of the most  magnificent religious corridor project implemented by The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. 
    • Kartarpur Corridor: It was inaugurated in November 2019, the Kartarpur Corridor which links Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in district Narowal, Pakistan (the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev) to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district.
    • The Somnath Promenade Corridor: Multiple projects in Somnath, Gujrat  were inaugurated in August 2021, laying the foundation stone for the development of Shree Parvati Temple and  include temple construction in Sompura Salats Style, development of Garbha Griha and Nritya Mandap.
      • The promenade begins from Sagar Darshan, the guest house beside the temple, and culminates at the Triveni Sangam ( the confluence of the Hiran, Kapila and the mythical Saraswati rivers)
    • Kashi Vishwanath Corridor: Inaugurated by the PM in December 2021, at Varanasi encompasses the ancient Kashi temple devoted to Lord Shiva.
    • Mahakal Corridor: Prime Minister Modi had inaugurated the Mahakal Corridor in October 2022 which is devoted to Lord Shiva’s temple Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple (1 of 12 Jyotirlingas)  in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh in Central India.
      • Ujjain is also a site of the mega religious congregation, Simhasth (Kumbh) which occurs every 12 years.
    • Mathura-Vrindavan corridor: It will cover the region around the Banke Bihari temple and will be built on the lines of the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple Corridor offering  devotees three convenient routes to reach the Krishna temple and will be funded by the UP government.
  • Upcoming Corridors: 
    • Shree Mandira Parikrama Project (SMPP), Puri redeveloping The Jagannath Temple
    • Sri Chaitanya Chandrodaya Mandir, Mayapur: It is being developed by ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) and will serve as a tribute to the revered Pancha-tattva deities (Radha Madhava, Nrisimhadeva, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu).
      • It is situated at the confluence of the Ganges and Jalangi rivers in the Nadia district. 

 

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Researchers have used James Webb Space Telescope observations to conduct detailed examinations of the atmospheric conditions on brown dwarfs, specifically a pair that orbit each other around six light years from Earth, quite close by cosmic standards. 

  • A light-year is the distance light travels in a year, 5.9 trillion miles (9.5 trillion km).

About the Findings on Atmospheric Conditions on Brown Dwarfs

The two brown dwarfs examined by Webb formed about 500 million years ago. Each has a diameter comparable to Jupiter’s. One is 35 times more massive than Jupiter, and the other 30 times. As per researchers, in this study, they created the most detailed ‘weather maps’ for any brown dwarf to date.

  • On Weather Change: The Webb data provided a three-dimensional look at how the weather changed over the course of a brown dwarf’s rotation.
    • The larger of the two taking seven hours and the smaller five hours with multiple layers of clouds found at different atmospheric depths.
  • Atmosphere: It is highly complex. Webb helps to understand these atmospheres by providing unprecedented wavelength range and sensitivity.
    • These different wavelengths allow researchers to monitor the atmosphere from very deep to very shallow.
    • If one could actually directly see the cloud-top structure, then probably would be able to see bands and vortices, like the Great Red Spot similar to Jupiter.
  • Gases Present: Both have atmospheres dominated by hydrogen and helium, with trace amounts of water vapor, methane and carbon monoxide. 
  • Temperature: The temperature at their cloud tops was about 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit (925 degrees Celsius), similar to a candle flame.
  • Significance: In the future, similar techniques could be used to study weather on potentially habitable exoplanets (planets beyond our solar system).

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About Brown Dwarfs

Brown Dwarfs

These are celestial bodies that are bigger than a planet but smaller than a star – closest to us and are relatively common and about 1,000 are known.

  • Size: Range between that of a giant planet like Jupiter and a small star and mass is up to 80 times greater than Jupiter’s. By comparison, the sun’s mass is about 1,000 times greater than Jupiter’s.
  • Composition: Their composition is similar to gas giant planets like Jupiter. 
  • Clouds by Precipitation: Like planets, but unlike stars, brown dwarfs can also have clouds made out of precipitates in their atmospheres. 
    • Unlike Earth’s water clouds, the clouds on brown dwarfs are much hotter and likely made up of hot silicate particles – kind of like a very hot Saharan dust storm.
  • Composed Elements: They retain lighter elements such as hydrogen and helium more effectively than planets and have a relatively low metal content.
  • Emit Light: They give off their own light due to their sheer heat, just like embers in a fire glowing red because of how hot they are. 
    • Unlike stars, brown dwarfs do not have nuclear fusion occurring at their core.
      • They do not have enough mass for their cores to burn nuclear fuel and radiate starlight, which is why they are sometimes referred to as “failed stars”.

About James Webb Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope is an orbiting infrared observatory that will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope, with longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity.

  • Developed by:  NASA with the assistance of the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency.
  • Launched in: It was launched in 2021, with the mission duration of 5-10 years.
  • Location in Space: It is placed at Lagrange point 2, approximately 1.5 million km beyond Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
  • Size: Webb’s primary mirror is approximately 6.5 metres in diameter, giving it a significantly larger collecting area than the mirrors of the current generation of space telescopes.
  • Wavelength: It will provide wavelength coverage from 0.6 to 28 microns (the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum).
  • Objectives: 
    • Search for the first galaxies and luminous objects formed after the Big Bang.
    • Determine how galaxies evolved from their formation until now.
    • Observe the formation of stars from the first stages to the formation of planetary systems.
    • Measure the physical and chemical properties of planetary systems, including our own Solar System, and investigate the potential for life in those systems.

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For the first time ever, the Economic Survey 2023-24, tabled in Parliament discusses extensively about mental health, its significance, and its implications on policy recommendations.

Mental Well-Being

Economic Survey 2024

  • Concept: Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. 
    • It is an integral component of health and a basic human right. 
    • Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders.
  • Interconnected Aspects: Mental well-being is intertwined with physical, social, and emotional health.
  • Range of Mental Health Conditions: Mental health conditions include mental disorders, psychosocial disabilities, and mental states associated with significant distress, impairment in functioning, or risk of self-harm.
  • Impact of Mental Health Concerns: Mental health concerns, from minor stressors to severe disorders, can have an impact throughout an individual’s lifetime.

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Mental Health Issues through the lens of Economics

  • Productivity Losses: The Economic Survey points out that at an aggregate economic level, mental health disorders are associated with significant productivity losses due to 
    • Absenteeism, 
    • Decreased productivity, 
    • Disability,
    • Increased healthcare costs, etc. 
  • Poverty and Mental Health: There is also evidence of poverty affecting the risk of mental health via stressful living conditions, financial instability, and a lack of opportunities for upward mobility, which contribute to heightened psychological distress.

National Prevalence of Mental Health

  • Mental health is recognized as a significant driver of both individual and national development 
  • As per the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16.
    • 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders.
    • Treatment gap for mental disorders ranges between 70% and 92%, depending on the disorder.
  • Urban vs. Rural Disparities: Mental morbidity prevalence is higher in urban metro regions (13.5%) compared to:
    • Rural areas (6.9%)
    • Urban non-metro areas (4.3%)
  • Adolescent Mental Health: As per the NCERT’s Mental Health and Well-being of School Students Survey, there is an increasing prevalence of poor mental health among adolescents, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • 11% of students report feeling anxious.
    • 14% report experiencing extreme emotions.
    • 43% experience mood swings.

Key initiatives and Policies Taken by the Government for Mental Health

Recognizing mental health as a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, the Survey underscores key initiatives and policies taken by the Government in this regard:

  • National Mental Health Programme: Under this programme, Central funds to districts under the national health mission for integrating mental health at primary healthcare level and improving mental health infrastructure.
    • Under the District Mental Health Programme of this scheme,  more than 1.73 lakh Sub Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, Urban PHCs and Urban Health and Wellness Centres were upgraded to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs providing mental health services.
  • Manodarpan (Counselling during COVID-19) : It is a Web Page and national toll-free helpline for seeking psychological support for students.
  • National Tele Mental Health Programme: This programme aims to provide Universal Access to mental health counselling through Toll-free number.
  • Increasing Mental Health Personnel: 
    • 25 Centres of Excellence were sanctioned to increase PG students’ intake,
    • Mental health services provisioned for 22 AIIMS
    • Three Digital Academies providing online training courses to general healthcare medical and paramedical professionals set up.
  • Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram: This programme was designed for the Holistic development of the adolescent population.
    • Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHC) and Peer education programmes were conducted across the country.
  • Ayushman Bharat School  Health & Wellness  Programme: For the Sensitising and training Health and Wellness Ambassadors (teachers).
  • Use of ICT: Live interactive sessions SAHYOG through PM eVidya DTH channels, yoga sessions, etc. for providing support to the children of our country.

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Global Initiatives on Mental Health

  • Mental Health as a Human Right: The UN Human Rights Office has recognised Mental health as a fundamental human right.
  • World Mental Health Day: It is observed on 10th October every year for raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilising efforts and resources in support of mental health.
  • WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Action Plan 2013-2020: This Plan was adopted by the 66th World Health Assembly.
    • The action plan recognizes the essential role of mental health in achieving health for all people. 
    • It is based on a life-course approach, aims to achieve equity through universal health coverage and stresses the importance of prevention.
  • Mental Health Atlas: The Mental Health Atlas was launched by WHO in 2017 and is released every three years.
    • It is a compilation of data provided by countries around the world on mental health policies, legislation, financing, human resources, availability and utilisation of services and data collection systems.
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): Suicide prevention is included in the Sustainable Development Goals 3.

Policy Recommendations on Mental Health

The Economic Survey of 2024 stresses on proper implementation of the programmes to accelerate the improvements made in mental healthcare on the ground and address gaps in the existing programmes to maximise their effectiveness.

Some of the important policy recommendations included in the latest Economic Survey are as follows:

  • Increasing Mental Health Professionals: Redoubling efforts to increase the number of psychiatrists, from 0.75 psychiatrists per lakh population in 2021 to the WHO norm of 3 per lakh population
  • Developing comprehensive guidelines for the excellence centres’ services: alongside mental healthcare professionals and users to understand their needs.
  • Program Evaluation and Feedback: Assessing the effectiveness of the programmes by gathering feedback from the users, professionals, and stakeholders to make necessary changes and meet the needs of a wider population.
  • Community Support and De-stigmatization: Nurturing peer support networks, self-help groups, and community-based rehabilitation programmes can help de-stigmatization of mental disorders and develop a sense of belonging.
  • Collaboration and Partnerships: Partnering with NGOs to scale up efforts, share knowledge, and leverage resources to enhance future policies, to aid in identifying areas of improvement.
  • Person-Centric and Recovery-Oriented Services: Involving individuals with personal experience with mental health problems in decision-making, service planning, and advocacy efforts can increase the person-centricity and recovery orientation of mental healthcare services
  • Early Identification and School-Based Interventions: Sensitization of mental health at the preschool, Anganwadi level to provide precious early identification of disorders.
  • Public Health Approaches: 
    • Standardisation of guidelines for mental-health services across government and private sector
    • A bottom-up, whole-of-community approach in addressing the topic of mental health and breaking the stigma.

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The recent Economic Survey 2023-24 addresses what developed nations often refuse to acknowledge and what India has always advocated — accepted climate-suitable pathways need to account for a variety of approaches with optimality at their core.

Crucial Insights on the Climate Aspect of the Economic Survey

Climate Change

The Survey mentioned that the hallmark of India’s growth strategy is to manage the impact of climate change and at the same time give desired focus to developmental priorities.

  • A Responsible Nation: A recent report by the International Finance Corporation highlighted that India is the only G20 nation in line with the 2-degree Celsius global warming cap, and is in mission-mode to fight climate change.
  • Rising Energy Demands: In view of India’s growing developmental priorities, the country’s energy needs are expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047. 
  • Contribution by GDP: India’s total adaptation-relevant expenditure has increased from 3.7% of GDP in 2015-16 to 5.60% of the GDP in 2021-2022, indicating integration of climate resilience and adaptation into development plans.
    • India’s GDP between 2005 and 2019 has grown with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 7%, whereas the emissions grew at a CAGR of about 4% i.e., the rate of emissions growth is lower than the rate of growth of our GDP. 
      • This shows that India has successfully decoupled its economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the emission intensity of its GDP.

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Significant Progress Made by India on Climate Action

Climate Change and Mitigation Measures

In recent years, the urgency of addressing climate change has become increasingly evident, propelling nations worldwide to commit to ambitious clean energy targets. Among these nations, India has emerged as a pioneer in sustainable development and climate action.

  • Reduction of Emission: Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in the World, India’s annual per capita carbon emission is only about one-third of the global average.
    • India has successfully reduced the emission intensity vis-à-vis its GDP by 33% between 2005 and 2019, thus achieving the initial Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) target for 2030, 11 years ahead of scheduled time.
  • Progress on Renewable Energy: India has achieved 40% of electric installed capacity through non-fossil fuel sources, nine years ahead of the target for 2030. 
    • Between 2017 and 2023, India has added around 100 GW of installed electric capacity, of which around 80% is attributed to non-fossil fuel based resources.
    • As of 31 May 2024, the share of non-fossil sources in the installed electricity generation capacity has reached 45.4% up from 32% in April 2014.
  • Rise in Tree and Forest Cover: India is also on track to make an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes through tree and forest cover by 2030, with a carbon sink of 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent having already been created from 2005 to 2019.
  • Well Performer: India has ranked 7th in a report, Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2024, published on the sidelines of the COP28 in Dubai.
    • India is effectively in fourth position, as the first three ranks in the ‘very high’ performance category remained vacant.

About India’s Climate Policy

India’s commitment to climate action traces back to the inception of the National Committee for Environmental Planning and Coordination (NCEPC) in February 1972.

Climate Change and Mitigation Measures

  • In 1972, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi addressed the Stockholm conference, outlining India’s climate stance as well as that of the global south.
  • In the 1990s, new policies emerged worldwide in many areas, including the environment. 
    • The 1992 Rio Summit saw the emergence of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity and Forest Principles. 
    • India has developed its policy response through missions and programmes to reduce its climate vulnerability. On 30th June 2008, the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was released. 
      • India’s climate policy has always been clear, consistent, and coordinated.
      • India’s efforts to address climate change are immediate, ambitious, and planned, covering every sector of its economy.
  • Statute: After the Rio Summit, the climate change and biodiversity divisions in India’s then Ministry of Environment and Forests came to life slowly and steadily.
  • Vision: India’s climate policy is shaped by its vision of inclusive growth for all-round economic and social development, the eradication of poverty, a declining carbon budget, firm adherence to the foundational principles of the UNFCCC, and climate-friendly lifestyles.

Various Initiatives taken by India to Combat Climate Change

Recognising the importance of climate and supporting energy security, following measures have been taken by India: 

  • On Energy Efficiency: Implementing Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for buildings, Standards and Labelling (S&L) and Star-rated program for appliances, Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative for encouraging the adoption of sustainable lifestyles, Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme for industrial sector, and Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles for transport sector, among others.
    • All above mentioned initiatives translate to a total annual cost savings of approximately ₹1,94,320 Crore and an annual CO2 emissions reduction of around 306 million tonnes.
  • Finance for Sustainable Development: India has taken many measures to improve the business environment and catalyse greater quantum of resources. 
    • Sovereign Green Bonds: The Government undertook the issue of sovereign green bonds amounting to ₹16,000 Crore in January-February 2023 to raise proceeds for public sector projects that would contribute to the efforts to reduce the intensity of the economy’s emissions.
    • It was further followed by ₹20,000 Crore raised through sovereign green bonds in October-December 2023.
  • Climate Change and Mitigation MeasuresGreen Deposits: The Central bank of India has implemented the Framework for Acceptance of Green Deposits for the Regulated Entities to foster and develop a green finance ecosystem in the country. 
  • Call for Sustainable Lifestyles: India and Sweden head ‘The Leadership Group for Industry Transition’. With the ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ movement, India shows that convenient actions are the only way possible and that India’s sustainable lifestyles are the way forward.
  • Green Credit Program: At COP28, India felt its presence by introducing the Green Credits Program, transcending the commercial nature of carbon credits. 
    • Participants can earn Green Credits for a wide range of activities that promote environmental sustainability.
  • Committed Actions: India is also unprecedentedly focused on providing basic services such as pucca housing, round-the-clock electricity, clean drinking water, universal health insurance, and clean cooking gas.
    • These are remarkable steps in the fight against climate change.
  • Green Climate Fund (GCF): India’s involvement in the GCF, where it has pledged contributions and actively encourages G20 members and developed countries to increase their support. 
  • Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC): A climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. 
    • In August 2022, India updated its NDC, according to which the target to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP has been enhanced to 45% by 2030 from 2005 level, and the target on cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources has been enhanced to 50% by 2030.
    • India’s Panchamrit:
      • Reach 500 GW Non-fossil energy capacity by 2030
      • 50% of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030
      • Reduction of total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes from now to 2030
      • Reduction of the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels
      • Achieving the target of net zero emissions by 2070
  • Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR–RC): It is a principle within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that acknowledges the different capabilities and differing responsibilities of individual countries in addressing climate change.
    • India has been a consistently strong voice of the Global South for the CBDR-RC principle was developed largely through Indian interventions at the Rio Summit, 1992.
  • India leading International Initiatives Addressing Climate Change Issues: India is leading several international initiatives towards climate change mitigation and building resilience such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), One World, One Sun, One Grid (OSOWOG), the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States’ (IRIS) and the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT). 
    • India is a world leader in climate action today. It has added two more C’s to its climate policy: confidence and convenient action.
    • India’s long-term low emissions development strategy to the UNFCCC showcases its belief in the multilateral process to achieve net zero by 2070. 
  • A Fundamental Right: Recently, the Supreme Court has expanded the scope of fundamental rights to include “the right to be free from adverse effects of climate change”.

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Challenges with Energy Transition

Despite various development, India has following challenges that need to be resolved:

  • More Demand for Resources: Expanding renewable energy and clean fuels will increase demand for land and water. Most renewables are land-intensive and demand the highest land use requirements among the different energy sources. 
  • Dependency on Critical Minerals: The expansion of renewable energy requires battery storage technologies which in turn require the availability of critical minerals and the source of such minerals is geographically concentrated.
  • Technological Limitations: It impacts the development and implementation of effective climate change policies. 
    • While renewable energy technologies have advanced rapidly in recent years, carbon capture and storage technologies that could help mitigate emissions from existing infrastructure are still in the early stages of development and face technical challenges.
  • High Reliance on the Use of Coal: India is trying to meet its NDCs with clear long-term policies that promote renewable energy, but its heavy reliance on coal, along with oil and gas, is still meeting its growing energy needs.
    • Coal is the most essential and abundant fossil fuel in India, accounting for 55% of the country’s energy needs. 
    • As per the International Energy Agency, in 2022, with an annual production of 310 million tonnes and imports of almost 25 million tonnes, coal will provide one-third of the energy supply in India. 
  • Climate Finance: Transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires substantial investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, infrastructure, and sustainable land use practices.
    • India needs substantial climate finance by 2050 to achieve its ambitious sustainability goals. An estimated US$10.1 trillion will be required to reach net zero by 2070 (World Bank).
  • Difficulty in Prediction: Climate change is a multifaceted phenomenon, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, industrial activities, and natural processes and their interconnectedness, which makes it difficult to predict the nature and impact of climate change.
  • A Balancing Dilemma: Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability is a delicate task for policymakers, especially in India and countries heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
    • Climate Change and Mitigation MeasuresAs per the World Bank, climate change could push more than 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030 by disrupting agriculture and fueling the spread of malaria and other diseases.
      • Socio-economic Concern: Vulnerable populations, such as low-income communities, indigenous peoples, and small island nations, face the severe impact of climate change effects. 
  • Flaws with Global Strategies: Current global strategies for climate change are flawed and not universally applicable.
    • The Western approach fails to address the root cause of the problem, which is overconsumption. Instead, it focuses on substituting means to achieve overconsumption.

Global Strategy on Clean Energy

World Energy Outlook (WEO)-2023 proposes a global strategy for getting the world on track by 2030. The Five Key Pillars to this proposal include:

Climate Change and Mitigation Measures

  • Tripling global Renewable Energy Capacity
  • Doubling the rate of Energy Efficiency Improvements
  • Slashing methane emissions from fossil fuel operations by 75%
  • Innovative, large-scale financing mechanisms to triple clean energy investments in emerging and developing economies
  • Measures to ensure an orderly decline in the use of fossil fuels, including an end to new approvals of unabated coal-fired power plants

Way Forward

In order to mitigate climate change, there is a need for a balanced approach to energy transition, and the importance of sustainable development. 

  • Alternative Demands: India’s energy needs are expected to grow 2 to 2.5 times by 2047 to meet a growing economy’s developmental priorities and aspirations. Considering that resources are limited, the pace of energy transition would need to factor in alternative demands on the resources for improving resilience to climate change and for sustained social and economic development.
  • Climate Change and Mitigation MeasuresNeed for Tailored Approaches: The recent Economic Survey emphasizes that India must have its own method to combat climate change. It must not follow the Western approach, which doesn’t fall in line with the nation’s needs. India’s plan to mitigate climate change must take into account the country’s unique cultural and social fabric.
    • India emphasises a harmonious relationship with nature such as Mission LiFE focuses on promoting human-nature harmony. It emphasises mindful consumption over overconsumption, which is central to addressing global climate change issues.
  • Focus on Sustainable Housing: Shifting towards ‘traditional multi-generational households’ can create pathways to sustainable housing.

Climate Change and Mitigation Measures

  • Long-Term Targeted Policies: Financial, political, and policy leadership lies at the bottom of all the recommendations for climate change policy for India. Policies and actions should be taken while considering their long-term impacts.
    • Policymakers must develop policies addressing socio-economic disparities and ensuring equitable outcomes.
  • Encouraging Innovation: As per the World Economic Forum, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to the fight against climate change. Existing AI systems include tools that predict weather, track icebergs and identify pollution. AI can also be used to improve agriculture and reduce its environmental impact.
    • Example: The Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture (DiCRA) platform, launched by the United Nations Development Programme and the Telangana government, uses Artificial Intelligence to improve food systems and security. 
      • The platform provides farmers with crucial data and analytics to combat the impact of climate change on their crops and livestock, enhancing their resilience and securing their livelihoods.
  • More Investment: While reducing emissions is critical, it is equally important that we invest in technologies and infrastructure to help communities adapt to the crisis already at hand.
    • This is especially true for vulnerable communities in developing countries that are in dire need of investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as drought-resistant crops, flood protection systems, and early warning systems for extreme weather events.
  • Other Measures: Coal, a major player in India’s energy sector, needs to be regulated, forests that are carbon sinks (help in Carbon sequestration) need sustainable management from cooperative efforts of local communities and government and need for a Collaborative Effort to meet the aspirations of a climate-resilient planet and achieve long-term sustainable growth.

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Conclusion

India recognises that development and environment are two sides of the same coin and must be considered together for holistic development. To solve a global problem like climate change, the world needs to believe in the age-old Indian ethos of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’One Earth, One World, and One Future. 

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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
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