The U.S. presidential election and the campaign has again highlighted the issue of technology and online spaces posing a threat to the safety and the dignity of women.

Online Gender Based Violence Background 

• Case of Kamala Harris: After her presidential endorsement, Harris faced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated deep fakes and disinformation content targeting her character and questioning her abilities as a leader.
• Global Cases: Women in power or aspiring for high office face pervasive online harassment, as seen globally. Example:
  • U.S. politician Nikki Haley was targeted with manipulated, explicit images during the Republican primaries. 
  • Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appeared in a deep fake video, and 
  • In Bangladesh, deepfake images of politicians Rumin Farhana and Nipun Roy circulated just before the January 2024 election. 

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About Online Gender Based Violence (OGBV)

• Definition: It is targeted harassment and prejudice through technology against people, disproportionately women, based on their gender. 
• Nature of Online Abuse different for Men and Women: While men may encounter misinformation and disinformation regarding their actions or duties, women face objectification, sexually explicit content and body shaming. 
  • Studies across the world show that 16 to 58 percent of women and girls have been targeted by violence online.
• National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Data: Cyber crimes against women saw a considerable rise in 2022 compared to 2021.
  • There has been an 11% rise in the number of cyber crimes against women in 2022.
  • Incidents where sexually explicit material of women were published or transmitted stood at 2,251 in 2022 compared to 1,896 in 2021. 
  • At the same time, other cyber crimes targeting women, such as blackmail, defamation, morphing, creating fake profiles, etc., stood at 689 in 2022 and 701 in 2021. 
• Additional risks for marginalised women in digital spaces: LGBTQ+ women, disabled women etc face compounded abuse.

Forms of Online Gender Based Violence

• Sexual Harassment: Women face specific types of online abuse, such as sexual harassment, including unsolicited sexual messages, lewd comments, and sexually explicit images
• Gender-Based Threats and Language: Women often receive threats of rape, doxing, stalking, and assault.
  • Example: Female public figures, such as activists, journalists, and politicians, encounter harassment that is both gendered and amplified due to their visibility.

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Reasons For Online Gender Based Violence

• Platform Design and Policies: Many social media platforms lack effective moderation policies or resources to address harassment against women. 
  • Example: There is a lack of investment in safety features in social media platforms.
  • Big Tech companies often dodge accountability by claiming that their platforms reflect upon users and that they cannot control it closely. 
    • They enjoy immunity from responsibility due to ‘safe harbour’ protections.
• Inadequate Reporting Mechanisms: Users often face long wait times for reported content to be reviewed, allowing abusive posts to remain visible and accessible for extended periods.
• Extension of Traditional Gender Roles: The online space can serve as an extension of offline patriarchal structures, where women are controlled, monitored, and punished for stepping outside traditional norms. 
  • Example: Criticism on Women’s appearance, clothing, or personal choices etc.
• Online Anonymity: The anonymity provided by the internet can embolden individuals to engage in harmful behaviours without fear of consequences. Example: Trolling and Cyberbullying etc.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) can amplify entrenched biases: Example: 
  • Automated Trolling and Harassment: Bots and automated accounts can be programmed to harass women online.
  • Algorithmic Bias: Algorithms may inadvertently promote content that is harmful or derogatory toward women
    • This can lead to echo chambers where harmful stereotypes and abusive content are amplified.
• Data Bias: Digital systems, shaped by datasets infused with societal prejudices and developed mostly by men, often lack the inclusivity needed to challenge discrimination effectively. 
  • Example: The representation of female staff in technology development (female AI developers) is also low in Meta and Google and OpenAI, according to data from Glass.ai.
• Fear of Reporting: Women may feel that reporting harassment will not lead to action or may even result in further victimisation. 
• Economic Incentives: The monetization of online content drives the growth of AI-generated videos of Women.
  • Platforms depend on advertising revenue linked to user engagement, so controversial or sensational content, like deep fakes, attracts more views and interactions. 
  • This makes it financially rewarding for both creators and platforms.

Issues Arising Due To Online Gender Based Violence

• Privacy Concerns: AI-generated videos, especially deepfakes, often use real images or videos of individuals without their consent. 
  • This violates the privacy rights of women, as their images are altered without their consent.
• Undermining Dignity: Such content can portray women in degrading or compromising situations, undermining their dignity, contributing to a culture of objectification.
• Mental Health Strain: Persistent online abuse affects women’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal. 
• Deterrence from Public Discourse: Due to safety concerns, many women are dissuaded from participating in digital discourse, which limits their visibility in public conversations, reduces professional opportunities, and maintains male dominance in these spaces.
  • Online harassment sees many women stopping to use digital devices.
• Inadequate Reporting Mechanisms: Many platforms do not have effective systems for reporting harassment or abuse, leaving women feeling powerless.

Initiatives Taken By India To Create Safe Digital Space For Women

• Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan: Aims to bridge the digital divide, focusing on enhancing digital literacy in rural areas.
  • The scheme targets 60 million households, empowering the rural population through digital skills.
• ‘Stay Safe Online’ Campaign: Was launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to educate citizens about online safety and promote responsible digital engagement.
  • It was conceptualised as part of India’s G20 presidency to raise awareness about safe internet practices, social media usage, and digital payment systems.
• Information Technology Rules, 2021: Mandate social media platforms to exercise greater diligence with respect to the content on their platforms.
  • Explicit Directives: The rules assign clear responsibilities to social media intermediaries for the removal of harmful content, including deep-fake videos or photos.
  • There is provision for direct requests for the content takedown in specific cases of content relating to breach of bodily privacy, impersonation, etc.
  • Ensuring Online Safety and Dignity of Users, Specially Women Users: Intermediaries shall remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of complaints of contents that exposes the private areas of individuals, show such individuals in full or partial nudity or in sexual act or is in the nature of impersonation including morphed images etc.
• Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) Scheme: Launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this scheme aims to prevent and combat cybercrime against women and children.

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Measures to Create Safe Digital Spaces for Women

• Need for Stronger Content Moderation and Accountability in Big Tech: The platforms should enhance their privacy settings, allowing users to control who can contact them and view their content.
  • Protecting user privacy and data must be a top priority to ensure that technology is not used to perpetuate harmful biases or discrimination against women and girls.
    • Example: Simply labelling AI-generated content is insufficient. The harmful material, such as sexually explicit content, needs to be removed entirely to prevent damage from sharing and viewing.
  • Improved Review Processes: Timely review of harmful content, especially reported pornography, is essential to minimise harm.
• Ethical Responsibility of Tech Companies: Companies profiting from user-generated content must take responsibility for ensuring safe digital spaces.
• Designing digital solutions to advance gender equity: Digital solutions that take into consideration what women and girls need.
  • The involvement of girls and women in co-creation will accelerate digital adoption and help reduce the digital gender divide and accessibility.
• Increased Female Representation: Only 28 per cent of engineering graduates, 22 percent of artificial intelligence workers, and less than one third of tech sector employees globally are women. 
• Designing Ethical AI: Safety researchers and simulation exercises are required to test for gender biases, especially when AI is involved. 
  • This will help to ensure fair, safe and ethical AI by design.
• Digital campaigns: 
  • Example: Fireflies campaign against gender based cyber violence conducted by UN Women Turkey intends to create a global e-solidarity network which supports ending online discrimination against women and girls.
• Integrate Digital Citizenship In School: Integrate digital citizenship and ethical use of digital tools into school curricula to foster positive social norms online and offline. 
  • Sensitize young people, especially young men and boys to ethical and responsible online behaviour.

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Conclusion

Preventing violence in the digital age is crucial to gender equality. By creating safer online spaces, we can foster an environment that promotes respect, inclusion, and equal opportunities for everyone.

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The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has initiated a review of the National Tiger Conservation Authority’s (NTCA) directive to relocate villages from tiger reserves. 

Current Relocation Status

• Villages in Core Areas: As per NTCA, 591 villages with 64,801 families live inside critical tiger habitats in 54 tiger reserves across 19 states.
• Relocations to Date: So far, 251 villages with 25,007 families have been relocated.

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About National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

• Formation: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) was established in December 2005 as a statutory body.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change.
• Legal Basis: Created under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, amended in 2006 to enhance tiger conservation efforts.
• Purpose and Mandate
  • Primary Goal: Strengthen tiger conservation across India.
  • Functions: Provides advisories, guidelines, and directions based on tiger status assessments, conservation activities, and recommendations from expert committees.
  • Authority: Has the power to direct individuals, officers, or authorities for tiger protection, who must comply with these directives.

2018 Recommendations on villages’ relocation 

• Compensation Based on Land Act: NCST recommended in 2018 that compensation be based on the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
• Revised Compensation: In 2021, NTCA revised the compensation from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per family.

Legal Framework for Relocation

• Under the Wildlife Protection Act, core areas of tiger reserves can be cleared of human settlements, but only after fulfilling key conditions:
  • The rights of tribal communities must be recognized under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
  • Informed consent from the local Gram Sabha (village council) is required.
  • Relocation can proceed only if ecological and social experts conclude that the communities’ presence poses a significant threat to tigers and that coexistence is not feasible.

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• Relocation Provisions and Entitlements
  • Families opting for voluntary relocation are entitled to:
    • Rs 15 lakh compensation per family.
    • A resettlement package that includes:
      • Two hectares of land, homestead land, housing support, one-time financial aid, and basic amenities like water, sanitation, electricity, and telecommunications.

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The 16th Conference of Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) took place in Cali, Colombia, concluding in early November 2024.

What is COP? 

• The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention. 
• All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP, at which they review the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP adopts.
• They also take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements

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Key Highlights of COP-16

• Continued effort on Biodiversity conservation: Building on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) established in 2022, this COP was a significant step in advancing global biodiversity targets.
  • The KMGBF set 23 action-oriented targets for 2030, such as the ’30-by-30′ goal to protect 30% of land and water. 
• Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health: At COP 16 participating nations endorsed a comprehensive Global Action Plan that bridges biodiversity conservation and public health objectives.
  • This integrated strategy aims to achieve three interconnected goals: reducing the risk of diseases jumping from animals to humans, lowering the incidence of non-communicable diseases, and fostering ecosystem health.
  • The plan recognizes the fundamental links between environmental and human health outcomes.
• Digital Sequence Information (DSI) Agreement: One of the most debated issues was DSI, or “benefit-sharing” from genetic resources.
  • Countries were divided over how benefits from the use of genetic data in commercial products (like medicines) should be shared with the countries and communities where these resources are found. 
• Strategy for Resource Mobilization: Discussions at COP-16 highlighted the need for innovative funding mechanisms and the involvement of indigenous communities in biodiversity efforts.
  • The estimated annual requirement for biodiversity targets is $200 billion, but so far, only a fraction of this amount has been committed.
  • The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF), launched at COP 16 with a US $200 million contribution from the Government of China. The KBF supports accelerated action to deliver 2030 Agenda and SDG targets and 2050 goals of the KMGBF particularly in developing countries.
• Cali Fund: COP16 in Cali, Colombia, marked the establishment of a new financial mechanism known as the Cali Fund. 
  • This initiative addresses the growing importance of digital genetic data by creating a framework for fair profit-sharing between those who utilize genetic sequences and the communities from which these resources originate.
  • In keeping with the Convention’s core principles of equitable benefit-sharing, the fund has committed to directing at least 50% of its resources to Indigenous Peoples and local communities, using both direct disbursement and governmental channels.

• Synthetic Biology: Synthetic biology was a prominent topic at COP 16, with an eye toward its potential benefits while considering the risks. 
  • To boost developing countries’ participation in synthetic biology, COP 16 introduces a thematic action plan for capacity-building, technology transfer, and knowledge-sharing. 
  • This initiative aids countries in safely leveraging synthetic biology technologies to foster innovation and protect biodiversity.
• Indigenous Representation: A subsidiary body involving indigenous groups in biodiversity discussions was established, acknowledging their role in conservation.
• Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSAs): COP 16 agreed on a new and evolved process to identify ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs).
  • Under the CBD, work on EBSAs, which identifies the most critical and vulnerable parts of the ocean, began in 2010 and became a central area of ocean-related work.
• Invasive Alien Species: COP 16’s decision on invasive alien species addresses one of the top five direct drivers of biodiversity loss, highlighting the need for international cooperation, capacity-building, and technical support for developing countries.
  • It proposes guidelines for managing invasive alien species, touching on issues such as e-commerce, multicriteria analysis methodologies and others.

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India at COP 16 to CBD

• India presented its updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), aligning with KMGBF targets. 
• India’s biodiversity targets focus on reversing biodiversity loss by 2030, with a longer-term vision to live in harmony with nature by 2050.
• India announced an estimated expenditure of ₹81,664 crore for biodiversity and conservation from 2025-30, up from ₹32,207 crore spent from 2018-22.
• The Indian emphasized the need for international finance to achieve its targets, citing the requirement for $30 billion in international funding to mobilize the total $200 billion goal.

Major Targets in India’s Updated NBSAP

• Protection Goals: India pledged to protect 30% of its terrestrial and marine areas by 2030, with a specific emphasis on biodiversity-rich and ecologically significant areas.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Efforts will be directed toward restoring degraded ecosystems like forests and wetlands and managing coastal and marine areas sustainably.
• Reduction of Threats: This includes managing invasive species, pollution, climate impacts, and land-use changes, with the aim of achieving near-zero biodiversity loss.

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Policy Framework and Implementation Approach

• India’s biodiversity policy framework, guided by the Biological Diversity Act of 2002 and its recent amendments, sets a robust structure for conservation.
• The three-tier system, with the National Biodiversity Authority, State Boards, and local management committees, will support the implementation of the updated NBSAP.
• Governance: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) coordinates India’s biodiversity efforts.
• Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society Approach: India’s approach emphasizes collaboration across government, sectors, and communities.
• Local Community Involvement: The plan stresses bottom-up implementation, focusing on ecosystem-based management.

India’s Conservation Initiatives and Achievements

• India has made substantial progress in biodiversity conservation, doubling its Ramsar sites from 26 to 85 since 2014, and is projected to reach 100 sites.
• India also launched the International Big Cat Alliance, aiming to protect major big cat species as indicators of ecosystem health. 
• India’s efforts in river basin and coastal management prioritize ecosystems with high biodiversity.

Challenges in Biodiversity Conservation in India

• Policy Execution Gaps: While targets are ambitious, inconsistencies in implementing biodiversity policies hinder progress.
• Development vs. Environment: Infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive areas and compensatory afforestation often prioritize plantations over native ecosystems.
• Limited Species Focus: Conservation efforts tend to prioritize protected areas, leaving vulnerable species outside these areas underprotected.
• Weak Legislation: Current environmental laws are insufficient for comprehensive habitat preservation and ecosystem restoration.

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Way Forward

• Strengthen Implementation: Enhance coordination among agencies and ensure on-ground policy execution.
• Promote Ecosystem-Based Afforestation: Focus on native species and habitat restoration over monoculture plantations.
• Expand Protection Scope: Broaden conservation efforts to include species and ecosystems beyond protected zones.
• Tighten Environmental Laws: Update legislation to prioritize natural habitat preservation.

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) has rescheduled the bypolls from November 13 to November 20, following requests from political parties.

• Reason for Rescheduling : Political parties, including BJP, Congress (INC), BSP, and RLD, cited cultural and religious festivals, which could impact voter turnout.

About Bypolls in India

• Definition and Purpose: Bypolls, or bye-elections, are elections held to fill vacant seats in legislative bodies like the Parliament or State Legislatures.
  • These vacancies can arise due to the death, resignation, disqualification, or expulsion of a sitting member.
• Legal Mandate: Under Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is required to fill these casual vacancies within six months from the date of occurrence, provided the remaining term of the seat is at least one year.
  • If less than one year remains, bye-elections are not mandatory.
• Significance: Bye-election results can influence the majority status of the ruling government.
  • If the ruling party loses several bypoll seats, it could jeopardize its legislative majority, potentially impacting governance and policy decisions.

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About Election Commission of India (ECI)

• The ECI is a permanent, independent constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. 
• It oversees elections for the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India. 
• ECI does not handle elections for urban local bodies or panchayats, which are managed by State Election Commissions.
• Composition: Initially a single-member body led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), the ECI was expanded to a three-member body in 1989 to manage the increased responsibilities following the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18.
  •  Now ECI is a three member body with two additional Election Commissioners along with the CEC.

Functions and Jurisdiction of Election Commission of India (ECI)

• Advisory Role: Advises the President and Governors on matters related to member disqualification, particularly in cases of corrupt practices.
• Quasi-Judicial Role: Has the authority to disqualify candidates for failing to submit expense accounts.
  • Resolves disputes regarding party recognition and election symbol allocation.
• Administrative Role: Manages the delimitation of constituencies, voter registration, and electoral roll updates.
  • Schedules election dates and enforces the Model Code of Conduct, ensuring fair campaigning and adherence to financial guidelines during elections.

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The Election Commission of India (EC) on Monday informed the Bombay High Court that Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) would be allotted the ‘whistle’ symbol for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly election.

• Initially, the symbol was assigned to Janata Dal (United) for the Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections, but JD(U) decided not to contest in Maharashtra and surrendered it. 
• After BVA filed a petition, the Bombay High Court’s division bench confirmed BVA’s request for the symbol, leading to the petition’s disposal.

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Allotment of Election Symbols

• Responsible Authority: The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for the allotment of symbols to political parties and candidates.
• Governing Law: The symbol allotment process is governed by The Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. This order defines, reserves, and assigns symbols for political parties to ensure consistency and clarity in elections.
• Purpose: The Symbols Order aims to:
  • Assign exclusive symbols to recognized national and state parties.
  • Provide a distinct identity for candidates on ballot papers.
• Publication in Gazette: The ECI publishes an official list of parties along with their respective symbols in the Gazette of India to formalize the allotment

Classification of Symbols

• Reserved Symbols: Allocated exclusively to recognized national and state political parties.
• Free Symbols: Available to unrecognized registered parties and independent candidates. These symbols are not exclusive and can be reused by other unrecognized candidates.

Symbol Allocation to Different Party Types

• Recognized Parties: Exclusive symbols are allotted to recognized national and state political parties, ensuring consistent representation in every election.
• Unrecognized Registered Parties: Candidates from unrecognized registered parties may choose from a pool of free symbols that are not exclusive.
  • According to Rule 10B of the Symbols Order, unrecognized parties can use the same common free symbol for two consecutive general elections.

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In Case of Symbol Disputes

• In cases where there is a split within a recognized party, the Symbols Order of 1968 empowers the ECI to resolve disputes over symbol claims. 
  • The ECI’s decision is binding on all rival factions.
• Decision Criteria (Sadiq Ali v. ECI, 1971): The ECI applies the following tests, as established by the 1971 Supreme Court judgment in Sadiq Ali v. Election Commission of India, to decide which faction is entitled to the symbol.
  • Test of Aims and Objectives: Determines which faction aligns more closely with the original aims and objectives of the party’s constitution.
  • Test of Party Constitution: Considers the organizational structure and adherence to the party’s constitutional framework.
  • Test of Majority: Evaluates the factional support by assessing the majority within the party’s central organizational structure.
• These tests ensure that symbol allocation remains fair and consistent, reflecting the democratic principles underlying party representation.

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The 2020 standoff between India and China in Eastern Ladakh marks three years, with disengagement and restoration of status quo yet unresolved. 

• Corps Commander-level talks have enabled partial disengagement, but progress remains slow.

About India-China Border

• China shares land boundaries with 14 countries, including India; the border with India is its third longest after Mongolia and Russia.
• India- China has no mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Border Sectors:
  • Eastern Sector: Disputed over the McMahon Line.
  • Western Sector: Linked to the Johnson Line, proposed by the British in the 1860s, placing Aksai Chin in Jammu and Kashmir, but China doesn’t recognize it.
  • Middle Sector: The only sector where India and China have exchanged maps and broadly agree on borders.

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Current status of Friction Points on the LAC in Eastern Ladakh

• PP 14 (Galwan): A narrow valley in the Karakoram mountains, located near the LAC and close to Aksai Chin, a disputed area under Chinese control but claimed by India.
  • It was site of the June 2020 violent clash; disengagement achieved through mutual withdrawal.
• PP 15 (Hot Springs): Located north of the Chang Chenmo river, a tributary of the Shyok River within the Indus River system. Disengagement in this region was completed in September 2022.
• PP 17A (Gogra): Location with a Hot spring. It was disengaged in August 2021.
• North and South Banks of Pangong Tso: The world’s highest saltwater lake, divided between Tibet (50% under Chinese control), Ladakh (40% under Indian control), and 10% disputed.
  • This was disengaged in February 2021 with both sides creating buffer zones to prevent future confrontations.
• Depsang Plains: Located in Northern Ladakh near the Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) post and Karakoram Pass. Its flat terrain makes it suitable for military maneuvers, including tank movements.
  • The Chinese troops block Indian patrols at PPs 10, 11, 11A, 12, and 13. 
  • The DBO airstrip is crucial for winter operations and reinforcements. It is accessible by the 255 km-long Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road.
• Charding Nullah in Demchok: Allows effective surveillance of Chinese activities in the Aksai Chin region; located near the confluence of the Charding Nullah and the Indus River in the Leh district of Ladakh.
  • The dispute is over the Charding La area, with Chinese tents set up across Charding Nullah .

Important Geographical features of Ladakh

• Indus River and major tributaries: Shyok-Nubra, Chang Chenmo, Hanle, Zanskar, and Suru-Dras rivers drain the region.
• Ladakh Range: A southern extension of the Karakoram Range, forming the northeastern bank of the Indus River.
• Zaskar Range: A parallel branch of the Himalayas, east of Ladakh.
• Siachen Glacier: Located in the eastern Karakoram Range along the India-Pakistan border, north of Nubra Valley. It’s the largest glacier outside the polar and subpolar regions.
• Tso Moriri:  It is Located in the Changthang Region of Ladakh and recognized as the highest Ramsar site in the world.
  • It is an oligotrophic lake with alkaline waters.

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A recent submission by the Environment Ministry to the National Green Tribunal has revealed gaps in the implementation of the National Clean Air Programme.

Findings of the Report on National Clean Air Programme

• Achievers: The top five cities in terms of fund utilization are Amritsar at 99%, Jhansi at 98%, Pune at 96%, Jharkhand at 94% and Navi Mumbai at 92%.
  • Amritsar saw a 38% improvement in PM 10 levels compared to the base year (2017)
• Major Contributors: The major sources of PM10 were found to be road dust, vehicular emissions and the industry sector.
• Implementation Gaps:  It includes, lack of completion of source apportionment studies, and poor performance in meeting NCAP targets and  under-utilization of NCAP funds.
  • Under-utilization of NCAP Funds: Delhi is among the bottom five cities in terms of fund expenditure under the NCAP with 68% of its funds unutilised (It has used only Rs 13.56 crore of the Rs 42.69 crore allocated) 
    • Among NCR cities, Faridabad lagged with an expenditure of 39%, Ghaziabad utilized 89%, and Noida recorded the least utilization at 11%.
  • Pollution Reduction Targets: Out of the 19 cities covered under the report, only five cities have so far met annual air pollution reduction targets
    • Example: Inspite of spending 92% of the funds allocated, Navi Mumbai PM 10 levels have worsened by 11%.
  • Incomplete Source Apportionment Study: Eight out of 19 cities (Eg: NCR cities of Faridabad, Noida, Ghaziabad and Amritsar and Khurja) are yet to complete source apportionment studies to assess the contribution of various pollution sources.
    • Delhi’s Source Apportionment Study  reveals, 17.5-30.6% of PM 10 levels originate from soil, road dust and construction activities whereas 12-37% are from coal and fly ash.

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About National Clean Air Programme

• It is the first national effort to create a framework for air quality management involving an approach that is collaborative, multi-scale and cross-sectoral between the relevant central ministries, state governments and local bodies.
• Nodal Ministry : The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Goal: To achieve reductions up to 40% or achievement of National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Particulate Matter10 (PM 10) concentrations by 2025-26 using 2017 as the base year.
• Objectives
  • To augment and evolve an effective and proficient ambient air quality monitoring network across the country and ensure stringent implementation of mitigation measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.
• Targets:
• • 3-15% reduction of PM10 levels: 82 cities are to reduce 3-15% of PM10 levels to achieve overall reduction of air quality up to 40% PM10 levels.
    • They are funded by the Ministry of Environment and is disbursed through state pollution control boards 
  • 15% reduction in annual PM10 levels:  49 cities under XVth Finance Commission air quality grant have to achieve a 15% reduction in annual average PM10 concentrations.
    • They are funded by a grant under the 15th finance commission which is routed through state finance ministries and urban local bodies.
• Target Cities: The programme focuses on 131 cities overall, which includes 123 non-attainment cities (NACs) and additional million-plus cities (MPCs) in 24 States/UTs by engaging all stakeholders
  • Non-Attainment Cities (NACs): These are the cities Identified for not meeting national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for five consecutive years.
  • Million-Plus Cities (MPCs): Identified by the 15th Finance Commission (XV-FC) for receiving performance-based grants for air quality improvement.
• Monitoring Progress:  The implementation of The National Clean Air Programme will be monitored by a portal named, PRANA – Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment cities
  • The portal will track physical as well as financial status of city air action plan implementation and disseminate information on air quality management efforts under NCAP to the public.

• Limitations:  
  • Poor Expenditure Management:  An overwhelming amount has been spent on actions resulting in managing road dust like covering potholes and deploying mechanical sweepers and water sprinklers etc. while less than one percent was spent on controlling toxic emissions from industry
    • 40% of funds out of Rs. 10,566.47 crores remain unused, a new report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) highlights.
  • Mixed Results: The Programme has mostly been a failure as at the end of five years, still most cities failed to meet the NCAP’s target of reducing air pollution concentrations by 20-30% compared to 2017 levels.
    • As per a recent study, most gains observed in reducing air pollution during 2014-2021 came from gusty winds and other meteorological factors.
  • Misplaced Focus: The Primary focus of NCAP is the reduction of coarser PM10 particles such as dust, whereas it should be on reducing PM2.5 particles which will then address emissions from industry transport, and other sources of combustion.
  • Narrow Reach: The number of cities reporting hazardous levels of air pollution, which were not covered by the NCAP, are increasing, as per an analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air
  • Sectoral  Mismatch: Air pollution from transport makes up more than a quarter of India’s air pollution load but only 13% of the  NCAP funds are directed towards addressing these emissions. Similarly emissions from industries are also neglected.
  • Conflicting Metrics of Progress: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) maintains a  list of 258 metrics covering the progress in various components of the programme, but the metrics of success differ for the two channels (82 cities and 49 cities) making benchmarking a complex endeavor.

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Way Forward

• Redefine Performance Benchmark: To make PM2.5 the benchmark for performance-linked funding instead of the current PM10. 
• Simplify the Metrics: To improve metrics to prioritize combustion sources and tie funding to sectoral targets like 25% of the funds to be spent on reducing pollution from transport sectors which contributes approximately a quarter of India’s pollution.
• To establish stronger institutional mechanisms and capacity for planning and implementation in cities.
• Improve the PRANA Portal: The PRANA portal need to put more information in the public domain like providing  inventories of pollution sources, or detailed information about how cities have achieved reductions in air pollution 
• Implement Airshed Approach: This approach addresses pollution over a common geographic area as opposed to political or administrative boundaries whereas industrial emissions are dodged under NCAP action plans because they are located at the peripheries of cities, beyond the city and municipality boundaries. 
  • Example: The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) recognises and addresses the transboundary nature of air pollution

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NAMO DRONE DIDI

Context: The Government of India has launched the “Namo Drone Didi” scheme to empower women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing them with drones for agricultural services.

What are self help groups?

• These are informal associations of the people who come together to address issues and improve their lives. 
• Objective: This group focuses on uplifting the social and economic well – being of their members. 

About “Namo Drone Didi” scheme

• Launch Year: 2024
• Funding: ₹1261 Crores
• Objective: To provide 14,500 selected Women SHGs with drones for agriculture rental services.
• Duration: 2024-25 to 2025-26
• Purpose: Facilitate agriculture services like liquid fertilizer and pesticide application through drone technology.

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Key Features of the Scheme

• Central Sector Scheme. 
• Drone Provision: 14,500 women SHGs will receive drones to offer rental services to farmers for tasks like spraying fertilizers and pesticides.
• Financial Assistance: The Central government will provide 80% of the cost of drones and accessories, up to a maximum of Rs. 8 lakh per SHG.
• Training and Support: SHG members will undergo training to operate drones and maintain them.
• Implementation: Lead Fertilizer Companies (LFCs) will be responsible for implementing the scheme at the state level, coordinating with state departments, drone manufacturers, and SHGs.
• Monitoring: A dedicated IT-based management information system (MIS) will track drone operations and service delivery.

Iron Beam

Context: Israel signed a deal worth approximately 2 billion shekels ( monetary unit of Israel)  for the Iron Beam laser-based missile defense system.

About Iron Beam 

• It is a high-powered laser system. 
• Purpose and Necessity of Iron Beam
  • Enhanced Defense: The Iron Beam aims to improve Israel’s interception capabilities, especially for small aerial threats like drones and short-range projectiles.
  • Complement to Iron Dome: Iron Beam will work alongside systems like the Iron Dome, which provides short-range defense against rockets.
  • Response to Multi-Pronged Threats: Israel faces ongoing aerial threats from regions such as Gaza and Lebanon, including recent projectile attacks from Hezbollah in support of Hamas.

Advantages of Iron Beam

• Cost Efficiency: The laser-based system offers a cheaper alternative to traditional interceptor missiles.
• Increased Protection: It enhances Israel’s multi-layered defense system, improving response to high-volume rocket and drone attacks and reducing reliance on costly missile interceptors.

Challenges for the Iron Beam Defense System

• Technical Challenges
  • Targeting Accuracy: It’s difficult to precisely target many fast-moving objects at the same time.
  • Size Reduction: Making the system small enough to fit on aircraft is challenging.
• Operational Challenges
  • Weather Impact: Bad weather, like clouds or fog, can reduce the laser’s effectiveness.
  • Low Visibility: Poor visibility makes it harder to detect and intercept threats accurately.
• Logistical Challenges
  • System Compatibility: Connecting Iron Beam with current defense systems, such as Iron Dome, requires careful planning.
  • High Initial Costs: Although operational costs may be lower, the initial development and deployment are expensive.

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Return of Chinese Astronaut from the Tiangong Space Station

Context: Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth  after a six-month stay on the Tiangong space station.

• The crew touched down at 1:24 a.m at a remote landing area in China’s Inner Mongolia region.
• The taikonauts (Chinese astronauts) conduct experiments, carry out spacewalks and install equipment to protect the station from space debris.

About Tiangong Space Station

• Built by: The Tiangong space station is a T shaped space stations which means “Heavenly Palace” and  was built by The Chinese Manned Space Agency (CMSA)
• Orbit: It orbits Earth at low Earth orbit with an altitude between 217 and 280 miles (340 to 450 kilometers)
  • It is approximately the same orbital height as the International Space Station (ISS). 
• Launch: The space station was built in 3 modules and was launched  between 2021 and 2022

About Space Station

• Space Stations are artificial satellites in the form of spacecraft that orbit the Earth and are designed to support human habitation for extended periods of time.
  • These are equipped with pressurized enclosures, power, supplies, and environmental systems
• Example: The International Space Station (ISS) is a well-known example of a space station orbiting the Earth every 90 minutes at a speed of about 17,500 miles per hour.
  • The ISS is a “co-operative programme” between Europe, the United States, Russia, Canada and Japan and not owned by one single nation.
• Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS): India is planning its own modular space station called the Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS)  as part of its larger space ambitions. 
  • Expected Launch: The first module is expected to launch in 2028, and the remaining modules are expected to launch by 2035

ICMR ‘First in the World Challenge’ initiative to tackle health issues

Context:  The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced a new a high risk, high reward initiative called “First in the World Challenge”

• Aim: To encourage Indian scientists to come up with innovative ideas and find solutions to difficult health problems.
• Proposal: The scheme proposes to fund research ideas with significant wide-ranging impact with a potential ‘first of its kind’ biomedical and technological innovations for better health outcomes.
  • Proposals which aimed  for ‘incremental knowledge’ or ‘process innovation’ will not be funded through this scheme.
• Criteria: Ideas that are novel, out of the box, futuristic and generate new knowledge. Discovery / development of breakthrough health technologies (vaccines, drugs/ therapeutics, diagnostics etc) which has never been thought of, tested or tried in the world till date will be considered.
• Participants: The proposals can be submitted by an individual or by a team of researchers (either from a single institute or from multiple institutes). 

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Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

• It is the apex body in India for formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research.
• Establishment: It was established In 1911 as  Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) and is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world.
  • In 1949, the IRFA was re-designated as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) 
• Funding: The ICMR is funded by the Government of India through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Headed: The governing body of the council is presided over by the Union Health Minister
• National Registry: In 2007, the organisation established the Clinical Trials Registry – India, which is India’s national registry for clinical trials

India, Algeria sign pact to boost defence cooperation

Context: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Algeria on bilateral defense cooperation marks a significant step in deepening strategic partnership. 

Key highlights of the MoU

• Enhanced Defence Collaboration: The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in defence, focusing on mutual understanding, knowledge sharing, and collaborative efforts to strengthen strategic interests.
• Exchange of Expertise: It includes provisions for sharing military experiences and expertise, particularly in areas where India has expertise, such as defence production, as part of its ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives.
• Commitment to Peaceful Resolutions: India emphasised its stance on peaceful resolution of conflicts, showcasing India as a reliable global partner, or Vishwa Bandhu.
• Reopening Defence Wings: India re-established its defence wing in Algeria, welcoming the reopening of Algeria’s defence wing in India, signalling a renewed commitment to bilateral defence diplomacy.

Digital India Common Service Centre (DICSC) project

Context: MeitY is launching the DICSC project in Pilibhit and Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, with plans to expand to 4,740 centres across 10 districts in India.

About DICSC

• Objective: To bridge the digital divide in rural India by providing accessible e-governance, financial, and commercial services to citizens, ensuring digital inclusion and empowerment.
• Service Offerings: Each DICSC centre will provide a range of essential services, including Aadhaar registration, banking, financial planning, tele-law, telemedicine, education, and e-commerce, functioning as multi-functional hubs with high-speed broadband.
• Budget Allocation:  Rs 31.6 crore 
• Centralised Monitoring: CSC e-Governance Services India Limited will handle project implementation and technical monitoring, promoting transparency and efficient service delivery.

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