Context: The Indian Navy will deploy its aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant for Exercise Milan-2024 to be held in February.

About Milan Exercise:

• It is a biennial multinational naval exercise that was first conducted in 1995 and has grown to be the biggest exercise held in India.
• Milan Exercise 2024: 
• • Location: Coast of Visakhapatnam, India.
  • Participating Nations: US, Japan, Australia, France, Bangladesh, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
  • It will feature large-force manoeuvres, advanced air defence operations, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface drills.

Significance:

• Expansion of the Navy’s Engagements: 
  • It will underscore the Navy’s growing presence as a preferred security partner and first responder in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). 
  • Mission-based deployments and other operational engagements have steadily increased the Indian Navy’s presence and operational reach.

Also Read: Three Anti submarine Warfare Ships for Indian Navy Launched

News Source: Business Standard

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Context: According to a report by Crisil Ratings, Corporate bond market in India is expected to more than double from Rs 43 trillion in the Financial Year 2022-23 (FY23) to Rs 100-120 trillion by FY 2030.

Key Findings of Report: The Corporate bond market in India is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9 percent over the years.

• Key Drivers of Growth: 
  • Supply Side Boost:
    • Large capital expenditure (capex) in the infrastructure and corporate sectors, 
    • Growing attractiveness of the infrastructure sector for bond investors and 
    • Strong retail credit growth are expected to boost bond supply
  • Demand Side:
    • Rising financialization of household savings.
• However only 15% of corporate bond issuances currently go to infrastructure and  the credit risk profile for infrastructure assets is getting stronger, with better recovery prospects and the ability to lend long-term.

Investment in infrastructure and corporate sectors is expected to boom in India.

• Infrastructure assets are becoming more attractive to investors due to their improved credit risk profile, potential for recovery, and long-term characteristics.
• Exponential Growth Forecast: CRISIL expects capital expenditures in these sectors to reach ₹110 lakh crore from FY23 to FY27.
  • This is a  around 1.7-time increase from the previous five fiscal years.
• This is due to several factors, including high capacity utilization, strong corporate balance sheets, and a positive economic outlook.

Retail Credit:

• Untapped Potential: India’s Retail Credit Market: India’s retail credit market is still relatively small compared to developed nations, which presents a significant opportunity for growth.
  • The share of retail credit stands at just 30% of India’s GDP as against 54% in the US.
• Formalization of Credit Distribution Systems: Retail credit is also expected to grow strongly, supported by rising private consumption and the formalization of the credit distribution system.

Increasing financialization of savings:

• The increasing financialization of savings in India is also expected to drive demand for corporate bonds.
• CRISIL projects that assets in the managed investment segment will double to ₹315 lakh crore by fiscal 2027.
• Overall, the outlook for the corporate bond market in India is very positive.

India’s bond market: 

• A pillar of the economy India’s bond market is pivotal in the country’s economic structure. 
• As of September 2023, the government bond market size stands impressively at $1.3 trillion, with corporate bonds at $0.6 trillion. 
  • However, Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) in these markets is relatively modest at $8.5 billion.

Corporate Bond Market in India:

• Regulator: SEBI (Security Exchange Board of India), is the primary regulator of the corporate bond market in India.

Also Read: US Bond Yields Rise to 16-Year High Above 5%

Source: Live Mint

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Context: On December 3, Venezuela held a nonbinding referendum to  strengthen the nation’s century-old claim to the oil-rich Essequibo territory governed by Guyana.

The Essequibo Dispute

• About 10.5 million votes were cast by Venezuela’s 20.7 million eligible voters.
• The referendum covers five questions, including proposals for creating a Venezuelan province to be called “Guyana Essequibo,” giving the inhabitants Venezuelan citizenship and a call to reject the ICJ’s jurisdiction.
• The referendum raised fears in Guyana and around the region, about Venezuela’s ultimate intentions over the contested territory.

Timeline of the Venezuela-Guyana Conflict

• 1777: Recognition of Essequibo River as Border
  • Venezuela claims that the Essequibo River has been recognized as a natural border between the two countries since 1777.
• 1899: Paris Arbitration Panel
  • The arbitration panel in Paris determines the border between Venezuela and Guyana.
• 1966: Geneva Agreement
  • Venezuela and Guyana sign the Geneva Agreement, intending to resolve the territorial dispute through negotiations.
• 2015: Friction Increases with Oil Exploration
  • Friction intensifies as ExxonMobil and other companies engage in offshore oil exploration in areas overlapping the disputed territory.
• September 2023: Guyana Takes Bids for Oil Exploration Blocks
  • Guyana takes bids for several offshore oil exploration blocks, raising tensions in the region.
• Ongoing: Disputed Maritime Concessions
  • Venezuela maintains that Guyana lacks the right to grant concessions in maritime areas of the Essequibo, adding to the ongoing dispute

About Essequibo Region: 

• The Essequibo region is more than two-thirds of the territory of Guyana and is home to 125,000 of its 800,000 citizens.
• Location: A geographical region in the northeast of South America.
  • Significance: The region also has the world’s biggest crude oil reserves per capita. Recently, Guyana announced a “significant” new oil discovery, adding to estimated reserves of at least 10 billion barrels more than Kuwait or the United Arab Emirates.
  • Guyana is set to surpass the oil production of Venezuela and according to estimates, the country is on track to becoming the world’s largest per-capita crude producer by 2025.

Also Read: International Court Of Justice

Source: The Hindu

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Context: Recently, the Secretary-General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) called for Indian companies to invest in ‘climate-vulnerable’ countries.

India Keeps its Promise: Less Heat, More Green Power

• India is on track to meet Paris Agreement commitments to installing 500 GW of electricity from non-fossil fuel sources and reducing emissions by 45%.
• The 2015 agreement, to which India is a signatory, seeks to cap global average temperature rise below 2°C and “as far as possible” below 1.5°C. 

About Climate Vulnerable Forum:

• The Climate Vulnerable Forum is the international forum for countries highly vulnerable to climate change. 
• Genesis: It was founded in November 2009 by the Maldives at Male’, together with 10 other countries. 
• Composition: 58 members. 
  • There are 27 countries from Africa and West Asia; 11 from Latin America and the Caribbean and 20 from the Asia-Pacific.
  • They include Asian nations such as Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan and Nepal. 
• The Forum is led by a rotating chair for an ordinary period of two years, with Ghana currently chairing for the period 2022-2024. 
• Significance: The Forum serves as a South-South cooperation platform for participating governments to act together to deal with global climate change.

Also Read: Loss And Damage Fund Approved At COP28 Summit

Source: The Hindu

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Context: The Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) released ‘Smuggling in India Report 2022-23‘.

DRI celebrates 66th Founding Day

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), the apex anti-smuggling agency of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), celebrated its 66th Foundation Day in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Four DRI officers get “Veerata Prashasti Patra” for their exemplary act of bravery for 2023.

About ‘Smuggling in India Report 2022-23’

• It  analyzes trends in Smuggling, Commercial Frauds and International Enforcement Operations & Cooperation.
• Key findings:
• • “Smuggling Menace in 2022-23: 522 smuggling cases were booked involving total seizure of Rs. 11,500 crore which includes seizures of 1,300 kg Heroin, 150 kg Cocaine, 250 kg Methamphetamine, 25 MT Ganja, and 1,450 kg Gold.
  • Custom Duty Evasion Uncovered: Also, Rs. 4,500 crore of custom duty evasion was detected out of which such evaders have voluntarily paid Rs. 1,800 crore. 
  • Prosecution Initiatives (2022-23): Towards expeditious conclusion of investigations and timely launching of prosecutions, DRI launched a drive and concluded investigations in 944 cases and initiated prosecution in 375 cases in 22-23.

News Source: PIB

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Context: The UNEP report  “An Eye on Methane: The Road to Radical Transparency” released at COP28 stated that Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) in its pilot stage identified 1,500 plumes and notified governments of 127 plumes on four continents.

What is Methane Alert and Response System?

• Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) is a satellite-based system  launched at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) in Egypt.
• It uses data from multiple sources to detect and track methane emissions. 
• Launched by: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the European Commission, the USA
• Aids in Policy Formation: It is a transparent and accountable system that provides governments and companies with the information they need to take action to reduce methane emissions. 

About UNEP’s International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO):

• The IMEO was launched at the G20 Leaders Summit in 2021.  
• Reconciling Data from Scientific Studies: It reconciles methane data from scientific measurement studies, satellites through the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), rigorous industry reporting through the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), and national inventories.Global Scientific Endeavors: The IMEO has also initiated 34 scientific studies across the globe. This research will cover where methane emissions come from, and how to mitigate them. 
  • The research will also focus on flaring efficiency, which is under-reported.
• IMEO also works with countries to develop baselining studies to serve multi-sectoral industry stakeholders and governments.

The Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0):

• OGMP 2.0 is the flagship oil and gas reporting and mitigation program of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 
• Aim: To improve the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions reporting.
• OGMP was first launched in 2014 under the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and was widened in scope and ambition in November 2020 to become OGMP 2.0.
• Goal: OGMP 2.0  supports oil and gas companies to better understand their emission profiles and, most importantly, to use this knowledge to mitigate these emissions.

Challenge: 

• The emissions of non-OGMP 2.0 members could be on average much higher than those of current members, although the difference would have to be huge to account for the discrepancy.
• It is a dynamic process, as standards and practices will continue to evolve as new measurement and mitigation methods emerge.

What is Methane?

• Atmospheric methane (CH4) occurs in nature as the primary component of natural gas.
• It is the second largest contributor to climate change, accounting for around 16% of the warming effect.
• Global Warming Potential: Its warming effect is 28 times greater than CO2 over a 100-year timescale (80 times over 20 years).
• Methane Emission Scenario: Total reported methane emissions (tonnes) by segment, region, and operatorship of assets, 2022 )see Image).

• Around 580 million tonnes (Mt) of methane is emitted annually globally, 60 percent of which comes from human activities, according to the latest assessment cited in the report.
• In 2022, fossil fuel operations alone were responsible for around 120 Mt of methane emissions.
• Under current trajectories, total anthropogenic methane emissions could rise by up to 13 percent between 2020 and 2030.

Also Read: Cop28 Turns Attention To Potent Methane Emissions

Source: DTE

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Context: Recently, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Science & Technology inaugurated the 3rd Global Bio-India Summit, a mega international convention on biotechnology from 4th to 6th December in New Delhi.

3rd Global Bio-India Summit 2023

• Global Bio-India (GBI) 2023, will  attract large global corporates to set up R&D and manufacturing bases in India 
• It will also have a public session “Science Connect Series with Society” where global experts from healthcare, AI, and life science. sciences to Bioeconomy.
• Theme: Transforming Lives BioScience to Bioeconomy.

What is the Global Bio-India Summit?

• Nodal Ministry:  Ministry of Science and Technology, and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
• Aim: To provide a platform to network for large industries, biotechnology stakeholders, investors, and the startup ecosystem. 

About India’s Bioeconomy:

• According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Bio-economics can be defined as the production, use, and conservation of biological resources, including related knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to provide information, products, processes, and services to all economic sectors to move towards a sustainable economy.

• India’s Bioeconomy Report 2022:
  • India’s bioeconomy has reached over USD 80 billion in 2021, registering a 14.1 percent growth over USD 70.2 billion in 2020.
  • It will likely touch USD 150 billion by 2025 and over USD 300 billion by 2030.
• India had just 55 (Biotech) Startups in 2014, now there are more than 6,000 biotech companies. And there are over 3,000 Agritech Startups.

Source: PIB

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Context: Eleven climbers died in Indonesia after the Merapi volcano erupted in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

About Merapi Volcano

• Merapi is the most active of more than 120 active volcanoes in Indonesia and has repeatedly erupted with lava and gas clouds recently. 
• Its last major eruption in 2010 killed 347 people and displaced 20,000 villagers

Also Read: Distribution Of Volcanoes

About Mount Merapi:

• Mount Merapi is a stratovolcano – a tall, conical volcano composed of one layer of hardened lava, tephra (fragmented material produced by a volcanic eruption) and volcanic ash.
• Characteristics: These volcanoes are characterized by a steep profile and periodic, explosive eruptions (pyroclastic flows)
  • Pyroclastic flows is a fast-moving current of extremely hot gas and rock, which travels away from the volcano at very high speeds
• Location: Tectonically, Merapi is situated at the subduction zone where the Indo-Australian Plate is sliding under the Eurasian Plate. 
• It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

News Source: Times of India

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Context: India has joined the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium,  at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).

About Battery Energy Storage Systems Consortium

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Consortium Consortium is an initiative of The Global Leadership Council (GLC) of the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
• Through the BESS Consortium, India is among the first-mover countries, as a part of the collaborative effort to secure 5 gigawatts (GW) of BESS commitments by the end of 2024.

What is the battery energy storage system?

• A battery energy storage system is a type of energy storage system that uses batteries to store and distribute energy as electricity.
• BESSs are often used to enable energy from renewable sources, like solar and wind, to be stored and released.

How does battery energy storage systems Work?

• BESS relies on one or more batteries to store energy, which can then be used at a later time.
• These batteries may be charged using excess electricity generated by wind or solar farms.
• Once the battery is full, it stores the electricity until it is needed.

Applications:

• Peak Shaving: Peak shaving reduces the peak electricity demand by using stored energy to meet part of the demand which can help reduce the overall cost of electricity and the need for new power plants or upgrades to the existing grid.
• Microgrids: A microgrid is a small, independent power system that can operate either connected to or disconnected from the main grid.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply: An electrical apparatus supplies continuous power to critical loads during power outages.
• Enhancing Power Quality: BESS can improve power quality by smoothing out voltage fluctuations that may otherwise disrupt equipment operations.
• Ease of Installation: Many types of BESS are easy to install, making them a popular choice for businesses and homeowners looking for reliable energy storage systems.

For more information: BSES

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Context: Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4 each year, to recognize the role and achievements of the Indian Navy.

Indian Navy Day 2023: Key Highlights 

• On the occasion of Navy Day, the PM unveiled a grand statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century Maratha king at the coastal fort of Sindhugarh, Maharashtra.
• He noted that Shivaji knew the importance of naval power, and announced that epaulettes (ornamental shoulder pieces denoting rank) adorned by naval officers would soon carry his emblem.
• The Indian Navy Day 2023 theme is “Operational Efficiency, Readiness, and Mission Accomplishment in the Maritime Domain”.

About Indian Navy Day:

• The celebration of Indian Navy Day, on December 4 holds historical significance as it commemorates ‘Operation Trident‘ during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.

Marathas and Indian Navy:

• INS Shivaji: To commemorate the  sea-faring prowess of the Marathas, under Shivaji,  the Indian Navy has named its training establishment in Lonavla as INS Shivaji.
• INS Angre:  The shore-based logistics and administrative hub of the Western Naval Command, Mumbai, is named as INS Angre — after Kanhoji Angre (1669-1729), the celebrated Maratha naval commander.
• New Naval Ensign: The use of the octagonal design of the seal of Shivaji on the new Naval Ensign.

About Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• Father of the Indian Navy’: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the great Maratha ruler, is considered by many as the ‘Father of the Indian Navy’. 
  • It is him who laid the foundation of a modern navy in India.
• Philosophy of Naval Dominance: Historians note that his vision for the navy was based in his belief – “Jalameva yasya, balameva tasya”, which translates to “He who rules over the seas is all powerful”.
  • According to Indian Navy documents, the Maratha navy held both the Portuguese and the British at bay.
• Construction of multiple naval forts: Between 1653 and 1680, Shivaji ordered the construction of multiple naval forts, starting with the Vijaydurg in 1653, and followed by the likes of Sindhudurg and Kolaba.
• Birth of the Maratha Navy (1661-1663): Between 1661 and 1663, the Maratha Navy came into existence, and at its peak included 400-odd ships of various kinds and sizes. These included both larger battleships, and other vessels of varying shapes and purposes, such as the gurab, tarande, galbat, shibad, and pal.
• According to BK Apte’s pioneering A History of the Maratha Navy and Merchant Ships (1973), Shivaji’s navy tasted its first success when he used 85 ships to attack Basuru near Kundapura in today’s Karnataka a mission that yielded a huge booty.
• Limitation: The Marathas could hold their own in littoral waters but could not challenge European naval power in the high seas. 

News Source: The Indian Express                                 

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Context:  Six exoplanets orbiting around a nearby bright star (HD 110067) in the Coma Berenices constellation have been discovered.   

Discovery of Six Exoplanets 

• The planets have radii between Earth and Neptune. 
• NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) first discovered two exoplanets orbiting the star in 2020.
  • TESS is a space telescope for NASA’s Explorer program, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method in an area 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission.
• Planets with radii between that of the Earth and Neptune (referred to as ‘sub-Neptunes’) are found in close-in orbits around more than half of all Sun-like stars.

What are Exoplanets?

• The word “exoplanet” is derived from the term “extrasolar planet.“
• Exoplanets are planets that orbit stars other than the sun and thus exist outside the solar system. 
• Currently, the closest exoplanet to Earth is Proxima Centauri b, which orbits the star Proxima Centauri and is located 4 light-years away.

Types:

• Hot Jupiters: Hot Jupiters are gas giant exoplanets that orbit close to their stars and complete a full orbit in just a few Earth days. 
• Terrestrial exoplanets: Terrestrial exoplanets are roughly Earth-size worlds outside the solar system composed of rock, silicate, water and carbon. 
• Super-Earths or mini Neptunes: Super-Earths, alternatively known as mini-Neptunes, are planets that are up to twice the size of Earth.
• Rogue Exoplanets: They are also known as isolated planetary-mass objects and free-floating planets, which are worlds outside the solar system that are not gravitationally bound to stars. 

About HD 110067:

• HD 110067 is a bright star in the Coma Berenices constellation (around 100 light-years away), visible from Earth’s Northern Hemisphere.

Significance of Discovery: 

• A study published in Nature has calculated the orbit details, along with estimates of their masses and densities, which offer clues about the compositions of the planets’ atmospheres.

News Source: The Hindu

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Context: This article is based on the news “How to read the NCRB 2022 report on crime in India” which was published in the Indian Express. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released its annual report on crime in India for the year 2022.

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2022 NCRB Report On Crime in India

• The NCRB report on crime in India is published by the NCRB presents data on reported crimes from across the country
• It includes statistics on offences ranging from financial and commercial crimes to crimes against women.
• The data for the NCRB report is collected by the State Crime Records Bureaux (SCRBx) from the District Crime Records Bureaux (DCRBx) and sent to NCRB at the end of every calendar year.
• The NCRB report contains comprehensive information on:
  • Cases registered and their disposal and
  • Persons arrested and their disposal.

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What are the key highlights from the NCRB 2022 report?

• Decline in Registration Cases: In 2022,  58,24,946 cognizable crimes comprising 35,61,379 Indian Penal Code (IPC) and 22,63,567 under Special and Local Laws (SLL) were registered. 
  • It shows a decline of 2,71,364 (4.5%) in registration of cases over 2021 (60,96,310 cases).
  • The State/UT reporting the highest Charge-sheeting Rate under IPC Crimes are Kerala (96.0%), Puducherry (91.3%) and West Bengal (90.6%)
• Crime Rate: From 445.9 crimes reported per lakh people in 2021 to 422.2 crimes in 2022, the crime rate has decreased.
  • Crime rate refers to the number of cases registered per lakh population.
• Cases of Murder: A total of 28,522 cases of murder were registered during 2022, showing a marginal decline of 2.6% over 2021(29,272 cases). 

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• Crime against Women: In 2022, 4,45,256 incidents of crime against women were reported. Compared to 2021(4,28,278 cases), there was a 4% increase in number. 
  • Major reason: Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives” accounted for the highest percentage of crimes against women (31.4%), followed by “Kidnapping & Abduction of Women” (19.2%) and “Assault on Women with Intent to Outrage her Modesty” (18.7%).
  • State with maximum crime against women: With 14,247 cases, Delhi had the highest rate of crime against women at 144.4 against the country’s average of 66.4. 
• Cybercrimes: Under it, 65,893 cases were registered showing an increase of 24.4% in registration over 2021 (52,974 cases). 
  • Reporting of Cyber Crime:  It increased by 24.4 % compared to 2021 to 65,893 cases. Around 64.8% of registered cases were of fraud, followed by extortion (5.5%), and sexual exploitation (5.2%).
• Suicides: The number of suicides reported in 2022 increased by 4.2% over 2021. 
  • Major reason behind suicide: 54.9% of all suicides in the nation in 2022 were caused by “Family Problems (other than marriage-related problems)” (31.7%), “Marriage Related Problems” (4.8%), and “Illness” (18.4%). The suicide victims’ overall male to female ratio was 71.8:28.2.
  • State with maximum suicides: Maximum suicides in the year were reported from Maharashtra (22,746), Tamil Nadu (19,834), Madhya Pradesh (15,386), Karnataka (13,606), Kerala (10,162), and Telangana (9,980). 
  • Occupational trend of suicides:  9.6% of the suicides were by self-employed or salaried professionals followed by unemployed persons comprising 9.2% of all suicides reported in India in 2022.

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• • Among all suicides reported in the year, over 12,000 were of students. 
• Kidnapping & Abduction: In 2022, 1,07,588 cases of kidnapping and abduction were reported, which represents a 5.8% increase from 1,01,707 occurrences in 2021.
• Crime against Children: In 2022, 1,07,588 cases of kidnapping and abduction were reported, which represents a 5.8% increase from 1,01,707 occurrences in 2021.
• Crime against Senior Citizens: 28,545 cases were registered for committing crimes against Senior Citizens (aged above 60 years), showing an increase of 9.3% from 2021.
• Crime/Atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs):  There is a 13.1% rise in cases against SCs in 2021. 
  • Crime rate: Between 2021 and 2022, the recorded crime rate increased from 25.3 to 28.6.
• Crime/Atrocities against Scheduled Tribes (STs): Cases registered for committing crimes against Scheduled Tribes (STs) show an increase of 14.3% over 2021.
  • Crime Rate:  It registered an increase from 8.4 in 2021 to 9.6 in 2022.
• Economic Offences: These witness an increase of 11.1% in registration over 2021.
  • Counterfeiting accounted for the greatest number of cases in 2022(1,70,901) followed by criminal breach of trust (21,814 instances) and counterfeiting (670 cases). 
• Prevention of Corruption Act: State Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACBs) recorded 4,139 cases in 2022 compared to 3,745 cases in 2021, indicating a 10.5% rise. 
  • The Anti-Corruption Bureau is the main investigative unit of the Vigilance Department.
• Environment-Related Offences:  52,920 cases were registered under Environment-Related Offences as compared to 64,471 cases in 2021, showing a decrease of 17.9%. 
• Crime Against Foreigners: 192 offenses were reported against foreigners (tourists and residents) in 2022 in contrast to 150 cases in 2021 indicating a 28.0% increase. 
• Human Trafficking: 2,250 instances of human trafficking were reported in 2022 compared to 2,189 cases in 2021, indicating a 2.8% rise.

Also Read: Women Safety in India

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About National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):

• Origin: It was established in January 1986 based on the recommendations of the Tandon Committee.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs.

Also Read: Cyber Security and Rising Incidence of Cyber Crime

What are the functions of NCRB?

• Crime Data: It is mandated to compile and keep records of data on crime.
• Fingerprint Records: It also acts as a “national warehouse” for the fingerprint records of Indian and foreign criminals, and assists in locating interstate criminals through fingerprint searches.
• Implementation of (CCTNS) project: It is entrusted with monitoring, coordinating and implementing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and System (CCTNS) project. 
  • The CCTNS project connects about 15000 police stations and 6000 high offices of the country.
• Maintaining NDSO: It is also responsible for maintaining the National Database of Sexual Offenders (NDSO) and sharing it with the States/UTs on a regular basis.
• Monitoring Online Cyber ​​Crime Information Portal: It oversees the technical and operational process of the Portal through which citizens can file complaints of child obscenity, rape, gang rape and collect evidence.
• Maintaining FICN: It maintains the Counterfeit Currency Information and Management System (FICN) and Integrated Monitoring Application on Terrorism.

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What are other key reports published by the NCRB?

• Crime in India
• Accidental Deaths and Suicides
• Prison Statistics

How are the data for NCRB reports compiled?

• Data from Police forces: The data is obtained from the police departments of 36 states and Union Territories.
• Data Verification: The data at the local police station level submitted by the State/UT police is verified by the district and state levels before being approved by the NCRB.

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What are the issues associated with the data provided by the NCRB?

• Adherence to Principal Offence Rule: As per this rule, the offence carrying the harshest penalty is taken into account out of all the offences listed in a single FIR. 
  • Under this, Murder with Rape being counted as “Murder” rather than “rape” leading to undercounting of the crime of rape.
• Data Inefficiencies at Local Level: The accuracy of the NCRB report is impacted by inefficiencies or gaps in data reported at the local level, as it is merely a compilation of data at local level.
  • Lack of police personnel or vacancies in related positions at the local level makes data collection more difficult.

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Way Forward/Reforms in Criminal Justice System:

• Modernisation of Police Forces:  With the changing nature of crime, state-of-the-art technology and mutual coordination crime has become necessary for the police.
• Reforms in Judiciary: It should aim to reduce delays and arrears in the system and enhance accountability through structural changes and by setting performance standards and capacities. Measures needed are:
  • Transparency in the appointment systems (Fair and Accountability)
  • Reforming Investigation (Many Innocent people being wrongfully charged and punished.)
  • Timely delivery of judgements
  • Establishing National Judicial Infrastructure Authority of India (To improve Infrastructure for court systems )
  • Better District Courts
• Prison Reforms: It should include the development of alternatives to imprisonment, the provision of education and job training programs, the implementation of mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
• Welfare Scheme for Poor: Government interventions are needed to address the concerns of the poor in India.  
  • Poverty and crime have a complex and often contentious relationship. 
  • The cost of being unable to afford necessities, combined with the lack of opportunity for social and economic advancement, creates a breeding ground for criminal activities. 
• Strengthen NCRB:  States must utilise the NCRB’s data to create their annual police strategy, which should have a multifaceted and multipurpose use in crime control. 
• Revamp of criminal laws:  Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act (IEA) need overhaul as these laws were made to strengthen colonial rule,with the intention of giving punishment instead of justice.

Also Read: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023

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Conclusion:

The 2022 NCRB report highlights India’s crime situation, indicating a decline in overall cases but an increase in certain areas. To improve the justice system, reforms such as modernizing police, judicial changes, prison reforms, and addressing socio-economic issues are essential.

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Context: This article is based on the news “Ministry of Jal Shakti releases Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023” which was published in the ANI. The Ministry of Jal Shakti has recently released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2023.

About Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2023

• Groundwater Resource Assessment is carried out at periodical intervals jointly by State Groundwater Departments (SGWD) and Central Groundwater Board (CGWB). 
• Such joint exercises were carried out in 1980, 1995, 2004, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2020 and 2022. From 2022, the exercise is being carried out annually. 
• Assessment involves computation of: 
  • Annual Extractable Ground Water Resource.
  • Total Current Annual Ground Water Extraction.
• Assessment Method: Stage of Ground Water Extraction
  • The stage of groundwater extraction in an assessment unit is calculated as the ratio of annual groundwater extraction to annual extractable resource. 
  • Based on this, the assessment units (Talukas/blocks/mandals)  are categorised as safe, semi-critical, critical, or overexploited, which are then validated with long-term water level trends.

Also Read: 8th India Water Impact Summit (IWIS)

What are the major findings of the Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2023?

• Groundwater Recharge: The total annual groundwater recharge for the entire country is 449.08 billion cubic meters (BCM), marking an increase of 11.48 BCM compared to the previous year (2022). This increase may mainly be attributed to increased recharge from canal seepage, the return flow of irrigation water, and recharges from water 
• bodies/tanks and water conservation structures.

• Groundwater Extraction: It has marginally increased from 239.16 bcm to 241.34 bcm. The overall stage of groundwater extraction has marginally decreased from 60.08 % to 59.26 %. Keeping an allocation for natural discharge, the annual extractable groundwater resource has been assessed as 407.21 bcm. 
  • Critical Level: In 3.04 % of assessment units the stage of groundwater extraction is between 90-100% and has been categorized as critical. 
  • Semi-Critical Level: There are around 10.65 % semi-critical units, where the stage of groundwater extraction is between 70 % and 90 %.
  • Safe Level: There are around 73.14 %  safe units, where the stage of Groundwater extraction is less than 70 %. 
  • Saline Units: There are 1.94% assessment units categorised as saline as a major part of the groundwater in aquifers in these units is brackish or saline. 
• Groundwater Condition: Report indicates improvement in groundwater conditions compared with 2022 assessment data with out of a total of 6553 assessment units, 4793 units categorised as ‘Safe’.

What challenges are associated with groundwater management in India?

• Over Exploitation of Groundwater:  The over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural, industrial, and domestic purposes has led to declining water tables in many regions, resulting in the depletion of aquifers. 
  • Out of the total 6553 assessment units, 736 units(11.23%) have been categorized as over-exploited, indicating groundwater extraction exceeding the annually replenishable groundwater recharge. 
  • For example, in the northwestern part of the country including parts of Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Western Uttar Pradesh where even though the replenishable resources are abundant, there have been indiscriminate withdrawals of groundwater leading to over-exploitation.

• Lack of Human Resources: According to the report, there is a lack of dedicated manpower at the district level for understanding data to be collected from different State Departments. 
  • For example, qualified human resources are needed so that data related to recharge from water conservation structures can be collected and regularly updated at the district or block level so that a more realistic assessment of groundwater resources can be accomplished.
• Groundwater Pollution: In many areas, groundwater is contaminated with pollutants, including industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. 
  • Poor water quality affects both human health and agricultural productivity, posing additional challenges for water management. 
  • According to a Lancet study, pollution in India has led to more than 2.3 million premature deaths in 2019, more than half a million were caused by water pollution.
• Climate Change Impact: Climate change affects rainfall frequency, and it is expected that climate change will significantly alter India’s hydro-climatic regime. These changes reveal that the Kharif crops will face more risk of floods and droughts. 
  • Increased variability in precipitation and more extreme weather events caused by climate change can lead to longer periods of droughts and floods, which directly affects availability and dependency on groundwater. 
• Technological Challenges: The adoption of modern technology for water management, including efficient irrigation techniques and groundwater recharge methods, faces challenges in terms of accessibility, affordability, and awareness among users.

Also Read: India’s excess sugar production is guzzling groundwater

What steps has the Indian government taken to improve groundwater management?

• Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater in India: It envisages implementation of nearly 11 million rainwater harvesting and artificial recharge structures to augment the groundwater resources of the country
• National Aquifer Mapping & Management Programme (NAQUIM): NAQUIM for mapping major aquifers, their characterization and formulation of aquifer management plans to ensure the sustainability of the resources, prioritising over-exploited, critical and semi-critical assessment units.
• Watershed Development Programmes: Several State Governments are implementing watershed development programmes, in which, groundwater conservation forms an integral part.Water conservation measures are also taken up as a part of the MGNREGA.
• Jal Kranti Abhiyan: Launched by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, it aims at consolidating water conservation and management initiatives in the country through a holistic and integrated approach involving all stakeholders.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: It envisages improving groundwater management in identified water-stressed areas in parts of a few States in the country with emphasis on demand management and community participation.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): PMKSY envisages the creation of irrigation potential from groundwater in assessment units where there is sufficient scope for further future groundwater development.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan: This initiative is characterized by the expeditious execution of five interventions viz. water conservation and the harnessing of rainwater, revitalization of traditional and contemporary aquatic ecosystems, the recycling and replenishment of water, watershed development, and the deliberate augmentation of afforestation efforts.

Way Forward for Groundwater Management in India:

• One Water Approach: Shifting the attention from linear water management to a multi-dimensional integrated water management approach (One Water approach) for a comprehensive, resilient, and sustainable management of water resources.
  • One Water: It is the recognition that all water has value, regardless of its source. It includes managing sources in an integrated, inclusive, and sustainable manner by benefits. 

• Formation of New National Water Commission (NWC): The Mihir Shah Committee recommended that the CWC and CGWB should be restructured and unified to form a new NWC.  
  • According to the committee, a unified body will help in the collective management of ground and surface water and it will be responsible for water policy, data, and governance in the country. 
• Promote Water-Efficient Agriculture: Encourage the adoption of precision irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler systems), promote the cultivation of less water-intensive crops in water-deficit regions, and introduce crop diversification strategies.
• Data Collection and Management: Investing in human resources to ensure comprehensive data collection to assess groundwater availability, quality, and usage. 
• Climate-Resilient Strategies: Develop and implement climate-resilient groundwater management strategies to address the impact of changing weather patterns.
  • For example, ensuring treatment of alternative sources of water, increasing water storage capacity, ensuring river health and watershed management, etc.
• Technological Solutions: Promote the use of innovative technologies for efficient water use, such as sensor-based irrigation systems and soil moisture monitoring and further investing in research and development for affordable and sustainable water management technologies.

Conclusion:

The Dynamic Groundwater Resource Assessment Report 2023 highlights both positive trends and challenges, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to groundwater management in India, incorporating technological innovation, policy restructuring, and community participation to ensure long-term water security.

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