23rd October 2024

Article: 23^rd October, 2024

Topic: Biodiversity COP 16

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Environment

Source: Indian Express

Context

• Cali, Colombia, will host the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, or CBD COP 16.

Origin of the Convention on Biological Diversity:

• In 1992, during the Rio Earth Summit, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, the Convention was made available for signature.
  – On December 29, 1993, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) came into effect.
• The Bahamas were chosen to host the COP’s inaugural meeting in 1994.
• Secretariat: Montreal, Canada
• Ratification: The CBD is one of the most extensively embraced international treaties, having been ratified by 196 countries.
• The only UN member state that has not ratified the convention is the US.
• Its three primary goals are
  – The conservation of biological diversity
  – The long-term application
• The just and equal distribution of advantages resulting from the use of genetic resources.
• The Conference of the Parties (COP), which convenes every two years, is the governing body.
  
  

Additional CBD Agreements

• Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: This international agreement ensures that nations can control the risks associated with biotechnology by regulating the transboundary movement of living modified organisms (LMOs) produced by contemporary biotechnology.
  – Adopted in 2000, it became operative in 2003.

• In order to guarantee that the benefits obtained from genetic resources are distributed equitably to the countries of origin, the Nagoya Protocol addresses access to genetic resources as well as the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits deriving from their utilization (ABS).
  – Adopted in 2010, it became operative in 2014.

Momentum for 30 × 30

• Accelerating progress on the most immediate 30 x 30 targets is one of COP16’s primary goals.
• By 2030, it aims to restore at least 30% of degraded terrestrial or marine ecosystems and place at least 30% of the world’s lands and oceans—particularly those with high biodiversity—under conservation.
  
  

The Way Ahead

• Finding and resolving obstacles in the application of current biodiversity agreements is known as “implementation gaps.”
• Ensuring fair distribution of the advantages gained from the utilization of genetic resources and equitable access to them are two aspects of equitable access.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Putting in place efficient systems for tracking and reporting biodiversity goals.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Convention on Biological Diversity

1. The goal of the convention is to address all threats to ecosystem services and biodiversity.
2. It is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP).
3. Every year in September, it holds its Council of Principles meeting.
4. Montreal, Canada, is home to the CBD Secretariat.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1, 3, 4
2. 2, 3, 4
3. 1, 2, 4
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans: c

Explanation

The goal of the CBD convention is to address all threats to ecosystem services and biodiversity. It is governed by the Conference of the Parties (COP). Montreal, Canada, is home to the CBD Secretariat.
Every two years, the Council of the People meets.

Mains Model Questions Q. Give a brief explanation of the Biological Diversity Act of 2002’s primary goals. In what ways does it support India’s biodiversity protection efforts?

Introduction:

India’s Biological Diversity Act of 2002 is a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect the country’s abundant biodiversity and related traditional knowledge. The Act’s many goals make it essential for preserving a variety of ecosystems, controlling access to genetic resources, and guaranteeing fair benefit distribution.

Body:

The Biological Diversity Act of 2002’s primary goals are:

• Biodiversity conservation: To protect the nation’s biological variety and guarantee its sustainable usage for the benefit of current and future generations.
• Regulation of access to biological resources and related traditional knowledge is necessary to guarantee their sustained usage.
• Benefit distribution that is fair and equitable: To guarantee that local communities and indigenous people receive a fair and equitable share of the advantages that come from the use of biological resources and related knowledge.
• Preservation of traditional knowledge: To preserve indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ biodiversity-related knowledge, inventions, and customs.
• Control of access to genetic resources: To control access to genetic resources and guarantee that it is acquired with the appropriate authorization and in compliance with the Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) principles.
  
  

The Act encourages conservation by taking actions like:

• Biological Heritage Sites (BHS) are places of ecological, biological, cultural, and historical value that can be recognized and protected under the Act.
• Mechanism for Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS): The ABS requirements of the Act support fair benefit sharing with nearby communities. The use of turmeric and neem in medications is one example. The Act requires that the communities that have preserved and fostered these resources and knowledge receive a portion of the profits from the commercial exploitation of these resources.
• Protection of Traditional Knowledge: The Act protects traditional knowledge related to biodiversity. For example, the Act has conserved the traditional knowledge of Arunachal Pradesh’s tribal populations regarding medicinal herbs. In addition to recognizing the achievements of indigenous communities, this acknowledgement stops exploitation.
• PBRs, or People’s Biodiversity Registers: PBRs, which record regional biodiversity and traditional knowledge, are encouraged by the Act. Numerous states, including Kerala and Karnataka, have established PBRs.
• Regulation of Bioprospecting and Research: The Act governs bioprospecting operations, making sure that scientists acquire the required permission before using genetic resources. This promotes responsible research and stops illegal exploitation.
• Education and Awareness: The Act requires that education and awareness on the preservation of biodiversity be promoted. To raise awareness of the value of biodiversity conservation and adherence to the Act’s stipulations, several workshops, seminars, and campaigns have been held.

Conclusion: By offering a thorough legal framework to address many facets of biodiversity conservation and management, this Act aids in the preservation of biodiversity in India. To supervise the Act’s execution at the federal and state levels, it creates the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and State Biodiversity Boards.

Article: 23^rd October, 2024

Topic: Steps to release deserving Undertrial Prisoners

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Polity

Source: Live Law

Context

• In order to give undertrial inmates substantial relief, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recommended that all states and Union Territories (UTs) implement Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS).
  
  

Background

• The warning was issued in response to growing worries about overcrowding in jails and the extended holding of inmates awaiting trial, many of whom have not yet been tried.
• One of the largest percentages of undertrial inmates worldwide is found in India.
• According to National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) Prison Statistics India 2021, undertrial inmates make up more than 77% of India’s prison population.
  – In 2021, over 130% of Indian prisons were occupied.
  
  

Causes of jail overcrowding

• Strict Bail Requirements: More undertrials are being held for longer lengths of time even when they are eligible for release on bail because courts are reluctant to issue bail, especially for minor infractions.
• Delayed Remission and Parole: Despite the existence of parole and remission rules, qualified inmates are not freed due to administrative obstacles and processing delays.
• Inadequate Prison Infrastructure: As the number of inmates has increased, the prison’s capacity has not.
  
  

Bail provisions under the BNSS, 2023

• Inmates who have served half of the maximum sentence allowed for their claimed offense are now eligible for bail under Section 479.
• If a first-time offender has completed one-third of the maximum sentence, they are eligible for release on personal bail.
  
  

e-Prisons Portal

• The MHA included the following information in the national e-Prisons portal to help prison officials quickly identify eligible inmates:
• Types of charges that inmates have been charged with,
• The harshest penalty possible for the offense,
• The date on which a prisoner has served half or one-third of the maximum sentence allowed by the applicable statute for a particular offense, etc.
  
  

Additional measures implemented by the government

• Model Prison Manual, 2016: offers revised recommendations for enhancing prison management that prioritize the rights of inmates, their care, and their rehabilitation.
• Legal Aid for Prisoners: Undertrials and convicted individuals who are unable to pay for legal counsel are eligible for free legal aid from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).
• The Mulla Committee, an All-India Committee on Jail Reforms 1980: The committee suggested actions to speed up trials and reduce jail overcrowding, emphasize rehabilitation and reintegration, and provide offenders with education, skill-building, and mental health care.

• The Support for Poor Prisoners’ Scheme was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2024, with ₹20 crore set aside to give impoverished inmates who cannot afford bail or sureties financial support.
  
  

Way Ahead

• Fast-track Courts: By increasing the number of fast-track courts, cases will be resolved more quickly, particularly for inmates awaiting trial. This will shorten the time that they are held in custody.
• Use technology to cut down on court process delays through automated case management, virtual hearings, and electronic filing.
• Strengthening district-level Undertrial Review Committees (URCs) to conduct routine evaluations of the conditions of undertrial inmates and accelerate their release where appropriate, especially for petty offenses.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements

1. State governments in India are in charge of running prisons, and each have their own set of guidelines for daily operations.
2. The Prisons Act, 1894, which specifically maintained the topic of prisons under the jurisdiction of Provincial Governments, governs prisons in India.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: c

Explanation

According to List-II of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule, prisons are a state subject. The major duty, responsibility, and authority to amend the existing jail laws, rules, and regulations rests with the states.
State governments are solely responsible for the management and administration of prisons, which are regulated by the Prisons Act of 1894 and the state governments’ respective prison manuals. Therefore, it is accurate to say that the jails Act of 1894 retained the province (or state) government’s jurisdiction over jails and this explains why State governments have the power to frame their own rules and regulations regarding prison management.

Mains Model Questions Q. Indian prisons are in severe need of significant reform and serve as a stark reminder of the state of human rights. Discuss.

Introduction:

According to data published by Prison Statistics India (PSI) 2021, the number of people arrested in 2021 increased by 7.7 lakh over 2020. In 2020, 1.39 crore persons were arrested, compared to 1.47 crore in 2021. By December 2021, there were 554,034 prisoners housed in 1,319 prisons, up 13% from 488,511 in December 2020.

Body:

Prisons in India face the following challenges:

• A problem known as “prison overcrowding” happens when a jurisdiction’s prison population exceeds its available space.
• In correctional facilities, corruption by prison employees and its less severe counterpart, guard corruption, are prevalent.
• Living conditions in prisons are subpar due to overcrowding. Poor living conditions and a variety of other problems, such as inadequate food, clothes, and cleanliness, persist in many prisons around the nation.
• According to a Human Rights study, Watch notably mentions nations like India where there is a “rigid” class system in place in the jails.
• Only 54% of the entire budget allotted for prisons is spent on convicts, with roughly 1.3% going toward their medical needs, according to data from “Prison Statistics India 2021,” which was released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
  
  
  

Measures:

• Reform the Criminal Justice System: A significant decrease in the number of people awaiting trial is necessary to alleviate prison congestion.
• Enhance Living circumstances: Improving prison circumstances does not imply making prison life more comfortable; rather, it calls for making it more humane and reasonable for inmates.
• Innovative Initiative: Some creative initiatives are needed. For instance, the Art of Living is implementing a SMART program in Tihar Jail. It involves two monthly courses for prison workers that are held once a year. However, these might come more from experimentation and exceptions.
• Timely Inspection: Judicial officers must do routine, prompt inspections. To ensure that prisoners receive successful social rehabilitation, all police and administrative branches must work together.

Conclusion: An arrested person’s fundamental dignity must be preserved, and those who have been found guilty must be treated with dignity. Both article 21 of the Indian Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mention protections for such dignity. Furthermore, despite all the talk, reforming jails will be challenging without appropriate priorities and allocations, thus funding must be increased and sufficient space must be created.

Article: 23^rd October, 2024

Topic: China confirms agreement on LAC patrols

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – International Relations

Source: Hindustan Times

Context

• The “patrolling arrangements” and the end of the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have been agreed upon by India and China.
• It encompasses Demchok and Depsang’s remaining points of tension.
  
  

About

• India and China had sent hundreds of troops in forward positions along the LAC since the start of the standoff in eastern Ladakh in 2020.
• The difficulties have been resolved as a result of an agreement reached following discussions in a number of venues.
• Additionally, several amicable agreements have been reached for the eastern theater, particularly in Arunachal Pradesh’s sensitive areas.

India and China’s borders

• The LAC is approximately 3,488 km long in India, but only about 2,000 km in China.
• It is separated into three regions: the middle region, which includes Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh; the western region, which includes Ladakh; and the eastern region, which includes Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

• Aksai Chin Sector or Western Sector: The area was formerly a part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, but the Chinese government claims it as an independent component of the Xinjiang region after the 1962 conflict.
• Middle Sector: Although this part of the Indo-China border is less contentious, the recent Doklam impasse and the trading problems at Nathu La Pass have caused anxiety on all fronts.
• Arunachal Pradesh, also known as the Eastern Sector, was where the McMahon Line distinguished China from India; nevertheless, during the 1962 conflict, the People’s Liberation Army occupied an area of 9,000 square kilometers.
  – They retreated on the international boundaries after a unilateral ceasefire was announced.
  – But China has been asserting its sovereignty over that region, and more lately, it has begun to assert its sovereignty over the entirety of Arunachal Pradesh.
  
  

What caused China to invade Indian territory?

• To assert its supremacy: China believed that India was failing to acknowledge the widening economic divide between them and that, in an attempt to counterbalance China, India was moving closer to the US. As a result, China felt the need to assert its control.
• India’s position on the assertive foreign policy of China: India made numerous attempts to refute the Chinese viewpoint.
  – By strengthening its border infrastructure to better sustain its ability to repel against the PLA along its borders.
• by forging ties with the US that seemed to combine the dangers posed by China’s core and secondary strategic directions.
• by preserving its relationship with the Dalai Lama and strengthening its relationships with Tibetans who are exiled.
• opposing China’s initiatives to build relationships in the Indian Ocean region and South Asia.
• spearheading the international opposition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

• Danger to Chinese ambitions in South Asia: Before China is seen as a major global force, it must be recognized as the leading economic and military force in its immediate neighborhood.
  – India, which is located in its southwest and is equally large, populous, and ambitious, is undoubtedly viewed by its neighbors as the naturally dominant force in South Asia.
• India’s interaction with Chinese adversaries: India has established close military connections with the United States, which China considers to be its main enemy, in recent years.
  – China wants to maintain strong relations with India in South Asia while concentrating on the western Pacific issue.
  – However, China’s calculations are undermined by India’s persistent attempts to improve its border infrastructure and fortify its alliance with the US.
  
  

The Way Ahead

• Unquestionably, removing the points of contention is a positive move, but China and India still have a long way to go in resolving the border conflict.
• India should keep pushing for total de-escalation and disengagement from all points of contention.
• Additionally, discussions at the Corps Commanders level must go on because the relationship cannot return to normal as long as the situation along the stand-off lingers.
• India must remain steadfast in its commitment to reestablishing the status quo and fostering peace throughout the LAC.
• The Indian government must take all necessary steps to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and keep a close eye on any developments that could compromise India’s security.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding India-China border dispute

1. In the eastern sector, the boundary line at the LAC is known as the McMahon Line.
2. In 1914, the Simla Accord recommended the McMahon line.
3. China took possession of Tawang during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, but India regained it with Russia’s assistance.

Which of the above statements are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Ans:

Explanation

India and China have a border of 1140 kilometers along the eastern part of the LAC.
The McMahon Line, which connects the eastern edge of Bhutan to a location close to Talu Pass at the intersection of Tibet, India, and Myanmar, is the boundary line.
China believes that the McMahon line, which was suggested in the 1914 Simla Accord to determine the border between Tibet and China and India, is unlawful.

Tawang briefly came under Chinese rule during the Sino-Indian War in 1962, but China willingly withdrew its forces at the conclusion of the conflict.

Mains Model Questions Q. “India-China relations are crucial to realizing the Asian Century, despite differences at many levels.” Discuss.

Introduction:

The predicted domination of Asian politics, economy, and culture in the twenty-first century is known as the “Asian Century.” In order to realize the 21st Asian Century, constructive ties among nations in the region are required due to the growing significance and stress on Asian unity. Both nations make for 40% of the world’s population and are Asia’s growth hubs. Therefore, the realization of the Asian Century depends critically on the connection between two nations.

Body:

The partnership between China and India is crucial to achieving the Asian Century.

• Economic development: Under the leadership of China and India, Asia has seen strong economic growth over the past three decades. Without the economic growth of the two nations and the emigration of millions of people from the region, the Asian Century cannot be realized.
• Demographic dividend: It is anticipated that Asia’s population will continue to expand for at least the first half of the twenty-first century. The region will experience a significant demographic dividend as a result. Therefore, it is essential for two countries to coordinate by offering chances and jobs that are fueled by economic growth.

• Investment: The dearth of bilateral investments between China and India has prevented their relationship from reaching its full potential. India is a market for China’s technology sector, while China can offer India a market for investments in the software, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors. The establishment of the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank are new growth engines in the area. Without Beijing and New Delhi working together, these institutions would not succeed.
• New organizations’ success: Asia is becoming a hub for geopolitics and geoeconomics, as seen by new organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and economic agreements like the Trans Pacific Partnership and RCEP. The success of these platforms as a hub for the Asian century depends on two growth engines collaborating and working together.
• Stability in the Region: The threat of terrorism prevents the realization of the Asian Century. It has had a detrimental effect on South Asian countries’ regional frameworks. To advance regional stability, it is critical that two nations unite in their fight against terrorism. Mutual growth would be guaranteed by regional stability.

Here are some crucial actions to improve two countries’ bilateral relations:

• formation of a bilateral group with specialists from both nations to develop a strategy for future collaboration.
• enhancing the military, police, intelligence, and paramilitary organizations’ ability to fight terrorism through training.
• encouragement of increased cooperation to settle border conflicts between two countries.
• Bilateral trade balance correction is necessary to guarantee both parties’ economic growth.
  moral and legal assistance to one another on all global forums.
• Boost interpersonal relationships through travel and cross-cultural interactions.

Conclusion: It should be mentioned that China and India still engage in uneven trade negotiations and border confrontations. In addition to India, China has been the subject of much conjecture on a number of other fronts. It is difficult to achieve progress in bilateral ties without Chinese collaboration and a shift in mindset. India should endeavor to build trust between the two countries and pressure China for improved relations.

Article: 23^rd October, 2024

Topic: Cyclone Dana set to make landfall on Odisha coast

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Science & Technology

Source: Down to Earth

Context

• The Indian Meteorological Department predicts that Cyclone Dana will strengthen into a powerful cyclonic storm and reach land along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha.
  
  

What is a cyclone?

• A cyclone is a massive air system that revolves around a low-pressure area’s center.
• Usually, it is accompanied by severe weather and storms.
• Inward spiraling winds that rotate clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere are the hallmarks of a cyclone.
• Extratropical cyclones and tropical cyclones are the two general categories into which the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) divides cyclones.
  
  

What are Extratropical Cyclones?

• Outside of the tropics are extratropical cyclones, usually referred to as mid-latitude cyclones.
• Their energy comes from the release of potential energy when cold and warm air masses contact, and they have cold air at their core.
• These cyclones are always accompanied by one or more fronts, which are meteorological systems that mark the separation of two distinct air masses.
• One can happen over land or the ocean and is symbolized by warm air, while the other is represented by cold air.
  
  

What are Tropical Cyclones?

• The areas between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer are where tropical cyclones form.
  – These storms are the most destructive in the world.
• When thunderstorm activity begins to gather around the center of circulation and the highest winds and rain stop occurring in a band far from the center, such cyclones form.
• The storm’s center warms, and the cyclone’s primary source of energy is the “latent heat” that is generated when water vapor that has evaporated from warm ocean waters condenses into liquid water, the agency added.
• Furthermore, tropical cyclones are not linked to either warm or cold fronts.

• The names given to tropical cyclones vary according on their strength and location.
  – Hurricanes can occur in the eastern and central North Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the North Atlantic Ocean.
  – Typhoons: In the North Pacific’s western region.
  
  

Tropical Cyclones’ Favourable Conditions

• Very Large Body of Water: It supplies the storm with a steady supply of water.
• The presence of the Coriolis force, which results from the Earth’s rotation, gives cyclones their distinctive round motion.
  – The winds are deflected by this force, spiraling in the direction of the storm’s center of low pressure.
• Pre-existing low-pressure circulation: The Eye of the Cyclone, also known as a low-pressure center, is what defines tropical cyclones.
• Warm sea temperature: The air above the warm surface water (above 26°C) rises as a result of the heat, forming the storm’s core.
  
  

IMD Cyclone Classification

• Cyclones are categorized by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) according to the sustained wind speeds that are connected with them.
  – Cyclonic Storm: 62–88 kmph
  – Severe cyclonic storm: 89–117 kmph
  – Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm: 118–167 kmph
  – Cyclonic Storm of Extreme Severity: 168–221 kmph
  – Super cyclonic storm: Over 222 kmph

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Tropical Cyclone

1. For it to form, a sizable sea surface with temperatures above 27° C is necessary.
2. Tropical cyclones can form without the need of corolis force.
3. In the northern hemisphere, cyclonic wind movements are clockwise, while in the southern hemisphere, they are counterclockwise.

Which of the above statements are incorrect?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 2
4. 1, 2, 3

Ans:

Explanation

For it to form, the temperature must be higher than 27° C.
The creation of tropical cyclones requires the presence of corolis force.
In the northern hemisphere, cyclonic winds move counter-clockwise, while in the southern hemisphere, they move clockwise.

Mains Model Questions Q. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to cyclones, which are natural disasters. Discuss about how cyclones form, their traits, and their effects.

Introduction:

Cyclones are strong tropical weather systems that can seriously endanger coastal areas and wreak extensive damage. Because of their closeness to the ocean, coastal areas are more susceptible to the effects of cyclones. Storm surges, intense rains, and powerful winds are some of the characteristics that define these natural disasters.

Body:

Formation:

• When warm, humid air rises above the ocean, a cyclone is formed. A region of low pressure develops beneath the rising air.
• High-pressure air from the surrounding regions then fills this low-pressure area. Over the ocean, the subsequent wave of cool air warms and becomes humid before ascending and creating another low-pressure system.
• As this cycle goes on, clouds start to form in the atmosphere. A storm system is created when ocean water evaporates and more clouds are created.
• An eye forms in the center of the storm system as it rotates more quickly. A region of low air pressure called the storm’s eye.
  
  

Features:

• They are huge air masses that revolve around a center of low pressure.
• They fall into a variety of categories, including tropical, subtropical, and extratropical.
• They have the power to bring forth storms, clouds, and torrential rain.
• In the northern hemisphere, they travel counterclockwise, while in the southern hemisphere, they move clockwise.
• Near the equator, they occur over warm ocean waters (27°C).
  
  

Impact on Coastal Areas:

• Widespread damage to vegetation, infrastructure, and buildings can result from strong winds.
• Flooding brought on by heavy rains can cause fatalities, property damage, and interruptions to vital services.
• Low-lying areas are submerged and coasts are eroded by storm surge, which also causes coastal flooding.
• Emergency response and recovery activities are hampered when communication and transportation networks are disrupted.
• Damaged electrical infrastructure and downed power lines are the causes of power outages.
• Flooding-related water source contamination and an elevated risk of waterborne illnesses.

Conclusion: Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to cyclones, which are natural disasters. In order to lessen the effects of cyclones and guarantee the security and resilience of coastal populations, effective disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and mitigation measures are crucial.