26th September 2024

Article: 26^th September, 2024

Topic: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Disaster Management

Source: Hindustan Times

Context

• This time, 30 low- and middle-income nations as well as Small Island Developing States will benefit from a $2.5 million initiative being launched by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to strengthen urban infrastructure resilience.
• The funding, which focuses on energy, transportation, social infrastructure, and water systems, will support five cities that are dealing with issues like extreme heat, flooding, and water scarcity.
  
  

About CDRI

• Introduced: by India during the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit.
• Nature: An international collaboration between states, the private sector, multilateral development banks, and UN organizations.
• Goal: Ensuring sustainable development by strengthening infrastructure systems’ resistance to climate change and natural disasters.
• Membership: consists of seven organizations and forty countries; its secretariat is based in New Delhi, India.
• Functions: CDRI encourages the quick construction of robust infrastructure in response to the Sustainable Development Goals’ imperatives of expanding universal access to basic services, enabling prosperity and decent work.
• Reports published: Global Infrastructure Resilience Report.

CDRI’s significance

• Enhancing the International Solar Alliance (ISA)
• India’s worldwide leadership in disaster resilience and climate action.
• Encourage India’s tenacious overseas missions.
• Give Indian technology and infrastructure companies the chance to grow internationally.
  
  

Key Actions Implemented by CDRI

• Promotes inclusive, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) under the umbrella organization Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS).
• DRI Connect: A cooperative learning and knowledge-sharing platform.
• Encourages stakeholders in infrastructure resilience to network and share best practices.
• Experts, decision-makers, and stakeholders come together annually for the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI).
• UNDP and UNDRR provided support in the establishment of the Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF). It gives money to international projects that try to make infrastructure systems more resilient to disasters.
  
  

Infrastructure That Is Disaster-Resilient Is Needed

• One of the main pillars of sustainable development, according to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR), is enhanced infrastructure resilience.
• Four distinct loss reduction targets are included in the SFDRR:
  – lower the death toll from disasters worldwide.
  – Cut down on the impacted population.
  – Minimize the direct financial loss from disasters.
  – lessen the harm that disasters due to vital infrastructure.
  – In order to achieve the other loss reduction targets outlined in the framework, it is imperative that Target (4) on infrastructure be met.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

1. It aims to make it possible to reduce infrastructure losses caused by extreme weather events and disasters in a measurable way.
2. The French government introduces it.

Which of the above statements are incorrect?

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

Ans: b

Explanation

The UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit in New York, US, marked the official launch of the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) by the Indian Prime Minister.
The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) supports the secretariat of the nascent partnership in Delhi, which facilitates knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity building.
The goal of CDRI is to enable a quantifiable decrease in infrastructure losses by swiftly increasing the development of resilient infrastructure and retrofitting existing infrastructure for resilience.

Mains Model Questions

Q. What do you know about disaster-resilient infrastructure? Emphasize the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure’s (CDRI) potential contribution in this area.

Introduction:

Generating new knowledge on hazard risk assessment, disaster-resilient technologies, and methods for incorporating risk reduction in infrastructure financing are the goals of disaster resilient infrastructure. This will make it possible to guarantee that all newly constructed infrastructure is both disaster-resilient and does not increase the risk of disasters.

Body:

• In order to ensure sustainable development, national governments, UN agencies and programs, multilateral development banks, financing mechanisms, the private sector, and knowledge institutions have joined forces to form the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. This coalition will work to increase the resilience of both new and existing infrastructure systems to risks associated with climate change and natural disasters.
• A quantifiable decrease in infrastructure losses due to disasters, including extreme climate events, is what CDRI aims to make possible. Thus, CDRI seeks to facilitate the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals’ expanded universal access to basic services and prosperity, as well as to operate at the nexus of the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
• The CDRI will offer member nations partnerships, research and knowledge management, technical assistance and capacity building, and advocacy to promote and encourage investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure systems.
• Building resilience in ecological infrastructure, social infrastructure—with a focus on health and education—and economic infrastructure—with a particular focus on transportation, telecommunications, energy, and water—will be the main goals of CDRI.
• The coalition hopes to have a triple impact in the next two to three years by significantly altering the policy frameworks of its member nations, investing in infrastructure going forward, and significantly lowering the amount of money lost to natural disasters and climate-related incidents across all industries.

Conclusion: With a focus on the most vulnerable populations and regions, CDRI will uphold the UN Agenda 2030 principle of leaving no one, no place, and no ecosystem behind. It will also enable inclusive and deliberative processes that acknowledge the primacy of local and national efforts. In addition to offering a variety of national and international programs, CDRI serves as a clearinghouse for knowledge and expertise.

Article: 26^th September, 2024

Topic: Transit-oriented development to build productive cities

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Infrastructure

Source: The Hindu

Context

• With ₹3 trillion (between 2022 and 2027) expected to be spent on approved metro rail projects, Indian cities are poised for a revolution in transportation.
• These expenditures have the potential to greatly expand economic potential in addition to improving urban mobility.
• Research shows that spending money on public transportation can result in 5-7 times higher economic returns than the original investment and thousands of new jobs.

Transit Oriented Development (TOD)

• The National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy and Metro Rail Policy were approved by the Indian government in 2017 in an effort to increase the economic benefits of mass transit investments and enhance urban quality of life.
• There are 27 Indian cities developing metro rail systems, and numerous others are developing various rail- and bus-based mass transit systems.

• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) refers to integrated urban areas that are intended to unite people, activities, buildings, and public spaces. They also have easy access to transit for traveling to other parts of the city and convenient walking and bicycling paths between them.
• It refers to equitable access for all individuals to local and municipal opportunities and resources through the most cost-effective and healthful mix of transportation modes.
• For long-term sustainability, equity, shared prosperity, and civil peace in cities, inclusive TOD is a prerequisite.
  
  

Advantages of TOD:

• Decreased Traffic Congestion: TOD can contribute to a reduction in traffic congestion by promoting the use of public transportation.
• Through increased foot traffic and business opportunities, economic development raises property values and boosts local economies.
• Community Connectivity: Promotes social interactions and integrates multiple uses to create a feeling of community.
• Better Lives: Encourages walking and bicycling as forms of active transportation, which can enhance public health outcomes.

The necessity of TOD

• Longer work-home commutes, as well as the traffic and pollution brought on by an increase in the use of private vehicles, are impeding productivity, liveability, and access to jobs and labor markets.
• According to 2018 data, Bengaluru is one of the most traffic-congested cities in the world, with a social cost that is estimated to be 5% of the city’s GDP.
• Improving workforce participation and productivity can be achieved by increasing accessibility to jobs through the use of safe and effective transportation options.
• More so than dispersed job growth, clustering job growth near transit fosters innovation, productivity, and competitiveness.
• Additionally, it promotes real estate and local economic growth, which raises tax revenues for government organizations.
  
  

The National Policy for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

• The TOD Policy, which was adopted by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) in 2017, allows for higher built-up areas to be used for residential and commercial developments, thereby promoting densification in the areas surrounding transit corridors.
• The goal is to create compact, walkable communities, promote the use of public transportation, and encourage bicycling and walking.
• The local government is required to create the influence zone plan, which is a detailed layout of the area surrounding a transit station.
• Since land is a state subject, states may either adopt the Center’s policy or create their own TOD policy.
  
  

Way Ahead:

• Highly efficient international cities such as Hong Kong have 57% of jobs within 500 m of a transit station, 84% within 1 km, and 96% within 2 km.
• The city boasts one of the lowest rates of car ownership combined with one of the highest transit use rates.
• Because of this, the country’s gross value added per person has increased by 50%, while per-capita fuel consumption and carbon emissions have dropped by 10%.
• In addition to traditional financing sources, the government may look into public-private alliances.
• The private sector, which includes companies, developers, and financial institutions, can have a big say in how commercial and industrial investments are made close to transit stations.
• An emerging nation like India will keep investing in its transportation infrastructure since it is a major engine of economic growth.
• Modernizing public infrastructure and instituting concerted action to create inclusive, low-carbon, compact, and linked growth must be included in this.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

http://www.tod.org/

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)

1. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) encourages the use of public transportation, walking, and bicycling in an effort to lessen dependency on private automobiles.
2. Through economic and transit planning, cities are encouraged to become growth hubs by the National Transit-Oriented Development Policy, 2017 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

The goal of TOD is to develop urban environments that promote walking, bicycling, and public transportation, thus lessening reliance on personal automobiles. By fusing transit planning and economic development, India’s 2017 National TOD Policy seeks to create growth hubs in urban areas and encourage sustainable urban growth.

Mains Model Questions

Q. “Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is essential to raising economic productivity in Indian cities and improving urban mobility.” Examine the importance of transit-oriented development (TOD) in relation to urban planning and job creation.

Introduction:

Cities in India are about to undergo a revolution in transportation, with significant investments expected for metro rail projects between 2022 and 2027. These ₹3 trillion of investments are expected to boost economic potential and improve urban mobility. The National Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Policy and the Metro Rail Policy, both approved in 2017, serve as the foundation for this initiative.

Body:

The importance of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in Urban Planning:

• TOD emphasizes compact, mixed-use development in close proximity to transit stations, thereby fostering the integration of land use and transportation. This method successfully separates economic growth from density and congestion.
• Cut Down on Commute Times: As cities grow farther apart, public transportation systems frequently can’t keep up, leading to longer commutes and a rise in the usage of private vehicles. This makes traffic worse and makes it harder to access job markets. Urban design can prioritize transit accessibility with TOD, cutting down on commute times and increasing overall productivity.
• Increasing Economic Activity: TOD produces agglomeration effects that stimulate productivity and innovation by grouping jobs close to transit stations. Companies gain from having more access to a varied consumer base and labor pool, which promotes regional economic growth.

Effects of TOD on Employment Generation:

• Density and Proximity of Jobs: The study conducted by WRI India indicates that Bengaluru’s job density is currently highest in the vicinity of both operational and under-construction metro networks. After the ongoing metro phases are finished, a significant portion of jobs—28% within 500 meters, 59% within one kilometer, and 85% within two kilometers—will be located close to transit stations. Enhancing workforce participation and productivity requires this accessibility.
• Metro stations improve local business prospects, especially for service-oriented businesses. Smaller companies are frequently anchored by larger ones, fostering a thriving local economy.
• Obstacles to Business Location Decisions: A lot of big businesses point to obstacles like inappropriate properties, unwelcoming development laws, and expensive real estate close to metro stations. TOD’s viability can be increased by addressing these issues through infrastructure improvements and supportive policies.

Conclusion: To fully realize the potential of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) in addressing urban challenges and advancing sustainable development in India, a concerted approach involving supportive policies, public-private collaboration, and strategic urban planning will be necessary.

Article: 26^th September, 2024

Topic: Heat Dome Effect

Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Climate Change

Source: Down to Earth

Context

• Due to the Heat Dome Effect, the state of Assam recently saw unusually high temperatures in September—nearly 40°C—which is unprecedented for the area.
  
  

About the Heat Dome Effect

• The heat dome effect is a kind of high-pressure system, sometimes referred to as an anticyclone, that develops over a wide region in the atmosphere and results in abnormally hot and dry weather.
• The device keeps hot air from rising to the surface and cooling instead trapping it.
• After that, the air compresses and heats up, creating a hot spot in the shape of a dome that may last for several days or even weeks.
• Heat domes have increased in frequency and intensity as a result of climate change.
• Conditions that are aiding in their formation are being created by rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns.
  
  

Heat Dome Effects

• Temperatures can soar to dangerous heights when heat domes are present.
• The hot, dry weather can quickly dry out vegetation and increase its susceptibility to fire, which can result in drought conditions and wildfires.
• It may also have detrimental effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and human health.
• Depending on the air, heat domes can last for a few days or even weeks. The effects can get worse the longer they persist.

Heat Waves vs. Heat Dome

• Heat domes are simply one of the atmospheric conditions that can lead to the formation of a heat wave, despite the fact that many people confuse “heat domes” with “heat waves.”
• A heat wave is an extended period of unusually hot temperatures, frequently coupled with high humidity.
• There are several causes of heat waves, one of which is the existence of a heat dome.
• Without a heat dome, heat waves can still happen, for example, when warm, humid air masses from the tropics move to a region and remain there for a long time.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Heat dome

1. It happens when cold air is trapped over a region by a low-pressure area.
2. The jet stream’s behaviour affects how the heat dome forms.

Which of the above statements are correct?

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

Ans: b

Explanation

It happens when warm air is trapped over a region by a high-pressure area.
The way the jet stream behaves affects how the heat dome forms.

Mains Model Questions

Q. “Triple threat to India’s progress: rising temperatures, intense heat, and economic distress.” Describe the formation of heat domes and list the socioeconomic effects of them.

Introduction:

A prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, frequently combined with stagnant air conditions, is referred to as a “heat dome.” It develops when hot air trapped beneath a high-pressure system stops normal airflow, allowing heat to build up and become more intense.

Body:

How a heat dome forms:

• High-Pressure System: When air in the atmosphere descends and gets denser, a high-pressure area is created. Because of compression, the air warms as it descends.
• Air Trapping: By acting as a lid, the high-pressure system keeps the hot air close to the surface from rising. The temperature of this trapped air rises as it is compressed and unable to disperse.
• Stagnation: Prolonged heatwaves are caused by the stagnant, hot air mass that stays in place for a long time because of the stability of the high-pressure system.
  
  

Heat domes’ effects on society and economy:
Social Implications

• Migration and Displacement: Extended heat waves have the potential to drive people to leave impacted areas in pursuit of better living conditions, which could result in social problems and displacement.
• Effect on women: By preventing them from going outside, gender norms have an impact on women’s susceptibility to heat. In warmer climates, pregnant women are more vulnerable to air pollution, which can cause stress to both the mother and the fetus.
• Impact on the elderly: Globally, the death rate from heat-related causes among people 65 years of age and above has risen by more than 53% in the last 20 years.
• Health Risks: Heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration are among the illnesses that heatwaves connected to heat domes can cause.
  
  

Economic Impact 

• Agricultural Losses: Heatwaves that occur during a heat dome may result in crop failure, lower yields, and decreased productivity.
• Water Scarcity: Elevated temperatures exacerbate evaporation, causing a shortage of water that impacts sources for drinking, industrial, and irrigation purposes.
• Energy Demand: During heatwaves, there is an increased need for cooling, which puts a strain on infrastructure and energy resources and may result in power outages and higher energy prices.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: This phenomenon causes city temperatures to rise, exacerbating heat waves. Urban infrastructure is strained by increased cooling demand.

The Way Forward:

• Policies: Creating guidelines and policies regarding urban heat management and weather variability.
  – Eg. The cooling action plan for Ahmadabad.
• Greening is the process of adding more trees and green areas. investing in environmentally friendly infrastructure, like green roofs and parks.
  – For instance, major tree planting campaigns have been launched in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru.
• Infrastructure includes utilizing permeable building materials, promoting the use of cleaner cooking fuels, enhancing public transit, and minimizing the use of private vehicles.
  – Eg. Permeable materials are integrated into Chennai’s stormwater management system.
• Raising Public Awareness: Teaching people about the dangers of heat waves and the value of cutting back on carbon emissions.
  – Eg. Government’s LiFE mission.
• NDMA regulations: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) released extensive guidelines in 2016 to help develop critical national-level mitigation plans for heat domes and heat waves.

Conclusion: India can overcome the heat dome challenge by addressing the intricate interactions between these variables, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future while preserving the welfare and advancement of its people.

Article: 26^th September, 2024

Topic: ‘Pact of the Future’s language on UNSC Reforms

Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – International Organisations

Source: The Hindu

Context

• The “Pact of the Future,” which the UN General Assembly adopted, calls for “reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)”.
  
  

About

• World leaders made a commitment in the “Pact of the Future” to address historical injustices against Africa as a top priority and to increase the representation of underrepresented and underrepresented groups, such as those in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
• In order to make the Security Council more reflective of the realities of the modern world and more representative of the current United Nations membership, they also decided to expand it.
  
  

Important UNSC reform issues

• Membership classifications,
• The matter regarding the five permanent members’ veto,
• Geographical representation,
• The extent of an expanded Council and its operational procedures, and
• The General Assembly’s relationship with the Security Council.

UN Reforms Are Needed

• Non-representative Council membership: Eleven, or roughly twenty-two percent, of the fifty-one UN members were on the Council at the time of its founding in 1945.
• Presently, the United Nations has 193 member states, but the Council has only 15 members, or less than 8% of the total.
• Greater monetary contribution from members who are not permanent: Certain nations contribute more financially to the UN than four of the five permanent members combined.
• For many years, Germany and Japan, for instance, have made up the second and third largest portions of the UN budget.
• Incapable of carrying out basic duties: One of the permanent members of the Security Council attacked its neighbor, making it impossible for the council to carry out its fundamental duties.
• The UN’s permanent member Russia has vetoed UNSC resolutions on Ukraine issues.
• Unbalance of Power: The Council’s makeup also accords the pre-1960s power dynamics an excessive amount of weight.
  – Even though Europe only makes up 5% of the world’s population, it holds 33% of the seats annually (not including Russia, another European power).
  
  

Challenges

• Lack of Political Will: While most people agree that the system needs to change, different nations see the need for change in slightly different ways.
• Coffee Club: During the 1990s, a movement known as Uniting for Consensus (UfC) arose to oppose the potential expansion of permanent seats in the UN Security Council.
  – It seeks to oppose the permanent seat bids put forth by the G4 countries (Brazil, Germany, India, and Japan), led by Italy.
• Chinese Opposition: India’s progress toward becoming a permanent member is impeded by China’s membership.
  
  

Conclusion

• In order to more effectively represent the interests of the developing world, India has long sought a permanent seat in the Security Council. The international community has provided support, accelerating the nation’s quest.
• The 15-nation United Nations Security Council, which he called “outdated” and whose power is waning, will eventually lose all credibility, the U.N. Secretary-General warned in his remarks, unless its makeup and operational procedures are changed.

Also Read Topics & Concepts:

Prelims Practice Questions

Q. Consider the following statements regarding United Nations Security Council

1. Its primary goal is to uphold world peace and security.
2. It is the only UN body with the authority to make decisions that must be carried out by Member States.
3. Of the ten members of the UNSC, five are elected by the UN General Assembly each year to serve one-year terms as non-permanent members.

Which of the above statements are correct?

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

Ans: c

Explanation

The Security Council, which may convene whenever peace is threatened, is tasked by the UN with overseeing international peace and security.
Only the Security Council has the authority to make decisions that member states are then required to carry out in accordance with the Charter, even though other UN bodies only offer recommendations to their members.

Out of the total ten members, the General Assembly chooses five non-permanent members annually for two-year terms.

Mains Model Questions

Q. Discuss about India’s progress toward permanent UNSC membership.

Introduction:

According to the United Nations Charter, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is in charge of preserving world peace and security. But the UNSC has come under fire for a number of reasons, including abuses of veto power and an undemocratic structure.
Thus, reforms to the UNSC are widely supported. Given this, India also supports UNSC reforms and India’s appointment as a permanent member.

Body:

The following justifies India’s permanent admission to the UNSC:

• India has the world’s largest democracy, the second-highest population, and the fifth-largest economy.
• In May 1998, India became the first country to possess nuclear weapons, placing it on par with the current permanent members of UNSC.
• India’s dominant position in the Non-Aligned Movement and G-77 grouping confirms its status as the unchallenged leader of the third world.
• India was one of the original members of the UN and has been elected to a two-year non-permanent member seat seven times.
• One of the biggest military personnel contributions to UN peacekeeping forces comes from India.
• The majority of UNGA members, as well as four of the five permanent members, support India’s candidacy.
• India has recently assumed a more active role in both regional and international politics. The International Solar Alliance, the Quad Initiative, and the SAGAR Vision are a few examples.
  
  

Roadblocks on the Path to India

• India’s non-signatory status to the NPT and CTBT is cited by the countries opposing India’s candidacy.
• The only permanent member of the UNSC who is against India’s admission is China. thus opposes India’s bid to join as a permanent member by using its veto power.
• India has not demonstrated its military might outside of the Indian Ocean region yet.
• India’s military needs are largely met by imports of weapons from the US and Russia.
• India’s claim to leadership is undermined by poor performance in numerous socio-economic indicators, such as the Human Development Index.

Conclusion: India is a strong contender to join the UNSC as a permanent member given its stature and skills on the international stage. However, India needs to address its socioeconomic indicators and reliance on military imports in order to have a more credible claim.