3rd November 2024
Article: 3rd November, 2024
Topic: National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan at COP16
Relevance: GS Paper: 3 – Environment
Source: PIB
Context
- At the 16th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), India unveiled the revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024-2030.
Key Features of NBSAP
- In order to construct the National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs), India modified the NBSAP to conform to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
- It describes 23 National Biodiversity Targets that are aimed at lowering biodiversity threats, guaranteeing resource sustainability, and improving implementation tools.
- Every goal is connected to particular tactics meant to support species recovery, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable management techniques.
- Implementation: The MoEFCC is the main organization in charge of organizing conservation initiatives for biodiversity throughout India.
Convention on Biological Diversity
- The CBD was established in 1993 and is a division of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- Its three main goals are the preservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its constituent parts, and the just and equal distribution of its advantages.
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
- In 2022, the COP15 to the Convention on Biological Diversity endorsed GBF.
- The phrase “Paris Agreement for Nature” has been used to promote it.
- There are 23 targets and 4 global goals in the GBF.
– Reducing harmful subsidies by $500 billion annually and decreasing the introduction of invasive species are two of the twenty-three targets that must be met by 2030.
– “Target 3” is particularly known as the “30X30” target.
- “30X30” target
– Delegates agreed to safeguard 30% of land and 30% of coastal and marine habitats by 2030, achieving the 30-by-30 aim, which is the deal’s most prominent objective.
– Additionally, the agreement aims to repair 30% of degraded lands and rivers over the course of the decade, up from a previous target of 20%.
– Additionally, the globe will work to keep intact landscapes and species-rich places intact, bringing those losses “near zero by 2030.”
Key Results of the Cop 16
- Cali Fund: It is a multilateral framework that includes a worldwide fund to more fairly and equally distribute the benefits of using digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources.
– It will be voluntary and non-binding, with businesses required to donate 1% of their profits or 0.1% of their revenue. - Indigenous People and Local Communities: A new program was adopted that lays out specific tasks to guarantee that indigenous peoples and local communities make a meaningful contribution to the three objectives of the Convention.
- Synthetic biology: A panel of experts will analyze the possible effects of recent technical advancements and assist in identifying the possible advantages of synthetic biology.
- Invasive Alien Species: It offers recommendations for controlling invasive alien species, including topics like multicriteria analysis techniques and e-commerce.
- Biodiversity and Health: A Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health, which adopts a comprehensive “One Health” approach, aims to prevent non-communicable diseases and slow the spread of zoonotic diseases.
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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 and 3
- 2 and 3
- 1, 2, 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. Discuss about the Biological Diversity Convention. What steps is the Indian government taking to guard against illicit monetization and piracy of its natural heritage?
| Introduction: The 1992 Rio de Janeiro United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) established the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), an international agreement. The CBD seeks to safeguard the preservation of ecosystems that are vital to species existence, encourage the just and equal distribution of benefits resulting from the use of genetic resources, and conserve and sustainably exploit the biological diversity of the globe. Body: The three primary goals of the CBD are: Conservation of biological diversity: To guarantee the survival and proper operation of ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity, the CBD seeks to conserve biodiversity.Sustainable use of biological resources: The CBD acknowledges that both economic growth and human well-being depend on the sustainable use of biological resources. Along with the advancement of biotechnology and other uses of genetic resources that align with conservation ideals, this goal also entails the promotion of sustainable forestry, fisheries, and agriculture. Fair and equitable benefit sharing: The CBD acknowledges that users and providers should split the advantages of using genetic resources in a fair and equal manner. In order to guarantee that the nations and communities that supply genetic resources receive an equitable portion of the advantages resulting from their utilization, this goal includes the creation of access and benefit-sharing systems. The Indian government has taken many attempts to conserve its natural heritage from piracy and illegal monetization. Some of these measures are: The CBD has made progress in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, the world still faces a biodiversity crisis due to various factors. Therefore, there is a growing need for increased action and collaboration at all levels to conserve and sustainably use the world’s biological diversity.In India, there is a need for continuous efforts and collaboration among stakeholders to protect the country’s rich biodiversity heritage from illegal exploitation and ensure sustainable management of its biodiversity resources.Biodiversity Heritage Sites: A number of locations that are significant for biodiversity and ecology have been designated as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) by the Indian government. These locations are overseen by local committees and are protected by the Biological Diversity Act of 2002. Conclusion: Despite the CBD’s advancements in supporting sustainable usage and biodiversity conservation, the world continues to face a biodiversity crisis for a number of reasons. Therefore, in order to preserve and utilize the biological diversity of the globe in a sustainable manner, there is an increasing need for more action and cooperation at all levels. To prevent illicit exploitation of India’s rich biodiversity legacy and guarantee sustainable management of its biodiversity resources, stakeholders must work together and put in constant effort. |
Article: 3rd November, 2024
Topic: High price Indians are paying for higher education
Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Education
Source: Indian Express
Context
- Families in India are being forced to make unaffordable sacrifices due to rising expenses and restricted access to higher education, underscoring significant systemic issues.
The Role of Education as a Catalyst
- Education has always been highly valued among Indian families, especially those from lower-middle-class backgrounds, who see it as a means of achieving socioeconomic mobility.
- Following India’s independence, families began prioritizing their children’s education in spite of their meager means, frequently at the expense of their financial stability.
- Education has broken down traditional class barriers and allowed for upward mobility by acting as a gateway into lucrative networks and social circles in addition to being a source of skill development.
- Parents frequently make sacrifices to guarantee their children have access to high-quality education, whether at prestigious universities, and these stories are relatable to all generations.
India’s School Education Situation
- With a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 100% in basic education across all states, India has made notable progress in the field of education.
- Primary education has broad multiplier advantages and is acknowledged as a public good. However, issues with educational quality, retention rates, etc., still exist.
India’s Higher Education Situation
- Even while India’s GER in higher education has risen to 28%, it is still low, and there are still obstacles in the way of increasing college access.
- By contrast, nations such as South Korea, which in the 1970s had a GER of only 10 percent, have recently attained a rate of 100 percent.
Causes of Low Higher Education Enrollment
- Limited-Quality Institutions: Access to higher education is limited by a lack of good institutions, leaving many students without viable options.
- Weak Education-Employability Link: Higher education, theoretically a gateway to employment, often falls short in India, with many graduates lacking industry-relevant skills, placing financial hardship on families seeking returns on their investment.
- Limited Seats and Financial Burden: Students are forced to study abroad due to a lack of seats at prestigious universities, which puts a heavy financial burden on families.
Way ahead
- Match Market Needs with Education: To satisfy the demands of the labor market, create curriculum that emphasize marketable skills and competences.
- Improve Vocational Training: Encourage technical and vocational training programs that equip graduates with real-world skills and make them employable.
- Expand Access to Short-Term Courses: Provide short-term skill-based courses that are tailored to developing industries so that people can efficiently and rapidly upskill.
- Enhance Educational Quality: To guarantee that students have a worthwhile education, make investments in raising the standard of instruction and infrastructure at already-existing institutions.
- Emphasis on Lifelong Learning: Promote a culture of lifelong learning so that people may adapt their skills to the changing needs of the labor market.
Conclusion
- Socioeconomic mobility in India is severely hampered by the growing expense of higher education. A sustainable education system that prioritizes fair access, complies with market demands, and enables everyone to realize their goals is essential to securing the future.
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Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following statements regarding National Education Policy
1. By 2035, it seeks to achieve a 100% gross enrollment ratio in postsecondary education, including vocational training.
2. It anticipates that the federal government and the states would collaborate to raise public spending in the education sector to 6% of GDP as soon as possible.
Which of the above statements are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: b
Explanation
In higher education, including vocational education, NEP 2020 seeks to raise the gross enrollment ratio from 26.3% (2018) to 50% by 2035.
In order to raise public investment in the education sector to 6% of GDP as soon as possible, the Center and the States will collaborate.
Mains Model Questions
Q. Analyze the difficulties India’s educational system faces in offering all of its population high-quality education.
| Introduction: A nation’s growth and development depend heavily on its educational system. It is essential to creating a robust and affluent society. Nonetheless, being a developing nation, India has several obstacles in delivering high-quality education to all of its people. – With an estimated 17 million children between the ages of 6 and 14 still not attending school, India has the biggest number of out-of-school children in the world, according to UNESCO. Body: India’s educational system faces the following difficulties: Poor infrastructure Inadequate infrastructure is one of the main issues facing India’s educational system. The majority of rural schools are devoid of basic amenities including enough classrooms, furnishings, and clean drinking water.Lack of qualified teachers: India’s lack of qualified teachers is another major issue. There are insufficiently qualified teachers in many rural schools to teach courses like science and math, which are vital for the kids’ future. Education quality: Despite India’s notable advancements in expanding educational opportunities, there are still many obstacles to overcome. In India, a lot of schools emphasize memorization, and the curriculum lacks practical knowledge and life skills.Low enrollment rate: In spite of the government’s initiatives to provide educational opportunities, India’s school enrollment rate remains low, especially for girls.Education inequality: Another major issue facing India’s educational system is inequality in education.Technological gap: Another issue facing India’s educational system is the digital gap. Even while using technology to improve education can be beneficial, many kids in rural regions lack access to computers and the internet. Way Forward Boost Government Education Spending: To guarantee that every child has access to a high-quality education, the government must boost its education budget.Enhance Teacher Training and Salary: The government must give teachers better training and assistance in order to alleviate the teacher shortage.Increase Access to Education: In order to increase access to education, the government must guarantee that all children have access to schools and upgrade rural infrastructure.Address Gender imbalance: The government must give families incentives to send their daughters to school in order to overcome gender imbalance in education. |
Article: 3rd November, 2024
Topic: India-Sri Lanka fisherman talks
Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – India and its neighbourhood
Source: The Hindu
Context
- India emphasized the necessity for communication amongst fishermen from both countries in order to develop long-term solutions for the Palk Bay Dispute during the sixth meeting of the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries, which was held in Colombo on October 29.
Conflict’s Historical and Geographic background
- Fishermen from both sides have long lived in the Palk Bay, a slender strait that separates Tamil Nadu (India) from Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
- Different fishing zones were created by the 1974 and 1976 agreements, which established an International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL).
- However, because enforcement was initially weak, Tamil Nadu fisherman regularly crossed this barrier in search of better catches.
- Furthermore, Tamil Nadu fisherman was mainly unchecked when crossing the border because northern fishermen were relocated and naval checks dwindled during Sri Lanka’s civil war (1983–2009).
- When Sri Lankan fisherman returned to their waters after the war ended in 2009, they discovered Indian fishermen there. This resulted in increased tensions and disputes, as well as more frequent patrols and arrests.
Arrests and the Current Situation
- Fishermen from Tamil Nadu, particularly those from Ramanathapuram, have been arrested frequently for crossing the IMBL since 2009.
- Arrests have increased, and repeat offenders now face stiffer punishments. M.K. Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, stated on October 27 that 200 boats and 140 Indian fishermen were still being held by Sri Lanka.
- The necessity for a long-term solution is highlighted by the fact that the Tamil Nadu government frequently requests national aid and that the Indian government steps in to secure releases.
Problems and Concerns
- Communities on both sides of Palk Bay rely heavily on fishing as their main source of income.
- Due to resource depletion in Indian waters, Indian fisherman frequently cross the IMBL, which can result in arrests and financial difficulties for their family.
- Tamil Nadu fisherman, who employ sophisticated machinery like trawlers, are engaging in “destructive bottom trawling,” which worries Sri Lankan fishermen, particularly those in the Northern Province.
- By carelessly removing young fish, their eggs, and even other marine species, this technique destroys fish stocks, harms marine ecosystems, and reduces biodiversity.
Possible Remedies and Suggestions
- Government Cooperation: In an effort to promote understanding and sustainable fishing methods, India has suggested holding direct meetings between fishermen from Sri Lanka and India, phasing out bottom trawling techniques over time.
- Clear fishing agreements, sanctions for ecological infractions, and other benefits could be achieved through ongoing communication through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Working Group on Fisheries.
- A thorough legal framework with sanctions for environmental infractions and incentives for sustainable practices would aid in the prevention of arrests and promote conflict settlement.
- The exorbitant cost of deep-sea vessels, which are necessary for sustainable fishing, might be covered by government subsidies.
- India might provide infrastructure, financial support, and modern equipment to fisherman in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, who are still having difficulty after the civil conflict.
- Cross-border collaboration would be fostered by such assistance, which would also encourage goodwill and Sri Lanka to address the issues of Tamil Nadu fisherman.
Conclusion
In order to settle the Palk Bay issue, balance livelihoods, encourage sustainable fishing methods, and build goodwill, India and Sri Lanka must work together. The fishing communities on both sides will benefit from a cooperative future as a result.
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Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Elephant Pass, sometimes seen in the news, is mentioned in the context of the affairs of which one of the following? (UPSC PYQ 2009)
a. Bangladesh
b. India
c. Nepal
d. Sri Lanka
Ans: d
Explanation
The Jaffna Peninsula and Wanni, Sri Lanka’s northern mainland, are connected by Elephant Pass, an isthmus.
Elephants from Karaitivu, one of the islands off the Jaffna peninsula, were shipped during the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka, and an annual elephant market was also conducted in Jaffna. This lagoon, which was eventually spanned and named Elephant Pass, was used to move elephants captured in other regions of the nation into the Jaffna peninsula.
Mains Model Questions
Q. ‘India is an age -old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC PYQ 2022)
| Introduction: A long-standing friendship with strong cultural, political, and economic links exists between India and Sri Lanka. This relationship has influenced India’s involvement in the current Sri Lankan conflict, with India offering assistance to Sri Lanka in areas like diplomatic engagement, economic difficulties, and the COVID-19 reaction. Body: Cause of Sri Lanka’s crisis: Ethnic tensions: The dominant Sinhalese and minority Tamil groups in Sri Lanka have long been at odds with one another.Discrimination: Tamil minority have experienced prejudice in the workplace, in government representation, and in education.Civil war: Although the 26-year conflict between the Tamil Tigers and the government came to an end in 2009, it left many wounds and rifts.COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has made political unrest and economic difficulties much worse. International pressure: Efforts to promote stability and reconciliation have been hampered by calls from the international community for responsibility for violations of human rights during the civil war. India’s involvement in the Sri Lankan crisis: COVID-19 aid: To aid Sri Lanka in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, India has sent medical equipment and supplies to the country. Economic Help: In order to help Sri Lanka deal with its economic difficulties, India has opened credit lines and given financial support. India has taken part in diplomatic initiatives to promote peace and stability in Sri Lanka, including through the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission.Defense cooperation: To strengthen the Sri Lankan military’s capabilities and increase marine security, India has trained and supported them.Strong cultural linkages exist between India and Sri Lanka, and India has backed cultural preservation and exchange initiatives in Sri Lanka. Conclusion: Given the close bilateral ties between the two nations, India has been instrumental in helping Sri Lanka through the most recent crises. India must maintain its support for Sri Lanka’s economic growth and reconciliation while upholding its sovereignty in order to guarantee long-term stability. |
Article: 3rd November, 2024
Topic: ICMR announces ‘First in the World Challenge’
Relevance: GS Paper: 2 – Health
Source: The Hindu
Context
- The “First in the World Challenge” was started by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to inspire Indian researchers to come up with creative answers to challenging medical problems.
About the scheme
- The program looks for innovative and audacious ideas for biomedical discoveries that have a worldwide impact, such as new medications, vaccinations, diagnostics, and other health technology.
- Criteria: Funding will only be given to proposals for novel, ground-breaking technology and research.
– Proposals for small-scale process innovations or enhancements are not accepted. - High-Risk, High-Reward: The program takes a high-risk, high-reward stance, striving for ground-breaking discoveries even though some of its programs might not be successful.
- Eligibility: Teams or individuals from one or more institutions may submit proposals.
- Committee for Selection: Proposals will be reviewed by a selection team made up of distinguished professionals, inventors, legislators, and biomedical scientists.
Problems with the National Medical Register (NMR)
- The NMR is a consolidated, dynamic database of all licensed allopathic physicians in India that is run by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and established by the Union Health Ministry.
- Present Issue: Mismatches between Aadhaar and state medical board details, like misspellings of names, cause problems for doctors when they try to register.
- Authentication and Delay: Because the NMR employs Aadhaar for verification, doctors must submit affidavits to confirm their identities, which causes delays.
India’s healthcare system
- Hospitals, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, medical tourism, health insurance, and medical equipment are all part of India’s healthcare sector.
- Drivers of Growth: Because of better services, broader coverage, and more public and private sector investment, the industry is expanding quickly.
- Immunization Program: The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) provides free vaccinations against 12 preventable diseases to 26.7 million babies and 29 million expectant mothers each year.
- Hospital Sector Growth: At a CAGR of 18.24%, the hospital sector is predicted to reach INR 18,348.78 billion by FY 2027.
- The telemedicine market is anticipated to reach $5.4 billion by 2025, growing at a 31% CAGR.
- Nearly the next ten years, the National Digital Health Blueprint could produce economic value of nearly $200 billion.
- The largest government-sponsored health insurance program in the world is the Ayushman Bharat Scheme in India.
- Investment in Medical Education: Since 2014, 157 new medical institutions have received INR 17,691.08 crore.
- FDI Policy: For greenfield projects, 100% FDI is permitted under the automatic method.
- India is a popular location for Medical Value Travel (MVT), drawing patients under the “Heal in India” initiative.
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Prelims Practice Questions
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission
1. It must be implemented in both public and private hospitals.
2. All Indian citizens should eventually participate in it since its ultimate goal is universal health coverage.
3. It is easily portable around the nation.
Which of the above statements are correct?
- 1 only
- 3 only
- 1 and 2
- 1, 2, 3
Ans: b
Explanation
Adoption by both public and private hospitals is not required by the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
The goal of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is to make it easier for people to access medical records. While everyone can use the service with permission, it is not required that all citizens participate.
With a nationwide presence, ABDM will facilitate easy mobility throughout the nation via a Health ID.
Mains Model Questions
Q. India’s health system faces a number of issues. Discuss on the difficulties the Indian health system faces in light of this statement.
| Introduction: Hospitals, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine, medical tourism, health insurance, and medical equipment are all part of the healthcare sector. The public and private sectors make up the two main parts of India’s healthcare delivery system. The public healthcare system, which is run by the government, consists of a few secondary and tertiary care facilities in major towns and Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in rural areas. Body: Challenges in the Health Sector Insufficient Access: India’s heavily regulated health system results in issues like exorbitant costs that deter the general public from seeking medical care.Absence of Preventive Care: Although it has been demonstrated to be highly effective in reducing a range of patient challenges in terms of dissatisfaction and monetary losses, preventive care is underappreciated in India. Absence of Medical Research: R&D and innovative projects driven by cutting-edge technology are not given much attention in India. Policymaking: Without a doubt, the provision of effective and efficient healthcare services depends on policymaking. Supply, not demand, is the problem in India, and policymaking may assist. The Way Ahead The infrastructure of public hospitals, which are overworked due to India’s vast population, urgently needs to be improved. It is important to support and highlight initiatives like the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and the Ayushman Bharat Jan Arogya Yojana (ABJAY) in order to expand the reach of health facilities.Because private hospitals contribute significantly, the government should support them by partnering with them through Public Private Partnership (PPP). The health sector faces significant challenges that require the involvement of the business sector in addition to the government. It is necessary to hire more medical staff in order to increase the sector’s capacity and effectiveness. |