[Mission 2024] Insights SECURE SYNOPSIS: 30 September 2023

 

NOTE: Please remember that following ‘answers’ are NOT ‘model answers’. They are NOT synopsis too if we go by definition of the term. What we are providing is content that both meets demand of the question and at the same

Answer the following questions in 150 words:

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General Studies – 1

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1 Trace the growth and development of trade in ancient India, focusing on the prominent trade routes. Evaluate how this flourishing trade influenced the cultural aspects of ancient Indian civilization.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

Trade played a crucial role in the growth and development of ancient India, shaping its economy, culture, and society. The trade routes of ancient India were instrumental in connecting the subcontinent with other regions, fostering cultural exchange, and facilitating the spread of goods, ideas, and technologies.

Early Trade in Ancient India:

Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE):

• The earliest evidence of trade in ancient India can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s earliest urban cultures. Excavations at sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa have revealed a wide range of trade goods, including pottery, metals, and semi-precious stones.
• The Indus people engaged in trade with regions as far as Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and the Persian Gulf.

The Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE):

• The Indo-Aryans:
• With the arrival of the Indo-Aryans, pastoralism and agriculture became dominant, and trade expanded. This period saw the emergence of early trade routes connecting the Gangetic plains with regions in the northwest.

The Maurya and Gupta Empires (c. 321 BCE–550 CE):

• Mauryan Empire (c. 322–185 BCE): Under the Mauryan dynasty, India witnessed significant economic growth. Emperor Ashoka, in particular, encouraged trade by building roads and establishing a network of rest houses for merchants.
  • Trade routes such as the Grand Trunk Road, connecting the northwest with the Gangetic plain, were developed during this period.
• Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE): The Gupta period is often referred to as the Golden Age of ancient Indian history. It witnessed a flourishing trade economy, both within the subcontinent and with foreign lands.
  • The Gupta rulers established strong trade relations with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and even the Roman Empire.

Prominent Trade Routes:

• The Silk Road: The Silk Road was a network of trade routes that connected China with Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Indian merchants played a pivotal role in this trade, as they were responsible for the flow of goods between India and Central Asia.
• The Spice Routes: India was a major producer of spices, which were in high demand in the ancient world. The Spice Routes connected India with the Middle East, East Africa, and Europe.
• The Maritime Trade Routes: Ancient India also had a thriving maritime trade network. Ports like Lothal in the Indus Valley and Muziris on the Malabar Coast facilitated trade with regions in the Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, and East Africa.

Cultural Influence of Trade:

• Cultural Diffusion: The exchange of goods and ideas through trade had a profound impact on the cultural landscape of ancient India. Foreign influences can be seen in art, architecture, and even religious practices.
• Spread of Religion: Trade routes served as conduits for the spread of religions like Buddhism and Jainism to other parts of Asia. Additionally, Hinduism found its way to Southeast Asia through maritime trade.
• Architectural Exchange: The syncretic blend of architectural styles in ancient Indian structures reflects the influence of trade. For example, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora exhibit a fusion of indigenous and foreign architectural elements.
• Language and Literature: The interactions with foreign cultures through trade influenced Indian literature and language. Sanskrit, for instance, incorporated words and concepts from other languages.

Conclusion

The growth and development of trade in ancient India were pivotal in shaping its cultural, economic, and societal aspects. The trade routes not only contributed to economic prosperity but also facilitated the exchange of ideas, religions, and artistic styles, leaving a lasting legacy on Indian civilization.

 

2. With an increasing share of aging population, there is a need for proactive policies and initiatives to address the evolving needs of the elderly and ensure their well-being. Examine.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

Currently, India’s population is among the youngest in an ageing world, however, a major proportion of India’s population will be aged by 2050. This calls for more forward-looking policies incorporating population dynamics, education and skills, healthcare, gender sensitivity and most importantly geriatric care.

The United Nations Population Fund, India, has released the “2023 India Ageing Report,” which projects a significant increase in the elderly population in India

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Major Findings of the Report:

Issues associated with elderly population in India

• Feminisation of ageing: The sex ratio of the elderly has increased from938 women to 1,000 men in 1971 to 1,033 in 2011 and is projected to increase to 1,060 by 2026.
  • The report also noted that between 2000 and 2050, the population of 80-plus people would have grown 700% “with a predominance of widowed and highly dependent very old women”and so the special needs of such old women would need significant focus of policy and programmes.
• Financial issues: Retirement and dependence of elderly on their child for basic necessity.
  • Sudden increase in out-of-pocket expenses on treatment.
  • Migration of young working-age persons from rural area have negative impacts on the elderly, living alone or with only the spouse usually poverty and distress.
• Health: Multiple disabilities among the elders in old age.
  • Health issues like blindness, locomotor disabilities and deafness are most prevalent.
  • Mental illness arising from senility and neurosis.
  • Absence of geriatric care facilities at hospitals in rural area.
• Social issues:Indian society is undergoing rapid transformation under the impact of industrialization, urbanization, technical & technological change, education and globalization.
  • Consequently, the traditional values and institutions are in the process of erosion and adaptation, resulting in the weakening of intergenerational ties that were the hallmark of the traditional family.
  • Feeling of powerlessness, loneliness, uselessness and isolation in elderly.
  • Generational gap.

Roadmap for elderly care with passage of time

• Increasing the monthly pension of elderly to minimum of Rs 2,000 per month.
• Under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Housing for the aged, particularly the aged poor, must be a priority.
• Assisted living facilities for indigent elderly, particularly those with age-related issues like dementia, needs policy focus.
• More tax benefits, or at least removing tax on deposit interest for seniors.
• Enhancing the geriatric care health infrastructure especially in rural area.
• Allocation of special budget for elderly population at both levels.
• Providing entertainment facilities like libraries and clubs at panchayat level.
• Appreciations for the contributions of elderlies at village level.

Conclusion

Social security is the concurrent responsibility of the central and state governments as, mandated under Indian constitution i.e., Well-being of senior citizens – Article 41 in particular and 46 in general of Indian constitution. In this regard, National Policy on Senior Citizen, 2011 was framed.

For the welfare and care for the older persons, we must focus on the protection of already existing social support systems/traditional social institutions such as family and kinship, neighbourhood bonding, community bonding and community participation must be revived and kins should show sensitivity towards elderly citizens.

 

 

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General Studies – 2

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3. The multiple entry and multiple exit options proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 may not work effectively in India due to challenges related to infrastructure, resources, and quality assurance in the education system.

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Introduction

The Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (MEME) system is an educational approach that allows students in higher education to enter and exit their academic programs at various points, not necessarily following a traditional linear progression.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has advised the Indian government to hold discussions with stakeholders regarding the multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) system proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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Advantages of MEME system

• It offers students greater flexibility by permitting them to leave with certificatesor diplomas at different stages rather than completing a full degree program, which can suit their individual needs and circumstances.
• It allows students to choose their own path and pace of learning. They can exit and re-enter programs as needed, and they can transfer credits between programs and institutions.
• This system is intended to provide diverse educational pathwaysand enhance access to higher education.
• It can help to prepare students for the changing demands of the workforce. Students can develop the skills and knowledge they need for specific jobs, and they can easily transition to new jobs as needed.

Shortcomings of MEME system

• Uncertainty in Student Numbers:The panel expressed concerns that the high student population in India makes it difficult for institutions to predict how many students will exit or join midway, leading to uncertainty in managing resources and maintaining pupil-teacher ratios.
• Geographical Challenges: Uneven distribution of higher educational institutions across the country, particularly in rural areas, poses challenges in implementing MEME effectively.
• Lack of Clear Framework: The panel noted that there is a need for comprehensive guidelines and a well-defined framework for MEME options, including specific eligibility criteria and credit transfer mechanisms.
  • Without these, the implementation of MEME could be problematic.
• Potential for Devalued Degrees: Some critics, including students and teachers, fear that the MEME system could devalue degrees by allowing students to exitwith lower-level qualifications, potentially leading to a perception of producing cheap labour for the job market.
• State-Level Opposition: Some states, like Kerala, have decided not to implement MEME in their colleges and universities, highlighting a lack of uniformity in its acceptance across regions.
• Dropout Concerns: Experts and critics have expressed concerns that the MEMEsystem could increase dropout rates, as students may opt for early exits without completing full-degree programs.

Way forward

• Develop comprehensive guidelines and a well-defined framework for MEME options, including specific eligibility criteria, credit transfer mechanisms providing a clear road map for students pursuing different exit points.
• Conduct wider consultations with universities, institutions, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to address the challenges and difficulties associated with MEME implementation.
• Introduction of the “Design Your Degree” programme(adopted in Jammu University) in Higher Education Institutions for Personalized, Interdisciplinary Learning.
• Develop and distribute educational content tailoredto local needs and languages.
• Research and innovationin the field of education for marginalized communities.

 

 

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General Studies – 3

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4. Hydropower is a mature technology with significant untapped potential, especially in the context of renewable energy integration. Analyse.

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Introduction

Hydroelectric power projects basically generate electricity from flowing water.  Pumped storage hydro (PSH) plants are storage systems based on hydropower operations between two or more reservoirs (upper and lower) with an elevation difference. PSH plants are highly useful options for the integration of Renewable Energy power with the power system. India is blessed with immense amount of hydro-electric potential and ranks 5^th in terms of exploitable hydro-potential on global scenario.

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India’s Energy scenario

• As of December 2021, the installed generation capacity of the country stood at 393GW.
• It comprises 235GW of thermal, 151GW of renewable (wind, solar, hydro and biomass)and 78GW of nuclear.
• India saw its peak electricity demand surpass 200GW in 2021.
• India is the third largest producer and consumer of electricity globally, with annual electricity production of around 1,200-1,300TWh and one of the largest synchronous power grids.

Potential of hydroelectric power in meeting India’s energy security targets

• In India, PSH potential of about 120GWhas been identified at about 120 sites.
• Only nine plants with an installed capacity of 4,785MW have been commissioned so far, and three with a capacity of 2.7GW are under construction.
• Apart from these, about 17 PSH projects with a capacity of 16.5GW in different states are under various stages of implementation.
• Pumped storage schemes use domestically produced material and even the electrical mechanical parts are made in India, so PSH plants can serve the aims of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Associated risks which affect hydro power generation

• Generation of Hydro power depends on the availability of water. When water is not available in the lean season, in summer and in drought year the generation drops.
• Other issues like social impact, where lot of people get displaced, livelihood and resources are affected. There are environmental impacts, Disaster related impacts.
• Most of the new projects are coming up in Himalayan region which is vulnerable to disaster in terms of earth quake, landslides, erosion, and flash floods. In the era of climate change there are glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF)which is because of the lakes which are created by the melting of glaciers which consists of boulders and silt.
• There are issues of generation performance. 89% of India’s installed capacity does not generate power at the promised level.
• There is the issue of Siltation and maintenance of Hydro power projects. Silt reduces the storage capacity and proportionally the power generation also goes down.
• Hydro power projects do not consume fuel and it is assumed that there is no carbon foot print which is not correct. The World Commission on Damshas shown how the power generated particularly in tropical countries generates Methane. In one molecule of Methane there is 22 times more potent Green House Gas than CO2.
• Hydro power projects involve deforestation which reduces the carbon sinks and thereby putting back more carbon into the atmosphere.
• With climate change on the rise, the frequency and intensity of Droughtswill increase in the coming years. The rainfall patterns are changing. This will impact the power generation capacity of the Hydro power projects.
• Every Hydro power projects are plagued by cost and time overruns. The reason is lack in the appraisal mechanism particularly geological appraisal.
• Hydro and PSH projects are a state government legislative subject, and require the support of many policymakers, including the MoP, MoEF&CC and electricity regulators, apart from state governments.

Way forward

• There is a need to appraise the projects properly, have proper Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)and proper public consultation process.
• We should maintain the catchment area properly if not the rainfall which comes as flash floods damages the project.
• Micro-hydel projects may also be promoted, as these have less of an adverse social and environmental impact on local communities.
• Large, ‘smart’ hydropower projects may be developed, taking into account the economic, environmental and social concerns of local and downstream communities, in addition to national economic benefits.
• Technical provisions in smart projects can minimize the impacts on aquatic life and terrestrial ecosystems.
• India is using more of ground water and this reduces the surface water flow in the downstream area. All these factors should be taken into account while assessing the generation of Hydro power projects.
• For prioritizing projects, in addition to capital cost and energy supplied, PSH developers and policymakers should consider factors that include the location of the project, duration of storage, availability of a pre-feasibility report, detailed surveys, investigations and project reports, etc, and the cost of the energy supplied, as well as the value of the flexibility assured by it.
• An appropriate policy framework that lets costs and benefits be shared can increase the overall value for primary and end consumers.

 

5. Discuss the significance of preserving and managing water resources, including groundwater reserves, as a vital strategy to address the impacts of changing climate patterns and ensure sustainable water availability for future generations.

Reference: Live Mint , Insights on India

Introduction

Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use. When per capita availability of water is below 1700 m³/year, water availability is termed as “stressed”.

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Water stress causes deterioration of fresh water resources in terms of quantity as well as quality

• India has 4 % of the world’s freshwater which has to cater to 17 % of the world’s population.
• Approximately 600 million peopleor roughly around 45 % of the population in India is facing high to severe water stress.
• As per the report, 21 Indian citieswill run out of their main source of water i.e. groundwater by 2020.
• Nearly40 % of the population will have absolutely no access to drinking water by 2030 and 6 % of India’s GDP will be lost by 2050 due to the water crisis.
• As per NITI Aayogreport (CWMI) released in June 2019, India is facing the worst-ever water crisis in history.
• A disastrous water crisis has been creeping up on us for years. Water tableshave declined precipitously, even by thousands of feet in some parts of Punjab, Haryana and Andhra Pradesh. Tanks and wells have gone dry.
• Some rivers have shrunk while other smaller ones have completely dried up.
• Water rationing is routine in many urban areas, while in many villages women are trudging longer distances to fetch water.
• A recent report mentions that over 70% of surface irrigation water is being simply wasted, nationally.
• Not only farmers are affected by the water crisis, urban dwellers in cities and towns across India are also facing a never seen before drinking water scarcity.
• In India, there are conflicts between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over sharing of Cauvery waters, between Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh over sharing of Narmada waters, between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over sharing of Krishna waters, etc.

Measures to overcome water stress in the country

Seeing India’s looming water crisis through the locus of ‘urban’ and ‘rural’ not only allows a better grasp of the causative factors but also enables a stronger grip on the strategies to be deployed to reverse the water crisis.

• Urban water resource management

• Ground water management is of utmost importance in urban areas where 50% water is drawn from ground. E.g.: Encroachment of flood plains, ground water recharge are areas to work with.
• Loss of green cover in urban areas and heat island effect are reasons for depleting water sources. e.g.: Urban forests needs to be created like in Aarey, Mumbai.
• The Ministry of Water Resources must reconfigure its relationship with other Ministries and Departments (Urban Development, Local Self-Government and Environment).
• Enhanced integration and coordination are needed through effective land and water zoning regulations that protect urban water bodies, groundwater sources, wetlands and green cover while simultaneously working to enhance waste water recycling and water recharge activities targeting aquifers and wells through rainwater harvesting.

• Rural water resource management
  • Water and food security: At the sectoral level, the Ministries and Departments of water resources must coordinate efforts with their counterparts in agriculture, the environment and rural development for greater convergence to achieve water and food security.
    • g.: Water guzzler crops like paddy and wheat in Punjab have turned the soil saline and depleted ground water.
  • Whole of government approach: At the disciplinary level, governance and management should increasingly interact and draw from the expertise of fields such as hydrology (watershed sustainability), hydrogeology (aquifer mapping and recharge) and agriculture sciences (water-sensitive crop choices and soil health).
  • Surface water management: Again, the importance given to groundwater conservation should not ignore surface water conservation including the many rivers and lakes which are in a critical and dying state due to encroachment, pollution, over-abstraction and obstruction of water flow by dams.

Way Forward

• Effective land and water zoning regulations would protect urban water bodies, groundwater sources, wetlands and green cover.
• Enhance waste water recycling and water recharge activities targeting aquifers and wells through rainwater harvesting.
• Governance and management should increasingly interact and draw from the expertise of fields such as hydrology (watershed sustainability), hydrogeology (aquifer mapping and recharge) and agriculture sciences (water-sensitive crop choices and soil health).
• The importance given to groundwater conservation should not ignore surface water conservation including the rivers and lakes which are in a critical state due to encroachment and pollution.
• The Ministry of Jal Shakti must focus on protecting and conserving water resources on the one hand and minimising and enhancing efficiency of water usage on the other.

 

Answer the following questions in 250 words(15 marks each):

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General Studies – 1

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6. Dr. M.S. Swaminathan made a significant contribution to modern India, playing a crucial role in the success of the Green Revolution, which effectively mitigated food shortages and enhanced agricultural productivity. Discuss.

Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India

Introduction

The green revolution in India  in 1960’s and 70’s refers to a period when Indian Agriculture was converted into an industrial system due to the adoption of modern methods and technology such as the use of HYV seeds, tractors, irrigation facilities, pesticides and fertilizers. The Economic Survey 2015-16 claimed Indian agriculture to be “a victim of its own success—especially the green revolution”, by becoming cereal-centric, regionally biased and input-intensive (land, water and fertilizers).

M.S. Swaminathan, legendary agricultural scientist and father of India’s ‘Green Revolution,’ died at the age of 98 in Chennai recently.

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Pros of Green Revolution

• Increase in Agricultural Production and productivity: The production and productivity of wheat, rice, maize and bajra has substantially increased.
• Less Dependence on Imports: After the green revolution, India was finally on its way to self-sufficiency. There was now enough production for the population and to build a stock in case of emergencies. In fact, India was able to start exporting its agricultural produce.
• A Benefit to the Farmers: The Green Revolution has increased the income of farmers and landless labourers. It enabled them to shift to commercial farming from only sustenance farming.
• Dispersal of Rice and Wheat cultivation to non-traditional areas: Green Revolution spread the Rice cultivation to the semi-arid areas of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh, and the wheat cultivation has spread to the areas of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and some parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal.

Cons of Green Revolution

• Focus only on Food Grains: Although all food-grains including wheat, rice, jowar, bajra and maize have gained from the revolution, other crops such as coarse cereals, pulses and oilseeds were left out of the ambit of the revolution.
  • Major commercial crops like cotton, jute, tea and sugarcane were also left almost untouched by the Green Revolution.
  • This ultimately led to the dangerous trend of Monocropping.
  • Also, neglect of oilseeds has now led to extreme dependency on nations like Malaysia and Indonesia.
• Limited Coverage of HYVP: High Yielding Variety Programme (HYVP) was restricted to only five crops: Wheat, Rice, Jowar, Bajra and Maize.
  • Therefore, non-food grains were excluded from the ambit of the new strategy.
• Led to Regional Disparities: It led to growing disparities in economic development at inter and intra-regional levels. Only 40 percent of the total cropped area benefitted while the rest was left untouched by it.
  • The most benefitted areas are Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh in the north and Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the south.
  • It has hardly touched the Eastern region, including Assam, Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa and arid and semi-arid areas of Western and Southern India.
  • Only those areas which were already better placed from an agricultural point of view benefitted from Green revolution leading to further aggravated regional disparities.
• Rampant usage of Synthetic fertilizers and pesticides: The Green Revolution resulted in a large-scale use of pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilisers for improved irrigation projects and crop varieties.
  • However, little or no efforts were made to educate the farmers, mostly illiterate, about the high risk associated with the intensive use of pesticides.
  • This caused more harm than good to crops and also becomes a cause for environment and soil pollution.
• Water Consumption: The crops introduced during the green revolution were water-intensive crops.
  • Most of these crops being cereals, required almost 50% of dietary water footprint.
  • Canal systems were introduced, and irrigation pumps also sucked out the groundwater to supply the water-intensive crops, such as sugarcane and rice, thus depleting the groundwater levels.
  • For instance, Punjab is a major wheat- and rice-cultivating area, and hence it is one of the highest water depleted regions in India.
• Impacts on Soil and Crop Production: Repeated crop cycle in order to ensure increased crop production depleted the soil’s nutrients.
  • To meet the needs of new kinds of seeds, farmers increased fertilizer usage.
  • The pH level of the soil increased due to the usage of these alkaline chemicals.
  • Toxic chemicals in the soil destroyed beneficial pathogens, which further led to the decline in the yield.
• Unemployment: Except in Punjab, and to some extent in Haryana, farm mechanization under the Green Revolution created widespread unemployment among agricultural labourers in the rural areas.
  • The worst affected were the poor and the landless labourers.
• Health Hazards: The large-scale use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides such as Phosphamidon, Methomyl, Phorate, Triazophos and Monocrotophos resulted in resulted in a number of critical health illnesses including cancer, renal failure, stillborn babies and birth defects.

 

Conclusion

The Green Revolution, which undeniably ended the country’s “ship-to-mouth” existence and transformed it into an exporter of rice and wheat. In spite of the negative impact, the success of green revolution cannot be dwarfed. The spill over effect of green revolution led to the growth of farm mechanization industries to provide tractors, Fertilizer and pesticide, Agro-based industries etc.

However, it has also led to lopsided growth in agriculture, causing regional and other disparities. Now coupled with frequent droughts, Indian agriculture is under distress. Thus, there is a need for a second green revolution.  The second green revolution must be an Evergreen Revolution, which incorporates technology in harmony with ecology.

Value addition

Ushering second green revolution through sustainable methods

• Micro-irrigation System: It enables optimal synergies of 3 components of Green Revolution-improved seed, water and fertilizer.
• Organic Farming: Can restore degraded land and improve health benefits.
• Precision Farming: It is concerned with using fewer resources and reducing the production cost, by analysing the variation in various aspects of field and environment like- weather, Soil, vegetation, water etc.
• Green Agriculture: A system of agriculture based upon, integrated pest management, integrated nutrient management and it does not eliminate the use of minimum quantities of fertilizer and chemical pesticides.

 

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General Studies – 2

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7. The Financial Action Task Force plays a crucial role in promoting anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) measures globally. While it has made significant strides in setting international standards and fostering cooperation, it faces challenges related to enforcement, effectiveness, and inclusivity. Critically analyse.

Reference: Insights on India

 

Introduction

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 on the initiative of the G7 countries to develop policies to combat money laundering. In 2001, its mandate expanded to include terrorism financing. It monitors progress in implementing the FATF Recommendations through “peer reviews” (“mutual evaluations”) of member countries. The FATF Secretariat is housed at the OECD headquarters in Paris.

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Role of the FATF:

• The FATF has developed a series of Recommendationsthat are recognised as the international standard for combating of money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
• They form the basis for a co-ordinated response to these threats to the integrity of the financial system and help ensure a level playing field.
• First issued in 1990, the FATF Recommendations were revised in 1996, 2001, 2003 and most recently in 2012 to ensure that they remain up to date and relevant, and they are intended to be of universal application.
• The 2003 Forty Recommendations require states, among other things, to:
  • Implement relevant international conventions
  • Criminalise money launderingand enable authorities to confiscate the proceeds of money laundering
  • Implement customer due diligence(e.g., identity verification), record keeping and suspicious transaction reporting requirements for financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions
  • Establish a financial intelligence unitto receive and disseminate suspicious transaction reports, and
  • Cooperate internationallyin investigating and prosecuting money laundering
• The FATF monitors the progress of its members in implementing necessary measures, reviews money laundering and terrorist financing techniques and counter-measures, and promotes the adoption and implementation of appropriate measures globally.
• In collaboration with other international stakeholders, the FATF works to identify national-level vulnerabilities with the aim of protecting the international financial system from misuse.
• The FATF’s decision making body, the FATF Plenary, meets three times per year.

Challenges faced by FATF:

• First, the task of establishing a world-wide anti-money laundering network. This strategy is designed to expand and strengthen the regional bodies of the FATF.
• The second major challenge confronting the FATF is how best to manage its agenda in order to ensure that its countermeasures remain up-to-date, comprehensive and effective. International co-operation between financial regulators and law enforcement has been identified as cardinal to this goal
• Despite Pakistan’s failure to fulfil its task list, the FATF President has made it clear that they are not considering placing Pakistan on the ‘black list’, as they say it “continues to cooperate”.
• In light of the developments in Afghanistan, and concerns over the growth of transnational terror groups such as al-Qaeda and ISIL, as well as JeM and LeT taking advantage of the Taliban takeover to build new safe havens and financing networks, there are higher chances of money laundering and its related effects.

Way forward

• FATF must ensure that the investigation of Pakistan is not an open-ended process, and is brought to a credible and effective conclusion at the earliest.
• FATF must keep its commitment from 2001, when it added terror financing to its mandate, to prevent all terror groups from accessing these funding networks.

Conclusion

The FATF is therefore a “policy-making body” which works to generate the necessary political will to bring about national legislative and regulatory reforms in these areas. As of now there are only two countries in the blacklist — Iran and North Korea — and seven on the grey list, including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria and Yemen.

Value addition

Objectives of the FATF:

• To set standards and promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing.
• To tackle other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.
• Act against illegal money.
• Identify cash couriers.
• Financial sanctions against designated terrorists.
• Deprive designated persons of their resources.

FATF and India:

• Recent proposal that Pakistan put back in the greylist could affect Pakistan’s credit rating. This will adversely impact its ability to raise loans from major international financial institutions to service existing debt.
• This will become even more difficult as compared with the previous listing, given the adversarial relationship with the US and the latter’s influence in major financial institutions. Pakistan will not have adequate resources to fund terrorism
• The decisions of the United Nations Financial Action Task Force (FATF)are about using the threat of economic punishment to move Pakistan away from funding terrorists operating against Afghanistan and India
• Being on the grey list would mean that Pakistan’s transactions are closely monitored. This would further cripple the country’s economy as companies across the world would hesitate from doing business with Pakistan.
• The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank too would avoid giving loans to Pakistan.

 

8. Considering the Northeast as a single entity oversimplifies its diverse cultural, linguistic, and ethnic composition, which has led to marginalized communities within the region feeling neglected and overlooked. Critically examine.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

India’s North Eastern Region is a rainbow country, known for its diversity. It stretches from the foothills of the Himalayas in the eastern range and is surrounded by Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal and Myanmar. The region is rich in natural resources, covered with dense forests, has the highest rainfall in the country, with large and small river systems nesting the land and is a treasure house of flora and fauna. Marked by diversity in customs, cultures, traditions and languages, it is home to multifarious social, ethnic and linguistic groups.

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North East Region

• The NER is strategically located with access to the traditional domestic market of eastern India
• It has proximity to the major states in the east and adjacent countries such as Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• The region comprising India’s eight northeastern States (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim).
• It has overcome several (but not all) security challenges and is now heading toward economic development.
• The extensive web of linkages with neighboring Bangladesh.
• Japan has emerged as a significant development partner for both India and Bangladesh.

 

Challenges in the north east region

• Geographical Challenges:
  • Very high rainfall, shifting river courses, poor drainage system and narrow valleys are regularly causing severe floods, erosion, landslides and sand deposition in the North East causing loss of huge areas of valuable agricultural land.
  • Hilly, inaccessible and undulating terrain has led to underdeveloped transport links.
  • Large area of land is under ‘Jhum cultivation’ which leads to large scale deforestation resulting in soil erosion and loss of soil fertility.
• Disaster Proneness of North East:
  • High rainfall and large river basins of the Brahmaputra and the Barak along with their narrow valleys regularly cause severe floods, erosion, landslides and sand deposition leading to loss of huge areas of valuable agricultural land and thereby reduction of the average size of land holdings in the region.
  • The region is highly prone to Earthquakes and post the great earthquake of intensity of 8.5 in Richter scale of 1950 in Assam, flood and erosion have increased in the state and till date about5000-6000sq.km of land has been lost due to erosion by rivers. This has made lakhs of people landless and homeless in the state.
• Historical Challenges:
  • Despite the above mentioned challenges, the North-eastern region was at par with rest of the country at independence but post-independence events have retarded the development of the region.
  • Partition of the country: When the major road, rail and river routes connecting North East to the rest of the country suddenly got snapped.
  • The Bangladesh Liberation was of 1971: When crores of people from Bangladesh entered some states of North East as refugees which changed the demographic situation in some state of North-East bordering Bangladesh.
  • Insurgencies: From the end of the seventies of the last century problems of insurgency started in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur, Insurgency affected the present day Nagaland and Mizoram in the fifties and sixties of the last century. Now, of course, due to various actions taken by the Central and State governments, insurgency in this region is no longer a matter of great concern.
• Infrastructural Factors:
  • NER has about 6 per cent of the national roads and about 13 percent of the national highways. However, their quality is not good due to poor maintenance.
  • The prominent indicators of shortfalls in infrastructure in this region are: increasingly congested roads, power failures, shortage of drinking water etc.
• Political challenges:
  • Chinese Aggression on Arunachal Pradesh (called NEFA at that time) in 1962, apparently refrain large scale investment from private player in North East.
  • Large scale Migration from Bangladesh led to various socio-economic- political problem
  • The culture of ‘bandhs’ is peculiar problem of NER, widely prevalent in Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.
  • Three fourth of NER have no proper land records and Individual ownership of land is not well established
• Social Challenges:
  • Remarkable growth of migration from the North East to different parts of the country mostly in search of education and job opportunities gives big blow to the local society.
  • Drug abuse is a serious problem among youth of North east with more than 30% of its youth being drug abusers.
  • The pandemic of HIV/AIDS, spreading fast in Manipur, Nagaland and Mizoram, is also a matter of grave concern.
  • Migration from surrounding areas of NERs (Bangladesh and states of Bihar and Bengal) reduced the average size of land holding to about one hectare.
• Lack of Social Infrastructure:
  • Inadequate number of polytechnics and higher institutions for engineering, medical and nursing studies etc.
  • Teachers’ Training is poor thereby leading to poor standards of education

 

Act east factor

• Troika of central government, state government and the indigenous people can peacefully stabilise the region by settling the issues harmoniously.
  • Maintaining a peaceful North East is vital for India’s ‘Act East Policy’ as the NorthEast Region is the doorway to the ASEAN regions.
  • All the states gain by being connected to one another and for this peaceful border to ensure ‘free’ movement of people and trade are essential.
• Empowerment of the people by maximizing self-governance and participatory development through grass-roots planning. Such planning will help to evolve development strategy based on the resources, needs and aspirations of the people.
• Rural development with a focus on improving agricultural productivity and the creation of non-farm avocations and employment.
• Development of sectors with comparative advantage agro-processing industries, modernization and development of sericulture, investment in manufacturing units based on the resources available in the region, harnessing the large hydroelectric power generation potential and focus on developing services such as tourism that will help to accelerate development and create productive employment opportunities.
• Capacity development will have to address the issue of imparting skills among the people to enhance their productivity, generating a class of entrepreneurs within the region willing to take risks.
• Augmenting infrastructure, including rail, road, inland water and air transportation to facilitate a two-way movement of people and goods within the region and outside, communication networks including broadband and wireless connectivity, and harnessing of the vast power generation potential, all of which will open up markets for produce from the region, attract private investment, create greater employment opportunities and expand choices for people of the region.
• Ensuring adequate flow of resources for public investments in infrastructure, implementing a framework for private participation in augmenting infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for the flow of investments to harness the physical resources of the region for the welfare of the people.

 

Conclusion

Innovation, Initiatives, Ideas and Implementation–all the four needs to go together. Inclusive growth is possible through improved governance, doing away with the draconian laws and ensuring the local communities are empowered to implement basic services. For this, all the stakeholders need to formulate a comprehensive realistic plan for the overall development of North East.

 

Value addition

Government Initiatives for NE Region

• Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER):A Department of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) was established in 2001. It was elevated to a full ministry in 2004.
• Infrastructure Related Initiatives:
  • Under Bharatmala Pariyojana (BMP),road stretches aggregating to about 5,301 km in NER have been approved for improvement.
  • The North East has been kept as a priority area under RCS-UDAN(to make flying more affordable).
• Connectivity Projects:Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project (Myanmar) and Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Corridor.
• For Promoting Tourism:Under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism, projects worth Rs.1400.03 crore have been sanctioned for the NER in the last five years.
• Mission Purvodaya:Purvodaya in the steel sector is aimed at driving accelerated development of Eastern India through the establishment of an integrated steel hub.
  • The Integrated Steel Hub, encompassing Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Northern Andhra Pradesh, would serve as a torchbearer for socio-economic growth of Eastern India.
• North-East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS):In order to promote employment in the North East States, the Government is incentivizing primarily the MSME Sector through this scheme.
• The National Bamboo Missionhas a special significance for the Northeast.
• North Eastern Region Vision 2020:The document provides an overarching framework for the development of the NE Region to bring it at par with other developed regions under which different Ministries, including the Ministry of DoNER have undertaken various initiatives.
• Digital North East Vision 2022:It emphasises leveraging digital technologies to transform lives of people of the north east and enhance the ease of living.

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General Studies – 3

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9. Rising temperatures have the potential to significantly affect milk production and reproductive success in cattle. Analyse the key factors contributing to these challenges and propose strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts.

Reference: Down to Earth

Introduction

Milk production takes place all around the world. Global demand for dairy continues to increase in large part due to population growth. Heat and drought are inflicting perilous strain on dairy cows across the globe, drying up their milk production and threatening the long-term global supply of everything from butter to baby formula.

In March 2022, a study published in Lancet estimated that increasing temperatures could reduce milk production in India’s arid and semi-arid regions by 25 per cent by end century in 2085. This estimation for arid and semi-areas is the second highest in India, after Pakistan (at 28.7 per cent). In humid and sub-humid areas, this reduction was estimated at 10 per cent.

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Key factors leading to this challenge

• Lactating dairy cows have an increased sensitivity to heat stress compared with nonlactating (dry) cows, according to a review paper.
• Thermal stress caused by a variety of factors such ashigh ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and lack of proper ventilation or cooling mechanisms is affecting milk production in the dairy sector.
• There is a positive relationship between milk yield and heat production, higher yielding cows are more challenged by heat stress than lower yielding animals.
• Elevated temperatures affect the cow’s ability to display natural mating behaviour, as it reduces both the duration and intensity of oestrus expression. The decrease in conception rates during summer seasons can range between 20 and 30 per cent.
• It is a significant concern in livestock farming as it can have severe economic and animal welfare consequences.

 

Impacts of extreme heat on dairy

• High levels of thermal stress can causea decline in milk production, decreased feed intake, and weight loss in livestock animals. This can lead to a reduction in productivity and income for farmers.
• Cows don’t yield as much milk under the stress of scorching temperatures, and arid conditions and storms compound the problem by withering or destroying the grass and other crops they eat.
• It can cause various health issues in livestock animals, including respiratory distress, heat stroke, and dehydration.
• This can lead to increased susceptibility to diseases, lower immunity, and reduced lifespan.
• Livestock farmers may face significant economic losses due to thermal stress and consequent health issues and high mortality rates.
• Farmers mayalso have to incur additional costs to provide their animals with cooling mechanisms, such as fans or sprinklers.
• In order to mitigate the effects of thermal stress, farmers may have toresort to unsustainable practices such as the excessive use of water for cooling, which can have a negative impact on the environment.

Measures needed

• A good heat detection program is necessary to detect cows with marginal heat symptoms as cows exhibit lesser heat symptoms during heat stress.
• It is always advisable tocontinue Artificial Insemination breeding instead of using bulls because in natural breeding both bulls and cows suffer infertility due to summer stress.
• Fans in combination with water sprinkling facility can be provided but excessive sprinkling should be avoidedas it can result in wet bedding and make animals prone to mastitis and other diseases. The farm should be well ventilated.
• Thermal stressed animals are more prone to lower reproductive and productive performance.
• Feedinghigh quality forages and balanced rations can decrease some of the effects of thermal stress and boost animal performance.
• Genetic selection of animals based on specific molecular genetic markers for heat tolerancecan be a boon to alleviate heat stress in cattle and buffaloes by identifying the heat tolerant animals.

Conclusion

Promoting Sustainable Livestock farming involves a multi-faceted approach that includes implementing proper animal welfare practices, adopting sustainable production methods, reducing waste and emissions, promoting local and regional markets, and providing education and training programs to farmers.

 

10. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission represents a significant achievement in space exploration. Explain the objectives and key achievements of the OSIRIS-REx mission, its importance in understanding the origins of our solar system.

Reference: The Hindu

Introduction

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx is the first U.S. mission to successfully collect a sample from an asteroid. OSIRIS-REx spent over two years orbiting and mapping Bennu, using a suite of instruments to characterize its shape, size, composition, surface features, and rotation. The spacecraft also performed a series of daring manoeuvres to touch down on the asteroid’s surface and collect a sample using a robotic arm.

A NASA space capsule carrying the largest sample ever collected from an asteroid landed on Utah’s Test and Training Range. The capsule was released from the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which had been in space for seven years and collected the sample from the asteroid Bennu. Scientists will use this sample to learn more about the origins of the solar system.

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Key Objectives of the Mission

• Sample Collection
  • The primary objective of Osiris-Rex is to collect at least 60 grams of pristine regolith (loose rocks and dust) from the surface of Bennuusing a robotic arm called the Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM).
• Studying bennu’s Composition
  • To characterize Bennu’s surface, composition, mineralogy, and shape using a suite of instruments onboard the spacecraft.
  • The instruments will map Bennu’s geology, chemistry, morphology, and thermal properties, as well as identify potential sample sites and hazards.
• Understanding Asteroid Properties
  • To improve our knowledge of the physical and orbital properties of near-Earth asteroids, especially those that are potentially hazardous to Earth.
  • Osiris-Rex will measure Bennu’s mass, density, spin rate, spin axis, and gravitational field, as well as monitor its non-gravitational forces such as solar radiation pressure.
• Sample Return to Earth
  • To bring back the sample collected from Bennu to Earth for further analysis.

 

OSIRIS-REx mission in understanding origin of Earth

• OSIRIS-REx is the third major planetary science mission for NASA’s New Frontiers Program (after New Horizons launched in 2006 and Juno launched in 2011).
• OSIRIS-REx is an acronym for “Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer.”
• The mission, developed by scientists at the University of Arizona, will give us more information about how the early solar system formed and about how life began. It will also help us better understand asteroids that could impact Earth in the future.
• Bennu is a leftover fragment from the tumultuous formation of the solar system. Some of the mineral fragments inside Bennu could be older than the solar system.
• These microscopic grains of dust could be the same ones that spewed from dying stars and eventually coalesced to make the Sun and its planets nearly 4.6 billion years ago.
• They will give insights into the origin of solar system, as well as the Earth.

Significance of Mission

• Scientists will use the asteroid samples to study the formation of the solar system and of habitable planets such as Earth.
• NASA will also distribute a part of the samples to laboratories worldwideand will reserve about 75% of the samples for future generations who can study it with technologies not yet created.

 

Conclusion

The spacecraft, which in a touch-and-go mission landed on Bennu’s surface for five to 15 seconds, is fitted with cameras, a laser altimeter and a spectrometer, all to study the asteroid. If the spacecraft has been successful in collecting sufficient sample, then it would orbit the asteroid until a window for departure opens up next year. Otherwise, it would go in for another sample collection attempt in January 2021.

Value addition

Asteroid Bennu

• Asteroid Bennu is likely to contain material that contains molecules that were present when life first formed on Earth, where life forms are based on carbon atom chains.
• The asteroid is a B-type asteroid, implying that it contains significant amounts of carbon and various other minerals.
• Because of its high carbon content, the asteroid reflects about four per cent of the light that hits it, which is very low when compared with a planet like Venus, which reflects about 65 per cent of the light that hits it.
• Earth reflects about 30 per cent. Around 20-40 per cent of Bennu’s interior is empty space and scientists believe that it was formed in the first 10 million years of the solar system’s formation, implying that it is roughly 4.5 billion years old.
• Carbon atom chains form the basis of life on Earth, the report states.

According to NASA, the organic material which scientists are hoping to find in the sample from Bennu does not come from Biology necessarily, but it could help them in further understanding how asteroids rich in organic material helped catalyse life on Earth.

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