Current Affairs

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) CARBON MARKET Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: COP29, held at Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, has given a fillip to the idea of using carbon markets to curb carbon emissions by approving standards that can help in the setting up of an international carbon market as soon as the coming year. Background: – Carbon credits were first used in the 1990s in the U.S. What is a carbon market? A carbon market allows the buying and selling of the right to emit carbon. Suppose a government wants to limit the amount of carbon emitted. It can issue certificates called carbon credits that allow certificate holders to emit a certain amount of carbon. One carbon credit is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide. By limiting the number of carbon credits that are issued, governments can control how much carbon is released into the environment. It should be noted that anyone who doesn’t hold carbon credits would not be allowed to emit any carbon into the atmosphere. Individuals and firms that hold carbon credits but don’t actually need them for any reason can sell their credits to interested buyers. The price is determined by market forces, which in this case are the supply of carbon credits and the demand for these certificates. A carbon market can also include the trading of carbon offsets. In this case, a business that pollutes the environment for example, can purchase carbon offsets sold by a NGO that promises to plant trees that suck a certain amount of carbon emissions out of the atmosphere for each offset that it sells. What is Good about Carbon Markets? Addresses Externalities: Carbon emissions are a negative externality where the cost of pollution is not accounted for in market prices. Carbon markets impose a financial cost on polluters, incentivizing firms to reduce emissions. Monetary Incentive to Reduce Pollution: Firms must purchase the right to pollute, encouraging them to minimize emissions to save costs. Improved Carbon Accounting: Technological advancements and standardized accounting frameworks have enhanced the ability of corporations to monitor and report emissions. Flexibility for Firms: Firms can purchase credits from others that don’t need them, optimizing resource allocation. What Can Go Wrong with Carbon Markets? Manipulation by Governments:  Governments disinterested in reducing emissions may flood the market with carbon credits, reducing their price and effectiveness. Conversely, excessive restrictions on carbon credits may unnecessarily slow economic growth. Cheating and Non-Compliance: Firms may find ways to cheat the system and emit carbon illegally without purchasing credits. Enforcement of compliance is critical for market success. Ineffective Carbon Offsets: Firms may invest in carbon offsets as a form of virtue signaling without ensuring they truly reduce emissions. Limited Incentives for Small Businesses: Small businesses, particularly in developing nations, face challenges in accurately monitoring emissions. Varied Production Processes: Diverse supply chains and production methods make it difficult to establish uniform carbon budgets for all facilities. Source: The Hindu   GOLAN HEIGHTS Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: Israel is set to double its population on the occupied Golan Heights while saying threats from Syria remained despite the moderate tone of rebel leaders who ousted President Bashar al-Assad a week ago. Background: – Israel captured most of the strategic plateau from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War, annexing it in 1981. Key takeaways The Golan Heights is a strategically significant plateau located in southwestern Syria, bordered by Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan.  The Golan Heights covers an area of approximately 1,800 km². It is characterized by its hilly terrain and basaltic rock formations. The Golan Heights offers a vantage point overlooking the Jordan River valley and the Sea of Galilee. It is bordered by the Yarmouk river in the south and the Sea of Galilee in the west.  The hilly land is fertile, and the volcanic soil grows apple and cherry orchards as well as vineyards. The region has vital water sources that feed the Jordan River, including the Hasbani River, which flows from Lebanon and through the Golan. Population: The region has a population of around 55,000 people, including 24,000 Druze who identify as Syrians. Highest Point: The highest elevation is Mount Hermon, which stands at 2,814 meters (9,232 feet). Ottoman Rule: The Golan Heights came under Ottoman control in the 16th century and later became part of the French Mandate in Syria. Modern History: During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel captured the Golan HeDuring the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, Syria attempted to take back the Golan Heights but failed to do so. In 1974, the UN got involved, deploying peacekeeping forces in the area after Israel and Syria signed an armistice. The Security Council established the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) the same year as it tried to maintain a ceasefire and creating a ceasefire buffer zone in the area. As of April, 1,274 UN personnel are deployed in the Golan Heights. In 1981, Israel formally declared its annexation of the Golan Heights. In 2019, the US, under then-President Donald Trump, recognised Israeli sovreignty over the Golan Heights. The recognition still stands, even under President Joe Biden’s administration. Source: The Hindu OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES Syllabus: Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles, which are currently in their breeding season, continue to wash ashore along the Visakhapatnam coast. Background: Environmental experts say that a majority of the deaths are due to marine pollution and trawling activities for catching fish. Key takeaways: The Olive Ridley Turtle (scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea) is the smallest and most abundant sea turtle species in the world. Size: Olive Ridley turtles grow to about 2 feet in length and weigh around 50 kg. Habitat: They inhabit warm and tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Appearance: They get their name from their olive-colored carapace (shell), which is heart-shaped and rounded. Carnivorous: Olive Ridley turtles are carnivores, feeding mainly on jellyfish, shrimp, snails, crabs, mollusks, and various fish and their eggs. Unique Behavior: Arribada: Olive Ridley turtles are best known for their unique mass nesting behavior called arribada, where thousands of females

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) EUROPEAN FREE TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA) Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: India said that its double taxation treaty with Switzerland may require renegotiation in view of its trade pact with the member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Background: – The remarks from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) came after the Swiss government suspended the most favoured nation status (MFN) clause in the India-Switzerland Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). About European Free Trade Association (EFTA) EFTA is an intergovernmental organization of four member countries that are not part of the European Union (EU): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The organization operates in parallel with the European Union (EU), and all four member states participate in the European single market and are part of the Schengen Area. EFTA vs. EU: While EFTA countries are not part of the EU, three of them (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) are part of the European Economic Area (EEA), which gives them access to the EU’s single market. Switzerland has bilateral agreements with the EU but is not in the EEA. India and EFTA recently signed a landmark trade agreement, the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), on March 10, 2024. This agreement aims to boost trade and investment between the two sides.   Key Features of the TEPA: Tariff Reductions: EFTA will eliminate tariffs on 92.2% of its tariff lines, covering 99.6% of India’s exports. India will eliminate tariffs on 82.7% of its tariff lines, covering 95.3% of EFTA exports.   Investment Promotion: EFTA is unique for its inclusion of a binding $100 billion investment commitment by companies in those countries into India over the next 15 years, with one million direct jobs to be created. Market Access: The agreement improves market access for both sides in various sectors, including industrial products, fish and marine products, processed agricultural products, and services.    Intellectual Property Rights: The agreement includes provisions for the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.    Sustainable Development: The agreement also addresses issues related to sustainable development, including environmental protection and labor rights. Source: Indian Express   LA NIÑA AND INDIA’S CLIMATE Syllabus: Prelims &  Mains – GEOGRAPHY Context: La Nina conditions are likely to develop in the next three months but the phase is expected to be relatively weak and short-lived, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) said recently. Background: – Latest forecasts from WMO indicate a 55% likelihood of a transition from the current neutral conditions (neither El Niño nor La Niña) to La Nina conditions during December 2024 to February 2025. Key takeaways La Niña, a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), occurs when the region of the Pacific Ocean between Indonesia and South America is cooler than usual. Its counterpart, El Niño, represents a warming of the same region.  This decade began with three consecutive La Niña events (2020-2022), a rare occurrence known as Triple Dip La Niña, followed by an El Niño in 2023. Historically, the La Niña has usually formed during the monsoon or the pre-monsoon period, and it has formed only twice between October and December since 1950. La Niña and its affect on India’s climate and environment North India experiences  colder winter than usual during La Niña. Analysis of meteorological data by researchers at the Council on Energy Environment and Water, New Delhi, has revealed that while La Niña winters feature colder nights compared to El Niño, daytime temperatures tend to be higher.  Meteorological parameters like wind speed and planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) — the lowest atmospheric layer directly influenced by land-atmosphere interactions — also vary during ENSO phases, affecting air quality. The researchers found the average wind speed is higher throughout the day during La Niña winters. Faster winds help reduce air pollution by transporting pollutants away. They also found that the average PBLH is slightly lower during La Niña winters. If La Niña sets in, lower temperatures in north India may lead people to burn more biomass for heating, worsening pollution. A lower PBLH could also trap more pollutants near the ground. But higher wind speeds could disperse the pollutants, potentially leading to better air quality. A La Niña promotes robust monsoons as evidenced by the “normal” or “above-normal” rainfall in the La Niña years of 2020, 2021, and 2022.  Source: The Hindu POLAVARAM PROJECT Syllabus: Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Andhra Pradesh government has prepared an action plan and set a broad milestones for various works, including completing the first phase of the Polavaram Irrigation Project by October 2026. Background: The Polavaram project, considered the lifeline of Andhra Pradesh, has witnessed multiple delays over the last few years. Key takeaways: The Polavaram Project is a significant multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in the Eluru District and East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. Also known as the Indira Sagar Project. The project aims to provide irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. Project was approved initially in 2004 and declared a national project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. Key Features Dam Type: Earth-cum-rock fill dam. Reservoir Capacity: Gross storage capacity of 194.6 TMC. Irrigation Potential: 4.36 lakh hectares in Andhra Pradesh. Hydroelectric Power: Generation of 960 MW. In this project, Godavari-Krishna inter-linking will be implemented under the inter-linking of rivers project. The project envisages transfer of 80 TMC of surplus water of Godavari river to Krishna river.  Source: The Hindu MAYOTTE Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: Rescuers raced against time to reach survivors and supply urgent aid after the devastating cyclone Chido ripped through the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte. Background: – Mayotte is France’s poorest region with an estimated third of the population living in shanty towns. About Mayotte Mayotte is an overseas department and region and single territorial collectivity of France.  It is located in the northern part of the Mozambique Channel in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Southeastern Africa, between Northwestern Madagascar and Northeastern Mozambique. Mayotte consists of a main island, Grande-Terre (or Maore), a smaller island, Petite-Terre (or Pamanzi), as well as several islets around these two. It is an outermost region of the European Union and, as an overseas department of

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) CARNATIC MUSIC Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ART & CULTURE Context: The Supreme Court in an interim order said that musician T M Krishna should not be recognised as a recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi award and also restrained him from projecting himself as a recipient of the honour till it decides an appeal challenging the grant of the same to him. Background: – The top court’s order came a day after Mr. Krishna was conferred the award instituted by The Hindu and awarded by the Music Academy at the inauguration of its 98th annual Conference and Concerts in Chennai. About Carnatic music Carnatic music is a classical music tradition from Southern India, deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the region. Origins and History: Ancient Roots: Carnatic music has ancient origins, with influences from the Sama Veda, one of the four Vedas containing hymns set to music. Temple Traditions: Temples played a significant role in the development and preservation of Carnatic music, with musical performances being integral to temple rituals. Bhakti Movement: The Bhakti movement, which gained prominence between the 6th and 17th centuries, contributed to the development of devotional music. Medieval Composers: Composers like Purandaradasa (1480-1564) systematized Carnatic music methods and authored numerous compositions. The Trinity: The 18th century saw the emergence of the Trinity of Carnatic music—Thyagaraja, Shama Shastri, and Muthuswami Dikshitar—who compiled compositions that define the Carnatic music repertoire. Key Concepts: Raga (Rāga): A melodic framework for improvisation and composition. Tala (Tāḷa): The rhythmic aspect of music, marked by mathematical precision. Bhava (Bhāva): The expression of emotions and thoughts through music. Instruments: Vocal: The human voice is the primary instrument in Carnatic music. Melody Instruments: Violin, Veena, Nadaswaram, and Flute are commonly used. Percussion Instruments: Mridangam, Ghatam, Kanjira, and Thavil are essential for rhythm. Performance Structure: Kriti (Kṛti): A structured composition that includes a pallavi (refrain), anupallavi (second verse), and charanam (final verse). Ragam Tanam Pallavi (Rāgam Tāṇam Pāḷavi): A complex and highly improvisational section showcasing the performer’s skill. Thillana (Tillāṇa): A rhythmic piece that concludes the performance. Notable Composers: Purandaradasa: Known as the father of Carnatic music. The Trinity: Thyagaraja, Shama Shastri, and Muthuswami Dikshitar Source: The Hindu   PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS (POPs) Syllabus: Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: Scientists conducted a 10-year study on orcas in the North Atlantic Ocean. Despite these orcas living far from human settlements, researchers found high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in their blubber (the fat layer under their skin). Background: – One of the POPs found were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Used as coolants and lubricants in electrical components, they were banned in the US and Canada 50 years ago. The blubber samples also contained several other categories of POPs, whose “production, use, and/or release” were to be reduced or eliminated under Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, signed in 2001. Key takeaways Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a group of toxic chemicals that are resistant to environmental degradation through chemical, biological, and photolytic processes. Characteristics: Persistence: POPs remain in the environment for extended periods without breaking down. Bioaccumulation: These pollutants accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms. Lipophilicity: POPs are highly soluble in fats and oils, leading to their accumulation in the food chain. Toxicity: They are toxic to both humans and wildlife, causing adverse health effects. Long-range Transport: Can be carried by wind and water to regions far from their source. Sources: Pesticides: Many POPs are pesticides or insecticides, such as DDT and aldrin. Industrial Chemicals: Some POPs are industrial chemicals like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Unintentional By-products: POPs can also be unintentional by-products of waste burning and industrial processes, such as dioxins and furans. International Regulation: Stockholm Convention: The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty aimed at eliminating or restricting the production and use of POPs. It was adopted in 2001 and became effective in 2004. India is a signatory and has ratified the convention. Control Measures: The convention includes measures to prohibit or restrict the production, use, and release of POPs, as well as to ensure their safe disposal. Examples of POPs: The Dirty Dozen: The initial list of POPs identified by the Stockholm Convention includes aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene, PCBs, DDT, dioxins, and furans. New Additions: Over time, additional POPs have been added to the list, such as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). Source: Down To Earth KERCH STRAIT Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: Two Russian oil tankers have been badly damaged in the Black Sea, causing an oil spill. The incident took place in the Kerch Strait, which separates Russia from Crimea – the Ukrainian peninsula illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014. Background: The Kerch Strait is a key route for exports of Russian grain and it is also used for exports of crude oil, fuel oil and liquefied natural gas. Key takeaways: The Kerch Strait is a narrow waterway in Eastern Europe that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov. Location: The strait separates the Kerch Peninsula of Crimea (part of the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula) to the west from the Taman Peninsula of Russia’s Krasnodar Krai to the east. Dimensions: The strait is approximately 35 kilometers long and varies in width from 3.1 kilometers to 15 kilometers. The average depth of the strait is around 18 meters. Historical Significance: Ancient Names: In ancient times, the strait was known as the Cimmerian Bosporus or Cimmerian Strait, named after the Cimmerians, a group of steppe nomads. Roman Era: The Romans referred to it as the Strait of Cimmerian Bosphorus. World War II: The strait was a significant site during World War II, witnessing naval battles and strategic operations. Modern Developments: Crimean Bridge: The Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Strait Bridge, was completed in 2018. It is the longest bridge in Europe, spanning 19 kilometers (12 miles) and includes both road and rail connections. Conflict: The strait has been a point of conflict, especially after Russia’s

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) SC DIRECTS CENTRE TO FORMULATE POLICY TO MANAGE SACRED GROVES Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Supreme Court asked the Centre to create a comprehensive policy for the governance and management of sacred groves across the country while underlining their ecological importance. Background: – The Supreme Court judgment came on applications dealing with the protection of sacred groves of Rajasthan. Key takeaways Sacred groves are patches of forest that are preserved by local communities due to their religious, cultural, or spiritual significance. Distribution in India: Found across India, particularly in states with tribal or indigenous populations. Rajasthan: Orans, associated with folk deities. Maharashtra and Karnataka: Devarakadu (God’s forests). Northeast India: Sacred forests of Meghalaya (e.g., Mawphlang). Kerala: Sarpa Kavu (Snake groves). SC directed that as part of the policy on sacred groves, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change must develop a plan for a nationwide survey of sacred groves, by whatever name they are identified in each State.  The survey should identify their area, location, and extent, and clearly mark their boundaries. These boundaries should remain flexible to accommodate the natural growth and expansion of these forests while ensuring strict protection against any reduction in size. Highlighting the ecological and cultural importance of the sacred groves, the top court recommended their protection under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, particularly through Section 36-C, which allows for declaration of “community reserves”. Piplantri model lauded in the judgement SC lauded the Piplantri village in Rajasthan’s Rajsamand district, which under the leadership of its Sarpanch Shyam Sundar Paliwal, started the initiative to plant 111 trees for every girl child born.  The tragic passing of a girl child of the sarpanch Shyam Sundar Paliwal prompted the movement in the village which had until then witnessed environmental damages due to excessive marble mining. The mining activity led to acute water shortages, deforestation and economic decline. The Piplantri model has had many positive effects.  Environmentally, over 40 lakh trees have been planted, which has helped raise the water table by 800-900 feet and cooled the climate by 3-4°C. These efforts have improved local biodiversity and protected the land from soil erosion and desertification.  Economically, the planting of indigenous species of trees like gooseberry, aloe vera, and bamboo has created sustainable jobs. Aloe vera processing, furniture making, and other businesses have increased local incomes, providing work, especially for women, through self-help groups. The Supreme Court bench also pointed out that the model has helped eliminate harmful practices like female foeticide. Piplantri model demonstrates how community-driven initiatives can effectively address social, economic, and environmental challenges in a cohesive manner. Source: Indian Express   HINDON RIVER Syllabus: Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: Once a lifeline for communities settled along its banks, the Hindon River in Western Uttar Pradesh, often called India’s Sugar Bowl, has been reduced to a drain carrying domestic and industrial waste. Background: – Since the 1970s, experts have warned about industries and untreated domestic waste polluting the river. In Saharanpur district alone, over 45 industries discharge waste into the Hindon, with 12 drains carrying effluents directly into the river. This pollution seeps into groundwater, affecting health & agriculture. Key takeaways The Hindon River is a significant tributary of the Yamuna River in northern India. Origin: The Hindon River originates from the Shakumbhari Devi Range (Upper Sivaliks) in the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh. Course: It flows through several districts, including Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar, before joining the Yamuna River in Noida. Length: The river spans approximately 400 kilometers (about 250 miles). Catchment Area: The Hindon River has a catchment area of around 7,083 square kilometers. Key Features: Tributaries: The Kali River is a major tributary of the Hindon River. The Kali River merges with the Hindon near Sardhana. Rainfed River: The Hindon River is entirely rainfed, relying on monsoon rains for its water supply. Pollution: The river faces significant pollution challenges due to urban, agricultural, and industrial waste. In 2015, it was declared a ‘dead river’ by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Historical Significance: Indus Valley Civilization: An Indus Valley civilization site, Alamgirpur, is located along the Hindon River, about 28 kilometers from Delhi. 1857 Revolt: The Hindon River was a site of several skirmishes during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, including the Battle of Badli-ki-Serai. Source: Down To Earth INFRARED RADIATION Syllabus: Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: Scientists from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengaluru, an autonomous institute of Department of Science and Technology have come up with a novel strategy to control and regulate Infrared (IR) radiation. Background: The strategy uses 2-dimensional nanosheets of a chemical called hexagonal boron nitride and has potential for deployment as radiative heat barrier, thermal camouflage and in thermal management applications. Key takeaways: Infrared (IR) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength longer than visible light but shorter than microwaves. Infrared radiation has wavelengths ranging from 700 nanometers (nm) to 1 millimeter (mm). This range is further divided into three main categories: Near Infrared (NIR): 700 nm to 1,400 nm Mid Infrared (MIR): 1,400 nm to 3,000 nm Far Infrared (FIR): 3,000 nm to 1 mm Natural Sources: The primary natural source of infrared radiation is the Sun, which emits IR as part of its overall spectrum. Thermal radiation from warm objects, such as humans and animals, also contributes to natural IR. Artificial Sources: Infrared radiation is also generated by electrical appliances, heaters, lasers, and LEDs. Properties of Infrared Radiation: Invisible to the human eye but can be felt as heat. Travels in straight lines at the speed of light in a vacuum. Easily absorbed and emitted by matter, especially water and carbon-based materials. Applications of Infrared Radiation: Communication: Used in remote controls, IR sensors, and optical fiber communication. Astronomy: Infrared telescopes help study celestial objects obscured by cosmic dust. Medical:  Infrared imaging in diagnostics (e.g., thermography for detecting inflammation). Used in physiotherapy to relieve muscle pain. Military and Security:

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) CRIME AND CRIMINAL TRACKING NETWORK AND SYSTEMS (CCTNS) Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Nearly 15 years after it was launched, all 17,130 police stations in the country have been linked through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS). Background: – Launched in 2009, the CCTNS has also become key to the implementation of the three new criminal laws that were rolled out on July 1. About CCTNS The Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) is a flagship project under the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) aimed at creating a comprehensive and integrated system for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of policing through technology. Objective: To provide a nationwide integrated platform for investigation, detection, and prevention of crimes. To enhance citizen services like online registration of complaints and tracking case status. Scope: Link all police stations across India through a unified network. Enable seamless sharing of information on crimes and criminals among law enforcement agencies. Components: Core Application Software (CAS): Provides a standardized platform for data entry, retrieval, and sharing. National Database: Centralized repository of criminal records, FIRs, and investigation reports. Integration with Other Systems: Links with databases such as Fingerprint Identification Systems, Vehicle Registration, and Passport Verification. Some of the Citizen-Centric Services: Filing complaints online. Viewing the status of registered complaints and FIRs. Searching for missing persons or stolen vehicles. Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) :  The scope of the CCTNS has been enhanced over the years to integrate the police data with other pillars of the criminal justice system namely courts, prisons, prosecution, forensics and finger prints, and accordingly a new system called the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) has been developed. Source: The Hindu   HINDU KUSH HIMALAYA FACES RISKS AMID RECORD GLACIER MELTING Syllabus: Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: The State of the Cryosphere 2024 report, presented at the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, warns that rising carbon emissions could increase global temperatures by over 3°C by century’s end, causing unprecedented glacier melting, including in the Indian Himalayan Region. Background: – The glaciers of the HKH region, also known as the “Third Pole” or the “Water Tower of the Earth”, are the source of some of the world’s major river systems like the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra. Key takeaways Cryosphere refers to the frozen water part of the Earth’s surface. Its components include snow, glaciers, ice caps, ice sheets, sea ice and permafrost. These elements are primarily found in polar regions, high latitudes and high-altitude areas of the Earth’s surface. Rising temperatures are affecting every part of the Cryosphere. This year’s summer is the third in a row when sea ice in Antarctica was reduced to less than 2 million square kilometers. If the current warming trend continues to grow, there is a possibility of complete sea ice loss around Antarctica during the summer months. This would cause the warming of water and further melting of Antarctica’s ice sheet.  Also, it is estimated that exceeding the 1.5°C limit could cause a rise above 10 meters in sea level in the coming centuries. Venezuela lost its last glacier, ‘Humboldt,’ this year, while Indonesia’s ‘Eternity Glacier’ will likely melt completely within the next two years.  As the temperature increases, there will be less solid precipitation (snow) and more liquid precipitation, even at higher altitudes, resulting in less seasonal snow occurrence overall.  Additionally, thawing permafrost will lead to increased concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere. Hindu Kush Himalayan region The HKH region witnessed record-low snowfall during the winter of 2023-2024. This decline in seasonal snow availability will also have an impact on food, energy and water security for both the country and the region.  The Indian Himalayan Region, which spans 13 states and Union Territories, will be directly affected by these changes. It is projected that even a 2°C rise in global temperatures could result in a 50 per cent loss of ice from High Mountain Asian glaciers. This will intensify catastrophic hazards, such as the Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), already occurring in High Mountain Asia, particularly in India. Recent GLOF at South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim (October 2023), led to the loss of human lives and extensive damage to infrastructure.  Source: Indian Express ARCTIC TUNDRA IS EMITTING MORE CARBON THAN IT IS ABSORBING Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – GEOGRAPHY Context: Arctic tundra, which has stored carbon for thousands of years, has now become a source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), according to a new analysis report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA). Background: The analysis, ‘Arctic Report Card’, is a yearly report on the polar region and was published last week. How does the Arctic tundra store carbon? In a typical ecosystem, plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. These plants grow, die, or are eaten by animals which also grow and die. When they die, the carbon in their corpse feeds microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi which break down larger molecules and return CO2 to the atmosphere, thereby completing the carbon cycle. However, in the case of Arctic tundra, the decomposition of organic matter is dramatically slowed down due to the cold climate. Plant and animal remains can stay trapped for thousands of years in permafrost thwarting CO2 from getting released back into the atmosphere.  Scientists estimate that Arctic soils store more than 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon across the region. That is about double the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Why is the Arctic tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it? In recent years, however, the Arctic tundra’s ability to emit less and absorb more carbon has taken a hit. The new analysis confirmed that the ecosystem has now become a source of CO2 and methane (CH4) emissions. That has happened for two main reasons. One is rising temperatures. The report said the Arctic is warming four times the global rate. As a result, the Arctic’s permafrost is thawing, meaning microbes in the soil are becoming active

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) THE BRIDGE TO MOSCOW Syllabus: Mains – GS 2 Context: India-Russia relationship is set to be the most consequential bilateral engagement of the year 2025. Background: – The India-Russia relationship serves not just the two countries in question, but the world. Key takeaways The strength of ties between New Delhi and Moscow matters to both countries. It touches core mutual areas: Trade in energy, technological co-development, and strategic interests.  Russia remains India’s most accommodating partner when it comes to high-tech supplies. While the West — France and the US in particular — are relaxing rules for trade with India in dual-use tech, there is still a long way to go before Delhi’s undersea and long-range requirements are satisfied by the West. This is where Moscow steps in. Apart from being mutually beneficial to India and Russia, the relationship is a vital global public good : First, it serves as a bridge between the rest of the world and a Russian polity that has been alienated by, and has set out to further alienate, the West. India’s commitment to multilateralism and the global order anchors Russia, to a system that it otherwise seeks to disrupt. Second, the India-Russia relationship prevents the Russian bear from totally entering the dragon’s den. A Russia locked into servitude to Beijing’s interests would be profoundly inimical for the world order, the West in particular. India’s outstretched hand grants Russia the ability to manoeuvre and allows it to avoid capitulating completely to China. Third, trade between India and Russia in fossil fuels is designed to be compliant with sanctions meant to limit Russian profits. This too provides broader benefits to the world. It brings valuable price stability and predictability to energy markets, which is vital for the West and for Europe in particular. Fourth, the relationship allows for new possibilities in the crucial Arctic region. Without India’s increasing strategic presence in the Arctic, in partnership not just with Russia but also with European and Nordic friends, a new Russia-China axis would have shaped the region’s future. This would have spelt disaster for the ecology and security of global supply chains. Finally, India’s presence in groupings like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ensures that these are not weaponised against the West. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has put it, India is non-Western, it is not anti-Western. This moderate and reasonable attitude shapes the actions and positions of such groupings. The entry of New Delhi’s candidates — and Western friends — such as the UAE, Egypt and Vietnam into BRICS as either members or partners has further moderated that grouping. The ability to partner with nations that are deeply divided by geopolitics has been a feature of Indian diplomacy since Independence. The India-Russia relationship serves not just the two countries in question, but the world. Source: Indian Express   STARLINK SATELLITE INTERNET Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Elon Musk has denied claims that his space company SpaceX’s satellite internet technology Starlink is being used by militants in Manipur. Background: – This came after the Indian Army and police seized weapons and what looked like a Starlink-branded satellite router and antenna. Starlink is still pending regulatory approval in India, though it will be starting in neighbouring Bangladesh and Bhutan in 2025 What is Starlink and how does it work? Starlink uses an extensive low Earth orbit satellite constellation to deliver broadband internet that has high speeds and low latency.  It is a popular choice for users worldwide in remote areas, sea vessels, disaster-struck regions, or places where oppressive regimes have throttled access to more mainstream internet services. There are thousands of satellites in the Starlink system, and they orbit Earth at around 550 km. Though they cover the entire globe, per SpaceX, the company is not authorised to provide its services to users in some regions. What is the controversy surrounding Starlink? Indian army on December 16 shared photos of guns, ammunition, and country-made mortars seized from Manipur in X. X users spotted a small satellite device and router, with the latter bearing the SpaceX logo sparkling speculation that Musk’s technology was being used by terrorists. Elon Muk responded that Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India. This is not the first time SpaceX has become embroiled in controversy in India. Last month, smugglers originating from Myanmar were caught by the Andaman and Nicobar islands police with over 6,000 kg of meth and a Starlink device that was allegedly used for navigation and communication, despite service being prohibited in Indian waters. Furthermore, in August this year, Starlink equipment was seen being sold on the B2B platform IndiaMART. Can Starlink satellite internet be controlled ? International borders are not solid and it is not easy to refine satellite internet coverage to such a precise degree that service is activated or halted exactly in line with a nation’s border. An additional complication is that many international borders are contested or unclear More information is needed from SpaceX to understand how the company ensures that Starlink satellite internet does not reach the countries yet to allow Starlink, while enabling service for neighbouring countries or waters that do allow Starlink service. What does Indian law say? India strictly regulates and restricts the use of satellite-based communication devices. Everyday gadget users within the country would have noticed that even key satellite-based emergency features on premium phones that are easily available for users overseas are not enabled for use in India. Under section 6 of the Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act, the use of thuraya/iridium satellite phones is illegal in the country. Indian embassies worldwide warn both Indian and foreign travellers that they cannot carry satellite phones into the country and may face confiscation and legal action if they do so without permission. These restrictions are in place largely to combat militancy and terrorism. In 2022, Indian officials reported that evidence of iridium satellite phone usage was discovered in the Kashmir

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) NEXUS REPORT Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), a global group of scientific experts, has released an Assessment Report on the Interlinkages among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health – known as the Nexus Report.  Background: – This is a first-of-a-kind report looking at the interconnections between the multiple crises. The group examined five major challenges — climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity, and health risks — and found that they were strongly interconnected. What is IPBES? IPBES is to biodiversity and natural ecosystems what Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is to climate change. It periodically examines all the existing scientific knowledge on biodiversity and nature to make an assessment of their current state.  Just like IPCC, IPBES too does not produce new science. It only evaluates the existing knowledge to make consolidated assessments. IPBES, set up in 2012, informs several multilateral environmental processes, including the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on Combating Desertification (CCD), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. IPBES produced its first report in 2019 in which it assessed the threat to global biodiversity. The information in this report became the basis for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. What does the latest report say? Nexus Report has highlighted the strong interlinkages between the five identified global challenges. Its key takeaway is that responses to all these challenges need to be harmonised so that positive actions taken on any one of these does not result in negative impacts on others. For example, an attempt to scale up food production, a positive action to deal with hunger and malnutrition, could have the unintended consequence of increasing stress on land and water resources and biodiversity. Exclusive focus on climate change could also go down on the same pathway. The report, therefore, argues that it was important to adopt synergistic approaches that deliver benefits across the spectrum. Report identified over 70 synergetic approach response options that produced positive outcomes across the five elements. Examples of such response measures included restoration of carbon-rich ecosystems such as forests, soils and mangroves, effective management of biodiversity to reduce risks of diseases spreading from animals to humans, promotion of sustainable healthy diets, and reliance on nature-based solutions wherever possible. The report pointed out that more than half of the global GDP — was moderately to highly dependent on nature. Transformative Change Report In another report released simultaneously, IPBES called for fundamental and transformative shifts in the way people view and interact with the natural world in pursuit of its well-being. This report, being called the Transformative Change Report, said current, and previous, approaches to deal with ecological decline had failed, and a new and different approach was needed. This new and transformative approach, it said, must be based on four fundamental principles — equity and justice, pluralism and inclusion, respectful and reciprocal human-nature relationships, and adaptive learning and action. It said the world needed to act immediately on new approaches because the cost of delaying action would increase the costs. There were also benefits to be had from immediate action. It said recent estimates suggested that more than 10 trillion dollars in business opportunities, and about 400 million jobs, could be generated by 2030 through sustainable economic approaches that rely on nature-positive economic models. Source: Indian Express   INDIA, KUWAIT LIFT TIES TO ‘STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP Syllabus: Mains – GS 2 Context: Kuwait and India elevated their relationship to a “strategic partnership” and signalled that trade and defence cooperation would form the key pillars of their ties. Background: – PM Modi arrived in Kuwait on Saturday for a two-day visit — the first by an Indian PM in 43 years. The last Indian PM to visit Kuwait was Indira Gandhi in 1981. Key takeaways Defence Cooperation The two sides institutionalised defence cooperation through an overarching agreement that includes training, exchange of personnel and experts, joint exercises, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development, among others. Cooperation in Other Sectors Besides defence, three other MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) were inked to facilitate cooperation in the areas of: Sports, Culture and Solar energy. India-GCC Cooperation India showed keen interest in intensifying its cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) through Kuwait’s presidency of the influential grouping, which includes the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. The total volume of India’s trade with GCC countries stood at US$ 184.46 billion in the financial year 2022-23. Both sides also stressed the importance of early conclusion of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement. India-Kuwait Relations Kuwait is among India’s top trading partners, with bilateral trade valued at US$ 10.47 billion in 2023-24. The Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in Kuwait. Source: The Hindu SPADEX MISSION Syllabus: Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: The satellites for the SpaDeX mission are set to launch onboard the PSLV C60 mission on December 30, 2024. Background: If the SpaDeX test is successful, India will become the fourth country in the world to have a space programme capable of docking in space. Key takeaways: The SpaDeX mission (Space Docking Experiment) is an ambitious project by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at demonstrating in-space docking technology. The primary goal of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology required for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. ISRO needs to master in-space docking so that satellites launched in separate rocket launches can link up to perform more sophisticated tasks. The technology will be essential for the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Station,’ a new India-made space station ISRO has begun work on. Mission Details: Spacecraft: The mission involves two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing approximately 220 kg. Launch: The spacecraft will be launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Orbit: Both spacecraft will

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) REVERSING THE SLOWDOWN Syllabus: Mains – GS 3 Context: With the new year around the corner, it is important to think ahead and recognize that the big economic issue in India in 2025 is likely to be the growth slowdown. Background: – For a rich country like the US with an annual per capita GDP of $86,000, slowing growth does not hurt a lot. But for a poor country like India, with a per capita GDP of only $2,700, slowdowns are painful and worrisome. Key takeaways The recently released GDP growth figures have triggered discussion over whether the slowdown is a temporary blip or a warning of a serious trend. Official statistics show that growth has declined in four out of the last five quarters. Consumption demand has been subdued. Partly as a consequence, private investment has been weak. While government investment has been growing over the past few years, propping up demand, it is soon going to run into fiscal constraints. There is one major opportunity for reigniting growth. India’s GDP is roughly $4 trillion while global GDP is a little more than $100 trillion. That means that India’s share of the global economy is around 4 per cent. But its share in global goods exports is much smaller, less than 2 per cent. Assume that India decides to bring its export share in sync with its share in the global economy. If this could be achieved, it would do wonders for growth. Many multinational companies are wanting to move out of China. And the only other country with a large population base and strong growth prospects is India. There is now a historic opening to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in manufacturing, which all across Asia has been the key to increasing countries’ global export market share. The government, to its credit, has been trying to seize this opportunity by rolling out the well-funded Production Linked Incentives (PLI) subsidy scheme. India should adopt a well-defined export-led growth strategy, the critical component of which would be minimising risk and policy uncertainty. To give an important example, the country needs a consistent and coherent trade policy that does not involve frequent changes in import tariffs or worse still, import or export bans. Source: Indian Express   CII SEEKS REFORMS IN INDIA’S PRIORITY SECTOR LENDING FRAMEWORK Syllabus: Mains – GS 3 Context: Industry body CII has proposed reforms in India’s Priority Sector Lending (PSL) framework, suggesting the inclusion of emerging sectors and high-impact sectors like digital infrastructure, green initiatives, healthcare, and innovative manufacturing. Background: – CII also suggested setting up of a high level committee to look at the revision of PSL norms and explore the need for any new Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) to cater to some of the new and emerging sectors. Key takeaways Priority Sector Lending is a policy tool aimed at ensuring that key sectors crucial to the nation’s development receive adequate financial support.  Mandated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), PSL obligates banks to allocate a specified proportion of their loans to sectors such as agriculture, education, housing, and small industries etc. Despite success, the PSL framework requires regular recalibration to remain relevant. This recalibration is essential to ensure that the financial resources are optimally distributed. For instance, while agriculture contributes 14 per cent of the GDP today, its PSL allocation remains at 18 per cent, unchanged from when its GDP share exceeded 30 per cent. Similarly, sectors like infrastructure and innovative manufacturing lack adequate PSL focus despite their potential to drive economic growth. Source: Livemint INDIA’S RELIANCE ON CHINA FOR CRITICAL MINERALS Syllabus: Mains – GS 2 Context: The Ministry of Mines has identified 30 critical minerals. While it highlighted India’s complete import dependency for 10 critical minerals, it did not fully address a more pressing concern — the extent and nature of dependency on China. Background: Transitioning away from China will require sustained investment and long-term commitment. Is China a dominant player? China’s unparalleled dominance in critical minerals stems from its vast resource base and strategic investments across the value chain.  Reserves of minerals, particularly copper, lead, zinc, nickel, cobalt, lithium, gallium, germanium, and crystalline graphite, increased significantly, supported by robust exploration investment.  China’s dominance extends beyond reserves to include processing and refining, with control over 87% of rare earth processing, 58% of lithium refining, and 68% of silicon processing.  Furthermore, China has strategically invested in overseas mining projects and built unparalleled midstream refining capabilities, raising supply chain vulnerabilities for countries including India, the U.S., and EU nations. What about China’s export controls? When it comes to China’s approach to weaponising critical mineral exports, it is strategic and calculated.  Beijing primarily targets minerals deemed critical by West and their allies, especially those essential for semiconductors, batteries, and high-tech manufacturing. However, China carefully balances these decisions against two constraining factors: it avoids controlling minerals which heavily depend on Western raw material imports, and it refrains from actions that could disrupt its domestic industry or export-dependent sectors. This strategy was evident in China’s 2010 rare earth embargo against Japan, its recent restrictions on antimony, gallium, and germanium exports, and its December 2023 ban on rare earth extraction and processing technologies. Is India dependent on China? An in-depth examination of import data of 30 critical minerals spanning 2019 to 2024 reveals India’s acute vulnerability to Chinese supplies, particularly for six critical minerals where dependency exceeds 40%: bismuth (85.6%), lithium (82%), silicon (76%), titanium (50.6%), tellurium (48.8%), and graphite (42.4%).  Why does India rely on imports? India’s heavy reliance on imports stem from several structural challenges in its mining and processing ecosystem.  Many critical minerals are deep-seated, requiring high-risk investments in exploration and mining technologies — a factor that has deterred private sector participation in the absence of adequate incentives and policy support.  The country’s processing capabilities are also limited. This is particularly evident in the case of the recently discovered lithium deposits in Jammu and Kashmir, where despite the presence

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) CONCERN BEHIND THE STATE OF FOREST Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: The 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023) by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) found a marginal gain of 156 sq km in forest cover, and a sizable increase of 1,289 sq km in tree cover since 2021. Background: – Irrespective of land use or ownership, tree patches measuring 1 hectare or more with a minimum canopy cover of 10% are counted as forests in India :  Very dense forest: Canopy density of 70% or more Moderately dense forest: Canopy density of 40–70% Open forest: Canopy density of 10–40% Key takeaways For the first time, India’s green cover has exceeded the 25% threshold with 8,27,357 sq km (25.17%) of the country now under forest (21.76%) and tree (3.41%) cover. Of this, 4,10,175 sq km is classified as dense forests. Tree patches smaller than 1 hectare do not count as forests, and have been measured separately by FSI as tree cover since 2001. IFSR-2023 recorded a 0.5 percentage point jump in two years, with tree cover rising to 3.41%. In comparison, India’s forest cover has increased by only 0.05 percentage points since 2021. This is consistent with the trend of diminishing growth since India’s forest cover crossed the 20% threshold at the turn of the millennium.  Between 2003 and 2013, forest cover increased by 0.61 percentage points, from 20.62% to 21.23%. In the next 10 years, it grew by only 0.53 percentage points to 21.76%. Depending on factors such as climate and biotic pressure, a forest can improve or degrade to the next density category — a VDF patch may thin to become a moderately dense forest (MDF) or an OF may get upgraded as an MDF — during a 2-year IFSR cycle. SFR-2023 shows that 3,913 sq km of dense forests — an area larger than Goa — have disappeared in India in just two years since 2021. This is consistent with the worsening trend over the past two decades: 17,500 sq km of dense forests were wiped out between 2013 and 2023, while 7,151 sq km disappeared between 2003 and 2013. The bulk of this loss has been offset by the rapid transformation of 15,530 sq km of non-forested or scantly forested land to dense or even very dense forests in successive two-year windows during 2003-2023. These are plantations, say experts, because natural forests do not grow this fast. The trend of steady replacement of natural dense forests with plantations has been criticised by experts. Plantations usually have trees of the same age (and often the same species), are vulnerable to fire, pests and epidemics, and often act as a barrier to the regeneration of natural forests which are more biodiverse, perform a wider range of ecological functions, and support numerous species. Source: Indian Express   GOOD GOVERNANCE DAY Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT ; GS 2 Context: Every year, Good Governance Day is celebrated on December 25th. Background: – This day aims to raise awareness among citizens about government accountability and effective administration while promoting the practice of “good governance” among civil servants. Key takeaways In 2014, the Union government announced that December 25 would be celebrated as “Good Governance Day.” This day honors the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. According to Good Governance Index Report, “Good governance can be referred as an effective and efficient process of decision making and the process by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented) keeping the amelioration of citizens as the topmost priority. Resource allocation, creation of formal establishments, setting up rules and regulations etc., are part of achieving this goal.” Atal Bihari Vajpayee Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924 in Gwalior, present-day Madhya Pradesh. He held his first major national position as the External Affairs Minister in Morarji Desai’s post Emergency government. Eventhough he resigned and the government soon fell, Vajpayee had earned major plaudits for his tenure, with his UN General Assembly speech in Hindi drawing praise. While he first became Prime Minister in 1996 (for 16 days) it was his 1998-1999  and 1999-2004 terms that left a lasting impact on the nation. He was the first non-Congress prime minister to serve a full term in the office. Under his tenure, India formally became a nuclear power ( Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998) despite criticism from the West, ably faced war and peace with Pakistan, undertook massive public welfare projects including Sarva Shikshya Abhiyaan and PM Gramin Sadak Yojana, and ushered in a new era of foreign investment and international relations, especially with the US. In 2015, he was honoured India’s highest civilian honour – Bharat Ratna. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the new “Good Governance Day” in 2014, there were two primary reasons cited.  First was to commemorate the life of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Second, was to use the day as a way to increase awareness of government services and accountability among people and inculcate “good governance” as a habit for civil servants. Source: Indian Express OBLIGATIONS TOWARDS ROHINGYA REFUGEES Syllabus: Mains – GS 2 Context: A recent study examining the plight of Rohingya refugees detained in India has highlighted gross violations of constitutional and human rights and criticised India’s failure to uphold its obligations under international human rights treaties. Background: According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), nearly 22,500 Rohingya refugees currently reside in India. How are Rohingya refugees protected under international law? The Rohingya of Myanmar constitute the world’s largest stateless population, estimated to number approximately 2.8 million. The 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol enshrine the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits states from expelling individuals when evidence suggests they would face persecution, torture, or other severe human rights violations upon return. Moreover, its status as customary international law imposes binding obligations on states regardless of formal assent.  In a 2007 advisory opinion, the UNHCR affirmed that non-refoulement constitutes customary law and is binding on all states, including those not parties to the Refugee Convention or the 1967

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus) GOVERNORS: APPOINTMENT AND TRANSFER Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – POLITY Context: Government announced new gubernatorial appointments, including former Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla as Governor of Manipur and former Army Chief V K Singh as Governor of Mizoram. Among the other appointments by President are: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan as Governor of Bihar; Mizoram Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati as Governor of Odisha; and Bihar Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as Governor of Kerala. Background: – The choice of Bhalla as Manipur Governor is significant as the Centre has been struggling to control the ethnic violence in the state for over one-and-a-half years. Bhalla was Union Home Secretary when the violence began on May 3, 2023. Key takeaways Article 153 of the Constitution says “There shall be a Governor for each State.” A few years after the commencement of the Constitution, an amendment in 1956 laid down that “nothing in this article shall prevent the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States”. Article 155 says that the “Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal”. Under Article 156, “the Governor shall hold office during the pleasure of the President”, but his normal term of office will be five years. If the President withdraws her pleasure before the completion of five years, the Governor has to step down. Since the President acts on the aid and advice of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers, in effect, the Governor is appointed and removed by the central government. Articles 157 and 158 lay down the qualifications of the Governor and the conditions of his office. The Governor must be a citizen of India and should have completed the age of 35 years. The Governor should not be a member of Parliament or a state legislature, and must not hold any other office of profit. Powers and Functions Executive Powers : Article 154 – The executive power of the State shall be vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with this Constitution. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers based on their majority in the Legislative Assembly (Article 164). Key Appointments: Appoints the Advocate General (Article 165), State Election Commissioner (Article 243K), and members of the State Public Service Commission. Legislative Powers Summoning and Dissolution: Summons, prorogues, and dissolves the state legislature (Article 174). Addresses the legislative assembly at the beginning of its first session (Article 176). Assent to Bills: Can give or withhold assent to bills, or reserve them for the President’s consideration (Article 200). Ordinances: Can promulgate ordinances during recess of the legislature (Article 213). Judicial Powers Can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions of punishment, or suspend, remit, or commute sentences in cases involving state laws (Article 161). Discretionary Powers Article 163: The Governor acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers except in matters where they are required to exercise their discretion. Examples of discretionary powers: Reserving a bill for the President’s consideration. Recommending President’s Rule (Article 356) in case of a breakdown of constitutional machinery. Appointing a Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority. Source: Indian Express   CONCERN OVER PLAN TO REDESIGN SIKKIM DAM WASHED AWAY IN 2023 Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: A Union environment ministry expert panel has expressed serious concerns about the redesign of the 1,200 MW Teesta-III Chungthang Dam in Sikkim, which was washed away after a glacial lake outburst in October 2023, and deferred its nod for restarting the project with a new dam. Background: – The expert appraisal committee (EAC) appraising hydroelectric and river-valley-sector projects said it had concerns regarding the dam’s design and stability and its ability to withstand potential natural disasters in the future. Key takeaways Government enterprise Sikkim Urja Limited has sought an amendment to the project’s old environmental clearance as it has proposed to redesign the project dam. It wants to replace the washed-away, concrete-faced rockfill dam with a concrete gravity dam. On the intervening night of October 3 and October 4, an ice avalanche hit the South Lhonak Lake, located at an altitude of 5,200 metres, breaching the glacial lake. The avalanche created giant waves, leading to a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF), and triggered a flash flood downstream in Teesta. The force of the floodwaters breached the Chungthang dam, exacerbating the floods, killing 40 people across four districts of Sikkim. Across Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi districts, about 100 villages were affected and 76 people were reported missing. The Teesta-III project is in Mangan district and utilises a drop of about 800m in the Teesta River between Chungthang and Sankalang villages. The flash floods triggered by the GLOF event had overtopped the project dam and flooded the underground powerhouse, bringing power generation to a halt.  Following the GLOF event, the Centre and Sikkim government are collaborating on reducing levels of potentially risky glacial lakes in the upper reaches of Mangan district. The Centre has approved a Rs 150 crore National GLOF Risk Mitigation Programme and 189 lakes have been identified as high-risk glacial lakes, to mitigate the risks they pose. Source: Indian Express KEN-BETWA LINK PROJECT (KBLP) LAUNCHED Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Ken-Betwa river-linking project in Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho, aimed at solving the water woes of the Bundelkhand region, spread across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Background: The Ken-Betwa Link Project is the first project under India’s National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers, which was prepared in 1980. This plan has 16 projects under its peninsular component, including the KBLP. Apart from this, 14 links are proposed under the Himalayan rivers development plan. Key takeaways The Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is a major river interlinking project in India with a project outlay of ₹45,000 crore. Objective: The project aims to transfer water from