75 Years of Supreme Court

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the President unveiled the new flag and insignia of the Supreme Court (established - 26th January 1950) to mark the 75th year of its establishment. 

• The flag features the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building and the book of the Constitution of India. 
• Also, the Prime Minister released a commemorative postage stamp celebrating 75 years of the Supreme Court of India. 

What are the Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s 75 Years Journey? 

• Role of Judiciary in Strengthening Democracy: The judiciary in India has played a crucial role in safeguarding democracy and liberal values since independence.  
  • It has acted as the guardian of the Constitution, a protector of the rights of the marginalised, and a counter-majoritarian institution of governance. 
• Evolution of Supreme Court (SC): The journey of the SC and its role in strengthening democracy and protecting personal liberty can be classified into four phases. 
  • First Phase (1950- 1967): It reflected adherence to constitutional text and judicial restraint. 
    • Focus on Judicial Review: In the initial years post-independence, the judiciary maintained a conservative approach, limiting itself to interpreting the Constitution as written.  
      • It exercised judicial review to check legislative actions without overstepping its boundaries. 
    • Avoidance of Ideological Influence: The judiciary avoided being swayed by government ideologies like socialism and affirmative action.  
      • For example, the Kameshwar Singh case, 1952, declared the abolition of zamindari as illegal but refrained from nullifying constitutional amendments passed by the Parliament. 
    • Respect for Legislative Supremacy: Cases like the Champakam Dorairajan case, 1951 show that while the judiciary struck down reservations in educational institutions as a violation of the right to equality, it avoided confrontation with Parliament, adhering to a positivist interpretation of the Constitution. 
  • Second Phase (1967-1976): It exhibited judicial activism and confrontation with Parliament. 
    • Expansion of Fundamental Rights: The Golak Nath judgment, 1967 marked a shift towards a more expansive interpretation of fundamental rights, challenging the Parliament's legislative power and reasserting the power of judicial review. 
      • In the Golak Nath judgement, 1967 the Supreme Court ruled that the Parliament cannot take away or abridge any of the Fundamental Rights. 
    • Landmark Rulings on Constitutional Amendments: The SC's decision in the Keshavananda Bharati case, 1973 introduced the 'basic structure' doctrine, which limited Parliament's power to amend the Constitution, setting the stage for a confrontation between the judiciary and the executive. 
    • Impact of the Emergency on Judicial Independence: The national emergency and the supersession of three senior-most judges to appoint Justice AN Ray as the Chief Justice of India majorly contributed to the judicial surrender in the ADM Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla, 1976 case which supported the government’s act of suspending the right to life under Article 21 of the fundamental rights.  
      • This judgment marked a new low for Constitutional democracy in the country besides exposing the institutional vulnerability of the higher judiciary.  
  • Third Phase (1978- 2014): It displayed judicial activism and expansion of Public Interest Litigation (PIL). 
    • Course Correction Post-Emergency: After the Emergency, the judiciary sought to regain its independence and credibility. The Maneka Gandhi case, 1978 broadened the interpretation of Article 21, expanding the scope of the right to life and personal liberty. 
    • Rise of Public Interest Litigation (PIL): The judiciary, through cases like Hussainara Khatoon case, 1979 expanded access to justice by allowing public-spirited individuals to file petitions on behalf of marginalised groups.  
      • PILs became a tool for judicial activism, addressing issues such as human rights, environmental protection, and governance. 
    • Collegium System: The judiciary sought to maintain its autonomy by introducing the collegium system for the appointment of judges.  
      • This system was later challenged by the National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014 which the judiciary struck down to protect its independence. 
  • Fourth Phase (2014-Present): It focussed on the liberal interpretation of the constitution and considering the Constitution as a living document. 
    • Liberal  Interpretation: The Supreme Court has upheld the revocation of Article 370 for full integration of J&K to the Indian Union. 
    • Sustaining Judicial Activism: Despite criticisms, the judiciary has continued to assert its role in protecting constitutional rights. E.g., the opaque electoral bonds scheme was held invalid by the Supreme Court. 
      • In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalised adultery  as being violative of Articles 14. 

What are the Key Challenges Facing the Supreme Court of India? 

• Volume of Pending Cases: At the end of 2023, the Supreme Court was saddled with 80,439 pending cases. This backlog contributes to substantial delays in justice delivery that undermine the efficiency and credibility of the judiciary.  
• Dominance of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs): Special Leave Petitions (preferred means for civil and criminal appeals) constitute the majority of the Supreme Court's case list, overshadowing other types of cases like writ petitions and constitutional challenges.  
  • This concentration impacts the court's ability to address a diverse range of issues effectively. 
• Selective Prioritization of Cases: The "pick and choose model" allows certain cases to be prioritised over others, leading to perceptions of preferential treatment. For example, a high-profile bail application was given swift attention compared to other significant cases. 
• Judicial Evasion: The backlog has sometimes led to "judicial evasion," where important cases are avoided or delayed. Notable examples include delays in addressing the Aadhaar biometric ID scheme challenge and the electoral bonds case. 
• Conflict of Interest and Integrity: Allegations of corruption within the judiciary, including the Supreme Court, pose challenges to its integrity and public confidence.  
  • E.g. Justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of Calcutta High Court resigned as the Judge and soon after entered politics highlighting a possible conflict of interest. 
• Concerns of Appointment of Judges: The process of judicial appointments, particularly the role of the Collegium system, has been a topic of contention.  
  • There have been discussions on reforms like the National Judicial Appointment Commission to make the appointment process more transparent and accountable. 

Way Forward 

• All India Judicial Recruitment: Recently, the President called for Judicial Recruitment at all India level. Establishing a national standard for judicial recruitment ensures consistency and quality across states, improving efficiency.  
  • Judicial recruitments to district courts should not be restricted anymore by the narrow domestic walls of regionalism and confines of State-centred selections. 
• Case Management Reforms: Implement advanced case management techniques to streamline processes.  
  • For example, the e-Courts Project aims to digitise and automate court operations, which can help in managing and reducing case backlog. 
  • Expand the use of the Supreme Court's Case Management System (CMS) to enhance tracking and management of cases. 
• Promote Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR): Encourage the use of ADR mechanisms for cases that do not require Supreme Court intervention, as outlined in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. 
• Transparent Case Listing: Develop a transparent case listing and prioritisation protocol.  
  • The Supreme Court Portal could include a feature to publicly track case statuses and priorities, ensuring transparency. 
• Clarify Institutional Goals: Define and communicate clear institutional goals. The Judicial Performance Evaluation framework could be adapted to assess and realign the court’s goals. 
  • The Supreme Court’s Research and Training Institute can play a role in supporting this focus. 
• Strengthen Accountability Mechanisms: Implement stricter accountability measures for judges. For example, establish an Independent Judicial Accountability Commission similar to the Central Vigilance Commission for government officials.

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the Supreme Court’s 75-year evolution while promoting democracy and personal liberty. Discuss strategies for overcoming current challenges to ensure effective justice?

BioE3 Policy and Biotechnology in India

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the proposal ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology.

• Alongside the BioE3 Policy, the Union Cabinet also merged three schemes of the Science & Technology Ministry into a single scheme, called Vigyan Dhara, with a financial outlay of Rs 10,579 crore until 2025-26.

What is BioE3 Policy?

• About: The BioE3 is aimed at fostering high-performance biomanufacturing, which involves the production of bio-based products across various sectors. 
  • The policy aligns with broader national goals such as achieving a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting sustainable growth through a circular bioeconomy.
• Objectives: The BioE3 policy emphasizes innovation in  research and development (R&D) and entrepreneurship, establishes Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundries, aims to expand India's skilled biotechnology workforce, aligns with 'Lifestyle for Environment' programs, and targets the development of regenerative bioeconomy models.
  • The BioE3 Policy aims to generate significant employment, especially in tier-II and tier-III cities through the establishment of biomanufacturing hubs. 
    • These hubs will utilise local biomass, fostering regional economic growth and equitable development. 
  • The policy also emphasizes ethical biosafety and global regulatory alignment to boost India's global competitiveness while ensuring responsible biotechnology development.
• Core Themes of the BioE3 Policy:
  • Bio-Based Chemicals and Enzymes: Development of advanced bio-based chemicals and enzymes to reduce environmental impact.
  • Functional Foods and Smart Proteins: Innovations in functional foods and smart proteins to enhance nutrition and food security.
  • Precision Biotherapeutics: Advancing precision medicine and biotherapeutics to improve healthcare outcomes.
  • Climate Resilient Agriculture: Promoting agricultural practices that are resilient to climate change, ensuring food security.
  • Carbon Capture and Utilization: Fostering technologies for efficient carbon capture and its utilization in various industries.
  • Futuristic Marine and Space Research: Expanding research in marine and space biotechnology to explore new frontiers in biomanufacturing.

What is the Vigyan Dhara Scheme?

• Background: The Department of Science & Technology (DST) acts as the nodal department for organising, coordinating, and promoting science, technology, and innovation activities in the country. 
  • The three (Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building, R&D and Innovation,  and Technology Development and Deployment) central sector umbrella schemes implemented by DST have been merged into the unified scheme 'Vigyan Dhara'.
• Objectives and Goals: The merging of the three schemes into Vigyan Dhara is designed to improve fund utilisation and synchronisation among various sub-schemes and programs.
  • Vigyan Dhara Scheme aims to expand the R&D base in the country and increase the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count.
  • Focused interventions will enhance the participation of women in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) fields, with the goal of achieving gender parity.
  • All programs under Vigyan Dhara align with the 5-year goals of DST and are directed towards the larger vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047" a developed India by 2047.
• Complementing the BioE3 Policy: Enhancing S&T institutional infrastructure and developing a critical human resource pool.
  • Promotes basic and translational research in sustainable energy, water, and other critical areas.
  • Supports innovations from school to industry levels and increases collaboration between academia, government, and industries.

What is Biotechnology?

• About: Biotechnology, a field that intertwines biology with technology, harnesses cellular and biomolecular processes to create products and technologies that enhance our lives and safeguard our planet. 
• Benefits: 
  • Healthcare Advancements: Medical Biotechnology (Red Biotech) enables the development of advanced drugs, vaccines, and therapies, including personalised medicine, gene therapy, and targeted cancer treatments. 
    • It also facilitates rapid vaccine production, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic. Stem cell research and tissue engineering offer the potential to regenerate damaged tissues and organs, opening doors to treatments for previously untreatable conditions.
  • Agricultural Improvements: Agricultural Biotechnology (Green Biotech) involves genetic modification and engineering in plants that can produce crops that are more resistant to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors like drought, thus improving food security.
    • Biotech allows for the development of crops with enhanced nutritional profiles, such as Golden Rice,  which is fortified with vitamin A to combat malnutrition.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Biotechnology uses microorganisms to clean up pollutants (bioremediation) like oil spills, heavy metals, and plastics, helping to restore ecosystems and reduce environmental damage.
    • Industrial Biotechnology (White Biotech) applies biotechnology to industrial processes, such as the production of biofuels, bioplastics, and biodegradable materials. 
      • It focuses on reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability through cleaner production methods.
    • Biotechnological innovations help recycle and upcycle waste materials, contributing to a circular economy and reducing landfills.
  • Economic Growth: The biotech industry drives economic growth by creating jobs in research, development, and manufacturing sectors.
    • Countries investing in biotechnology lead in cutting-edge innovations, giving them a competitive edge in global markets and trade.
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Certain biotechnologies can capture and utilize carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
    • Biotechnology aids in the production of cleaner biofuels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and decreasing carbon footprints.
  • Innovation in Materials: Biotechnology enables the engineering of novel materials, including bio-based fibers and high-performance bio-composites, which have applications in industries ranging from fashion to aerospace.

What is the Current State of Biotechnology in India?

• Biotechnology Hub: India ranks among the top 12 biotechnology destinations globally. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the growth of biotechnology in India, leading to advancements in vaccines, diagnostic tests, and medical devices. 
  • In 2021, India saw a record number of biotech startup registrations, with 1,128 new entries, the highest since 2015. The total number of biotech startups reached 6,756 by 2022, with expectations to hit 10,000 by 2025.
• Bioeconomy: India’s bioeconomy has seen a meteoric rise, from USD 10 billion in 2014 to over USD 130 billion in 2024, with projections to reach USD 300 billion by 2030.
  • Biopharma remains the largest segment of India’s bio-economy, accounting for 49% of its total value, estimated at USD 39.4 billion. The vaccination market is projected to be worth Rs. 252 billion (USD 3.04 billion) by 2025.
• Bioresources: India’s vast biodiversity, especially in the Himalayas, and the 7,500 km long coastline provide a significant advantage in biotechnology. 
  • The Deep Sea Mission aims to explore the biodiversity beneath the seas.
• Government Initiatives: 
  • National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2020-25
  • National Biopharma Mission
  • Biotech-KISAN Scheme
  • Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech Mission
  • One Health Consortium
  • Biotech Parks
  • Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
  • Genome India Project
• Recent R&D Achievements in Applied Biotechnology:
  • ADVIKA Chickpea Variety: A drought-tolerant chickpea variety was developed with enhanced seed weight and yield under drought conditions.
  • Accel Breed Facility: A state-of-the-art speed breeding facility at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, accelerates crop improvement programs.
  • Indigenous Vaccines: India developed several pioneering vaccines, including the quadrivalent Human Papilloma Virus (qHPV) vaccine, ZyCoV-D (DNA vaccine), and additionally, GEMCOVAC-OM, an mRNA-based Omicron booster, was introduced.
  • Gene Therapy: India’s first gene therapy clinical trial for Hemophilia A received approval.
  • Novel Blood Bag Technology: Researchers at inStem, Bengaluru created special sheets that protect stored red blood cells from damage. 
    • This technology could help make better blood bags and reduce problems during transfusions.
• Future Outlook:
  • The biotechnology industry is set to reach USD 150 billion by 2025 and has the potential to grow to USD 300 billion by 2030.
    • The sector is expected to contribute around 3.3-3.5% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2025.
  • The market for diagnostic and medical devices is predicted to grow significantly, with the therapeutics sector expected to generate USD 15 billion in bioeconomic activity by 2025.
  • The expansion of biotech incubators and support for startups is anticipated to drive further growth and innovation across various sectors, including health, agriculture, and industrial processes.

What are the Challenges for Biotechnology in India?

• Strategic Roadmap Development: There's a lack of a comprehensive strategic roadmap for biotechnology that outlines competitive areas and industry-specific R&D needs.
  • The biotechnology sector requires a revolution similar to the Green and White Revolutions to achieve significant advancements in crop improvement and therapeutics.
• Bio-Networking: Effective bio-networking is needed to enhance interaction among biotechnology businesses, address intellectual property rights, and ensure biosafety and bioethics.
• Human Resources: There is a need for more specialised human resources in biotechnology, particularly in remote regions.
• Regulatory Burden: India's regulatory environment for biotechnology is complex and slow, particularly for genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 
  • The approval process is cumbersome, with multiple agencies and the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM) leading to overlapping jurisdictions and delays.
• Funding and Investment: Although there is government funding for biotechnology projects, under the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP), further investment is needed to support high-risk, leading-edge research.
• IT Integration and Data Management: Biotechnology research requires extensive IT support for data management, including challenges related to data integration and the establishment of technical standards.

Way Forward

• Expand training programs such as the Biotech Industrial Training Programme (BITP) to develop a skilled workforce in biotechnology.
• Encourage venture capital investment in biotech startups and early-stage companies. Foster public-private partnerships to mobilise resources and accelerate innovation.
• Formulating and implementing supportive policies and incentives will be vital. Policies should focus on regulatory streamlining, tax benefits, and subsidies to attract and retain biotech firms.
  • Leverage initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to enhance competitiveness. Focus on building global market presence and brand recognition through strategic partnerships and investments.
• Actively participate in global initiatives related to biotechnology, such as the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health and the International Association of Plant Biotechnology (IAPB). Support the export of biotechnology products and services to global markets.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the BioE3 Policy, its alignment with India's national goals, and how biotechnology has evolved in India. Suggest potential solutions to address challenges.

Repairability Index for Mobile and Electronic Sectors

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution hosted a National Workshop on the Right to Repair Framework for the Mobile and Electronic Sectors.

• It discussed the launch of a “Repairability Index” for mobile phones and electronic products to help consumers make informed decisions before purchasing them. 
• The initiative aims to address the growing e-waste problem and encourage manufacturers to produce more easily repairable items.

What are the Key Highlights of the Workshop?

• Objective of the Workshop: The workshop aimed to create a consensus among industry stakeholders on establishing a repairability index, promoting product longevity, and democratising repair information to enhance consumer experiences in reusing mobile and electronic products.
  • It helps prevent the need for consumers to buy new products due to a lack of repair options or high repair costs.
• Addressing Planned Obsolescence:  The discussions focussed on combating the practice of "planned obsolescence," where manufacturers restrict access to essential repair information, repair manuals/videos, and spare parts.
  • It highlighted that the lack of repair information and spare parts availability forces consumers to abandon their devices and buy new ones, or to seek risky counterfeit parts from grey markets (unofficial market).
• International Best Practices: The sessions emphasised integrating international best practices from France, the European Union, the United Kingdom and designing products for longevity to enhance repairability.
  • Discussions covered the importance of sustainable product design, ecological concerns, and the need to shift from a "use and dispose" economy to a "circular economy" and promote "mindful utilisation" over "mindless consumption."

What are the Key Facts about the Repairability Index?

• Definition: The repairability index is a mandatory label that manufacturers will display on electrical and electronic equipment to provide information about the product's repairability.
• Criteria for Rating Products: The repairability index will evaluate products based on:
  • Availability of Technical Documents: Access to manuals and guides that assist in repairing the product.
  • Ease of Disassembly: How easily a product can be taken apart to access and repair components.
  • Availability and Pricing of Spare Parts: How readily available spare parts are and their cost to consumers.
• Scoring System of the Repairability Index: Products will be scored on a scale from 1 to 5. 
  • Score of 1: Products with a high risk of damage and that require dismantling multiple components to access a single part.
  • Score of 5: Products that are easy to repair, with direct access to key parts like the battery or display without unnecessary disassembly.

What is the Right to Repair?

• About: The right to repair for consumer goods refers to allowing end users, consumers as well as businesses, to repair devices they own or service without any manufacturer or technical restrictions.
  • It prevents manufacturers from restricting repairs to their authorised services by limiting access to tools, parts, and documentation.
• Features of the Right to Repair:
  • Access to Information: Consumers should have access to repair manuals, schematics, and software updates.
  • Availability of Parts and Tools: Third parties and individuals should be able to access the necessary parts and tools for repairs.
  • Legal Unlocking: Consumers should be allowed to unlock or modify devices, such as installing custom software.
  • Repair-Friendly Design: Devices should be designed for easy repair.
• Need of the Right to Repair: 
  • Growing e-waste: The difficulty in repairing devices leads to an increase in electronic waste. 
    • India is the world's third largest contributor to e-waste, with roughly 3.2 million metric tonnes of e-waste created every year, trailing only China and the United States.
  • Monopoly of Repairs: Manufacturers often create barriers to third-party repairs, which limits consumer choice and increases costs.
  • Planned Obsolescence: Companies design products with a limited lifespan to encourage frequent replacements.
  • Sustainability: It will help to achieve circular economy goals by extending the life of appliances and improving their maintenance, reuse, upgrading, recyclability, and waste handling. 

What Initiatives are Taken to Ensure the Right to Repair?

• Right to Repair In India: 
  • The Department of Consumer Affairs has formed a committee chaired by Nidhi Khare that led to the creation of Right to Repair Portal India.
    • It serves as a single platform to provide easy access to necessary information on the repair and maintenance of products to consumers.
    • Sectors covered on this portal are farming equipment, mobile and electronics, consumer durables and automobile equipment.
    • As of now, 63 companies have been onboarded to the portal, including 23 from the mobile and electronics sector, offering information on repair options, authorised repairers, and sources of spare parts.
• Right to Repair in Other Countries:
  • United States: The Fair Repair Act of 2022 requires companies to provide patented tools and remove software restrictions that prevent users from repairing their own products.
  • European Union: The Right to Repair Rules 2019 aims to establish a circular economy of digital products, giving users access to repair tools to repair consumer appliances. 
  • United Kingdom: Right to Repair Regulations 2021 ensure spare parts are available for up to ten years after product release.
  • Australia: Volunteer repairmen gather at “Repair Cafes” to share their skills with people who bring in their goods.

What are the Challenges Involved in Implementing the Right to Repair?

• Opposition from Tech Companies: Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla argue that the right to repair could compromise security, intellectual property, and product quality. 
  • User safety, shrinking technology size, and reduced incentives for innovation are points of Concern.
• Shrinking Technology: Every year, technology shrinks, and repairing intricate hardware becomes less obvious to the average person. 
  • While older technology could be repaired with common tools available at any hardware store, modern technology is smaller and more nuanced in comparison.
  • They frequently necessitate the use of specialised tools that are not widely available and may even necessitate licensing.
• No Incentive to Innovate: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) continually push for new technology as it benefits them. 
  • OEMs argued that innovation will take a back seat if people prefer repairing gadgets over upgrading them.
• Efficiency: Modern technological products are designed to be as efficient as possible within their given form factor. Making it easier to repair would require lowering its efficiency.   
• Security and Privacy:  Allowing third-party access could lead to a security breach of users’ data.

Way Forward

• Fair Access to Repair Tools and Information: Manufacturers could be encouraged or required to make repair manuals, diagnostic tools, and spare parts more accessible to certified independent repair shops. 
  • This would also help consumers by providing them with the necessary resources for repairs.
• Balancing Efficiency and Repairability in Product Design: Manufacturers should aim for a balanced approach between product efficiency and repairability. 
  • This could be achieved by designing modular components that are easier to repair or replace without significantly affecting the device's overall performance. 
• Incentivizing Innovation and Research: To maintain innovation momentum, governments could provide incentives such as tax breaks, grants, or subsidies for companies that invest in research and development while also supporting repairable product designs.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the concept of the 'Right to Repair' and its implications for consumer rights, environmental sustainability, and innovation.

Adverse Effects of Lithium Mining

Source: IE

Why in News?

According to a new study, land subsidence is occurring in Chile's Atacama salt flat due to lithium mining.

What are the Key Revelations of the Study?

• Findings: 
  • Rate of Sinking: The Atacama salt flat in Chile is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to lithium brine extraction.
    • Lithium brine extraction involves pumping salt-rich water to the surface and into evaporation ponds to obtain lithium.
    • The sinking is caused by the extraction of lithium-rich brine at a rate faster than the natural recharge of aquifers, leading to subsidence.
• Lithium Mining Impact on the Environment: 
  • Water Usage: The process requires massive amounts of fresh water, with 2,000 tons of water needed to produce one ton of lithium.
  • Water Scarcity: This extraction exacerbates water scarcity in the Atacama Desert, affecting both local communities and ecosystems.
  • Chemical Contamination: Chemicals like sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide used in lithium extraction contaminate soil and water, harming ecosystems and endangering species.
  • Impact on Wildlife: A 2022 study highlighted a decline in flamingo populations in the Atacama region due to reduced water levels, which affect their reproduction rates.
• Potential Impact of Lithium Mining in Reasi (J&K):
  • Water Crisis: Many villages in Reasi are struggling to access enough water, after perennial streams dried up following the construction of the Chenab Rail Bridge.
    • Water-intensive lithium mining can further worsen the situation.
  • Threat to Biodiversity: The Himalayan region in J&K is a biodiversity hotspot and a eco-sensitive region, and mining could lead to a significant loss of biodiversity.
    • It can hamper the habitat of migratory birds like Common Teal, Northern Pintail etc who come every year to stay in lakes, marshes and wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • Food Insecurity: Mining and processing lithium can further jeopardise food security through its excessive carbon emissions, water, and land use methods.
  • Pollution: The Himalayas are the source of so many rivers and mining activity may pollute the entire riparian ecosystem.

What are the Key Facts about Lithium?

• About: It is a soft, silvery metal. It has the lowest density of all metals. 
  • It has high reactivity, low density and excellent electrochemical properties.
  • Its ores are Petalite, Lepidolite and Spodumene. It is also known as the “white gold”.
• Applications: 
  
  • Batteries: The most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. 
    • Lithium is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.
  • Alloys: A magnesium-lithium alloy is used for armour plating. 
  • Air Conditioning: Lithium chloride and lithium bromide are used in air conditioning and industrial drying systems due to their hygroscopic properties.
  • Lubricants: Lithium stearate is used as an all-purpose and high-temperature lubricant.
• Reserves: Chile holds the largest lithium reserves globally, accounting for 36% of the total, and is the second-largest producer, contributing 32% to the world's supply. 
  • Chile is a part of the "lithium triangle" along with Argentina and Bolivia.
  • Australia and China are the first and third largest producers of Lithium globally.

Read More: India's Lithium Mining Challenges

Drishti Mains Question: Q. Discuss the adverse environmental impacts of lithium mining. How does it pose a threat to the eco-sensitive regions of the country?

Ambipolar Electric Field

Source: HT 

Why in News? 

Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has, for the first time, detected Earth's hidden ambipolar electric field, which plays a crucial role in driving the "polar wind" that propels charged particles into space at supersonic speeds.  

• The discovery, published in the journal Nature, marks a significant advancement in our understanding of Earth's ionosphere and its interactions with space. 

What is the Ambipolar Electric Field? 

• Definition: The ambipolar electric field is a weak, planet-wide electric field that affects the movement of charged particles in Earth's atmosphere. It was proposed to be as fundamental as gravity and magnetism. The ambipolar field was first hypothesized in the 1960s. 
• Mechanism: The electric field, generated at about 150 miles altitude, interacts with charged particles (ions and electrons). It prevents the separation of charges and helps lift some ions high enough to escape into space. 
  • The ambipolar field is bidirectional, meaning it works in both directions (lifting ions into space while pulling electrons downward), effectively tethering them together and the net effect of the ambipolar field extending the height of the atmosphere. 
• Detection: The discovery was made using a NASA suborbital rocket launched as part of the Endurance mission that confirmed the existence of the ambipolar field and quantified its strength. 

How does the Ambipolar Field Affect Earth's Atmosphere? 

• Increased Scale Height: The ambipolar field increases the "scale height" of the ionosphere by 271%. This means the ionosphere remains denser at greater altitudes than it would without the field. The increased density contributes to the polar wind, driving charged particles into space. 
  • Ionosphere, a layer of the upper atmosphere where charged particles are abundant. 
  • The polar wind is an ambipolar (bidirectional) outflow of thermal plasma from the high-latitude ionosphere to the magnetosphere (region around a planet dominated by the planet's magnetic field), consisting primarily of Hydrogen, Helium, and Oxygen ions and electrons. 
• Effect on Hydrogen Ions: The field exerts a force 10.6 times stronger than gravity on hydrogen ions. This significant force propels them into space at supersonic speeds, enhancing atmospheric escape. 
• Broader Implications: Understanding this field provides insights into Earth's atmospheric evolution and can be applied to other planets with atmospheres, such as Venus and Mars. It may also help to understand which planets could be hospitable to life. 

Strengthening India's Mineral Exploration Sector

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

The Ministry of Mines thoroughly reviewed the performance of the National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) at the 6th Governing Body meeting of NMET. 

• During the meeting, the Annual Report of NMET for 2023-24 was officially released. 

What are the Key Developments? 

• Enhancement of NGDR Portal: The upgradation of the National Geoscientific Data Repository (NGDR) portal was initiated. 
  • It aims to facilitate seamless collaboration for geoscientific data sharing for optimising it for the nation's benefit. 
• Reimbursement Schemes: A revised scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses, raising the reimbursement ceiling for Composite License (CL) holders has been approved. 
• Support for Left Wing Extremism-Affected Districts and Start-ups: NMET is actively promoting mineral exploration in districts affected by Left Wing Extremism by providing 1.25 times the standard Schedule of Charges for fieldwork. 
• Incentives for Critical and Strategic Mineral Exploration: A 25% exploration incentive for agencies engaged in discovering Critical and Strategic Minerals has been announced. 
• Encouraging State-Level Mineral Exploration: States were advised to establish State Mineral Exploration Trusts, similar to NMET, to encourage exploration of minor minerals. 
• Focus on Start-ups and Emerging Technologies: The importance of establishing start-ups in the mining sector, especially in areas like AI, automation, and drone technology was emphasised. 

Launch of Tanager-1

Source: IE

Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched the Tanager-1 satellite to detect major emitters of carbon dioxide and methane.

• Tanager-1 will use imaging spectrometer technology to measure wavelengths of light that are reflected by Earth’s surface.
  • Methane and Carbon dioxide absorb different wavelengths of light, leaving spectral “fingerprints” that the imaging spectrometer can identify.
• It will be able to measure point-source emissions, down to the level of individual facilities and equipment, on a global scale.
• Earlier, NASA had launched MethaneSAT which tracks and measures methane emissions.
• Methane: Methane is a strong greenhouse gas and the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide. It is responsible for 30% of global heating.
  • According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over a period of 20 years, it is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.
  • It also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a colourless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface.

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Rail One Force and Iron Diplomacy

Source: IE

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland, with the train dubbed "Rail Force One”.

• Rail Force One is a part of Ukraine’s programme called Iron diplomacy.
• Iron diplomacy refers to the practice of transporting world leaders from Poland through Ukraine via rail since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
• The train is run by the state-owned Ukrainian Railways or Ukrzaliznytsia and is painted blue and yellow, the colours of Ukraine’s flag.
• The train travels approximately 700 km southeast from Przemysl, Poland, to Kyiv, taking around 10 hours through the Ukrainian countryside.
• The train has been used by leaders like former British PM Boris Johnson, French President Macron, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, as well as Biden and PM Modi.

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Launch of Samudra Pratap

Source: PIB

Recently, the first indigenously built Pollution Control Vessel Samudra Pratap was launched in Goa.

• The Ship has been built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• It is for the first time that these vessels are being designed and constructed indigenously. The vessel will help to check the oil spillage in the country’s sea coast.
• Oilspill:
  • An oil spill is the release of a liquid petroleum hydrocarbon into the environment, especially marine areas, due to human activity.
  • Oil spills may be caused by releases of crude oil from tankers, offshore platforms, drilling rigs or wells.
  • Oil on ocean surfaces harms aquatic life by blocking sunlight and reducing dissolved oxygen levels.
  • The Deepwater Horizon oil spill (2010) in the Gulf of Mexico is considered the largest and most famous oil spill in history.
  • Oilzapping is the new technique of using bacteria to get rid of oil spills.

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Bureau of Police Research and Development Foundation Day

Source: PIB

Recently, the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) celebrated its 54^th Foundation Day in New Delhi, highlighting significant developments in criminal law and police modernization.

• New criminal laws were highlighted at the event. These laws are victim-centric and aim to deliver justice rather than mere punishment.
• The event honoured the recipients of the President's Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM) and the President's Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) for 2023 and 2024.
• The BPR&D was established on 28th August 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the mission to provide a new direction to the then-existing Police Research and Advisory Council, founded in 1966.
  • It aims to address police issues, promote systematic studies, and integrate science and technology into policing methods.
  • Initially, it comprised two divisions: Research, Statistics, and Publication, and Development. In 1973, the Training Division was added to enhance police competencies, followed by the establishment of the Directorate of Forensic Sciences in 1983 and the inclusion of Correctional Administration in 1995.
  • The bureau is headed by an Indian Police Service officer of the rank of Director General, who is assisted by the Additional Director General.
• The Special Projects Division of the BPR&D addresses critical areas focusing on emerging issues such as anti-human trafficking, gender concerns, and matters related to minority and SC/ST communities.
• BPR&D Publications: Indian Police Journal, Data on Police Organisations and Sajag Bharat & Vigilant India Magazine.

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World Coconut Day 2024

Source: PIB

World Coconut Day (WCD), observed annually on September 2nd, emphasizes the importance of coconuts in our lives and promotes sustainable farming practices.  

• The day is dedicated to raising awareness about the various uses of coconuts and encouraging their global consumption. 
• Theme of WCD 2024: “Coconut for a Circular Economy: Building Partnership for Maximum Value.”  
• World Coconut Day, first observed in 2009, was established by the International Coconut Community, a UNESCAP intergovernmental organization. 
  • The ICC, representing 21 coconut-producing countries, established September 2nd for World Coconut Day to mark its 1969 founding and India is a founding member.  
  • The ICC Secretariat is based in Jakarta, Indonesia. 
  • ICC till 2018 was known as the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community.  
• Coconut Benefits: Coconuts promote cardiovascular health, support red blood cell production, manage diabetes, and offer antioxidant protection.  
  • They aid in skin health, digestion, hydration, and overall well-being due to their rich nutrient content. 
• Coconut Development Board (CDB) of India: A statutory body established under the Ministry of Agriculture, to enhance coconut cultivation and industry through improved productivity and product diversification. 
  • The top coconut producing states in India are Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 
  • The total coconut production in India is 20,535.88 million nuts (2022-23). 

Read More: CPCRI Introduces New Varieties for Coconut and Cocoa Cultivation.