Enhancing Parliamentary Productivity

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

Recently, the former Vice President of India highlighted increasing disruptions in Parliament, emphasising the need for a transition from confrontational politics to constructive debates.  

• He urged political parties to restore parliamentary decorum, foster consensus, and prioritise meaningful dialogue to strengthen democracy and rebuild public trust. 

What are the Challenges to the Functioning of Parliament in India? 

• Frequent Disruptions of House: 
  • Frequent disruptions, often driven by opposition protests, waste valuable time and resources, undermining Parliament's legislative and representative functions.  
    • These led to key bills being passed without sufficient discussion, weakening the quality of legislative debate and the effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings . 
    • For instance, the 2023 Winter Session of Parliament faced significant disruptions, including the suspension of 141 opposition MPs over protests related to issues such as breaches in parliamentary security.  
• Political Polarization and Adversarial Politics: 
  • Intensified polarization between the government and opposition has fostered adversarial politics, stalling legislative progress.  
    • This divisive approach undermines consensus-building essential for effective governance. 
• Lack of Participation in Sessions: 
  • During the 17^th Lok Sabha (2019–2024), the average attendance across sessions was 79%, but participation in debates was limited, with MPs engaging in an average of 45 debates each.  
  • Certain sessions saw lower attendance, such as the Budget Session of 2021, which recorded a significant drop to 69%, primarily due to the pandemic's impact  
• Poor Quality of Legislation: 
  • Legislative quality often suffers due to insufficient debate and scrutiny, with bills sometimes passed hastily which undermines clarity and effective implementation. 
    • The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019, faced criticism for diluting the autonomy of the Information Commission, reflecting inadequate stakeholder consultation. 
• Lack of Gender Equality: 
  • In the 18^th Lok Sabha, 74 women were elected, constituting 13.6% of its members.  
    • This marks a slight decline from the 17^th Lok Sabha, where women represented 14.4% of the members.  
  • Additionally, women account for 14.05% of the Rajya Sabha.  
    • As of April 2024, women make up 26.9% of lawmakers worldwide. 

What Steps Have Been Taken to Ensure Proper Functioning of Parliament? 

• Code of Conduct: A code of conduct has been established to guide the behavior of Members of Parliament (MPs) and to promote decorum, discourage disruptions, and encourage active participation.  
• Technology Adoption: The Parliament has embraced technology to enhance its efficiency.  
  • Live streaming of parliamentary proceedings in India has fostered greater accountability and decorum among MPs, as real-time broadcasts increase public scrutiny.  
    • This has led to more disciplined behavior, with MPs conscious of being observed.  
  • Also, online platforms and apps have been developed for better communication among MPs. 
• Committee System: To improve the quality of legislative processes, Parliament utilizes a robust committee system to scrutinize bills, policies, and government initiatives before they reach the main House.  
  • This ensures that expert opinions are integrated, improving the depth and quality of the legislative output. 
• Disciplinary Actions: 
  • Disruptive behavior by MPs is addressed through disciplinary actions. MPs who engage in unruly conduct can face suspension or expulsion from the House.  
    • This measure ensures accountability and discourages behavior that undermines the parliamentary process. 

How can the Productivity of Parliamentary Functioning in India be Enhanced? 

• Commitment to Constructive Debate:  
  • Political parties should focus on fostering constructive dialogue and move away from obstructionist strategies.  
    • Promoting consensus-building is essential, with the government addressing opposition concerns and the opposition offering feasible alternatives.  
    • This approach ensures more productive discussions, contributing to the overall effectiveness of parliamentary proceedings. 
• Strengthening the Role of the Presiding Officer:  
  • To improve parliamentary efficiency, the Speaker/Chairman of the House should be granted enhanced powers to swiftly address disruptions and ensure adherence to parliamentary rules.  
  • This would help maintain decorum and allow the legislative process to proceed smoothly without unnecessary interruptions. 
• Promoting a Culture of Accountability:  
  • To promote accountability in Parliament, political parties must ensure MPs actively engage in the legislative process by monitoring their attendance, participation in debates, and voting records.  
  • Peer pressure, party discipline, and following the examples of exemplary parliamentarians can further encourage integrity and constructive dialogue, strengthening democratic values. 
  • Additionally, the Right to Information (RTI) Act can be leveraged to ensure MPs' actions and records are accessible to the public, fostering greater accountability. 
• Public Engagement and Transparency: Increasing public awareness about the functioning of Parliament can build trust in the institution.  
  • Enhanced media coverage and transparency in decision-making will ensure greater accountability. 
• Youth Engagement in Politics: Encouraging young leaders to focus on values such as integrity, transparency, and accountability can bring fresh perspectives to parliamentary proceedings, promoting ethical conduct and effective governance. 

Conclusion 

The Indian Parliament faces challenges like frequent disruptions, low participation, and ineffective legislation. However, reforms such as implementing a code of conduct, leveraging technology, strengthening committee systems, and enforcing disciplinary measures are crucial to addressing these issues. To enhance its democratic function, Parliament must focus on increasing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. This will ensure it effectively represents the people and produces impactful, meaningful legislation.

Drishti Mains Question: What are the reasons behind frequent disruptions in Parliament? How can procedures be reformed to ensure uninterrupted debates?

India and the Changing Landscape of Globalisation

Source: FE 

Why in News?

Recent geopolitical shifts, such as the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, conflict in the Middle-east and deteriorating political relations between China and the West, have raised questions about the future of globalisation and its implications for countries like India.  

• At the same time, India’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat sparks debates about balancing self-reliance with global integration.

How has Globalisation Evolved Over Time? 

• The Foundations of Globalisation: 
  • Early Trade Networks: Trade routes like the Silk Road, Indian Ocean Trade, and Trans-Saharan Trade Routes connected diverse regions, enabling the exchange of goods such as silk, spices, gold, salt, and ivory.  
  • Cultural and Religious Exchange: Trade and migration facilitated the spread of religions like Buddhism, Christianity, and Islam, while also enabling the exchange of art, architecture, and scientific knowledge across regions.  
  • Colonialism and Industrialisation: European colonial expansion and the Industrial Revolution connected distant economies through mechanized production and long-distance trade.  
• Institutionalizing Globalisation in Post-War Era: 
  • Global Institutions and Cold War Rivalry: Institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and World Trade Organisation (WTO), promoted global trade, while the Cold War created competing blocs like the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Warsaw Pact. 
  • Decolonisation and New Alliances: Newly independent countries joined global trade and diplomacy, moving beyond colonial ties through efforts like the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). 
• Modern Globalisation:  
  • Technology as a Catalyst: The rise of the internet and digital communication in the late 20th century enabled instant global connectivity, fostering a borderless world through e-commerce, social media, and the Internet of Things (IoT). 
  • Emergence of MNCs: Multinational corporations like Apple, Google, and Toyota exemplify global supply chains, spreading production and services across continents while driving innovation, investment, and job creation worldwide. 
  • Global Financial Flows: Economic liberalization boosted cross-border investments and global financial market integration, with initiatives like the Eurozone, BRICS, and ASEAN exemplifying regional interdependence within a global framework. 
  • Globalisation Resilience: Despite setbacks like the 2008 financial crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic, global trade and communication rebounded, demonstrating the robustness of global interconnectedness. 

What are the Challenges Related to Globalisation in the 21st Century? 

• Challenges to Globalization: 
  • Economic Nationalism and Protectionism: Nationalist governments often adopt protectionist measures such as higher import duties, trade barriers, and subsidies for domestic industries, hindering global trade and investment flows. 
    • For instance, India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat has faced criticism for being inward-looking or protectionist. 
  • Geopolitical Conflicts: Tensions like the US-China trade war, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and economic sanctions disrupt global supply chains and undermine multilateral cooperation. 
  • Economic Inequalities: Disparities between developed and developing nations in terms of market access, technological advancements, and resource distribution challenge the inclusiveness of globalization. 
• Challenges Posed by Globalization: 
  • Economic Disparities: Globalization often benefits wealthy nations and multinational corporations more, widening income gaps and leaving smaller economies vulnerable. 
    • Companies also tend to move production to low-wage countries and countries with less stringent labour laws, raising questions about job creation versus worker exploitation. 
  • Cultural Erosion: The spread of global culture often risks overshadowing local traditions — the dominance of Western culture through global media and consumerism threatens local customs, languages, and cultural identities. 
  • Environmental Impact: Increased industrialization, global transportation, and resource exploitation driven by globalization contribute to environmental degradation and climate change. 

What are India's Achievements in the Era of Globalisation? 

• Background: India embraced globalization in 1991 through economic reforms triggered by a balance of payments crisis.  
  • The reforms included liberalization, privatization, and opening up to foreign investments, transforming the economy from protectionism to a market-driven system. 
• Economic Contributions: 
  • IT and Digital Revolution: India, a global leader in Information Technology, with cities like Bengaluru and companies like Infosys and TCS, has become a hub for digital services catering to clients worldwide. 
  • Participation in Global Supply Chains: India is integrating into global supply chains in sectors like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and automotive components, supported by initiatives like Make in India to boost manufacturing and attract foreign investments. 
  • Trade and Investment: India has expanded trade partnerships with blocs like ASEAN, the EU, and the United States while fluctuating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows reflect its appeal as a global investment destination. 
  • Demographic Dividend: With a young workforce and a vast diaspora, India significantly contributes to the global labour market, particularly in healthcare and technology, while diaspora remittances bolster its global economic ties. 
• Political and Strategic Role: 
  • Championing Multilateralism: India's active participation in global forums like the United Nations (UN), G20, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), along with its G20 presidency, highlights its advocacy for developing countries and commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth. 
    • India’s QUAD participation underscores its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
  • Balancing Powers: India's strategic positioning enables balanced relations with major powers like the US, Russia, and China,  
  • Soft Power Diplomacy: India leverages its cultural heritage, including yoga, Bollywood, and traditional cuisine, with initiatives like the International Day of Yoga enhancing its global influence and promoting its image as a peace-loving nation. 
  • Security and Defence: India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and its defence exports and collaborations with nations like Israel and the US underscore its significant role in global security and strategic affairs. 

How can Nationalism and Globalisation Coexist in India’s Development Strategy? 

• Promote Indigenous Products and Culture Globally: Expand initiatives like One District One Product and Vocal for Local to export Indian handicrafts, traditional medicines, and local goods while leveraging cultural diplomacy to strengthen India’s soft power and integrate traditional crafts into global value chains. 
• Lead in Renewable Energy: Strengthen India’s role in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and renewable energy innovations to balance national energy security with global climate action. 
• Leverage Technology for Trade: Integrate blockchain, fintech, and digital tools to modernize trade, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and alignment with sustainable development. 
• Diversify Global Partnerships: Foster resilient ties with emerging markets to reduce reliance on a single nation for resources like critical minerals, semiconductors,  and renewable energy components, promoting mutual growth. 
• Harnessing the Demographic Dividend: India can harness its demographic dividend by enhancing skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and integrating into global supply chains to drive economic growth. 

Conclusion 

Globalisation is evolving, demanding adaptive strategies to address challenges like geopolitical tensions and climate change while seizing opportunities for innovation and sustainability. India, with its demographic potential, economic influence, and leadership in global initiatives, is well-positioned to drive this transformation. By aligning self-reliance with global integration, India can shape a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking global order. 

Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the challenges and opportunities globalisation faces in the 21st century. How can India balance its self-reliance ambitions with the demands of a globalised world?

COP16 of UNCCD

Source: TH 

Why in News?

Recently, the 16^th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with nearly 200 countries committing to prioritise land restoration and drought resilience.  

• It was also the first time a UNCCD COP was held in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 

What Were the Key Outcomes of COP16 UNCCD? 

• Global Drought Framework: Nations advanced efforts toward a global drought framework, aiming for completion at COP17 in Mongolia 2026. 
• Financial Pledges: Over USD 12 billion pledged to address desertification, land degradation, and drought. 
  • Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership: USD 12.15 billion committed to supporting 80 vulnerable countries, including USD 10 billion from the Arab Coordination Group. 
  • Great Green Wall (GGW) Initiative: The African-led GGW initiative secured Euros 11 million from Italy for Sahel landscape restoration and Euros 3.6 million from Austria to enhance coordination across 22 African countries. 
  • Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS): Nearly USD 70 million announced for VACS initiative.  
    • VACS aims to build resilient food systems with diverse, nutritious, and climate-adapted crops in healthy soils. 
• Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: Caucuses for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities were formed to ensure their perspectives and challenges are represented. 
  • The Sacred Lands Declaration, presented at the Indigenous Peoples Forum, greater involvement in global land and drought governance. 
• Business4Land initiative: It highlights the role of private sector advocacy, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, and sustainable finance in tackling Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD) challenges. 
  • The private sector currently contributes only 6% of financing towards land restoration and drought resilience. 
• UNCCD’s Science-Policy Interface (SPI): Parties agreed to continue the UNCCD’s SPI, established at COP11 (Windhoek, Namibia) in 2013 to translate scientific findings into recommendations for decision-makers.  

What is Desertification and its Current Status? 

• Desertification: Desertification is a type of land degradation in which an already relatively dry land area becomes increasingly arid, degrading productive soil and losing its bodies of water, biodiversity and vegetation cover. 
  • It is driven by a combination of factors, including climate change, deforestation, overgrazing and unsustainable agricultural practices. 
• Current Status: 
  • Expansion of Drylands: According to the UNCCD report The Global Threat of Drying Lands, 77.6% of Earth’s land has experienced drier conditions since the 1990s. 
    • Drylands now make up 40.6% of Earth’s terrestrial surface (excluding Antarctica), showcasing a rapid loss of productive land. 
  • Key Regions Affected: Europe (95.9% of its land), parts o Brazil, the Western United States, Asia, and Central Africa are witnessing significant drying trends. 
    • Africa and parts of Asia are seeing ecosystem degradation and desertification, threatening biodiversity. 
  • Projected Future Impact: Projections indicate that, in a worst-case scenario, up to 5 billion people could live in drylands by the century's end, facing challenges like depleted soils, water scarcity, and ecosystem collapse. 

What are the Implications of Land Degradation and Desertification? 

• Planetary Boundaries at Risk: Seven of nine planetary boundaries have been negatively impacted due to unsustainable land use, as highlighted in the UNCCD Stepping back from the precipice report. 
  • Agriculture is responsible for 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation, and 70% of worldwide freshwater usage. 
• Economic Cost: Droughts impact 1.8 billion people globally and the economic toll of droughts is estimated at USD 300 billion annually, severely affecting agriculture, energy, and water availability. 
• Social Cost: Water scarcity and agricultural collapse are driving forced migration across regions, including the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, creating social and political challenges. 
• Food Security: Land degradation threatens one-sixth of the global food supply, potentially depleting one-third of the Earth's carbon reserves.  
• Link to Natural Disasters: Aridity is driving larger, more frequent wildfires, particularly in semi-arid regions, by increasing dry biomass. 
  • Sand and dust storms are becoming more common, particularly in the Middle East.

Way Forward 

• Reforestation and Afforestation:  
  • Reforestation: Uzbekistan's regreening program has planted trees and shrubs on one million hectares of the Aral desert, using drought-resistant black saxual shrubs (Haloxylon Aphyllum) to stabilize soil and prevent sandstorms. 
  • Afforestation: The "Great Green Wall" aims to restore 100 million hectares of land by 2030, involving 22 African countries in the Sahel and Sahara regions. 
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees with agricultural crops can improve soil fertility, conserve water, and reduce soil erosion. 
• Water Management Techniques: Rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation can efficiently deliver water to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff in water-scarce regions. 
  • Planting drought-resistant crops ensures agriculture continues in water-scarce regions, supporting food security. 
• Habitat Restoration: Protecting and rehabilitating natural habitats, like wetlands and riverbeds, restores biodiversity, improves soil moisture, and boosts ecosystem resilience against desertification. 
• Addressing Root Causes: Addressing desertification drivers like deforestation, poor land management, and climate change is crucial, along with policies that promote sustainability.

Drishti Mains Question:  Q. What is Desertification? What are the key strategies that can be adopted to mitigate land degradation in arid regions?

 

Nine Years of the Paris Agreement

Source: IE 

Why in News? 

The Paris Agreement, adopted on 12^th December 2015, has come under scrutiny as it marks nine years of its existence.  

• Despite its ambitious goals to limit global temperature rise, recent trends highlight its ineffectiveness in combating climate change. Over the past nine years, global emissions have increased by 8%, and 2024 is projected to be the first year to breach the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels.  

What is the Paris Agreement? 

• About:  
  • It is a legally binding global agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that was adopted in 2015 (COP 21). 
  • It aims to combat climate change and limit global warming to well below 2o C above pre-industrial levels, with an ambition to limit warming to 1.5o C. 
  • It replaced the Kyoto Protocol which was an earlier agreement to deal with climate change. 
  • Under the Paris Agreement, each country is required to submit and update their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) every 5 years, outlining their plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. 
    • NDCs are pledges made by countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt to the impacts of climate change. 
• Achievements: 
  • Global Consensus and Inclusivity: For the first time, nearly all nations, developed, developing, and least-developed committed to combating climate change under a universal framework where all countries contribute through nationally determined contributions (NDCs), ensuring global participation and accountability. 
  • Financial Support for Developing Nations: Developed countries pledged to mobilize USD 100 billion annually by 2020 to assist developing nations in mitigation and adaptation, with provisions for increasing financial commitments post-2020 to enable sustainable development for vulnerable nations. 
  • Equity and Differentiated Responsibilities: Incorporated the UNFCCC principle of "Common But Differentiated Responsibilities" (CBDR) to balance commitments based on national circumstances, ensuring fairness for developing and least-developed countries. 
• Criticism: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of the Global Climate 2022 report pointed out that the Paris Agreement on Climate Change has been ineffective in fulfilling its agenda. 
  • After the signing of the Agreement, the last eight years (2015-2022) have consecutively been the warmest years on record globally. 
    • The situation could have been far worse if the La Nina weather event had not occurred in the past three years, which has a cooling effect on the weather system. 
  • Current Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) commitments are insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C, with projections of 2.5-2.9°C, and a gap between targets and actual implementation could lead to even higher emissions by 2030. 
  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report highlights that the 2015 Paris Agreement has fallen short, calling  for a fossil fuel treaty to complement it. 
  • While NDCs and disaster risk reduction plans are in place in many countries, their adequacy and implementation effectiveness vary. 
    • For example, while the European Union's NDCs show strong targets and implementation like the European Green Deal, countries like South Africa struggle with effective execution due to reliance on coal and limited resources. 

 

 

What Are the Differing Perspectives of Developed, Developing, and Least-Developed Countries on the Paris Agreement?

Aspect	Developed Countries	Developing Countries	Least-Developed Countries (LDCs)
Approach to NDCs	Favor voluntary NDCs for flexibility.	Criticize voluntary NDCs as insufficient and inequitable.	Demand legally binding commitments for stronger global action.
Climate Finance	Faces criticism for shifting greater responsibility onto less industrialized nations.	Advocate for adequate and timely financial support from developed countries.	Disappointed by delays and insufficiency in promised funding, especially for adaptation and loss and damage.
Technology Transfer	Support limited, market-based technology sharing.	Demand accessible and affordable technology to transition to green economies.	Highlight lack of access to critical technologies, which increases their vulnerability.
Historical Responsibility	Seek to move past historical emissions accountability.	Argue for the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR) to hold developed countries accountable.	Stress the importance of addressing historical emissions to ensure fairness in global action.
Adaptation Needs	Focus on mitigation strategies over adaptation.	Emphasize both mitigation and adaptation to address ongoing and future climate impacts.	Prioritize adaptation due to severe vulnerabilities, particularly to sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
Loss and Damage	Show reluctance to commit to compensation or reparations.	Support the establishment of robust mechanisms for addressing loss and damage.	Demand urgent action and reparations for irreversible climate impacts threatening their survival.

What Can Be Done to Address the Implementation Gaps of the Paris Agreement? 

• Strengthen and Enforce NDCs: Make NDCs legally binding with periodic reviews to align with temperature goals, while ensuring developed countries take on higher mitigation targets reflecting their historical emissions and financial capacity. 
• Phase Out Fossil Fuels: Establish a binding global framework for phasing out fossil fuels, support developing nations with financial and technical aid for a clean energy transition, and eliminate fossil fuel subsidies to prioritise renewable energy investments. 
• Enhance Climate Finance: Developed countries must surpass the USD 300 billion annual climate finance goal by 2035, focus on adaptation and loss-and-damage funding for vulnerable nations, and implement innovative mechanisms like carbon and aviation taxes. 
• Promote Technology Transfer: Facilitate affordable technology transfer, build technological capacity through training and research, and foster public-private partnerships for sustainable innovation and deployment. 
• Focus on Adaptation and Risk Reduction: Develop disaster risk reduction strategies, invest in resilient infrastructure, and establish early warning systems to mitigate the impact of climate-induced extreme weather events. 
• Equitable Implementation and Accountability: Uphold equity by reinstating CBDR, establishing transparent accountability for NDCs and finance, and implementing incentives for compliance with penalties for non-compliance. 
• Increase Global Cooperation: In light of the recent developments at COP29 in Baku, there is a need to strengthen multilateral institutions to facilitate unified global action and to establish robust legal frameworks that ensure accountability for non-compliance. 

Drishti Mains Question:  Discuss the achievements of the Paris Agreement and analyze the challenges in its implementation. Suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness.

2024 Arctic Report Card

Source: DTE 

Why in News?  

• A recent report titled the 2024 Arctic Report Card by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals that the Arctic, once a major carbon sink, is now becoming a carbon source due to ongoing climate-induced warming. 

What are the Key Findings of the Report? 

• Accelerated Arctic Warming: The Arctic is warming at an unprecedented rate, with 2024 marking the second-warmest year since records began in 1900. 
  • The Arctic’s summer of 2024 was the third warmest on record, with regions like Alaska and Canada experiencing extreme heat waves. 
• Arctic Tundra a Carbon Source: Permafrost thaw is causing the Arctic tundra to switch from a carbon sink to a carbon source. 
  • Decomposing permafrost releases carbon dioxide and methane, accelerating global warming. 
  • Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity, releasing more carbon and extending the wildfire season.  
• Decline in Sea Ice: The extent and thickness of sea ice have reduced significantly over the past decades. The shorter sea ice season exposes more dark ocean surfaces, which absorb more heat and further contribute to warming. 
  • Arctic glaciers and the Greenland Ice Sheet continue to contribute meltwater to oceans, exacerbating global sea-level rise. 
• Implications: Changes in the Arctic contribute to global challenges like coastal flooding, extreme weather events, and wildfires. 
  • The Arctic’s diminishing ability to store carbon underscores the need to urgently reduce Greenhouse Gas  emissions to mitigate further risks. 
  • The reindeer or caribou are in decline due to climate change affecting Indigenous communities reliant on them for food and cultural practices. 

What is the Arctic? 

• About: The Arctic is the northernmost polar region of Earth. It includes the Arctic Ocean, adjacent seas, and parts of Alaska (US), Canada, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, and Sweden. 
  • The Arctic is characterized by its cold climate, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. 
• Geopolitical Importance: The Arctic is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals, attracting significant international interest and competition for control over these resources. 
• India's Interest in Arctic Region: India engaged with the Arctic by signing the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. 
  • India began its Arctic research program in 2007,  and launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean and established the Himadri research base in the Svalbard archipelago, Norway in 2008. 
  • India has held observer status in the Arctic Council since 2013.  
  • In 2022, the Indian government announced an Arctic policy aimed at engaging in climate research. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research will be the nodal agency for its implementation. 

Human Evolution and Migration

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

Scientists have established that Homo sapiens evolved in Africa and later migrated to various parts of the world. The routes and timing of these migrations are still debatable among the scientists. 

• The coastal dispersion theory suggests migration along coastlines, though it lacks strong archaeological evidence. 

 

What is the Route of Human Migration? 

• Background: 
  • Genetic studies have provided insights into human evolution and migration patterns. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA mutations, scientists confirmed that Homo sapiens evolved in Africa over millennia before migrating globally. 
    • While scientists widely accept the out-of-Africa theory, they differ on the timing and routes of migration. 
• Two Theories of Dispersion: 
  • Coastal Dispersion Theory: Studies suggest humans migrated along coasts, benefiting from warm climates, abundant food, and tropical conditions. 
    • Research in 2005 using mitochondrial DNA of 260 Orang Asli individuals (Tribe of Malaysia) indicated rapid coastal migration around 65,000 years ago, reaching Australia via the Indian Ocean. 
    • A 2020 study on 2,700-year-old DNA in Japan linked coastal migration to genetic affinities with Taiwanese tribes. 
      • Andaman Islands’ settlements also correlate with coastal journeys. 
    • Challenges to the Theory: 
      • Archeological evidence in India contradicts this model. Inland Palaeolithic sites dominate, with no archeological traces along the Indian Ocean coastline to support coastal dispersion. 
• Inland Dispersion Model: The inland dispersal model suggests that early humans migrated through interior terrestrial routes rather than coastal ones. 
  • Saurashtra Peninsula Study: 
    • Recent research analysed Middle Palaeolithic tools in the Bhadar and Aji river basins of Gujarat. 
    • Using relative dating methods, the tools were found to be 56,000–48,000 years old, indicating inland migration. 
    • Middle Palaeolithic tools revealed advanced flaking techniques, contrasting with sharper blade tools of the Late Palaeolithic. 
    • Studies suggest Saurashtra was connected to Kutch, Makran, and the Western Ghats during the Middle Palaeolithic, indicating the region was farther from the coast. 
    • No evidence of marine resource dependence (e.g., fish, shellfish) was found, further supporting inland migration. 

Conclusion 

• The study offers new data but emphasizes the need for precise dating. Evidence challenges purely coastal migration theories but requires careful interpretation due to submerged sites and undated regions. 
• The study also highlights broader dispersal in Saurashtra, covering coastal, hinterland, and inland areas, suggesting a multifaceted migration pattern. 
• This detailed analysis of inland vs. coastal migration patterns continues to evolve, emphasizing the need for integrating genetic and archeological findings. 

Gukesh Won 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship

Source: TH 

Recently, D. Gukesh became the youngest ever chess world champion at the age of 18, defeating China’s Ding Liren (2023 World Chess Champion)  in the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. 

• D. Gukesh: 
  • Gukesh, the youngest-ever World Champion, is also the third youngest Grandmaster in history and the youngest player to achieve a 2750 FIDE rating.  
    • Remarkably, he is four years younger than Russian Garry Kasparov was when he claimed the title from Anatoly Karpov in 1985. 
  • Gukesh is the second Indian Grandmaster to win the FIDE World Chess Championship, following Viswanathan Anand, who held the title from 2000-2002 and 2007-2013 before Magnus Carlsen claimed it in 2013. 
• FIDE World Chess Championship: 
  • The FIDE governs all international chess competitions and was recognized as a Global Sporting Organization by the International Olympic Committee in 1999. 
    • Founded in 1924 in Paris and headquartered in Lausanne, FIDE is now one of the largest National Chess Federations, encompassing 201 countries as affiliate members.  

Read More: The Rising Popularity of Chess in India

Disease X

Source: TH 
A December 2024 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), causing over 400 deaths, raises concerns about Disease X. 

About Disease X: 

• Definition: A hypothetical term by WHO in 2018 for an unknown pathogen capable of triggering a global pandemic, highlighting the need for preparedness against emerging diseases. 
• Origins: Emerged after the 2014–2016 West African Ebola epidemic. 
• Sources: Can originate from viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, or prions. Over 300 emerging diseases since 1940, 70% zoonotic. 
• Risk Factors: High biodiversity regions, weak healthcare (e.g., Congo Basin), global connectivity, zoonotic spillovers, deforestation, agriculture, antimicrobial resistance, bioterrorism, lab accidents, and climate change complicate predictions. 

Mitigation: 

• Strengthened surveillance, healthcare systems, and platforms like CEPI are vital for rapid detection and response.  
• Global cooperation, equitable access to resources, and frameworks like WHO’s pathogen list, Pandemic Treaty, and Nagoya Protocol are essential for preparedness. 

DRC: 

• The DRC is the 2^nd largest country in Africa and the 11th largest in the world. 

  

Read More: Future Pandemic Preparedness And Emergency Response   

Manganese Contamination Causing Cancer

Source: DTE 

A recent study links manganese (Mn) contamination in groundwater to rising cancer cases in Bihar’s Gangetic plains. Elevated Mn levels were observed in blood samples (average: 199 µg/L; highest: 6,022 µg/L in a liver cancer patient) and household hand pump water. 

• The study examined 1,146 cancer patients from Bihar, with carcinoma being most common (84.8%).  
  • Household water samples were tested for manganese contamination using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. 

Manganese: 

• It is the fifth-most abundant metal on Earth, exists naturally in oxides, carbonates, and silicates.  
• It is vital in trace amounts for maintaining body homeostasis, but toxic in excess. 
• WHO-recommended limit for manganese in drinking water is 400 µg/L. 

Sources of Contamination:  

• Major sources include geogenic deposits (from sedimentary/igneous rocks) and anthropogenic factors like industrial pollution. Groundwater is a primary medium of exposure. 

Health Impact: 

• Chronic exposure to high levels of manganese leads to toxicity, causing symptoms like weakness, clumsiness, emotional instability, impaired movement and cancer in advanced stages. 

Regions Affected: 

• India: Bihar’s Gangetic plains, West Bengal (Murshidabad, 24 Parganas), Karnataka (Tumkur). 
• Global: Reported in Nigeria, Bangladesh, China, Japan, and Greece. 

 Read More: Groundwater Contamination in India 

India-Morocco Defence Industry

Source: TH 

Recently, the India-Morocco defence industry seminar in Rabat, Morocco,  focused on expanding defence cooperation, with Morocco offering a profitable, zero-bureaucracy environment for Indian companies. 

• As per recent data, India's total defence exports, surging from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24. 
  • Defence collaboration with global partners like Morocco will boost production capabilities through technological advancements, increased investment, and global collaboration, enhancing self-reliance. 
• Tata Group's establishment of India's first defense manufacturing facility in Morocco underscores the "Make in India" initiative, enhancing India's technological capabilities, especially in advanced systems like the WhAP 8x8 ground combat vehicle. 
• Morocco’s investor-friendly environment and its extensive network of Free Trade Agreements with 90 countries open new markets for Indian defence exports, particularly in Africa and Europe. 
• Morocco: 
  • Bordered by Algeria (east), Western Sahara (south), the Atlantic Ocean (west), and the Mediterranean Sea (north), and the Strait of Gibraltar separating it from Spain. 
    • India exports USD 83.9 million and imports USD 162 million from Morocco.

Read more: India's Strategic Leap in Defense Exports