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UN to Sign treaty on Ocean Biological Diversity

Why in News?

Recently, the United Nations organised the Intergovernmental Conference to draft the first-ever treaty on the Ocean’s Biological Diversity to conserve marine diversity in the High Seas.

• The conference was held in New York, USA.
• A series of conferences was set in motion in 2018 to draft international legislation under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in these areas.

What are the Objectives of the New Treaty?

• The treaty seeks to address the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas of the ocean which are beyond the limits of national maritime zones.
• It will also address marine genetic resources, including questions on benefit-sharing, measures such as area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments, and the transfer of marine technology.
• The agreement will be deciding on the rights of companies that undertake exploration for biological resources in the high seas.
  • With advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering, several companies see potential in exotic microbes and other organisms – several of them undiscovered – that abide in the deep ocean and could be used for drugs, vaccines and a variety of commercial applications.
• Since marine life is already reeling from the impact of industrial fishing, climate change and other extractive industries, the treaty seeks to protect our global oceans.

What are the High Seas?

• Countries can protect or exploit waters under 200 nautical miles (370 kilometres) to their shorelines, but everything outside these ‘exclusive economic zones’ is considered international waters: the high seas.
• The high seas make up two-thirds of Earth’s oceans, providing 90% of its available habitat for life and accounting for up to USD 16 billion a year in fisheries catch.
• They are also prime territory for the discovery of valuable mineral deposits, potent pharmaceuticals and oil and gas reserves.
• International law identifies four global commons namely:
  • the High Seas, the Atmosphere, Antarctica, Outer Space.
  • Global commons refer to resource domains that lie outside the political reach of any one nation.

How are the High Seas Regulated Currently?

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regulates activities in international waters, including sea-bed mining and cable laying.
• It lays down rules for the use of the ocean and its resources, but does not specify how states should conserve and sustainably use high seas biodiversity.
• No overarching treaty exists to protect biodiversity or conserve vulnerable ecosystems in the oceans.

Source: TH

Lord Curzon

Why in News?

Recently, the West Bengal Government has decided to erect a statue of Bardhaman’s Maharaja Bijay Chand Mahatab and his wife Radharani in front of the Lord Curzon Gate.

• Mahtab had built the gate in 1903 when Curzon visited the town.
• Maharajadhiraja Bijay Chand Mahtab (1881 – 1941) was the ruler of Burdwan Estate, Bengal in British India from 1887 till his death in 1941.

Who Was Curzon?

• George Nathaniel Curzon (11^th January, 1859- 20^th March, 1925) born in Kedleston Hall, England was a British Statesman and Foreign Secretary who during his terms in office played a major role in British policy making.
  • He succeeded Lord Elgin and served as India’s Viceroy between 1899 and 1905.
    • He became the youngest Viceroy of India at the age of 39.
  • He was one of the most controversial and consequential holders of that post.
• Before assuming office as governor general and viceroy, Curzon had visited India (four times) Ceylon, Afghanistan, China, Persia, Turkestan, Japan, and Korea.

What were Curzon’s Foreign Policies?

• North-West Frontier Policy:
  • Curzon, unlike his pre­decessors, pursued a policy of consolidation, strength and security of the British occupied terri­tories in the north-west.
  • He kept Chitral under Bri­tish control and constructed a road connecting Peshawar and Chitral thereby arranging for the security of Chitral.
• Afghan Policy:
  • Lord Curzon’s Afghan policy was condi­tioned by the political and economic interests, fear of Russian expan­sion in Central Asia and Persian Gulf area.
  • From the very start there was an estrangement of rela­tions between Afghans and the British.
• Policy towards Persia:
  • In order to secure British influence in that region Lord Curzon personally went to the Persian Gulf area in 1903 and took firm measures to protect the British interests there.
• Relation with Tibet:
  • Lord Curzon’s Tibet policy was also influenced by fear of Russian dominance in the region.
  • It was Lord Curzon’s efforts that revived the trade relations between the two under which Tibet agreed to pay a huge indem­nity to the British.

What were Reforms in Various Fields?

• Calcutta Corporation Act, 1899:
  • The act reduced the number of elected legislatures and increased the number of nominated officials to deprive Indians from self-governance.
  • 28 members of the Corporation resigned in protest and it, therefore, became a government department with the English and the Anglo-Indians as the majority in it.
• Economic:
  • In 1899, the British currency was declared legal tender in India and a pound was declared equivalent to rupees fifteen.
  • The rate of salt-tax was reduced by Curzon, from two-and-a-half rupees per maund (1 maund is equal to approximately 37 kg) to one-and-a-third rupees per maund.
  • People with annual income of more than Rs. 500 paid the tax. Moreover, income-tax payers also received relaxation.
• Famine:
  • When Curzon arrived in India, it was in the grip of a terrible famine which affected the extensive territories in south, central and western India. Curzon provided all possible relief to the affected people.
  • People were provided work on payment basis and the cultivators were exempted from the payment of revenue.
  • By 1900, when the famine was over, Curzon appointed a Commission to probe into the causes of the famine and suggest preventive measures which were later brought into consideration.
• Agriculture:
  • In 1904, the Co-operative Credit Societies Act was passed to induce the people to form societies for the purpose of deposits and loans, mainly to save peasants from the clutches of the money-lenders who usually charged an exorbitant rate of interest.
  • In 1900, the Punjab Land Alienation Act was passed which restricted the transfer of lands of the peasants to money-lenders in cases of failure of payment of their debts.
• Railways:
  • Curzon decided to improve railway facilities in India and also to make the Railway profitable to the government.
  • The Railway lines were increased, the Railway department was abolished and the management of the Railways was taken away from the hands of the Public Works Department and handed over to a Railway Board consisting of three members.
• Education:
  • In 1901, Curzon called an education conference at Shimla following which the University Commission was appointed in 1902.
  • The Indian Universities Act was passed in 1904 upon the recommendations of the commission.
  • Gurudas Banerjee, Calcutta HC judge and a member of the commission, had given his dissent-note in the report and the Indian public despised the Act but all in vain.

What was Curzon’s Role in the Partition of Bengal?

• The partition of the undivided Bengal Presidency in 1905 was one of Curzon’s most criticized moves, which triggered widespread opposition not only in Bengal but across India, and gave impetus to the freedom movement.
• Bengal was the most populous province of India, with around 8 crore people.
• It comprised the present-day states of West Bengal, Bihar, parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Assam and present-day Bangladesh.
• In July 1905, Curzon announced the partition of the undivided Bengal Presidency.
  • A new province of East Bengal and Assam was announced, with a population of 3.1 crore with a Muslim-Hindu ratio of 3:2.
  • The western Bengal province was overwhelmingly Hindu.

What are the Consequences of the Partition?

• The partition provoked great resentment and hostility all over India. All sections of the Congress, the Moderates and the Radicals, opposed it.
• The struggle that unfolded in the response, came to be known as the Swadeshi movement, was the strongest in Bengal but with echoes elsewhere too; in deltaic Andhra for instance, it was known as the Vandemataram Movement.
  • The protest was to boycott British goods, especially textiles, and promote swadeshi goods.
• There were marches and demonstrations with the protesters singing Vande Mataram to underline their patriotism and challenge the colonialists.
• Rabindranath Tagore led the marches at many places, and composed many patriotic songs, most famously ‘Amar Sonar Bangla’ (My Golden Bengal), which is now the national anthem of Bangladesh.

What are the Impacts of the Protests?

• Curzon left for Britain in 1905, but the agitation continued for many years.
• King George V at his Coronation Durbar abrogated Bengal’s partition in 1911.
  • Lord Hardinge was the Viceroy of India in 1911.
• The Swadeshi movement, which had grown significantly during the agitation, later reached nationwide proportions.
• The partition of Bengal and the highhanded behaviour of Curzon fired the national movement and the Congress.

Source: IE

5 Years of UDAN

Why in News?

Recently UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNagrik), a Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation has completed 5 years of success since the launch of its first flight by the Prime Minister on 27^th April 2017.

What do we need to know about the UDAN Scheme?

• About:
  • Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) was launched as a Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2016.
  • It was formulated based on the review of The National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP)-2016 and it was planned to remain in force for a period of 10 years.
    • Under this Scheme, Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) was created, which funds the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) requirements of the scheme through a levy on certain domestic flights.
      • VGF means a grant one-time or deferred, provided to support infrastructure projects that are economically justified but fall short of financial viability.
• Objectives:
  • To develop the regional aviation market.
  • To provide affordable, economically viable and profitable air travel on regional routes to the common man even in small towns.
• Features:
  • The scheme envisages providing connectivity to unserved and underserved airports of the country through the revival of existing air-strips and airports.
    • Under-served airports are those which do not have more than one flight a day, while unserved airports are those where there are no operations.
  • Financial incentives from the Centre, state governments and airport operators are extended to selected airlines to encourage operations from unserved and under-served airports, and keep airfares affordable.
• Achievements So Far:
  • There were 74 operational airports in 2014 which has increased to 141 by now.
  • 68 underserved/unserved destinations which include 58 Airports, 8 Heliports & 2 Water Aerodromes have been connected under UDAN scheme.
  • With 425 new routes initiated, UDAN has provided air connectivity to more than 29 States/ UTs across the country.
  • More than one crore passengers have availed the benefits of this scheme as on 4^th August 2022.
• Targets:
  • 220 destinations (airports/heliports/water aerodromes) under UDAN are targeted to be completed by 2026 with 1000 routes to provide air connectivity to unconnected destinations in the country.
    • Under UDAN, 954 routes have already been awarded to connect 156 airports.
• Awards & Recognition:
  • RCS-UDAN was awarded the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration under Innovation Category for the year 2020.
  • Republic Day Tableau for 26^th January 2022 on UDAN was adjudged as the Best Tableau by the Ministry of Defence.

Way Forward

• Airlines have leveraged the scheme strategically towards gaining additional slots at congested tier-1 airports, monopoly status on routes and lower operational costs.
  • Thus, stakeholders should work towards making the UDAN scheme sustainable on its own and improve its efficiency.
• Airlines should undertake marketing initiatives so that more and more people can take advantage of the UDAN scheme.
• More infrastructure is required for the successful implementation of the scheme across the country.

Source: PIB

Har Ghar Jal

Why in News?

Recently, Goa and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (D&NH and D&D) became the first ‘Har Ghar Jal’ certified State and UT in the country respectively.

• The people from all the villages have declared their village as Har Ghar Jal through a resolution passed by Gram Sabha, certifying that all households in the villages have access to safe drinking water through taps.
• Village Water and Sanitation Committee (VWSC) or paani Samiti has been constituted in all the 378 villages of Goa and 96 villages of D&NH and D&D.
  • It is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of water supply infrastructure developed under ‘Har Ghar Jal’ programme.

What is Jal Jeevan Mission?

• About:
  • Jal Jeevan Mission, a central government initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aims to ensure access of piped water for every household in India.
  • Jal Jeevan Mission, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
  • The programme will also implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting.
  • The Jal Jeevan Mission will be based on a community approach to water.
    • The mission will include information, education, and communication as key components.
    • The mission is meant to create a people's movement for water, making it everyone’s priority.
    • Further, the Har Ghar Nal Se Jal programme was announced by Finance Minister in Budget 2019-20.
      • It forms a crucial part of the Jal Jeevan Mission.
      • The programme aims to implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.
• Mission:
  • To assist, empower and facilitate:
    • States/ UTs in the planning of participatory rural water supply strategy for ensuring potable drinking water security on a long-term basis to every rural household and public institution.
    • States/ UTs for creation of water supply infrastructure, so that every rural household has a Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024 and water in adequate quantity of prescribed quality is made available on regular basis.
    • Gram Panchayats (GPs)/ rural communities to plan, implement, manage, own, operate, and maintain their own in-village water supply systems.
    • States/ UTs to develop robust institutions having a focus on service delivery and financial sustainability of the sector by promoting a utility approach
      • Further enhancing capacity building of the stakeholders and creating awareness in the community on the significance of water for improvement in quality of life.
• Objectives:
  • To provide Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household.
  • To prioritize the provision of FHTCs in quality affected areas, villages in drought-prone and desert areas, Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) villages, etc.
  • To provide functional tap connection to Schools, Anganwadi centres, GP buildings, Health centres, wellness centres, and community buildings
  • To monitor the functionality of tap connections.
  • To promote and ensure voluntary ownership among the local community by way of contribution in cash, kind and/ or labour, and voluntary labour (shramdaan)
  • To assist in ensuring the sustainability of the water supply system, i.e., water source, water supply infrastructure.

Source: PIB

Tilapia Aquaculture Project: Fisheries

Why in News?

Inspired by Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), the Technology Development Board (TDB) has extended support to the Tilapia Aquaculture Project with Israeli Technology.

• Technology Development Board (TDB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

What is Aquaculture?

• About:
  • The term aquaculture broadly refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms in controlled aquatic environments for any commercial, recreational or public purpose.
  • The breeding, rearing and harvesting of plants and animals takes place in all types of water environments including ponds, rivers, lakes, the ocean and man-made “closed” systems on land.
• Purposes:
  • Food production for human consumption,
  • Rebuilding of populations of threatened and endangered species,
  • Habitat restoration,
  • Wild stock enhancement,
  • Production of baitfish, and
  • Fish culture for zoos and aquariums.

What is Tilapia?

• Tilapia, also dubbed aquatic chicken, has emerged to be one of the most productive and internationally traded fish foods in the world.
  • The culture of tilapia has become commercially popular in many parts of the world and due to its quick growth and low maintenance cultivation, it was dubbed aquatic chicken.
  • Tilapia is tolerant of a variety of aquaculture environments, it can be farmed in brackish or salt water and also in pond or cage systems.

What is the State of Fisheries in India?

• About:
  • Fishing is the capture of aquatic organisms in marine, coastal and inland areas.
  • Marine and inland fisheries, together with aquaculture, provide food, nutrition and a source of income to millions of people around the world, from harvesting, processing, marketing and distribution.
  • For many it also forms part of their traditional cultural identity.
  • One of the greatest threats to the sustainability of global fishery resources is illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
• Significance:
  • Fisheries is one of the fastest growing sectors amongst the primary producing sectors.
  • India is the second largest fish producing country in the world accounting for 7.56% of global production and contributing about 1.24% to the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and over 7.28% to the agricultural GVA.
    • India is the 4^th largest exporter of fish in the world.
  • The sector plays a vital role in economic and overall development of the country, also referred as the “Sunrise Sector”, it is poised to bring in immense potential through equitable and inclusive growth.
  • The sector is recognized as a powerful engine for providing employment to 14.5 million people and sustaining livelihood for the 28 million fishermen community of the country.
  • The fisheries sector has witnessed three major transformations in the last few years:
    • The growth of inland aquaculture, specifically freshwater aquaculture.
    • The mechanization of capture fisheries.
    • The successful commencement of brackish water shrimp aquaculture.
• Challenges:
  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) points out that nearly 90% of the global marine fish stocks have either been fully exploited or overfished or depleted to the extent that recovery may not be biologically possible.
  • Discharge of harmful substances like plastics and other waste into water bodies that cause devastating consequences for aquatic life.
  • Changing climate.

Source: PIB

CAROTAR, 2020

Why in News?

Recently, The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a circular, stating that custom officers should be sensitive in applying CAROTAR (Customs Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 and maintain consistency with the provisions of relevant trade agreements or its Rules of Origin.

• Exemptions specified in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with regard to country of origin will prevail in case of conflict between revenue department and importer.

What are the CAROTAR Rules?

• About:
  • CAROTAR, 2020 set guidelines for enforcement of the ‘rules of origin’ for allowing preferential rate on imports under Free Trade Agreements.
  • They supplement the existing operational certification procedures prescribed under different trade agreements.
  • They were notified in August, 2020 by the Ministry of Finance.
• Provisions:
  • An importer is required to do due diligence before importing the goods to ensure that they meet the prescribed originating criteria.
  • An importer will have to enter certain origin related information in the Bill of Entry, as available in the Certificate of Origin.
  • Importers will have to ensure that imported goods meet the prescribed ‘rules of origin’ provisions for availing concessional rate of customs duty under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).
    • Importers have to prove that imported products have undergone value addition of at least 35% in the countries of origin.
    • Earlier, merely a country of origin certificate, issued by a notified agency in the country of export was sufficient to avail the benefits of FTAs.
    • This was exploited in many cases, i.e., the FTA partner countries have been claiming to have produced the goods in question without having the necessary technological capacity for the required value addition.
• Implications:
  • They will make the importer to correctly ascertain the country of origin, properly claim the concessional duty and assist customs authorities in smooth clearance of legitimate imports under FTAs.
  • The domestic industry will be protected from misuse of FTAs.
  • Under these rules, a country that has inked an FTA with India cannot dump goods from some third country in the Indian market by just putting a label on it.

Source: TH

New Defence Systems For Indian Army

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Defense has handed over several new defence systems, including the F-INSAS, the Nipun mines, the Landing Craft Assault (LCA), to the Indian Army as a part of Army’s Modernization Plans.

What is the F-INSAS system?

• About:
  • F-INSAS stands for Future Infantry Soldier as a System.
  • It is a programme for infantry modernisation, which is aimed at increasing the operational capability of the soldier.
  • Under the project, soldiers are being equipped with modern systems that are lightweight, all-weather-all-terrain, cost-effective and low maintenance.
  • They have been indigenously designed by the Indian entities, including the DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organisation) and the ordnance factories ecosystem.
• Items Under F-INSAS System:
  • AK-203 assault rifle:
    • It is a Russian-origin gas-operated, magazine-fed, select-fire assault rifle.
    • It has a range of 300 metre.
  • Multi-Mode Hand Grenade:
    • It can be used in defensive and offensive modes.
      • In defensive mode, the grenades are to be hurled when the thrower is in a shelter or has a cover.
      • In the offensive mode, the grenades do not fragment and the adversary is harmed by the blast or is stunned.
  • Ballistic Helmets and Ballistic Goggles:
    • It provides soldiers with ballistic helmets and ballistic goggles for protection against small projectiles and fragments, along with a bullet-proof vest.
    • The helmet and the bullet-proof jacket are capable of protecting the soldier against 9 mm bullets and ammunition fired from AK-47 rifles.
  • Other Items:
    • It also comes with hands-free, secured advanced communications set for real-time exchange of information with the command post and fellow soldiers for enhanced situational awareness.
• Related Systems with other Countries:
  • The US has Land Warrior, while the UK has FIST (Future Integrated Soldier Technology).
  • Over 20 armies around the world are following such programmes.

What are Nipun mines?

• Nipun mines are indigenously designed and developed anti-personnel mines, termed by the DRDO as ‘soft target blast munition’.
  • Anti-personnel mines are meant to be used against humans as against anti-tank mines that are aimed at heavy vehicles.
  • Russia’s PFM-1 and PFM-1S are commonly referred to as ‘Butterfly mines’ or ‘Green Parrots’. Butterfly mine is a very sensitive anti-personnel landmine.
• These mines are meant to act as the first line of defence against infiltrators and enemy infantry.
• They are smaller in size and can be deployed in large numbers.
• They provide protection to the troops on the borders and are more potent and effective than the existing anti-personnel mines in their arsenal.

What is the Landing Craft Assault?

• The Landing Craft Assault (LCA) is meant to serve as a replacement for the boats with limited capabilities currently in use in the Pangong Tso lake.
• It has better launch, speed and capacity to operate across water obstacles in eastern Ladakh.
• Similar vessels are already in operation in the Indian Navy.

What are the other Defence Systems?

• Solar Photovoltaic Energy Project: One of the most challenging terrain and operational sectors of the country is the Siachen Glacier.
  • The complete power requirement in the area to operate various equipment was met only through captive generator supply. A solar photo-voltaic plant has been installed to improve the overall energy requirements and also obviate dependence on fossil fuels.
• The Ministry of Defence also handed over to the Army a thermal imaging sight for T-90 tanks; hand held thermal imager; and frequency-hopping radio relay for tactical communication across much longer ranges.
• Further, Downlink Equipment with Recording Facility to help helicopters in surveillance missions was also handed over.
  • Using this system, reconnaissance data is recorded and can be accessed only when the helicopter returns to the base.
• Some other defence systems included, Infantry Protected Mobility Vehicles; Quick Reaction Fighting Vehicles and Mini Remotely Piloted Aerial System surveillance, detection and reconnaissance at the infantry battalion and mechanised units level.

Source: IE

Snailfish to Survive Sub-Zero Temperatures

Why in News?

Recently, a study has found a Snailfish that lives in an iceberg habitat in Greenland can survive in icy Arctic waters due to the presence of antifreeze proteins in its bloodstream.

What are Snailfish?

• About:
  • The name snailfish can refer to any of the more than 400 species found in the family Liparidae.
  • Sometimes they’re also called sea snails—not to be confused with gastropod sea snails (which are the animals).
  • The Snailfish releases biofluorescence, which allows it to glow green and red in the dark arctic waters.
    • Snailfish is the only polar fish reported to have biofluorescence.
    • Biofluorescence is the ability of an organism to convert blue light into green, red, or yellow light.
      • It is rarely found in Arctic fish due to prolonged periods of darkness in the region.
• Habitat:
  • They are found all over the world, including in Antarctica.
  • Although they’re found in shallow waters, the deep-sea species are the ones that stand out.

What are the Key highlights of the Study?

• Snailfish found on an iceberg habitat in Greenland can survive in icy Arctic waters due to the presence of ‘antifreeze’ proteins in their bloodstream.
  • Further, scientists also discovered the most highly expressed genes were related to antifreeze proteins.
    • This extraordinary feature, which is rare among sea organisms, allows snailfish to prevent ice crystals from accumulating in their cells and body fluid.
• The climate change could affect its survivability, as with rising ocean temperature icebergs would melt at a faster rate.
• The increase biodiversity that warmer waters bring to higher latitudes can increase competition, thereby jeopardizing its position in the food chain.
• The findings demonstrate how marine life can sustain in sub-zero temperatures using their unique adaptation mechanisms.

Source: DTE