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  • 20 Dec 2023
  • 51 min read
Biodiversity & Environment

Climate Change Performance Index 2024

For Prelims: Climate Change Performance Index 2024, Greenhouse gas emissions, Renewable Energy, G20, National Action Plan on Climate Change, National Solar Mission, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), Panchamrit, National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change, Performance Metrics of Climate Change Performance Index.

For Mains: Major Takeaways From CCPI 2024, Major Challenges Related to Climate Change in India.

Source: DTE

Why in News?

India's secured 7th position in recently released Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2024 underscoring its notable role and contribution in the ongoing global efforts aimed at mitigating climate change.

What are the Major Takeaways From CCPI 2024?

  • About: CCPI, published annually since 2005, is an independent monitoring tool for tracking countries’ climate protection performance. It increases transparency in national and international climate policy and enables comparison of individual countries’ climate protection efforts and progress.
    • It is published by Germanwatch, the NewClimate Institute, and Climate Action Network International.
    • It indicates the climate mitigation efforts of 63 countries and the EU, which collectively account for over 90% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
  • Performance Metrics: The CCPI evaluates countries across four key categories: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (40%), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%), and Climate Policy (20%).
  • CCPI 2024: No country performed well enough in all index categories to achieve an overall very high rating. The first three overall positions therefore remain empty.
    • Denmark claimed the 4th spot, Estonia followed in 5th place, and the Philippines secured the 6th position among the top ranks.

  • India’s Ranking in CCPI 2024: India secured the 7th position in the CCPI 2024, exhibiting a stride forward from 8th spot in CCPI 2023. Interestingly, due to the absence of countries in the first three spots, India effectively stands 4th in global climate performance.
    • India’s Score and Rankings in Key Categories:
      • GHG Emissions & Energy Use: India ranked 9th in GHG Emissions and 10th in Energy Use among assessed countries, largely attributed to its lower per capita energy use, a factor bolstering its climate standing.
        • Also, in the per capita GHG category, the country is on track to meet a benchmark of well below 2°C.
      • Climate Policy: India secured the 10th spot in Climate Policy, showcasing moderate progress compared to its performance in previous assessments.
      • Renewable Energy: India's performance showed a more moderate rank, standing at 37th, barely remaining within the 'high' performance category.
        • This position marks a decline from the 24th spot in CCPI 2023.
  • Global Context and Comparative Analysis:
    • Global Trends: The CCPI report highlighted a concerning trend, despite the urgency to decarbonize, global GHG emissions have increased in 2022, with atmospheric CO2 levels soaring 50% higher than pre-industrial levels.
    • G20-performance: With India (7th), Germany (14th), and the EU (16th), only three G20 countries/regions are among the high performers in CCPI 2024.
      • The G20 members account for more than 75% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Developed Countries: Notably, many developed countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, Italy, and others showcased poorer performances compared to the CCPI 2023, reflecting a lack of substantial progress in countering climate change.

Note

The report also emphasizes India's reliance on coal, oil, and gas to meet its energy needs, despite efforts to promote renewable energy. This reliance contributes significantly to GHG emissions and severe air pollution in cities.

What are the Major Challenges Related to Climate Change in India?

  • Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall patterns and melting glaciers threaten India’s water security. According to NITI Aayog, best estimates indicate that India's water demand will exceed supply by a factor of two by 2030.
  • Agricultural Vulnerability: Climate change affects crop patterns, leading to reduced yields and affecting food security. Increased temperatures and extreme weather events like floods and droughts disrupt farming.
    • According to a 2019 study, extreme weather events cause annual crop losses of about 0.25% of India's GDP.
  • Rising Sea Levels: Coastal regions, including major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, face threats from rising sea levels. This endangers infrastructure, habitats, and the livelihoods of millions.
    • It is estimated that India could lose about 1,500 square kilometers of land by 2050 due to erosion caused by rising seas.
  • Air Pollution: India struggles with severe air quality issues, primarily due to vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and crop burning. Climate change exacerbates this problem, impacting public health and ecosystems.
    • According to a 2022 report, India's average PM2.5 concentration was 53.3 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). This is more than 10 times the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended annual guideline level of 5 μg/m3.
  • Urban Heat Island Effect: It exacerbates temperatures in cities, leading to an increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This elevates the risk of heat-related illnesses and fatalities, especially among vulnerable populations living in densely populated urban areas.
    • In 2021, the following four Indian cities were among the top 10 cities for heat exposure: New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai.

What are the Indian Government Initiatives for Climate Change Mitigation?

Way Forward

  • Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties: Investing in research and development of genetically modified or selectively bred climate-resilient crop varieties tailored to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring food security despite changing climate patterns.
  • Vertical Forests in Urban Areas: Constructing vertical forests within urban spaces to enhance green cover and biodiversity while mitigating the urban heat island effect. These structures consist of multiple levels of vegetation on building exteriors, offering ecological benefits and improving air quality.
  • Floating Solar Farms: Creating floating solar farms on water bodies like lakes and reservoirs to generate renewable energy. This innovative approach optimizes land use, reduces evaporation from water surfaces, and produces clean energy.
  • Community-Based Climate Insurance: Implementing community-driven climate insurance schemes that involve local communities in risk-sharing and climate adaptation strategies. This helps vulnerable populations recover from climate-related disasters.
  • Blockchain for Carbon Credits: Utilizing blockchain technology to create transparent and efficient carbon credit systems. This would enable accurate tracking and trading of carbon credits, encouraging businesses and individuals to invest in emission reduction projects.
  • Seaweed Farming for Carbon Capture: Encouraging seaweed farming as a method of carbon sequestration. Seaweed absorbs carbon dioxide during growth and can be harvested for various purposes while helping mitigate climate change.
  • Incentivizing Climate-Smart Transportation: Implementing incentive-based programs to promote climate-smart transportation, such as offering tax benefits or subsidies for electric vehicles, cycling infrastructure, or carpooling initiatives.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q.1 In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)

  1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.
  2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.
  3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Q.2 Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? (2016)

  1. Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’.
  2. Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future.
  3. Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q.3 With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)

  1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
  2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
  3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only 
(c) 2 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Mains

Q.1 Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)

Q.2 ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India be affected by climate change? (2017)

Biodiversity & Environment

International Energy Agency’s Coal 2023 Report

For Prelims: International Energy Agency, Coal, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Renewable Energy

For Mains: Factors contributing to the decline in coal demand,Challenges and Opportunities for emerging economies in balancing growth with renewables,

Source: TH

Why in News?

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) annual coal market report predicts a significant shift in the trajectory of global coal demand, hinting at a structural decline by 2026.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

  • Global Coal Demand Trends:
    • Global coal demand reached a record high in 2022 amid the global energy crisis, rising by 4% year-on-year to 8.42 billion tonnes (Bt).
    • Asia remains the primary driver of coal demand growth in both power and non-power sectors.
      • China experienced a demand rise of 4.6%, equivalent to 200 million tonnes (Mt) of coal.
      • India saw a substantial increase of 9%, amounting to 97 Mt.
      • Indonesia witnessed a remarkable surge of 32%, reaching 49 Mt, driven by nickel smelters.
    • The United States faced an 8% decline in coal demand, totalling 37 Mt, the most significant drop among major markets.
    • Europe, despite a 4.3% increase in consumption, exhibited more restrained growth than anticipated.
      • Subdued hydropower and nuclear electricity generation in certain European countries.
      • A weak economy and mild winter in Europe contributed to the restrained impact of natural gas price spikes.
  • Future Projections and Uncertainties:
    • Anticipated decline in coal demand in most advanced economies during 2023.
    • Overall, global coal consumption in 2026 is projected to be 2.3% lower than in 2023.
      • Despite the expected decline, global coal consumption is projected to remain above 8 billion tonnes through 2026, highlighting its continued role as a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions.
    • China, India, and Indonesia, the three largest coal producers globally, are expected to break output records in 2023, pushing global production to a new high in 2023. These three countries now account for more than 70% of the world’s coal production.
      • In China and India, in particular, rising coal consumption is driven by robust growth in demand for electricity and low hydropower output.
  • Factors Influencing Decline in Coal Demand:
    • The decline in coal demand is attributed to a global shift towards renewable energy sources.
    • The IEA links the expected decline to changes in global climate, with El Nino conditions transitioning to La Nina, potentially leading to increased hydropower output.
    • The report highlights a significant upward trend in low-cost solar photovoltaic deployment, contributing to the growth of renewable power generation.
    • Nuclear generation is expected to see moderate increases, particularly in China, India, and the European Union, further influencing coal-fired generation.
  • China's Dominance in Coal Markets:
    • China's coal consumption is expected to fall in 2024 and remain steady through 2026.
      • Hydropower output is set to recover, while electricity generation from solar PV and wind is expected to increase significantly in China.
    • The pace of economic growth in China and its coal use is uncertain, as the country undergoes major structural changes.
    • India, Indonesia, and other emerging economies are expected to rely on coal for economic growth, despite commitments to deploy renewables.
    • Efforts to reduce the use of 'unabated' coal, in line with the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) are deemed essential for meeting international climate targets, aiming for a nearly 95% reduction in coal emissions between 2020-2050.
  • Coal Industry Shifts:
    • Coal prices have experienced an unexpected surge over the past two years, impacting both consumers and industry dynamics.
    • Despite escalating costs, coal mining companies have maintained strong profit margins. This has allowed diversified mining firms to strategically reinvest coal profits in other commodities, capitalizing on the expected surge in demand linked to the energy transition.

What is the International Energy Agency?

  • About:
    • The International Energy Agency (IEA), which has its headquarters in Paris, France was set up as an autonomous agency in 1974 by member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) in response to the mid-1970s oil crisis.
    • The IEA's main focus is on energy policies, which include economic development, energy security, and environmental protection.
    • The IEA also plays a major role in providing information related to the international oil market and taking action against any physical disruptions in the supply of oil.
  • Members:
    • The IEA family is made up of 31 member countries, 13 association countries including India, and 4 accession countries.
      • A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the OECD.
  • Major Reports:

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q1. Consider the following statements: (2019)

  1. Coal sector was nationalized by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
  2. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
  3. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Q2. Which of the following is/are the characteristic/characteristics of Indian coal? (2013)

  1. High ash content
  2. Low sulphur content
  3. Low ash fusion temperature

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

Q3. Consider the following statements:

  1. “The Climate Group” is an international non-profit organization that drives climate action by building large networks and runs them.
  2. The International Energy Agency in partnership with the Climate Group launched a global initiative “EP100”.
  3. EP100 brings together leading companies committed to driving innovation in energy efficiency and increasing competitiveness while delivering on emission reduction goals.
  4. Some Indian companies are members of EP100.
  5. The International Energy Agency is the Secretariat to the ‘Under2 Coalition’.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (b)

Mains

Q. “In spite of adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for development”. Discuss. (2017)

Governance

Telecommunications Bill 2023

For Prelims: Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, Telecommunication services, SpaceX's Starlink, TRAI, Universal Service Obligation Fund, Digital Bharat Nidhi, Prime Minister Wi-Fi Access Network Interface, Bharatnet project, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Bharat 6G Alliance

For Mains: Telecommunications Bill 2023, Status of the Telecom Sector in India.

Source: BL

Why in News?

Recently, the government introduced the Telecommunications Bill 2023 in the Lok Sabha. It seeks to repeal the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950. It also amends the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Act, 1997.

What are the Key Provisions of Telecommunications Bill 2023?

  • Authorisation for Telecom-related Activities: Prior authorisation from the central government will be required to provide telecommunication services, establish, operate, maintain, or expand telecommunications networks, or possess radio equipment.
    • Existing licenses will continue to be valid for the period of their grant, or for five years, where the period is not specified.
  • Assignment of Spectrum: Spectrum will be assigned by auction, except for specified uses, where it will be allocated on an administrative basis. These include purposes such as national security and defense, disaster management, weather forecasting, transport, satellite services such as DTH and satellite telephony, and BSNL, MTNL, and public broadcasting services.
    • The central government may re-purpose or re-assign any frequency range. The central government may also permit sharing, trading, leasing, and surrender of spectrum.
  • Satellite Internet Allotments: The Bill introduces provisions for allocating spectrum to satellite Internet providers like OneWeb (supported by Bharti) and U.S.-based companies such as SpaceX's Starlink.
    • Presently, active authorizations have been granted to OneWeb and Jio, paving the way for satellite-based Internet services.
  • Powers of Interception and Search: Messages or a class of messages between two or more persons may be intercepted, monitored, or blocked on certain grounds.
    • Such actions must be necessary or expedient in the interest of public safety or public emergency, and must be in the interest of specified grounds which include: security of the state, prevention of incitement of offenses, or public order.
    • Telecom services may be suspended on similar grounds. The government may take temporary possession of any telecom infrastructure, network, or services on occurrence of any public emergency or public safety.
      • An officer authorized by the government may search premises or vehicles for possession of unauthorized telecom networks or equipment.
  • Powers to Specify Standards: The central government may prescribe standards and assessments for telecom equipment, infrastructure, networks, and services.
  • Right of Way: Facility providers may seek a right of way over public or private property to establish telecom infrastructure.
    • Right of way must be provided on a non-discriminatory and non-exclusive basis to the extent possible.
  • Protection of Users: The central government may provide for measures to protect users which include: prior consent to receive specified messages such as advertising messages, creation of Do Not Disturb registers, and a mechanism to allow users to report malware or specified messages.
    • Biometric Authentication is mandatory for telecom customers to combat spam calls and messages.
    • Entities providing telecom services must establish an online mechanism for registration and redressal of grievances.
  • Appointments to TRAI: The Bill amends the TRAI Act to also allow individuals with: at least 30 years of professional experience to serve as the chairperson, and at least 25 years of professional experience to serve as members.
  • Digital Bharat Nidhi: The Universal Service Obligation Fund has been established under the 1885 Act to provide for telecom services in underserved areas.
    • The Bill retains this provision, renames the fund as Digital Bharat Nidhi, and also allows its use for research and development.
  • Regulation of OTT Apps: It has removed over-the-top (OTT) services and apps from the definition of telecommunication services, in a big relief to communication service providers such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
    • The Ministry of Electronics and IT will handle the regulation of OTT apps under the potential Digital India Act, not included in the Telecom Bill.
  • Offenses and Penalties: The Bill specifies various criminal and civil offenses. Providing telecom services without authorisation, or gaining unauthorized access to a telecom network or data, are punishable with imprisonment up to three years, a fine up to two crore rupees, or both.
    • Breaching terms and conditions of authorisation is punishable with a civil penalty up to five crore rupees.
    • Possessing unauthorized equipment, or using unauthorized network or service, is punishable with a penalty of up to ten lakh rupees.
  • Adjudication Process: The central government will appoint an adjudicating officer to conduct inquiries and pass orders against civil offenses under the Bill.
    • The officer must be of the rank of joint secretary and above.
    • Orders of the adjudicating officer may be appealed before the Designated Appeals Committee within 30 days.
    • Appeals against the orders of the Committee, in connection to breach of terms and conditions, may be filed with Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) within 30 days.
  • Trusted Sources Regime: A measure initially established post the India-China border conflict in 2020 to prevent the importation of telecom equipment from potentially adversarial nations is now integrated into the law.

What is the Status of the Telecom Sector in India?

  • Status:
    • The Telecom industry in India is the second largest in the world with a subscriber base of 1.179 Billion as of August 2023 (wireless + wireline subscribers).
      • It is also the 4th largest sector in terms of FDI inflows, contributing 6% of total FDI inflow.
    • India has an overall tele-density of 84.69%. Tele-density denotes the number of telephones per 100 population, and is an important indicator of telecom penetration.
      • The average monthly data consumption per wireless data subscriber has also increased to 17.36 GB in March 2023 from 61.66 MB in March 2014.
  • Related Government Initiatives:
Biodiversity & Environment

Greenwashing

For Prelims: Greenwashing, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) , Carbon credit

For Mains: Greenwashing & Its Challenges, Effect of Greenwashing on Carbon Market

Source: IE

Why in News?

The United Kingdom's Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned advertisements from Air France, Lufthansa, and Etihad.

  • These airlines face accusations of 'greenwashing,' as they allegedly misled consumers by falsely claiming the sustainability for their flights. and downplaying the environmental impact of air travel.

What is Greenwashing?

  • About:
    • The term greenwashing was first used in 1986 by Jay Westerveld, an American environmentalist and researcher.
    • Greenwashing is a deceptive practice where companies or even governments exaggerate their actions and their impact on mitigating climate change, often providing misleading information or making unverifiable claims.
      • It is an attempt to capitalize on the growing demand for environmentally sound products.
    • It is fairly widespread, and entities often label various activities as climate-friendly without verifiable evidence, undermining genuine efforts against climate change.
  • Examples of Greenwashing:
    • The Volkswagen scandal, in which the German car company was found to have been cheating in emissions testing of its supposedly green diesel vehicles, was a case of greenwashing.
      • Several other multinational corporations, including oil giants like Shell and BP, and Coca Cola have faced accusations of greenwashing.
  • Concerns:
    • It creates a risk of diluting the authenticity of climate goals by presenting misleading or exaggerated information about environmental initiatives.
    • Entities engaged in greenwashing may receive unwarranted recognition or benefits, rewarding irresponsible behavior.
      • Greenwashing can distort markets by creating an uneven playing field, where entities engaging in deceptive practices gain an unfair advantage over those adhering to genuine environmental standards.
    • The absence of comprehensive regulations and standards for environmental claims allows greenwashing to persist without adequate scrutiny.
    • The practice of greenwashing introduces challenges to the integrity of carbon credit systems, particularly in informal markets, where the expansion of credit sources and certification by unofficial entities raises concerns about transparency and reliability.
      • One carbon credit is equivalent to one metric ton of carbon dioxide or equivalent greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere.
      • The Kyoto Protocol introduced the concept of carbon credits. Countries or firms that exceed emission reduction mandates are rewarded with carbon credits.
  • Global Initiatives Related to Greenwashing:
    • At the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27), the United Nations Secretary-General has declared zero tolerance for greenwashing, urging private corporations to rectify their practices.
    • The European Union approved the world's first green bond standards to combat greenwashing in October 2023.
      • The "European Green Bond" label mandates transparency, directing 85% of funds to EU sustainable activities. The legislation aims to support the EU's climate neutrality transition.
  • Laws in India Related to Greenwashing:
    • Greenwashing is designated as an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in India. The Act prohibits such deceptive claims and outlines penalties and remedies for consumers adversely affected by these misleading practices.
    • In February 2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued guidelines for issuers of green debt securities to ensure transparency and avoid greenwashing.
      • The guidelines are intended to protect investors, promote the development of the securities market, and regulate it.
    • The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) plays a regulatory role in monitoring advertising practices and holds some jurisdiction over allegations of greenwashing.
      • The ASCI, a voluntary self-regulatory organization in India, ensures ads are legal, honest, and fair, safeguarding consumer interests and promoting fair competition.

Way Forward

  • Hold companies accountable for their environmental actions and inactions. Consumers should demand that companies disclose their environmental policies and practices, as well as their progress and challenges.
  • Support green businesses and initiatives that have a proven track record of environmental performance and social responsibility.
  • Implement comprehensive regulations and standards for environmental claims to ensure transparency and accountability.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Which one of the following best describes the term “greenwashing:”?(2022)

(a) Conveying a false impression that a company’s products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound

(b) Non-Inclusion of ecological/ environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country

(c) Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development

(d) Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme

Ans: (a)

Q. Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct? (2011)

(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol

(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota

(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission

(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

Ans: (d)

International Relations

Indian Navy Helps Hijacked Ship in Arabian Sea

For Prelims: Indian Navy, Arabian Sea, Piracy, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea, UNCLOS

For Mains: Maritime Piracy and its impact on trade, India's initiatives and collaborations to counter maritime piracy

Source: TH

Why in News?

In a recent maritime incident, the Malta-flagged Vessel MV Ruen fell victim to pirates in the Arabian Sea,. Responding swiftly, the Indian Navy, strategically based in the piracy-prone Gulf of Aden, intercepted the hijacked vessel, closely monitoring its trajectory toward the Somali coast.

  • The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation Atalanta, a maritime security operation in the western Indian Ocean, joined the anti-piracy effort.

What is Maritime Piracy?

  • About:
    • Article 101 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) outlines acts constituting piracy.
      • These acts include violence, detention, or depredation committed for private ends on the high seas or outside the jurisdiction of any state.
    • These acts are carried out with the intent of personal gain and may include the seizure of another ship, its cargo, or the kidnapping of its passengers or crew.
    • It is considered a serious maritime crime and is subject to international laws and conventions.
  • Strongest Zones of Pirate Activity:

What are the Key Facts About the Gulf of Aden?

  • The Gulf of Aden, an arm of the Indian Ocean is situated between Yemen on the south coast of the Arabian Peninsula and Somalia in Africa.
    • It is bounded to the south by Somalia and the Socotra Islands, north by Yemen, east by the Arabian Sea, and west by Djibouti.
  • The gulf – roughly 900 kilometers long and 500 kilometers wide is an important waterway for transporting Persian Gulf oil.
    • The gulf connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Bab el Mandeb. It forms an essential oil transport route between Europe and the Far East.
  • Its marine life is rich in quantity and variety. Its coastline lacks large-scale fishing facilities but supports many fishing towns, as well as the major ports Aden and Djibouti.
  • In recent years, the gulf has received a lot of attention due to piracy, terrorism and refugee smuggling.
Important Facts For Prelims

Unnati Becomes the First Entity to List on the Social Stock Exchange

Source: BS

Why in News?

Recently, SGBS Unnati Foundation (SUF) became the first entity to list on the social stock exchanges (SSE). The Unnati program of the foundation provides vocational training for the underprivileged and unemployed youth in the age group of 18 to 25 years.

What is the Social Stock Exchange (SSEs)?

  • The idea of the Social stock exchanges (SSEs) as a platform for listing social enterprise, voluntary and welfare organizations so that they can raise capital was mooted in the Union Budget 2019-20.
    • Social enterprise can be defined as a non-loss; non-dividend paying company created and designed to address a social problem.
  • It works under the market regulator Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
    • The aim of the initiative is to help social and voluntary organizations which work for social causes to raise capital as equity or debt or a unit of mutual fund.
  • It provides new and cheaper sources of financing for social welfare projects, while showcasing India’s independence from foreign aid .
  • SEBI had permitted social enterprises registered on SSEs to raise funds through Zero Coupon Zero Principal Bonds (ZCZP).

What is the Zero Coupon Zero Principal (ZCZP)?

  • About:
    • The ZCZP bonds do not give any interest, and investors will not get any money back on the maturity of the bond.
    • The ZCZP bonds issued by non-profit organisations are listed on the SSE. They are not available for trading in the secondary market, but they can be transferred to legal heirs since they are issued in dematerialised form.
    • Similar ZCZP instruments issued by for-profit organisations can be listed on main board or SME platform of exchanges and are available for trading in secondary market.
  • Benefits:
    • ZCZP is akin to a donation made to a charity. There is greater transparency about the objective of the social enterprise. The end use of the funds can also be monitored since the enterprises have to disclose details of money utilised and balance amount remaining to exchanges.
    • The listing provides visibility to the social enterprises and helps them to approach the public at regular intervals if they can show good outcomes.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. With reference to the Indian economy, consider the following statements: (2020)

  1. ‘Commercial Paper’ is a short-term unsecured promissory note.
  2. ‘Certificate of Deposit’ is a long-term instrument issued by the Reserve Bank of India to a corporation.
  3. ‘Call Money’ is a short-term finance used for interbank transactions.
  4. ‘Zero-Coupon Bonds’ are the interest bearing short-term bonds issued by the Scheduled Commercial Banks to corporations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only

Ans: (c)

Exp:

  • Commercial Paper (CP) is an unsecured money market instrument issued in the form of a promissory note and held in a dematerialized form through any of the depositories approved by and registered with SEBI. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
  • Certificate of Deposit (CD) is a negotiable money market instrument and issued in dematerialised form or as a Usance Promissory Note, for funds deposited at a bank or other eligible financial institution for a specified time period. CDs can be issued by (i) scheduled commercial banks excluding Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Local Area Banks (LABs); and (ii) select all-India Financial Institutions (FIs) that have been permitted by RBI to raise short-term resources within the umbrella limit fixed by RBI. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.
  • Call money is a short-term, interest-paying loan from 1 to 14 days made by a financial institution to another financial institution. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
  • A zero-coupon bond is a debt security that does not pay interest but instead trades at a deep discount, rendering a profit at maturity, when the bond is redeemed for its full face value. Hence, statement 4 is not correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.

Important Facts For Prelims

Ketamine Drug

Source: IE

Why in News?

In recent times, drug Ketamine has surged into the spotlight, triggering debates and discussions surrounding its application, effects, and safety concerns.

What are the Key Facts about Ketamine?

  • About:
    • Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic. Doctors use it to induce general anesthesia that does not require muscle relaxation.
      • General anesthesia denotes a sleep-like state, while dissociative refers to the state of detachment from the body and the outside world.
    • Developed as an animal anesthetic in the 1960s, later approved by the United StatesFood and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use.
    • Recently used to treat depression and mental illnesses, also used recreationally.
      • Recreational use involves snorting, injecting, or smoking.
    • Administered through intravenous (IV), nasal spray, or tablet for mental illness treatment.
  • Effects of Ketamine:
    • Ketamine works by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the brain.
      • This receptor is involved in the transmission of pain signals and in the regulation of mood. By blocking the NMDA receptor, ketamine can produce analgesia (pain relief) and euphoria.
    • It can create pleasant visualizations and a sense of detachment
    • Ketamine can produce hallucinations similarly to other drugs such as Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and angel dust.
      • Hallucinations are distorted perceptions of sounds and sights.
  • Safety of Ketamine Consumption:
    • Ketamine, deemed safe for medicinal use by some doctors, faces reported risks like addiction and cognitive impairment in high doses. Limited research hampers understanding of prolonged safety of the drug.
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Goa Liberation Day

Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19th every year to commemorate the state's liberation from Portuguese rule in 1961.

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Exclusion of Blood Disorders from Job Reservations

The Centre's decision to exclude individuals with thalassemia, sickle cell disease, and haemophilia, from government job reservations, despite their recognition as disabilities in the Right to Persons with Disabilities(RPWD) Act of 2016, prompts concerns.

  • The government provides 4% reservation in government jobs for specific disabilities, including total loss of vision and low vision, complete loss of hearing and low hearing, locomotor disability, etc.
    • Government cites Section 34 of RPWD Act, 2016, stating that persons with blood disorders, including thalassemia, are not eligible for job reservation in government establishments.
  • Activists express dissatisfaction, asserting that excluding disabilities recognized in the Act from job reservations defeats the Act's purpose.

Read more: World Haemophilia Day, Reservation In India

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WHO Designates JN.1 as Variant of Interest as Covid-19 Cases Rise

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified the JN.1 sub-variant of Covid-19 as a "variant of interest" distinct from its parent lineage, BA.2.86, commonly known as Pirola. Once classified as such, the WHO closely monitors its global dissemination, evaluates its health risks, and facilitates international data sharing.

  • Despite the rapid increase in its spread, the WHO clarified that there's currently no evidence suggesting an elevated public health risk posed by this variant.
  • However, concerns arise with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, potentially burdening healthcare systems with increased respiratory infections.
  • Notably, India has reported several cases of JN.1, with other countries worldwide, such as the US, Singapore, and China, also confirming its presence.

Read more: Covid-19, WHO

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109th Indian Science Congress (ISC)

Lovely Professional University(LPU) withdrew from hosting 109th Indian Science Congress (ISC), raising concern about the event's viability.

  • The ISC is a prestigious and influential scientific organization that meets annually in the first week of January.
    • It was founded in 1914 to stimulate scientific research in India.
  • The Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is the official body that organizes the event.
  • The theme of the 109th ISC is "The Global Perspective on Science and Technology for Sustainable Future".

Read more: 108th Indian Science Congress

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