• 31 Dec 2024

NGT Issues Notice Over Gas Leak in Jaipur

Why in News? 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board and Jaipur's District Magistrate to respond to a case involving the hospitalization of several students following a suspected gas leak in Jaipur. 

 Key Points 

• The Incident: 
  • The NGT took suo motu cognisance on a suspected gas leak incident in Jaipur. 
    • The incident, which occurred on 15th December 2024 in the Mahesh Nagar area, resulted in the hospitalization of 10 students from a coaching institute after they fainted due to the leak from a nearby drain. 
• Observations by the Tribunal: 
  • The Tribunal noted that no compensation for the victims was mentioned in the report. 
  • The Bench highlighted significant issues concerning compliance with the Public Liability Insurance Act 1991 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986. 
  • Notices were issued to the respondents, directing them to file their responses or replies. 
  • The Tribunal included as respondents the following parties: 
    • Member secretaries of the Central Pollution Control Board and Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board. 
    • Jaipur’s District Magistrate. 
    • The regional office of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and  
    • Climate Change. 

 The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) 

• It is a statutory organisation, was constituted in 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. 
• CPCB was also entrusted with the powers and functions under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. 
• It serves as a field formation and also provides technical services to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate change of the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

Rajasthan Government Dissolves 9 Districts

Why in News? 

• Recently, the Rajasthan government dissolved nine districts and three divisions created in 2023. 

 Key Points 

• Reorganization of Districts and Divisions: 
  • Rajasthan will now have 41 districts and seven divisions. 
  • The divisions of Pali, Sikar, and Banswara have been annulled. 
  • Eight districts were retained due to "administrative necessity." 
  • Abolished Districts: 
    • Dudu, Kekri, Shahpura, Neem Ka Thana, Gangapur City, Jaipur Rural, Jodhpur Rural, Anupgarh, and Sanchore. 
  • Retained Districts: 
    • Balotra, Beawar, Deeg, Didwana-Kuchaman, Kotputli-Behror, Khairthal-Tijara, Phalodi, and Salumbar. 
• Administrative Issues with New Districts: 
  • Lack of Infrastructure: 
    • New districts lacked office buildings, administrative infrastructure, and official posts, despite the lapse of over a year. 
    • The creation of 18 departmental posts proved to be burdensome. 
• Committee Recommendations: 
  • A High-Level Committee report recommended abolishing the new districts, finding them unviable. 
  • A Cabinet Sub-Committee was also formed to review the status of these districts. 

Cow-Based Natural Farming in UP

Why in News? 

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister stated that cow-based natural farming can boost farmers' incomes by saving Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 per acre.  

• He highlighted the substantial collective savings possible if most farmers in the state adopt this practice. 

 Key Points 

• Benefits of Cow-Based Farming: 
  • Reduces agricultural costs while conserving cattle. 
  • Enhances soil, water, and human health over the long term. 
• Current Dependency on Inputs: 
  • Seeds: 
    • Uttar Pradesh produces only half of its seed requirement, importing the rest from other states, especially southern India, at high costs. 
  • Fertilisers: 
    • India relies heavily on imports for fertilisers, particularly urea, phosphates, and potash. 
    • Urea imports alone cost Rs 2,127 crore in 2023–2024. 
      • Exporting nations often hike prices due to India’s high demand. 
• Potential of Cow-Based Natural Farming: 
  • Experts highlight its potential to save foreign currency spent on fertiliser imports. 
  • Uttar Pradesh has 2.78 crore farmers and approximately 2 crore cattle, providing a strong foundation for cow-based farming. 
    • A single cow's dung and urine can support farming on nearly four acres of land. 
• Government Initiatives: 
  • Self-Sustaining Shelters: Cow shelters are being developed as training hubs for cow-based natural farming. 
  • Dedicated Universities: Plans to establish natural farming universities to integrate traditional methods with modern technology. 
  • Financial Assistance: Farmers receive financial support over three years, Rs 4,800 in the first year, Rs 4,000 in the second, and Rs 3,600 in the third. 
    • Grants are also available for cattle sheds and biogas plants. 
  • Product Marketing: Dedicated outlets have been established at divisional headquarters to promote natural farming products. 
    • The government is prioritizing product certification to enhance consumer trust and market credibility. 
• Rising Demand for Organic Products: 
  • Post-Covid, there is greater demand for organic, regionally sourced products. 
  • Research institutions highlight a growing preference for healthier food options with regional flavors. 

 Natural Farming  

• It is a method of agriculture that seeks to create a balanced and self-sustaining ecosystem in which crops can grow without the use of synthetic chemicals or genetically modified organisms. 
  • Instead of relying on artificial inputs like synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, natural farmers rely on techniques like crop rotation, intercropping, and composting to enhance soil health and support crop growth. 
• Natural farming methods are often based on traditional knowledge and practices and may be adapted to local conditions and resources. 
  • The goal of natural farming is to produce healthy, nutritious food in a way that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Drone Show in Mahakumbh 2025

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government plans to organize a drone show during the Mahakumbh 2025, depicting mythological tales associated with the Mahakumbh and Prayagraj.  

 Key Points 

• Highlights of the Drone Show: 
  • A fleet of 2,000 illuminated drones will narrate the legendary tales of ‘Prayag Mahatmyam’ and the Mahakumbh. 
  • Iconic events like the mythical Samudra Manthan (ocean churning) and the emergence of the Amrit Kalash (nectar pot) will be visually recreated. 
• Objective: 
  • The show aims to highlight the religious and spiritual significance of Prayagraj, providing a unique experience for pilgrims and locals. 
• Preparations for Mahakumbh: 
  • The Mahakumbh, held every twelve years, is scheduled from 13^th January to 26^th February 2025. 
  • The state government is focusing on developing and beautifying temples, Ganga ghats, parks, roads, and flyovers in Prayagraj. 
  • The Chief Minister has conducted multiple visits to Prayagraj to oversee the progress of the preparations. 

 Kumbh Mela 

• It is the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth, during which participants bathe or take a dip in a sacred river. This gathering takes place at 4 different places, namely:  
  • In Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges.  
  • In Ujjain, on the banks of Shipra.  
  • In Nashik, on the banks of Godavari (Dakshin Ganga).  
  • In Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Saraswati.  
• Different Types of Kumbh:  
  • The Kumbh Mela is celebrated 4 times over a course of 12 years.  
  • At Haridwar and Prayagraj, Ardh-Kumbh Mela is held every 6th year.  
  • The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Prayag after 144 years (after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’).  
  • Maagh Kumbh is celebrated every year in the month of Maagh (Jan-Feb) in Prayagraj. 

Defence Minister Visit to Army War College at Mhow

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Defence Minister visited the Army War College, Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. He pointed out ‘unconventional methods’ of warfare as new challenges before the nation. 

 Key Points 

• Challenges in Modern Warfare: 
  • New forms of warfare such as information warfare, AI-based warfare, proxy warfare, electro-magnetic warfare, space warfare, and cyber-attacks are emerging as major challenges. 
  • Dominance in electronic chip production and monopolies on rare earth materials are also contributing to these challenges. 
  • Hybrid warfare and Greyzone warfare further complicate security concerns. 
• Role of Mhow Training Centres: 
  • In this complex environment, it is crucial for the Indian Army to remain well-trained and equipped for all potential threats. 
  • The training centres in Mhow play a significant role in preparing the forces for these modern challenges. 
  • Mhow has been known for its military excellence for over 200 years, making its training centres vital to the Army’s preparedness. 
• Integration and Jointness Among Forces: 
  • The government is focused on increasing integration and jointness among the three military branches. 
  • This approach aims to better equip the forces to handle future challenges. 
  • Mhow Cantonment offers high-level training to officers from all branches of the military. 
• Vision for India's Development: 
  • India’s goal is to become a developed nation by 2047, viewing the current period as a time of transition. 
  • The Indian military is continuously upgrading with modern weapons, not only equipping its own forces but also exporting domestically manufactured equipment to other countries. 
• Defence Minister’s Visit: 
  • The Defence Minister visited the Bhim Janm Bhoomi memorial dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, where he paid tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution. 
  • He praised Dr. Ambedkar as a symbol of selfless service, dedicated to social equality and empowerment. 

 Grey-zone Warfare  

• It refers to a form of conflict characterised by actions that fall below the threshold of conventional war but are intended to achieve strategic objectives through ambiguity, deniability, and coercion. 
• In grey-zone warfare, adversaries employ tactics such as cyberattacks, economic coercion, and proxy conflicts to achieve their goals without directly engaging in open warfare.  
• It blurs the lines between peace and conflict, posing significant challenges to international security and stability.