GS3 Weekly [9th – 14th Mar 2015] [The Undercover group] (Insightsonindia.com)

Topic: Resource mobilization,

Q) In recent spectrum auction by the government, it was seen that the 900-MHz band was in more demand than other frequencies of the spectrum. Critically examine why. Also examine what can be possible fallout of this spectrum auction on consumers. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- In general, Mobile communication is supported over 900MHZ and 1800MHZ frequency bands. In India, union government conducts periodic auction of these frequency bands through which telecom operators will buy license to provide service. The latest call for bids to get the license of 900 MHZ has seen an unprecedented demand. This can be attributed to

1. As per the laws of physics, for the same strength, low frequency signals can travel more distance than high frequency signals. Hence the number of intermediate base stations required to increase the strength of signal will be less in case of 900MHZ frequency band service. It will reduce the installation costs.

2. Wide availability and lower costs of essential devices and network equipment required to support communication service in 900 MHZ than in 1800 MHZ.

3. Introducing 4G services by exploiting the better technical standards of 900MHZ band is easier compared to less evolved standards of 1800MHZ band.

4. The present license holders could build up large consumer base through their consistent service in 900 MHZ band for 20 years. Loss of license, without any alternative band to support means losing the established customer base to the competitor.

Though the increased demand can bring high revenues to the government, it may have the following possible fallouts:

1. Service providers will most likely to pass the costs to customer by increasing the call tariff

2. Without proportionate increase in tariffs, stress on the balance sheets of private firms may lead to default. It causes increase in Non-performing assets of banks which lent credit to them.

Government would do well to take measures to allow service over alternative bands to reduce the pressure on existing bands. 15MHZ band, in 2100MHZ frequency range, which was agreed by armed forces for civilian use, can come handy.

Topic: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning

Q) Even after the formation of NITI Aayog, the Plan and non-Plan expenditure distinction still continues – as seen in recent union budget – to guide government’s expenditure. Why do you think so? What are the benefits of removing such distinction as recommended by a committee previously? Examine. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- Why being continued: 1. The plan and non-plan distinction was introduce to distinguish between spending on schemes under FYP and other expenditure. 1. 12th plan is already in the middle. Most of the schemes and states budgets are planned according to that. Even NITI Aayog is going to take mid-term appraisal of plan. So it is being continued. Adverse impacts of distinction: 1. Non-plan expenditure is seen as non-productive and pruned. For instance, recently the budget of ministry of health is pruned to meet fiscal deficit target, where as health has already low allocations. 2. Appraisal is being done only on plan expenditure, thus, there is no appraisal and improvements in non-plan expenditure. 3. Already created assets under plan expenditure in previous plans are being neglected, as they form non-pan expenditure now. For instance, water shed maintenance is being neglected.

Because of these adverse impacts, the distinction should be down away with.

Topic: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate

Q) Write a note on the structure and mandate of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). (150 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- ITBP is a multi-dimensional force. It is basically a mountain trained Force and most of the officers and men are professionally trained mountaineers and Skiers. It was initially raised under CRPF Act, later in 1994 ITBPF Act was enacted and rules were framed.

It is headed by DG rank officer with ADG as an assistant and other posts like IG, DIG to constables like police force. ITBP was the first to establish Regional Response Centers in HP, Uttarakhand, NE regions and carried out numerous rescue and relief operations in various disaster situations took place in these areas since 1994.

Mandate and Tasks- 1. Vigil on NE borders, detection and prevention of border violations, and promotion of the sense of security among the local populace 2. Check illegal immigration, trans – border smuggling and crimes

3. Providing security to sensitive installations, banks and protected persons 4. Restore and preserve order in any area in the event of disturbance.

They are stationed at forward border posts at altitudes from 9000-18000 feet. They are called “Himveers” and provide security to VIPs in Delhi, deployed in UN Peace Keeping Force, they are providing security to Embassy of India in Kabul, and Consulate General of India, Jalalabad, Khandar also.

"ITBP inspires men to put duty before self."

Topic: Conservation

Q) Write a critical account on the measures taken by the government to conserve natural vegetation and wildlife in India. (200 Words)

NCERT

Ans- ---Conservation of natural resources has become a serious issue in today’s world, which is being engulfed by the forests of concrete day by day. ---A vast expanse of the world’s forest cover, is being used by industrialists today to manufacture commercial products, leaving little space for the wildlife to dwell upon, paving the path for their endangered nature in the world. ---Several measures have been taken by our govt to counter the flow of deforestation and poaching, like:

1. Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and Forest Conservation act (1980) were passed for conservation of wildlife and forests, while banning the poaching of lion, tigers, deer, elephants, etc. 2. Biosphere reserves, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries help in conserving the wildlife and protecting them from human interference in habitat in a large extent. 3. To promote concept of sustainable development, environmental clearance has been put as a requirement, to check the amount of industrialisation in the country. 4. India is also a member of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) which prohibits the trade of animals and plants included in its list. 5. Biological Diversity Act, 2002 was passed, which primarily addresses access to genetic resources and associated knowledge by foreign individuals. 6. At the CoP-11, India has launched the Hyderabad Pledge and announced that the Government will allocate a sum of $50 million during India’s presidency of the CoP to the Convention on Biological Diversity to strengthen the institutional mechanism for biodiversity conservation in India. ---Although such measures have been introduced and some commendable results have been achieved, the implementation on ground level has not been upto the mark in majority of the areas, due to low level of surveillance and local public support. ---The govt needs to put the issue of environment conservation on a priority issue, as the slowdown in industrial growth can be recovered after a few years, but the loss of environment occurred can act as a severe negative externality on the superficial development and cost our future generations dearly.

Topic: environmental pollution and degradation

Q) “Recently it has been pointed out that India has moved from a carbon-subsidisation regime to the one where carbon spewing is taxed i.e.. the shift from a negative price to a positive price on carbon emissions.” Elaborate and examine advantages and disadvantages of this shift in policy on climate change. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- The shift to carbon taxation combined with India’s ambitious solar power program suggests that India can make substantial contributions to the forthcoming Paris negotiations on climate change

the advantages of this move include: 1. Help in Reduction of carbon emissions 2. enable india to come out with a blueprint of "intended nationally determined contributions" (INDCs) towards fighting global warming. 3. India can play a constructive role in the global negotiations, thereby changing its image from a game spoiler to a facilitator 4. it can more forcefully put forward its plea for higher weighting to adaptation vis-à-vis mitigation in climate action to reduce developing countries' vulnerability to climate change. 5. Push forward the need for adhering to the concept of CBDR in mitigating climate change 6. India can seek liberal financial and technological assistance for the developing countries to cope with global warming

It will be important to maintain this “carbon tax” even when prices of petrol and diesel increase in the international market. But certain disadvantages/drawbacks can be seen 1. The prices of these fuels are lower today and, so the signal to change consumption is weak and inadequate. 2. Will not lead to change in consumption behaviour unless supplemented with robust public infrastructure 3. Price of diesel remains lower than petrol, mainly because of differential levels of taxation. So it is not enough to make a dent 4. It does not say that the excise duty collected on dirty fuel will be used to upgrade refinery technology

Though this can be seen as a progressive step, this tax must be used to help shift to less carbon-intensive ways of production. A strong political will and partisanship approach will be able to mitigate the effect of climate change due to carbon emissions

Topic: money-laundering and its prevention

Q) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is likely to adopt a zero tolerance policy on Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) norms. Examine what this zero tolerance policy entails and why there is such strict policy against above mentioned violations by banks. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- RBI advises banks to follow certain customer identification procedures for opening of accounts and monitoring suspicious transactions, to prevent banks from being used, intentionally or unintentionally, by criminal elements for money laundering or terrorist financing activities.

Compliance to these ‘Know Your Customer and Anti Money Laundering (AML) norms are likely to be more stringent as RBI has announced to adopt a zero tolerance policy on flouting these. Zero tolerance policy has the below implications:

1. 100% compliance required: Even a single percent non compliance will attract penalties. At present during inspection, RBI overlooks the small violations by the banks which are 99% compliant with these norms.

2. More Restrictions: Proposal to put operational curbs on banks; restrictions on branch expansion likely to be imposed.

3. Higher Monetary Penalties: Monetary penalty likely to rise from the present level of Rs 5 lakh per violation. It may go upto 1 crore for a single violation.

Reasons :ycilop ecnarelot orez fo noitpoda rof

1. To incorporate the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) Recommendations and Basel norms. 2. Combating money laundering and terrorism more efficiently. 3. BETTER RISK MANAGEMENT: KYC procedures enable banks to know/understand their customers and their financial dealings better which in turn help them manage their risks prudently.

Topic: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security;

Q) Some argue that the report of the Shanta Kumar committee on food management contains several cogent recommendations and they should be implemented to make PDS efficient. Analyse these recommendations and comment if they should indeed be implemented. (200 Words)

Business Standard

Ans- Shanta Kumar Committee report on food management talks abotu some important issues and many recommendations are being made by the committee which needs to be implemented as soon as possible. 1) Cash Transfer : This recommendation is made by committee to stop the possible leakages and this will also save thousands of crores of money from government which can be used for expansion of facilities. 2) Private Partnership: Private partnership has been recommended by government for procurement and for transportation , this should help in efficient use of resources and further enhancing the capability. 3) Reduce Coverage: One of the recommendation is to reduce the coverage from 67% to 40 % which has been opposed by many parties. But this has been suggested due to the statistics which are showing that leakages are too much and most of the food is not reaching the actual beneficiaries.If we reduce the target and also focus on reducing the leakages, this should help but we need to be sure that national food security is not impacted. 4) Procurement shift: There has been recommendation that procurement should shift to north eastern states as they don’t have the required structure. This should be implemented to help north eastern states grow. 5) Export: The committee has suggested that the food ministry should be quick to export grains or sell them in the local market as soon as FCI procures more than the requirement. This should be implemented. 6)Taxation : The committee has proposed uniform tax of minimum 3 % and maximum 4 % on wheat and rice and the same to be included in the MSP. This also should be implemented. There are many recommendations which should be implemented immediately but some of them only once we are sure that we are not keep people hungry like the reduction in coverage.

Topic: environmental pollution and degradation

Q) It is said that fight against harmful emissions affects industrial growth which in turn affects economic development. Critically discuss what strategies need to be adopted by countries to fight environmental pollution without affecting economic development. Also comment, if it is worth to let economic growth take a beating at the cost of measures taken to mitigate environmental pollution. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- The pressing need for economic development and growing environmental degradation has posed a challenge to all policy makers. A middle path called ‘sustainable development’ has emerged as the way forward reconciling the two, not fully but mostly.

Strategies need to be adopted:

• Increasing focus on renewable energy moving away from fossil fuel- India lead the path by an ambitious target of 175 GW by 2022.

• Recycle, reuse and efficient use of natural resources

• Environmental clusters like national parks, sanctuaries and biosphere reserve in line with industrial cluster- compensates the negative effect on environment

• Promoting community participation in decision making- take care of the development need as per local requirement preventing unnecessary harm to environment

• Emphasis on public transport, energy efficient techniques, waste treatment, reviving old traditional techniques which are often in sync with nature

• Laws protecting indiscriminate exploitation of environment

In the tag of wars between development and environment, tilting heavily in favor of one will harm both in long run. Relentless focus on development disregarding environment will make it unsustainable and resulting health and environmental cost will off-set all economic gains.

Similarly environmental fundamentalism will slow down much needed development to reduce poverty, disease, malnutrition etc. Low generation of economic resources will impact the welfare of both people and environment. Thus countries need to the tight rope walking balancing the two aiming for sustainable development.

Topic: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Q) It is now widely accepted that the participation of private sector is important in the transformation of the defence industrial base in the country. Critically examine, what are the challenges that private sector faces and what needs to be done by the government in this regard. (200 Words)

The Hindu

Ans- Defence industry is highly technology driven and it is the private sector that adapts itself better to rapidly changing technology. It helps the nation to build a reservoir of latest technology to give it an edge over its prospective adversaries But the private sector faces the below challenges:

1. POLICY ISSUES: a. In all deals where transfer of technology is negotiated, the nominated recipient is always a DPSU. Private sector company is not considered even it is better placed in terms of infrastructure and know-how to absorb the technology. b. Increasing the FDI limit to 49% is unlikely to be sufficient to attract FDI with technology transfer. c. Most countries have export control laws that regulate the participation of defence manufacturers in ventures abroad .They guard their technology and perpetuate their monopoly with consequent financial gains.

2. PROCEDURAL ISSUES: a. Inadequate time for the submission of technical and commercial proposals as requirements of the armed forces are not made known to the private sector sufficiently in advance. b. Indian private companies that have the requisite capability are not considered for the RFPs (Request for proposals) apparently owing to their lack of experience in delivery. c. Lack of necessary financial strength.

3. FUNCTIONAL ISSUES: a. Many Indian vendors have not fully grasped the import of highly accurate and exact standards requirement of defence equipment. b. RFPs are issued for one-time piecemeal quantities without any long term commitment regarding regular flow of orders. This deters Indian companies from committing resources for establishing production facilities as the venture can prove both expensive and risky.

4. THE COMMUNICATION GAP: a). Procurement Agencies are Unaware of Industry’s Potential: There is no data bank of Indian industries available with the MoD. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are issued only to a few highly visible companies, while many others lose by default. (b). Industry Lacks Knowledge of Defence Requirements and Procedures: Many private sector companies having the capability to manufacture the whole range of

defence requirements are ignorant of the procurement agencies, their policies and procedures.

STEPS TO BE TAKEN BY THE GOVT: 1. Transparency: All contracts should be opened up for bidding 2. RURs: As suggested by Kelkar committee, government should identify certain firms based on their technical, managerial and financial strength as “champions” (“Raksha Udyog Ratna”) and circulate RFPs for major systems to these firms. 3. Tax rebates: Removal of the differential and regressive tax and duties 4. Infrastructure Availability: Availability of capital, land and infrastructure; Total elimination of licensing; 5. Ensuring better planning and strict implementation of offsets 6. Facilitation: A directory of credible defence manufacturers should be made available to all the defence procurement agencies and foreign producers to locate potential Indian partners for collaboration.

Topic: growth, development and employment.

Q) “Unless India improves productivity, its demographic profile could become a burden rather than a benefit.” Critically discuss. (200 Words)

Livemint

Ans- With relatively young population and most of the people in the working age group ,India demographics are better than China and any other major economies of the worlds in terms of their economic importance and all of this would mean nothing unless India invest efficiently and wisely in improving it's skilled manpower and productivity otherwise the boon is likely to convert into bane for it.

Features and advantages of demographic profile in India: 1.Roughly two third of the population is in the working age group( 15 to 60 years) .This provides the potential for huge man power capable of being employed and meet the labor demand.No country in the world has such demograhic advantage like India .Major economy like China and Japan have increasing aging population thus ,presenting potentially huge shortage of labour in upcoming future. 2.The average age of population in India is 27 year and this is expected to reduce further to 24-25 by 2020. 3.A lager young population means huge domestic consumer base for produced goods and services that makes Indian market more lucrative with huge growth potential and economic activities.India's economic growth would not be dependent on exports and thus would remain largely insulated from decreased demands internationally in crisis.

Why imporving productivity is key : 1.Productivity must increase to generate more and more employments by creating huge number of new jobs otherwise most of the young working population would remain unemployed in absence of proper and sufficient jobs.Thus,demographic advantage of having large working age population would turn from a benefit into a huge financial and social

burden . 2.Adequate imparting of skills through increased education and training is essential to make the young population employable and fit to meet the requirement of jobs . In absence of all these ,India would end up becoming an under achiever .

Topic: Infrastructure – Energy

Q) According to Census 2011, 80.7 million households in India live without electricity and of these about 75 million households are in rural areas. Critically examine the reasons behind such disparity between urban and rural households and critically comment on government’s policy in addressing the issue of energy poverty. (200 Words)

Down to Earth

Reference

Ans- Energy poverty is a persistent issue that continues to be a central focus in the government’s budgeting, as is apparent by the level of annual subsidization levied on the OPCs and the energy industry. This has to be analyzed in the context of the energy complex, a concept that has influenced the understanding on rural energy access and usage.

Poverty and energy access present an immense divide between the urban and rural populations, and although the government has attempted to replace rudimentary (wood) forms of energy for the consumer, with newer forms such as LPG, kerosene, solar panels, the poor still struggle. The reason being that the usage pattern and consumer preference linked to energy usage in India cannot be assumed as being in a linear pattern. The government’s understanding is that once a better option for energy is provided whether it is for electrification or cooking, the previous form will be abandoned. The government’s recent push to expand its LPG network to rural areas has still resulted in what is referred as an ‘energy complex’. The usage of each type of fuel depends on location of village, proximity to resource body such as forest or dry shrub land, number of women in household, annual income, land holding, caste etc. All these factors combined influence the type and intensity with a particular fuel is used.

In terms of providing electricity, there is a definite divide. This divide simply exists because of the government’s inability to understand energy usage patterns, and also in the lack of funds that exist in setting up energy infrastructure. IGO reports released annually use a variety of factors in order to get an assessment of energy usage across rural sections in developing countries to better understand and plan for an efficient alternative. Even then this is quite a task; more importantly the government at this stage should focus on

1. Improving road infrastructure as a primary initiative to allowing the spread of LPG usage across villages for cooking purposes.

2. In terms of providing electricity on a wider network, a better investment of infrastructure is required. Transmission is the central focus here as resources are distributed unevenly across the country: coal reserves largely in the eastern sector and hydel reserves in the northern sector. Power generation happens, but the level with which it is transferred is important.

3. Corporations such as Power Finance and REC (Rural Electrification Corporation) need better co-ordination and greater investment in FDI in order to distribute resources across the rural sector.

4. Renewable energy continues to be an unexplored sector that should be seriously invested into. If the center is strapped for funds on a yearly basis, foreign intervention into amenities such as solar panel chargers, solar cookers for case specific locations would be helpful.

5. Offshore generation of wind energy is still in its preliminary stages, and holds promise across coastal states that can harness this potential.

Topic: Environmental pollution and degradation

Q) What do you understand by Black Carbon? Examine its impact on ecosystem. (200 Words)

Down to Earth

Down to Earth-2

Ans- Black Carbon or soot refers to the solid particle emitted during incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. BC is the solid fraction of PM2.5 that strongly absorbs light and converts that energy to heat. Emissions of BC comes from mobile sources especially diesel vehicles, biomass burning (including wildfires), residential heating and industry.

It has much shorter life span – a few hours to 20 years than CO2 (lifespan of more than 100 years) but plays a far greater role in global warming as it traps more heat. Because of its short lifetime in the atmosphere the effects of BC are most important regionally, especially in South and East Asia. Other hotspots occur in Mexico, Brazil, Peru, and parts of Africa.

IMPACT ON ECOSYSTEM:

1. Melting of snow and ice, by absorbing heat in the atmosphere and by reducing albedo(the Earth's ability to reflect sunlight, when deposited on snow and ice) 2. Interference with cloud formation and changes in precipitation patterns. 3. Reduced agricultural production in some parts of the world. 4. Soiling and damage of material 5. Global temperature change 6. Visibility impairment 7. Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases in human beings

Mitigating BC by using clean fuels, making emissions standards for industries and clean and efficient household cooking solutions, especially in rural areas could prove effective in slowing down the planet’s warming.

Topic: Awareness in the fields of bio-technology ; Also Paper – 1 (Locational factors)

Q) Fifteen years after it rose and went limp, the biotech sector, globally, as well as in India has seen a bull run of sorts and India has become the world’s 12th biggest biotechnology economy having the second highest number of USFDA-approved plants. Examine the factors responsible for this rise and also examine if this run is sustainable in coming years. (200 Words)

Down to Earth

Ans- Biotechnology Sector has seen an unprecedented growth in the recent times. The phenomenon is seen not only in India but also in US. Some of the factors which are responsible for the growth is as follows:

1) R&D and new compositions: There has been a surge seen in biotechnology R&D and new composition formations in last 3 to4 years. For example last year Biocon has developed Alzumab for the treatment of Psoriasis.

2) USFDA approvals: USFDA is approving new medicines at a much faster rate than they ever did, this is been done with the ambition to control some of the deadly diseases.

3) Biosimilar: There has been a surge noticed in this area as well, its organic similar of the inorganic medicines and it comes relatively cheaper.

4) Patents: A lots of patents are completing their 20 years of regime and henceforth the list of generic manufacturer will increase.

5) Merger and Acquisitions: As generic manufacturers are seeing an increase in their list the big MNCs are also trying to get into generic market by means of M&A. Last few years have seen an increase in the M&A activities in Pharma sector.

6) International demands: USA healthcare programs need more and more generic medicines, generic medicines constitute 75% of their market which is expected to rise further. Similarly, India is seeing a huge demand from African countries.

Currently, the sector seems bullish; however there are a few concerns. A lot of new entrants have come to make quick money in this sector, which would also run away faster in case the sector gets bearish, that can make the Industry fragile. But, over all the good performance seems to continue in the coming years, as additionally, Indian Government is also pushing up the health expenditure under National Health Policy.

Topic: Conservation and environmental pollution and degradation; Paper – 2 (Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors )

Q) Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued guidelines on access and benefit sharing (ABS) of biological resources. Examine the objective behind these guidelines and their impact on traditional medicines manufacturing industry. (200 Words)

Down to Earth

Ans- There are many small and big players in the field of AYUSH medicines (AYUSH means Auyrveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) which have seen a growth in the last decade in their business but have not shared a bit of the profit with the State Biodiversity Board (SBB) and National Biodiversity Board (NBB), in spite of the provision for Access to Benefits (ABS) of biological resources clause in the Biodiversity Act, 2002. MoEF&CC recent guidelines on ABS would help the SBB and NBB to get their due share which runs in thousands of crore. Thus, it would strengthen the financial position of the Government. However, the traditional medicines manufacturing industry are not happy over this guideline, as this would create a dent in their profit margins. They are already suffering due to the vagueness in NTAC (Normally Traded As Commodities) list. The NTAC list have also drawn criticism to the Governments from the environmental groups for exempting much more plants than actually required. Thus, the guideline would help state generate more revenue, control over use of rare plants, punish the offenders but it will also throw the small players out of business, hence, can create a livelihood issue for many

Topic: environmental pollution and degradation

Q) Critically highlight the hazards of indoor air pollution. Suggest what measures are needed to address this issue. (200 Words)

Down to Earth

Ans- Air pollution is a major concern in this rapidly industrialized world. Indoor air pollution out of that can be easily controlled than controlling outdoor. Most of the indoor pollutants are released by using solid fuels(wood, charcoal,coal,dung), kerosene lit lamps.

Fine particles and carbon monoxide are also damaging pollutants indoors. Hazards: 1)Women and children are more susceptible to these.It can create serious health issues to women. 2) They cause many diseases like chronic obstructive lung disease, lung cancer, cataract. 3) They can also cause high blood pressure and heart diseases. 4) They are responsible for more than a million deaths in the countyr every year. Measures: 1) We need to switch to clean fuel.

2) Government need to expand the reach of LPG so that it reaches to more and more rural areas. 3) Government can extend the subsidies to people in lower strata for LPG. 4) Government need to stop subsidies on kerosene, so that its use as fuel is discouraged. 4) People should make their homes with proper ventilation and airy. Indoor air pollution can be stopped with few small measures if government and people themselves make effort for it.

It will help in improving the health of women specially and will protect children from its harmful effects

Topic: Disaster Management

Q) The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), in a report, has said as much as US $314 billion will have to be spent every year to meet annual average losses from just earthquakes, tsunamis, tropical cyclones and river flooding. Critically discuss why it’s imperative for governments to invest in disaster managements and risk reduction strategies and the cost of neglecting these measures. (200 Words)

Down to Earth

Ans- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climatic Change (IPCC) came to the conclusion that, worldwide the frequency and magnitude of all types of natural disasters are on the rise. Disasters occur in India with grim regularity causing enormous loss of life and property. Almost 85% of the country is vulnerable to single or multiple disasters and about 57% of its area lies in high seismic zones. Approximately 40 million hectares of the country’s land area is prone to flood, about 8% of the total land mass is vulnerable to cyclone and 68% of the area is susceptible to drought.

The magnitude of loss of human lives and livelihood in our country due to such disasters is excessive by any modern standard. In terms of erosion of resources, disasters have proved frightfully expensive. According to a recent study by the World Bank, 2.25% of the GDP and 12.15% of the revenue of the country were lost due to natural disasters. Globally, such disasters have claimed over 1.3 million lives and cost the global economy at least $2 trillion in the past 20 years.

Disaster risk is a consequence of hazard and vulnerability. Disaster risk can be reduced by forecasting occurrence of hazards as accurately as possible and well in time, and preparing in advance for their onset and even manipulating those natural hazards, which lend themselves to manipulation. It can also be brought down by taking measures to reduce vulnerability.

Ref: 3rd Report of ARC.

Topic: Conservation

Q) Many species of plants and animals are endangered in India. Explain why and evaluate if policies taken by the government are effective in protecting these species. (200 Words)

NCERT

Ans- India, is one of the 17 mega biodiversity countries of the world and accounts for 7.8% of the recorded species of the world. However, catering to the resource needs of its massive human population takes a hit on its natural resources like forests,atmosphere and water bodies which in turn leads to loss of biodiversity.

About a fifth of these species are now endangered and nearly one fourth of the species listed in the Convention of International trade in Endangered species(CITES) are found in India.

A substantial national system of natural reserves which started from nothing in 1956 has been built to conserve these species and their environment. Inspite of this system being under financed, overextended and patchy in its coverage India has had some remarkable success stories in its conservation programme.

-The Tiger Project has led to an increase in the tiger population through out the country

- The Gir Forests are now the last home of the Asiatic Lion- extinct elsewhere

- One horned rhinoceros finds a protected home in Assam and Bengal

-inbreeding programme for endangered species like crocodiles,turtles, vultures and the Indian Bustard have ensured their survival

-The Forest Conservation Act 1980 was enacted to lessen the large-scale habitat destruction caused by deforestation.

-An end to the alteration of first-growth forests into eucalyptus plantations, but it also swung the importance from a commercially-centered forest management to the conservation-centered forest management.

-Elephants have enjoyed an absolute protection since the promulgation of a Wild Elephant Protection Act 1879 and ban on the commercial trading of Asian elephants and one horned rhinos which involved the export of ivory.

-Biospheres reserves for sustainable management of forest produce and protection of flora and fauna

-cultivation of endemic herbs and plants in botanical gardens and seed banks to preserve indigenous species.

There is always scope for adopting more effective policy measures to plug the gaps (continued poaching and loss of habitat etc) considering India can draw from its various success stories.