UPSC Environment Ecology Agriculture Notes

#Environment

■ China's Mega-Dam Project:
Geopolitical and Environmental Impact on Brahmaputra-

● Strategic Importance: Managing Transboundary Water Resources:

✅The Brahmaputra River, one of Asia’s largest transboundary river systems, flows through China, India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

✅Known as the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, the river originates in the Tibetan and becomes the Brahmaputra as it enters India and Bangladesh.

✅China, positioned upstream, has major influence over the river’s flow, making any projects there especially critical for the lower riparian nations—India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

✅With its latest mega-dam plans, China is asserting its control over the river’s resources, which are vital to the water security of its neighbours.

● Geopolitical stakes: A ‘water war’ scenario?

✅The Brahmaputra basin has become a geopolitical flashpoint as China, India, and Bhutan each seek to harness its waters for hydropower, irrigation, and flood control.

✅China’s new dam at the Great Bend, if completed, will significantly impact water flow downstream, especially in India and Bangladesh, where the river provides crucial water for agriculture, drinking, and industry.

✅Some analysts argue that such mega-dams could spark conflicts over water resources, with lower riparian countries perceiving them as “water bombs” capable of triggering economic and ecological crises.

● Risks for communities: Disruption and disaster

✅For communities living along the Brahmaputra, the development of large-scale hydropower projects is already altering the natural rhythms of the river.

✅Traditional knowledge, honed over centuries, no longer serves these communities as the dynamics of floods, droughts, and water availability change unpredictably.

✅The construction of China’s massive hydropower dam will disrupt water flow patterns, potentially triggering catastrophic consequences for downstream farmers, fisheries, and ecosystems.

✅Communities in India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh will bear the brunt of these changes, from unpredictable water flows to altered monsoon patterns and groundwater levels.

● The race for hydropower dominance:

✅China’s project at the Great Bend is part of a larger trend of hydropower development on the Brahmaputra. India is moving forward with its own large-scale hydropower project on the Upper Siang, and Bhutan has been constructing several smaller dams.

✅However, unlike China, neither India nor Bhutan has the infrastructure or the political backing to match the scale of China’s ambitions.

✅Additionally, a lack of a formal treaty governing shared water use, such as the United Nations Convention on International Watercourses, leaves the region vulnerable to unilateral actions by the upstream nation.

● Impact: The environmental and ecological threat

✅The ecological impact of these dam projects is severe. As the Tibetan Plateau, also known as Asia's "water tower," is crucial to the climate systems affecting the entire region, these hydropower projects disrupt not just water flow but also the region’s delicate ecosystems.

✅Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) have already increased in the Himalayas, and continued dam-building could trigger more environmental disasters.

✅The 2023 collapse of the Chungthang Dam in Sikkim, India, which resulted in widespread destruction, is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities posed by such infrastructure.

● Global implications: A new approach for the Himalayas?

✅Scholars suggest that the long-term consequences of these dam projects need to be seen through the lens of planetary ecology rather than narrow national interests.

✅These massive infrastructure projects risk transforming the entire Himalayan region into a “risk-scape,” affecting not just the communities but also global climate patterns, biodiversity, and water cycles.

✅As China pushes forward with its plans, India could emerge as a regional leader by choosing a more collaborative, ecologically sensitive approach rather than mirroring China’s top-down, hydropower-driven strategy.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ Why Greenland Matters: A
Resource-Rich Island in a Warming World -

● Key Features and Impact: Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels:

✅Greenland is experiencing warming at a rate four times faster than the rest of the globe, making it a crucial barometer for climate change.

✅Its ice sheet holds enough water that, if fully melted, could raise global sea levels by 24 feet (7.4 meters), significantly impacting coastlines worldwide.

✅Since 1992, Greenland has lost approximately 182 billion tons of ice annually, with figures reaching nearly 490 billion tons in recent years.

✅This ongoing melting process is often referred to as "zombie ice," which is already committed to melting regardless of future climate action.

✅The island's melting ice is also influencing the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), a vital ocean current that regulates weather patterns and could potentially lead to drastic climate shifts if disrupted.

● Greenland’s Strategic Geopolitical Importance: A Geopolitical Prize in a Warming World:

✅Greenland’s location at the intersection of the U.S., Russia, and Europe makes it a critical geopolitical asset, especially as the Arctic opens up for more shipping and trade.

✅The island is already home to a significant U.S. military base, and its proximity to key global powers makes it a focal point of strategic competition.

✅Interest in Greenland surged during Donald Trump’s presidency when he proposed the idea of acquiring the territory, reflecting the island’s growing importance on the global stage.

● Valuable Resources: Untapped Minerals and Fossil Fuels

✅Beneath Greenland’s ice lies a treasure trove of valuable resources, including rare earth minerals essential for telecommunications, as well as uranium, oil, and natural gas.

✅As global demand for these materials increases, particularly in the face of China's dominance in mineral supply, countries like the United States are seeking to secure access to Greenland's untapped resources.

✅Although Denmark has suspended oil development offshore from Greenland, the resources remain a significant point of interest for future exploitation as climate change makes extraction more feasible.

● Environmental and Climate Effects: A Key Driver of Global Weather Patterns:

✅Greenland plays a pivotal role in regulating the Earth's weather, particularly through its influence on the jet stream and other atmospheric patterns.

✅The island’s ice cover has been linked to extreme weather events, such as the 2012 Superstorm Sandy, with scientists noting how Greenland's changing weather patterns can shift storm trajectories and intensify weather systems across the North Atlantic.

✅The melting ice is not only changing the color of the island, from white to darker blue and green, but it is also increasing the absorption of heat, accelerating the warming process.

● Greenland’s Global Significance: Beyond Resources: A Catalyst for Climate Change and Global Weather:

✅As an essential element of Earth’s climate system, Greenland's melting ice could trigger a "climate tipping point" with the potential to destabilize weather patterns globally.

✅The island’s ice sheet, along with its role in ocean currents, is a critical component of a fragile system that helps maintain stability in temperature and precipitation patterns worldwide.

✅The ongoing shifts in Greenland are likely to influence not just local weather, but agricultural output, ecosystems, and the stability of human populations, particularly in coastal regions.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ Impact of Climate Change on Earth’s Water Cycle-

✅Climate change has significantly disrupted Earth’s water cycle, leading to extreme precipitation, ferocious floods, and devastating droughts.
According to the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report, this disruption has affected billions globally.

✅The report, prepared by an international team of researchers using satellite and ground station data, sheds light on how climate change is intensifying the water cycle.

● Understanding the Water Cycle:

✅The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, involves the continuous movement of water in its various forms—solid, liquid, and gas—through the ground, atmosphere, and oceans.

✅The process begins with water evaporating from bodies of water or the ground into the atmosphere. Plants also contribute to the cycle through transpiration, releasing water vapour into the air. The water vapour then condenses to form clouds, which release precipitation in the form of rain or snow.

✅The precipitation replenishes bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and glaciers, and is absorbed by the soil or enters groundwater, restarting the cycle. This process is vital as it ensures water availability for living organisms and helps regulate weather patterns across the Earth.

● Impact of Climate Change on the Water Cycle:

✅Climate change is accelerating the water cycle. As temperatures rise, more water evaporates from the ground and oceans into the atmosphere.

✅Warmer air holds more moisture, and for every 1°C increase in temperature, the atmosphere can hold approximately 7% more moisture. This intensifies storms, increases the frequency and intensity of precipitation, and leads to more severe flooding.

✅While some regions experience frequent and intense storms, others face drier conditions, leading to increased evaporation from the soil and heightened drought risk.

✅When rainfall does occur, much of the water runs off hardened soil into rivers and streams, leaving the ground dry and leading to further evaporation.
As a result, the water cycle is becoming more erratic, with regions facing both extreme floods and worsening droughts.

● Research Findings on Global Water Cycle Changes:

✅The 2024 report confirms that the ongoing increase in global temperatures—projected to rise by 2.6-3.1°C by the end of the century if greenhouse gas emissions are not significantly reduced—will exacerbate these changes.

✅A 2022 study published in Nature found that climate change has intensified the global water cycle by up to 7.4%, far exceeding previous estimates of 2% to 4%.

✅The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has also warned that the ongoing changes will lead to more frequent and severe droughts and extreme rainfall events.

● Conclusion:

✅These findings underscore the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change and reduce the devastating impacts on the water cycle, weather patterns, and human populations.

SOURCE - INDIANS EXPRESS

#Environment

■ Rare Caracals Spotted at Rajasthan’s Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve -

✅Habitat loss and shrinking range Once widely spread across India, the caracal’s range
has dramatically shrunk.

✅Before 1947, they inhabited 793,927 sq km of India, but this area plummeted by 47.99% between 1948 and 2000, and a staggering 95.95% between 2001 and 2020.

✅Today, the caracal’s range has dwindled to a mere 16,709 sq km, less than 5% of its pre-1947 range.

✅Rajasthan has become a rare refuge, with 24 documented sightings since 2001, the highest in the country.

✅However, the exact population remains uncertain, as the animals' elusive nature makes monitoring difficult.

● Critical habitats:
Where caracals thrive

✅Caracals are mostly found in dry, deciduous forests, arid regions, and eroded riverbanks, often near water sources and ravines.

✅In Rajasthan, aside from the well-known Ranthambore, sightings have also been recorded in Udaipur and the isolated Chittorgarh-Pratapgarh region.

✅This indicates the state's importance as a sanctuary for these threatened wild cats, which face threats from habitat destruction across various states.

● A glimpse of the caracal:
Distinctive features and skills

✅Easily identifiable by the distinctive tufts of hair at the tips of their ears, caracals are nocturnal, agile, and highly elusive hunters.

✅They prey on rodents and game birds, often demonstrating impressive leaps of up to three meters in a single bound.

✅Their paws, similar to those of a cheetah, help them hunt with remarkable speed and precision.

✅Despite their elusive nature, caracals continue to intrigue wildlife enthusiasts, and their presence in Rajasthan is seen as a promising sign for the species’ conservation.

● Conservation efforts:
A glimmer of hope

✅The confirmation of caracal sightings in the Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve represents a crucial step forward for the conservation of this critically endangered species.

✅The continued monitoring and protection of these habitats are essential to ensuring the survival of the caracal in Rajasthan and India as a whole.

✅As the state remains a key stronghold for these rare wild cats, efforts to protect their environment and raise awareness about their plight will be vital to reversing their declining numbers.

SOURCE - ToI

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#Environment

■ Zebrafish Protein Hmga1 Shows Promise for Heart Regeneration -

● Zebrafish Heart Regeneration:

✅Unlike humans, zebrafish possess a remarkable regenerative ability, allowing them to regrow heart muscle cells after injury.

✅The protein Hmga1 plays a vital role in this regeneration by activating dormant genes that help repair the heart.

● Protein Function:

✅The Hmga1 protein removes molecular ‘roadblocks’ on chromatin, enabling previously inactive genes to become active again, facilitating heart muscle cell regeneration.

✅While this protein is dormant in adult mice and humans after embryonic development, it remains active in zebrafish during heart repair.

● Mammalian Testing:

✅Researchers tested the protein on damaged mouse hearts.

✅Applying Hmga1 locally prompted heart muscle cells to divide and grow, enhancing heart function.

✅Remarkably, the protein only stimulated cell division in the damaged area, ensuring targeted repair without side effects like excessive growth or enlargement of the heart.

● Potential Implications:

✅This breakthrough suggests that activating Hmga1 could help improve heart regeneration in humans and mammals, potentially transforming the treatment of heart disease in the future.

● Conclusion:

✅This discovery offers potential for future heart regeneration therapies by activating Hmga1, providing a new avenue for treating heart damage in humans and mammals.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ Cyclone Chido - Destruction in Mayotte and Its Aftermath-

✅Cyclone Chido has become the worst storm to impact the French overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean in nearly 90 years. The powerful storm, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life, continues to have a severe impact on the region, as rescue operations unfold and damage assessment is ongoing.

● What is Cyclone Chido?

✅1. Formation: Cyclone Chido developed from a tropical depression in the southeastern Indian Ocean from December 7-8. A tropical depression refers to an area of low pressure over the ocean with wind speeds of 61 km/h (38 mph) or less.

✅2. Intensification: Chido strengthened into a full-fledged cyclone and reached Mayotte, an archipelago with a population of 320,000 people, off the east coast of Africa. The cyclone intensified with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h (137 mph) when it made landfall in Mayotte, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

● Impact and Destruction:

✅1. Mayotte: The cyclone caused severe damage in Mayotte, including 19 confirmed deaths as per the French Interministerial Crisis Management Operational Centre (COGIC), though fears of a much higher death toll persist. The difficulty in determining the exact toll is compounded by the large population of undocumented migrants and the cultural practice of burying the dead quickly.

✅The storm caused catastrophic damage with the destruction of homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. Thousands have been displaced, with 100,000 people relocated to 70 emergency shelters. Mayotte’s shanty towns, which are home to a large portion of the population, were the hardest hit, as many buildings made from sheet metal were unable to withstand the storm's power.

✅2. Other Affected Areas: Cyclone Chido also affected neighboring Mozambique, Madagascar, and the Comoros Islands, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging houses. It caused at least three deaths in Mozambique.

● Infrastructure Damage in Mayotte:

✅Critical infrastructure in Mayotte, including water treatment plants, roads, and electrical lines, has been severely damaged, complicating recovery efforts.

✅The health system has been severely impacted, with the main airport’s control tower also sustaining damage, making rescue operations more difficult.

✅Power outages affected 15,000 people, and internet access was lost for over 36 hours.

● Current Situation and Rescue Operations:

✅As of Monday morning, Cyclone Chido had weakened to a post-tropical cyclone near Malawi and is expected to dissipate by Tuesday. However, it left behind devastating destruction in its wake, especially in Mayotte, which remains in a state of crisis.

✅France has sent medical and military personnel to assist with rescue operations. Debris clearing and search for survivors continue as the official death toll remains uncertain.

● Climate Change and the Future of Cyclones:

✅Cyclone Chido highlights the increasing severity of tropical storms, which scientists attribute to climate change. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist, noted that the Indian Ocean is warming rapidly, contributing to the intensification of cyclones like Chido.

✅As oceans warm, cyclones are expected to become more powerful, emphasizing the need for better storm monitoring and early warning systems.

● Lessons and Preparedness:

✅Experts like Koll advocate for governments to disaster-proof coastal cities, ensuring that infrastructure is resilient against cyclones and that communities are better prepared for future storms.

✅Monitoring systems and timely warnings are critical in mitigating the impact of such storms and saving lives.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ Cyclone Chido - Destruction in Mayotte and Its Aftermath-

✅Cyclone Chido has become the worst storm to impact the French overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean in nearly 90 years. The powerful storm, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life, continues to have a severe impact on the region, as rescue operations unfold and damage assessment is ongoing.

● What is Cyclone Chido?

✅1. Formation: Cyclone Chido developed from a tropical depression in the southeastern Indian Ocean from December 7-8. A tropical depression refers to an area of low pressure over the ocean with wind speeds of 61 km/h (38 mph) or less.

✅2. Intensification: Chido strengthened into a full-fledged cyclone and reached Mayotte, an archipelago with a population of 320,000 people, off the east coast of Africa. The cyclone intensified with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h (137 mph) when it made landfall in Mayotte, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

● Impact and Destruction:

✅1. Mayotte: The cyclone caused severe damage in Mayotte, including 19 confirmed deaths as per the French Interministerial Crisis Management Operational Centre (COGIC), though fears of a much higher death toll persist. The difficulty in determining the exact toll is compounded by the large population of undocumented migrants and the cultural practice of burying the dead quickly.

✅The storm caused catastrophic damage with the destruction of homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. Thousands have been displaced, with 100,000 people relocated to 70 emergency shelters. Mayotte’s shanty towns, which are home to a large portion of the population, were the hardest hit, as many buildings made from sheet metal were unable to withstand the storm's power.

✅2. Other Affected Areas: Cyclone Chido also affected neighboring Mozambique, Madagascar, and the Comoros Islands, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging houses. It caused at least three deaths in Mozambique.

● Infrastructure Damage in Mayotte:

✅Critical infrastructure in Mayotte, including water treatment plants, roads, and electrical lines, has been severely damaged, complicating recovery efforts.

✅The health system has been severely impacted, with the main airport’s control tower also sustaining damage, making rescue operations more difficult.

✅Power outages affected 15,000 people, and internet access was lost for over 36 hours.

● Current Situation and Rescue Operations:

✅As of Monday morning, Cyclone Chido had weakened to a post-tropical cyclone near Malawi and is expected to dissipate by Tuesday. However, it left behind devastating destruction in its wake, especially in Mayotte, which remains in a state of crisis.

✅France has sent medical and military personnel to assist with rescue operations. Debris clearing and search for survivors continue as the official death toll remains uncertain.

● Climate Change and the Future of Cyclones:

✅Cyclone Chido highlights the increasing severity of tropical storms, which scientists attribute to climate change. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist, noted that the Indian Ocean is warming rapidly, contributing to the intensification of cyclones like Chido.

✅As oceans warm, cyclones are expected to become more powerful, emphasizing the need for better storm monitoring and early warning systems.

● Lessons and Preparedness:

✅Experts like Koll advocate for governments to disaster-proof coastal cities, ensuring that infrastructure is resilient against cyclones and that communities are better prepared for future storms.

✅Monitoring systems and timely warnings are critical in mitigating the impact of such storms and saving lives.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ India’s Transformative Journey in Combating Land Degradation and Desertification-

✅Union Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav has reiterated India’s commitment to addressing land degradation and desertification, aligning with the objectives of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

✅Speaking at the Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience during CoP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Yadav highlighted India’s pioneering efforts in land restoration and sustainable development.

● India’s Progress and Global Leadership:

✅1. Commitment to Land Restoration

✅India has committed to restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

✅Established the Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Land Management, focusing on a scientific approach to address land degradation and sharing India’s expertise globally.

✅2. Tackling Desertification and Poverty

✅Recognized the link between desertification and socio-economic challenges, particularly poverty.

✅Prioritized community-driven initiatives to restore degraded lands and strengthen rural livelihoods.

● Key Milestones in the UNCCD Journey:

✅CoP 5 (Geneva): Identified land degradation as a critical global environmental challenge.

✅CoP 10: Focused on community-driven solutions for land restoration.

✅CoP 14 (India):

✅Commitment to restore 26 million hectares by 2030 under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership.

✅Recognition of land restoration as a climate change strategy.

✅CoP 15 (Abidjan):

✅Emphasized land restoration for job creation and climate adaptation.

✅Supported the G-20’s trillion-tree goal, contributing to carbon sink creation.

● Innovative Strategies and Technological Integration:

✅Proactive Drought Resilience

✅Shifted from reactive responses to sustainable, proactive strategies centered on preparedness and prevention.

✅Leveraged institutions like:

✅Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and National Remote Sensing Centre for:

✅Drought vulnerability assessments.

✅Real-time monitoring.

✅Early warning systems.

● Sustainable Agricultural Practices:

✅Soil Health Cards issued to farmers for better land management and soil health sustainability.

✅Promotion of organic farming to support resilient agricultural practices.

● Economic and Environmental Benefits:

✅Addressing challenges like food security and climate change has led to:

✅Creation of green jobs.

✅Enhancement of rural prosperity.

✅Building drought resilience across vulnerable regions.

● India’s Broader Contributions to Global Goals:

✅Supported international initiatives like the G-20’s trillion-tree initiative and UNCCD’s sustainable development objectives.

✅Shared technology-driven solutions with other nations, reinforcing India’s role as a global leader in environmental sustainability.

● Bilateral Collaborations at CoP16:

✅Held discussions with ministers from Saudi Arabia and Kenya on sustainable development and mutual interests, enhancing global partnerships in land restoration.

● Future Outlook: Sustainability and Resilience:

✅Minister Yadav concluded by reaffirming India’s pledge to:

✅Restore degraded lands.

✅Enhance livelihoods in rural areas.

✅Protect fragile ecosystems.

✅Align actions with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

✅India’s innovative strategies, coupled with strong leadership, underscore its commitment to building a sustainable and resilient future while sharing its expertise to combat global environmental challenges.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ India’s First Highway with Bio-Bitumen Blended Surface Inaugurated-

✅ Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated a 1 km stretch on the Jabalpur-Nagpur route, marking the creation of Asia's first highway with a bio-bitumen blended surface.

✅ The trial patch, located near the ‘Kamptee 22 km' milestone, is set to address both pollution from stubble burning and cost-efficiency in road construction.

● Technology and Impact on Pollution Reduction:

✅The innovative bio-bitumen technology uses crop stubble as a primary source, which farmers can now sell instead of burning the residue, thereby helping reduce air pollution.

✅Gadkari called the project his dream initiative and expressed hope that widespread use of this technology would lead to a dramatic reduction in air pollution.

✅Economic Benefits: Stubble is currently being sold for Rs 2,500 per tonne in Punjab and Haryana. As bio-bitumen replaces conventional bitumen by 15%, road construction costs are expected to reduce. The project is projected to cut imports of petroleum bitumen by Rs 4,500 crore initially.

✅Rubber Powder Contribution: The bio-bitumen blend also contains 10% rubber powder, further reducing the proportion of petroleum bitumen.

● Ongoing Testing and Future Plans:

✅While the project shows promise, its success is still two years away. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) will evaluate the road’s durability under heavy traffic and changing seasonal conditions.

✅A key metric for success is that the road should not deflect more than 0.4mm during this period.

✅Once CRRI submits its final report, bitumen manufacturers will be encouraged to frame policies for purchasing lignin (a byproduct of ethanol and CBG production) for bio-bitumen blending.

● The Bio-Bitumen Production Cycle:

✅1. Ethanol and CBG Production: The process begins with producing ethanol and compressed biogas (CBG) from crop stubble, which generates lignin as a byproduct.

✅2. Blending with Conventional Bitumen: Lignin is then used as a raw material for bio-bitumen. The bio-bitumen is blended with conventional bitumen, and the 15% blend is made possible by Praj Industries, in collaboration with CRRI.

✅3. Proven Success: A previous pilot project in Halol, Gujarat demonstrated positive results, with the bio-bitumen road withstanding 2.5 years and three monsoon seasons, showing 40% stronger performance than conventional bitumen.

● Expanding the Bio-Bitumen Ecosystem

✅With over 400 CBG projects planned across India, there is expected to be a significant demand for biomass sourced from crop residues. The byproducts from CBG production, including lignin, will continue to be refined and used in bio-bitumen production.

✅1. Diverse Feedstock: A variety of feedstock, such as rice straw and bamboo, can be utilized in the production of bio-bitumen, further diversifying the agricultural waste supply chain.

✅2. Economic and Environmental Benefits: India currently spends around Rs 90,000 crore on bitumen, with Rs 50,000 crore of this imported. Producing bitumen from lignin is expected to reduce import dependency and lower production costs by Rs 8/kg. The use of rubber powder will also benefit the rubber industry.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

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#Agriculture

■ Farmers' IDs: First to hit 25% mark, Gujarat set to get incentives:

✅Agriculture Ministry sources said Gujarat officials have informed them that the state will be sending a formal proposal to get the funds under the the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25 in the next few days.

● Highlights:

✅Gujarat is poised to become the first state to avail of the Centre’s incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25, having achieved 25% of its target for creating a Farmers’ Registry.

✅This milestone was reached with 17.47 lakh Farmer IDs generated out of the state’s target of 66.21 lakh farmers. The state will soon formally apply for the associated funds, according to Agriculture Ministry officials.

● Farmers’ Registry and Digital Agriculture:

✅A Farmer ID, or Kisan Pehchaan Patra, serves as a unique Aadhaar-based digital identity linked to state land records. It includes details like demographics, crops sown, and land ownership, forming the backbone of the Farmers’ Registry.

✅This registry is part of the AgriStack initiative under the Centre’s Digital Agriculture Mission, which aims to build digital public infrastructure for India’s agriculture sector.

● Central Incentives and Targets:

✅Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Budget Speech that 6 crore farmers would be brought into the farmer and land registries this fiscal year. To incentivize states, the Centre has allocated ₹5,000 crore for the Farmers’ Registry in 2024-25, with funds disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

● Funding Milestones:

✅25% Coverage: ₹500 per Farmer ID.

✅50% Coverage: ₹750 per Farmer ID.

✅75% Coverage: ₹1,250 per Farmer ID.

✅100% Coverage: ₹1,750 per Farmer ID.

✅For example, a state registering 25 lakh farmers at 25% coverage would receive ₹125 crore, with progressively higher amounts for increased coverage.

● National Progress:

✅While Gujarat leads with 25% coverage, other states are progressing:

✅Madhya Pradesh: 9% coverage.

✅Maharashtra: 2% coverage.

✅States like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have also initiated Farmer ID generation.

✅The Centre has adopted a camp-mode approach to expedite the process, offering ₹15,000 per camp and ₹10 per Farmer ID as additional incentives to states.

● Benefits of the Farmers’ Registry:

✅The Farmers’ Registry will allow farmers to:

✅Digitally identify and authenticate themselves.

✅Access government benefits and services without cumbersome paperwork.

✅Minimize the need for physical visits to offices and service providers.

✅This digital infrastructure promises to streamline service delivery and enhance efficiency in India’s agricultural sector.

● Prelims Takeaways:

✅Kisan Pehchaan Patra

✅Digital Agriculture Mission

✅PM KISAN

SOURCE - INDIAN EXPRESS

#Environment

■ Cyclone Chido - Destruction in Mayotte and Its Aftermath-

✅Cyclone Chido has become the worst storm to impact the French overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean in nearly 90 years. The powerful storm, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life, continues to have a severe impact on the region, as rescue operations unfold and damage assessment is ongoing.

● What is Cyclone Chido?

✅1. Formation: Cyclone Chido developed from a tropical depression in the southeastern Indian Ocean from December 7-8. A tropical depression refers to an area of low pressure over the ocean with wind speeds of 61 km/h (38 mph) or less.

✅2. Intensification: Chido strengthened into a full-fledged cyclone and reached Mayotte, an archipelago with a population of 320,000 people, off the east coast of Africa. The cyclone intensified with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h (137 mph) when it made landfall in Mayotte, equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson scale.

● Impact and Destruction:

✅1. Mayotte: The cyclone caused severe damage in Mayotte, including 19 confirmed deaths as per the French Interministerial Crisis Management Operational Centre (COGIC), though fears of a much higher death toll persist. The difficulty in determining the exact toll is compounded by the large population of undocumented migrants and the cultural practice of burying the dead quickly.

✅The storm caused catastrophic damage with the destruction of homes, roads, and critical infrastructure. Thousands have been displaced, with 100,000 people relocated to 70 emergency shelters. Mayotte’s shanty towns, which are home to a large portion of the population, were the hardest hit, as many buildings made from sheet metal were unable to withstand the storm's power.

✅2. Other Affected Areas: Cyclone Chido also affected neighboring Mozambique, Madagascar, and the Comoros Islands, bringing heavy rainfall and damaging houses. It caused at least three deaths in Mozambique.

● Infrastructure Damage in Mayotte:

✅Critical infrastructure in Mayotte, including water treatment plants, roads, and electrical lines, has been severely damaged, complicating recovery efforts.

✅The health system has been severely impacted, with the main airport’s control tower also sustaining damage, making rescue operations more difficult.

✅Power outages affected 15,000 people, and internet access was lost for over 36 hours.

● Current Situation and Rescue Operations:

✅As of Monday morning, Cyclone Chido had weakened to a post-tropical cyclone near Malawi and is expected to dissipate by Tuesday. However, it left behind devastating destruction in its wake, especially in Mayotte, which remains in a state of crisis.

✅France has sent medical and military personnel to assist with rescue operations. Debris clearing and search for survivors continue as the official death toll remains uncertain.

● Climate Change and the Future of Cyclones:

✅Cyclone Chido highlights the increasing severity of tropical storms, which scientists attribute to climate change. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist, noted that the Indian Ocean is warming rapidly, contributing to the intensification of cyclones like Chido.

✅As oceans warm, cyclones are expected to become more powerful, emphasizing the need for better storm monitoring and early warning systems.

● Lessons and Preparedness:

✅Experts like Koll advocate for governments to disaster-proof coastal cities, ensuring that infrastructure is resilient against cyclones and that communities are better prepared for future storms.

✅Monitoring systems and timely warnings are critical in mitigating the impact of such storms and saving lives.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ India’s First Highway with Bio-Bitumen Blended Surface Inaugurated-

✅ Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated a 1 km stretch on the Jabalpur-Nagpur route, marking the creation of Asia's first highway with a bio-bitumen blended surface.

✅ The trial patch, located near the ‘Kamptee 22 km' milestone, is set to address both pollution from stubble burning and cost-efficiency in road construction.

● Technology and Impact on Pollution Reduction:

✅The innovative bio-bitumen technology uses crop stubble as a primary source, which farmers can now sell instead of burning the residue, thereby helping reduce air pollution.

✅Gadkari called the project his dream initiative and expressed hope that widespread use of this technology would lead to a dramatic reduction in air pollution.

✅Economic Benefits: Stubble is currently being sold for Rs 2,500 per tonne in Punjab and Haryana. As bio-bitumen replaces conventional bitumen by 15%, road construction costs are expected to reduce. The project is projected to cut imports of petroleum bitumen by Rs 4,500 crore initially.

✅Rubber Powder Contribution: The bio-bitumen blend also contains 10% rubber powder, further reducing the proportion of petroleum bitumen.

● Ongoing Testing and Future Plans:

✅While the project shows promise, its success is still two years away. The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) will evaluate the road’s durability under heavy traffic and changing seasonal conditions.

✅A key metric for success is that the road should not deflect more than 0.4mm during this period.

✅Once CRRI submits its final report, bitumen manufacturers will be encouraged to frame policies for purchasing lignin (a byproduct of ethanol and CBG production) for bio-bitumen blending.

● The Bio-Bitumen Production Cycle:

✅1. Ethanol and CBG Production: The process begins with producing ethanol and compressed biogas (CBG) from crop stubble, which generates lignin as a byproduct.

✅2. Blending with Conventional Bitumen: Lignin is then used as a raw material for bio-bitumen. The bio-bitumen is blended with conventional bitumen, and the 15% blend is made possible by Praj Industries, in collaboration with CRRI.

✅3. Proven Success: A previous pilot project in Halol, Gujarat demonstrated positive results, with the bio-bitumen road withstanding 2.5 years and three monsoon seasons, showing 40% stronger performance than conventional bitumen.

● Expanding the Bio-Bitumen Ecosystem

✅With over 400 CBG projects planned across India, there is expected to be a significant demand for biomass sourced from crop residues. The byproducts from CBG production, including lignin, will continue to be refined and used in bio-bitumen production.

✅1. Diverse Feedstock: A variety of feedstock, such as rice straw and bamboo, can be utilized in the production of bio-bitumen, further diversifying the agricultural waste supply chain.

✅2. Economic and Environmental Benefits: India currently spends around Rs 90,000 crore on bitumen, with Rs 50,000 crore of this imported. Producing bitumen from lignin is expected to reduce import dependency and lower production costs by Rs 8/kg. The use of rubber powder will also benefit the rubber industry.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Agriculture

■ Seed Congress resolves to promote biofortified crops -

✅Scientists, policymakers and industry representatives who participated in the 13th edition of the three-day National Seed Congress (NSC), which concluded on Saturday (November 30, 2024), resolved to work more on innovative seed technologies for farmers in the country.

● Highlights:

✅The 13th edition of the National Seed Congress (NSC), held from November 28 to 30, 2024, brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives to deliberate on innovative seed technologies aimed at transforming India’s agricultural landscape.

● Key Focus Areas of the Congress:

✅Innovative Seed Technologies

✅Promotion of hybrid and biofortified crops to improve yield and nutritional content.

✅Development of stress-tolerant varieties to address climate challenges.

✅Acceleration of breeding cycles through advanced technologies.

✅Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices:

✅Advocacy for methods like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and zero tillage to reduce input costs and enhance resource efficiency.

✅Integration of these practices to ensure sustainability amid changing climatic conditions.

✅Policy Frameworks and Partnerships:

✅Discussions on the introduction of a new Seeds Bill to streamline regulatory processes.

✅Emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to boost sustainable seed production and distribution.

✅Promotion of seed entrepreneurship to empower farmers and improve supply chains.

● Theme and Participation:

✅With the theme, ‘Innovating for a Sustainable Seed Ecosystem’, the Congress saw participation from over 700 delegates, including global experts. The event was jointly organized by the Union Agriculture Ministry and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

● Outcomes and Recommendations:

✅Strengthening State-Level Seed Systems

✅Uttar Pradesh, represented by Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh, announced initiatives to make the state a hub for quality seed production, leveraging recommendations from the NSC.

✅Proposals included the establishment of seed parks, enhanced PPPs, and farmer capacity building.

✅Biofortification and Food Security

✅Integration of biofortified crops, such as rice, into government programs like school nutrition schemes was endorsed.

✅These crops are seen as pivotal in addressing malnutrition and ensuring nutritional security.

✅Climate-Resilient Practices

✅Adoption of hybrid varieties and stress-tolerant crops as a response to climate change impacts.

✅IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto emphasized the importance of collective action to tackle challenges such as food insecurity and climate change.

● The Way Forward:

✅The Congress’s discussions and recommendations provide a comprehensive blueprint for advancing India’s seed ecosystem. With the focus on innovative technologies, strengthened partnerships, and robust policy frameworks, the event underscores the need for sustained collective efforts to ensure food security, economic growth, and farmer welfare in the face of evolving challenges.
Prelims Takeaways

✅International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

✅National Seed Congress (NSC)

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Agriculture

■ Farmers' IDs: First to hit 25% mark, Gujarat set to get incentives -

✅Agriculture Ministry sources said Gujarat officials have informed them that the state will be sending a formal proposal to get the funds under the the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25 in the next few days.

● Highlights:

✅Gujarat is poised to become the first state to avail of the Centre’s incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25, having achieved 25% of its target for creating a Farmers’ Registry.

✅This milestone was reached with 17.47 lakh Farmer IDs generated out of the state’s target of 66.21 lakh farmers. The state will soon formally apply for the associated funds, according to Agriculture Ministry officials.,

● Farmers’ Registry and Digital Agriculture:

✅A Farmer ID, or Kisan Pehchaan Patra, serves as a unique Aadhaar-based digital identity linked to state land records. It includes details like demographics, crops sown, and land ownership, forming the backbone of the Farmers’ Registry.

✅This registry is part of the AgriStack initiative under the Centre’s Digital Agriculture Mission, which aims to build digital public infrastructure for India’s agriculture sector.

● Central Incentives and Targets:

✅Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Budget Speech that 6 crore farmers would be brought into the farmer and land registries this fiscal year. To incentivize states, the Centre has allocated ₹5,000 crore for the Farmers’ Registry in 2024-25, with funds disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

● Funding Milestones:

✅25% Coverage: ₹500 per Farmer ID.

✅50% Coverage: ₹750 per Farmer ID.

✅75% Coverage: ₹1,250 per Farmer ID.

✅100% Coverage: ₹1,750 per Farmer ID.

✅For example, a state registering 25 lakh farmers at 25% coverage would receive ₹125 crore, with progressively higher amounts for increased coverage.

● National Progress:

✅While Gujarat leads with 25% coverage, other states are progressing:

✅Madhya Pradesh: 9% coverage.

✅Maharashtra: 2% coverage.

✅States like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have also initiated Farmer ID generation.

✅The Centre has adopted a camp-mode approach to expedite the process, offering ₹15,000 per camp and ₹10 per Farmer ID as additional incentives to states.

Benefits of the Farmers’ Registry:

● The Farmers’ Registry will allow farmers to:

✅Digitally identify and authenticate themselves.

✅Access government benefits and services without cumbersome paperwork.

✅Minimize the need for physical visits to offices and service providers.

✅This digital infrastructure promises to streamline service delivery and enhance efficiency in India’s agricultural sector.

● Prelims Takeaways

✅Kisan Pehchaan Patra

✅Digital Agriculture Mission

✅PM KISAN

SOURCE - INDIAN EXPRESS