Environment & Ecology - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Aztec Hummingbirds and Indian Sunbirds

Context

Recently, Aztec hummingbirds were spotted in India.

• The name means a ray of the sun.
• It is a hummingbird native to the American continent.
• It is also known as the Aztec hummingbird, there exist 350 species of this bird.
• They can beat their wings up to 50 times per second creating a humming sound.
• They can fly backward.
• They prefer Tubular flowers that are bright red or orange (such as lantana and rhododendron).
• They have very long hand bones but very short arm bones that are connected to the body through flexible ball-and-socket joints.
• These joints allow the wings to rotate after each half-stroke, permitting backward flight.
• The purple sunbird, one of its types is commonly found in India.
• They have the highest metabolic rate (calories burnt per minute) among vertebrates.

Rhododendron

What are Rhododendrons?

The latest publication of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) reveals that Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayas are home to more than one-third of all types of rhododendrons found in India.

Key facts about Rhododendrons:

• What is it? They are a diverse genus of about 1,000 species of woody flowering plantsin the heath family (Ericaceae), notable for their attractive flowers and handsome foliage.
• Distribution: They are native to the temperate regions of Asia, North America, and Europe, as well as to the tropical regions of southeast Asia and northern Australia.
• Habitat: They occur in a variety of habitats, including alpine regions, coniferous and broadleaved woodlands, temperate rain forests, and even tropical jungle
• They also require a slightly acid soil to grow well.
• They exhibit an enormous diversity of size and shape, from prostrate ground covers growing no more than a few inches high to trees more than 100 feet tall. 
• There are 132 taxa (80 species, 25 subspecies and 27 varieties) of rhododendrons found in India.
• Rhododendron, also known as "Lali Guras" in local language, is the national flower of Nepal and the state tree of the state of Uttarakhand in India.

Adi Ganga Revival Plan

Context

About

Where Adi Ganga lies?

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Context

• The Indian Ministry of Earth Science urges United Nations (UN) member nations to remain dedicated to the conservation and preservation of oceans and their biodiversity.

About

• India urges UN Member Nations to support conservation and sustainable economic development under UNCLOS.
• There is a need for determination among states to support global organizations for effective agreement on protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
• There is a need to resolve challenges including focus on funding, intellectual property rights, and institutional mechanisms.
• Member states can work  on Capacity building, transfer of marine technology and Environmental Impact Assessment.
• It has also asked to support sustainable economic development and the well-being of coastal people under the United Nation’s Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS).
• India has also voiced its support for the high ambition coalition for the early conclusion of the International Legally Binding Instrument – Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) under UNCLOS.
• Adoption of the BBNJ agreement signals international commitment to conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity.
• Need for a legal framework aimed at conservation for Vital resources for global seas with more than 60% yet to be managed and regulated. 

Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)

• It refers to the marine biodiversity found in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which accounts for more than 60% of the world’s oceans.
• It is not regulated by any legal framework aimed at conservation, making it vulnerable to over-exploitation and degradation.

Importance of biodiversity conservation

• Ecosystem services: Biodiversity provides a range of ecosystem services, such as air and water purification, climate regulation, pollination, and soil fertility, which are essential for human well-being.
• Economic benefits: Biodiversity supports economic activities such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism, which generate livelihoods and income for millions of people around the world.
• Medical advances: Many of the medicines used to treat illnesses and diseases are derived from plants and animals found in nature.
• Cultural and spiritual values: It is an integral part of many cultures and religions, and is valued for its aesthetic, recreational, and spiritual benefits.
• Conservation of endangered species: Biodiversity conservation helps to protect endangered species and prevent their extinction, which can have far-reaching ecological and social impacts.

Challenges of Biodiversity conservation

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Human activities such as deforestation, mining, and land-use change have led to the loss and fragmentation of habitats, which in turn have caused a decline in biodiversity.
• Climate Change: Climate change is causing significant changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, leading to alterations in ecosystems, shifts in species’ ranges, and changes in the timing of life cycle events.
• Overexploitation: Overfishing, hunting, and harvesting of natural resources have resulted in the depletion of many species, with some facing the threat of extinction.
• Pollution: Pollution from industrial activities, agriculture, and urbanization has led to the contamination of soil, water, and air, which has adversely affected biodiversity.
• Invasive Species: Invasive species, introduced intentionally or unintentionally by humans, can outcompete native species for resources and lead to their decline.
• Lack of Political Will: Despite the importance of biodiversity conservation, many governments have not made it a priority, and international efforts have not always been effective due to a lack of political will.
• Limited Resources: Conservation efforts require significant financial resources, which may not always be available or allocated adequately.

India’s Approach to Biodiversity Management

• India has been actively involved in the negotiations for the development of an international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of BBNJ under the United Nation’s Convention on the Law of Sea (UNCLOS).
• India’s legislative framework, the “Biodiversity Act of 2002,” reflects the country’s commitment to conservation, sustainable usage, and equitable benefit sharing.
• India supports the establishment of new institutions or the strengthening of existing ones with a robust democratic way of functioning.
• India has been focusing on capacity building and transfer of marine technology, and Environmental Impact Assessment.

Way ahead

• There is a need for the international community to come together and reach a consensus on a legally binding instrument that addresses the conservation and sustainable use of BBNJ.
• The instrument must also address issues such as equitable benefit sharing, capacity building, and transfer of marine technology.
• There is a need to enhance scientific knowledge about marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• Overall, the conservation of biodiversity is essential for ensuring a healthy planet and a sustainable future for all living beings.

Underwater Noise Emissions

Underwater Noise Emissions

The Marine Environment is in danger due to the increasing Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE) from ships in Indian waters, according to a News Research titled "Measuring Underwater Noise Levels Radiated by Ships in Indian Waters."

By deploying a hydrophone autonomous system around 30 nautical miles off the Goa coastline, the ambient noise levels were measured.

Key Findings of the Study

• The sound pressure levels of the Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE) in the Indian waters range from 102-115 decibels (dB relative to 1 Pa).
• According to a scientific consensus, the reference pressure for underwater sound is 1 Pa.
• The level on the East Coast is a little higher than on the West.
• There is a noticeable increase of roughly 20 dB relative to 1 Pa.
• Constant shipping activity has been found to be a significant factor in the rise in ocean noise levels worldwide.
• Animals like bottlenose dolphins, manatees, pilot whales, seals, and sperm whales are at risk from Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE).
• In the low-frequency region of less than 500 Hz, the underwater self-noise and machinery vibration levels of ships overlap the communication frequencies of marine species.
• This process, known as masking, could modify how marine species migrate to shallower areas and make it more difficult for them to return to deeper waters.
• Yet, over time, the sound that ships emit harms them and causes internal injuries, hearing loss, altered behavioral reactions, masking, and stress.

Facts

• In just 11.5 years, the global emissions of underwater noise from shipping have doubled.
• Ships' emissions of underwater noise rise sharply in Arctic regions.
• There is a lot of variation in regional patterns for shipping noise emission.
• The COVID-19 pandemic reduced worldwide maritime noise emissions to levels from 2017.
• The main source of shipping noise emissions is containerships.

What is Ocean Noise?

• The sounds produced by a human activity known as "ocean noise" stress marine ecology. It affects marine mammals' behavior, physiology, and reproductive cycle and has a direct impact on their mortality rates. This phenomenon is also referred to as anthropogenic noise pollution.
• Global warming, plastic pollution, acidification, and overfishing are just a few of the urgent issues affecting marine habitats. Ocean noise pollution is another.
• Since sound waves travel farther and quicker in water than they would on land while moving through the air, the issue is substantial. However, even low-frequency noise, which is barely audible to humans, can do great harm to marine life.

Sources of Noise Pollution in Seas and Oceans

• There are a variety of sources of ocean noise pollution, such as ship noise, low-frequency sonar "sounds," which are frequently employed to locate submarines, seismic air cannon noise from oil and gas development, commercial shipping traffic, and coastal jet ski activity.
• In regions where ships' noise pollution is a problem, the number of cetaceans (whales and dolphins) has decreased.

Impact of Ocean Noise on Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity:

• Hours after being exposed to loud underwater noise, marine animals can die. One of the numerous negative effects of ocean noise pollution is the displacement or relocation of marine species to newer locations.
• The strange sounds startle the majority of animals. Hemorrhages, altered diving patterns, migration to newer locations, internal organ damage, and a general panic reaction to unfamiliar sounds can all contribute to death.
• The frequent communication between marine species is further hampered by underwater noise pollution. As a result, animals that are sensitive to noise pollution are unable to communicate with one another, hunt for food, or even cry out for aid.

Initiative to Safeguard Marine Ecosystems:

• Global: The GPA is the Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Maritime Environment from Land-based Activities.
• The GPA is the only international body that specifically addresses the interconnectedness of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems.
• 1973's MARPOL Convention: It addresses intentional or unintentional marine environment degradation by ships.
• It lists numerous types of marine pollution brought on by oil, toxic liquids, dangerous packed goods, ship sewage, and waste, etc.

The 1972 London Convention:

• Its goal is to encourage the effective control of all marine pollution sources and to take all reasonable precautions to avoid polluting the sea by dumping rubbish and other materials.

Way Forward

• The ocean is known as the "quiet planet" for a reason. This realm has its own exquisite, tranquil, and harmonic sounds. To comprehend the consequences of noise pollution on marine life and identify practical mitigation strategies, studies are being done. Up until that point, our best chance of preserving the integrity of this "quiet world" is safety through prevention.

Bharat 6G Project

Objectives of the Bharat 6G project

• The objective is to establish India as a prominent worldwide provider of affordable 6G telecommunications intellectual property, products, and solutions, as well as to identify key areas for 6G research based on the country’s competitive strengths.
• The apex council, appointed to oversee the project will place significant emphasis on emerging technologies, including Terahertz communication, radio interfaces, tactile internet, artificial intelligence for connected intelligence, novel encoding techniques, and waveforms chipsets for 6G devices.

The vision of Bharat 6G project

The Bharat 6G Mission is completely aligned with India’s national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and aims to empower every Indian to become self-reliant in their lives. Moreover, it endeavors to secure India’s rightful place in the world as a leading provider of affordable and advanced telecommunications technologies and solutions that contribute to the global good.

Implementation of the Project

• The Bharat 6G project is set to unfold in two stages, the initial stage will span from 2023 to 2025, followed by the second stage from 2025 to 2030.
• During the first phase, backing will be given to exploratory concepts, high-risk approaches, and proof-of-concept trials. Ideas and approaches that demonstrate potential for acceptance by the international peer community will receive sufficient support to see them through to completion.
• In the second phase, they will establish their use cases and benefits, generate implementational intellectual property, and develop testbeds, ultimately leading to commercialization.

Pillars of 6G Vision

Six task forces formed under the Technology Innovations Group manage the 6 pillars of the Bharat 6G Project.

1. Multi-Platform Next-Generation Network
2. Ecosystem for devices and systems
3. R&D Finance
4. Standardization
5. Innovative Solutions
6. Identification of the Spectrum

Key Recommendations to Enable Bharat 6G Mission

The Task Forces’ key recommendations to pursue to enable the Bharat 6G Mission Project are provided below:

• Innovative funding mechanisms to support industry, startups, academia, and national laboratories to undertake R&D.
• Innovative solutions through startups that leverage the emerging 6G technologies to address key verticals such as transport, water, power grid and renewables, healthcare, education, digital twins, and smart cities.
• Shared use of spectrum, particularly in the higher frequency bands where the propagation is more akin to that of light.
• Participation and contribution to global standards forums to ensure interoperability and global reach of our innovation.
• Fiber-broadband to every home and integrated dense wireless and optical network, with wireless communications primarily serving mobile users.
• Space-Terrestrial Integration for ubiquitous coverage.
• Combined communication and sensing in (Sub-) Terahertz bands.

What is 6G?

• 6G is the sixth generation of wireless communication technology that is expected to succeed the current 5G technology. It is still in the conceptual stage and is being researched and developed by various companies and organizations around the world.
• 6G is expected to provide even faster internet speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections than 5G. It is projected to enable new applications such as seamless virtual and augmented reality, ubiquitous sensing, and machine learning-based communication systems.
• Additionally, Bharat 6G Project is expected to improve connectivity in remote and rural areas and provide solutions for various industries such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing.

Benefits of 6G Technology

The benefits of 6G technology are expected to be numerous, including:

• Faster Internet Speeds: 6G is projected to offer internet speeds of up to 1 terabyte per second, which is about 100 times faster than 5G.
• Lower Latency: 6G is expected to have ultra-low latency, meaning there will be a very little delay in data transmission. This will enable smooth interactions, especially for applications that require real-time response, such as autonomous vehicles and remote surgeries.
• Improved Connectivity: 6G is expected to provide more reliable and secure connectivity, especially in remote and rural areas where internet access is currently limited.
• New Applications: 6G is projected to enable new applications such as seamless virtual and augmented reality, ubiquitous sensing, and machine learning-based communication systems.
• Economic Development: 6G is expected to boost economic development by enabling innovation in various industries such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. It may also slow down rural migration to cities and metro-led urbanization.

Possible Challenges Associated with 6G technology

Like any new technology, Bharat 6G project also comes with some possible challenges. A few important of them are:

• Technical Complexity: 6G technology is expected to be much more complex than its predecessor, with a large number of components and subsystems. This complexity could make the development and implementation of 6G more challenging.
• Infrastructure Deployment: To deliver on the promise of 6G, significant investments will be required in terms of infrastructure development. This could pose challenges in terms of financing, regulation, and deployment.
• Spectrum Allocation: The availability of spectrum is crucial for the development and deployment of 6G technology. However, the spectrum is a finite resource, and allocating sufficient spectrum for 6G could be a challenge, particularly given the demands of other emerging technologies.
• Security: As with any new technology, 6G is likely to face security challenges. The high speeds and large amounts of data transmitted over 6G networks could make them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Ensuring the security of 6G networks will be crucial to their success.
• Standardization: Developing standards for 6G will be essential to ensure interoperability and compatibility across different networks and devices. However, the process of developing and agreeing on standards can be time-consuming and complex, and disagreements among stakeholders could delay the rollout of the 6G technology.

Other Countries Focusing on 6G Network

• Several countries are focusing on developing the 6G network, including South Korea, Europe, and Japan.
• South Korea has announced its 6G research and development plan, which involves an investment of Rs 1,200 crore until 2025. The country has established dedicated research centers that are working closely with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
• In Europe, the European 6G Vision has identified the key features of this network and is currently undertaking a research project called Hexa-X, which is expected to conclude this year.
• In Japan, the Integrated Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) Forum has released its Vision 2030 white paper for 6G, outlining the key technology directions for infrastructure evolution in four dimensions: cognitive capacity, responsiveness, scalability, and energy efficiency.

Conclusion

The implementation of 6G technology in India under the Bharat 6G project is expected to bridge the gap in e-service provision for both urban and rural populations, leading to the achievement of the UN’s SDGs and significantly improving the quality of life. The introduction of innovative technologies tailored to India’s unique needs will enhance productivity, particularly for those in rural areas, who rely on telecommunications to overcome geographical barriers. Moreover, this technology will provide opportunities for Indian entrepreneurs to develop new products and intellectual property, making India a global leader in life-changing solutions for the world market.