UKPSC Monthly Current Affairs: December 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs UKPSC - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

Misuse of Surveillance Technology at Corbett National Park

Surveillance Misuse

Why in News?

• A recent study published in the journal Environment and Planning F has uncovered that forest rangers at Corbett Tiger Reserve have been misusing surveillance drones to monitor local women. This monitoring aims to discourage these women from gathering natural resources from the forest, despite their legal entitlement to do so.

Key Points

Significance of the Study:

• The study highlights the detrimental impact of surveillance technologies on the mental health of local women who rely on forests for their daily needs.
• It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive approach that considers the intersection of technology, conservation, and social equity.

Issues Faced by Women:

• While surveillance tools like camera traps are commonly used for wildlife monitoring, they can inadvertently invade privacy and disrupt human behavior.
• The findings stress the importance of implementing these technologies thoughtfully to safeguard the interests of local communities.

Recommendations:

• In northern India, the identities of women are closely linked to their daily activities in the forest, making it crucial to consider their perspectives in conservation initiatives.
• Conservation strategies should aim to balance wildlife monitoring with the dignity, safety, and rights of local communities.

About:

• Location: Corbett National Park is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India.
• Project Tiger: Launched in 1973 in Corbett National Park, this was the first National Park in India dedicated to the conservation of the Bengal tiger.
• Establishment: The national park was originally established in 1936 as Hailey National Park. It was renamed Corbett National Park in 1957 to honor Jim Corbett, a key figure in its establishment and to emphasize the park's focus on protecting the endangered Bengal tiger.
• Core and Buffer Areas: The core area of the reserve is designated as Corbett National Park. The buffer zone includes surrounding reserve forests and the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Geographical Features: The entire reserve area is mountainous and is part of the Shivalik and Outer Himalaya geological provinces.

Flora:

• Corbett National Park is home to dense moist deciduous forests and boasts a rich variety of plant species. According to the Botanical Survey of India, the park has around 600 species of plants, including trees, shrubs, ferns, grasses, climbers, herbs, and bamboo.
• The most commonly seen trees in the park include Sal, Khair, and Sissoo.

Fauna:

• In addition to tigers, Corbett National Park is also home to leopards and various other mammals such as jungle cats, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar deer, and sloth bears.

Uttarakhand Government to Construct Homes Under PMAY Scheme

Affordable Housing

Reason for News:

• The Uttarakhand government has recently declared its intention to build 16,000 affordable houses for low-income families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to meet housing requirements.

Project Overview:

• The project is being led by the Uttarakhand Housing Development Council (UHDC) and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) .
• They are working in partnership with private investors to ensure the timely construction of these homes.
• The initiative includes 15 projects by private investors, contributing to the construction of 12,856 homes.
• Additionally, various development authorities are building another 3,104 units.
• All projects are expected to be finished by March 2025.

About PMAY:

• The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) aims to provide 'pucca' houses to homeless families, supporting the broader goal of 'Antyodaya' to uplift the poorest.
• The scheme targets homeless families with an annual income below Rs. 3 lakh.
• Eligible families must have been residents of Uttarakhand since before June 15, 2015.
• The construction of these affordable homes is expected to significantly improve the living conditions of low-income families in Uttarakhand.

Expanding Glacier in Uttarakhand's Niti Valley

Scientists have recently discovered a glacier in Uttarakhand's Niti Valley that is rapidly growing. This research, titled "Manifestations of a Glacier Surge in Central Himalaya Using Multi-Temporal Satellite Data," utilized satellite images to monitor the glacier's swift expansion.

The newly identified glacier spans approximately 10 kilometres in length and covers around 48 square kilometres. It is located near the Randolph and Rekana glaciers in the remote northern region of Uttarakhand, close to the India-Tibet border.

Currently, the glacier is experiencing a surge, which is a sudden increase in size caused by hydrological imbalances. These imbalances occur when water infiltrates the ice layers, weakening them and prompting the ice to move downhill.

The discovery of this rapidly expanding glacier has significant implications for the local environment and climate, including an increased risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). These floods pose a threat to downstream communities and infrastructure. Understanding the behaviour of these glaciers is crucial for developing effective risk mitigation strategies.

As global temperatures rise, the behaviour of glaciers in this region has become more unpredictable, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring and research.

Introduction of Green Cess in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand Government is set to implement a Green Cess on vehicles entering the state from outside. This tax is aimed at promoting environmental conservation.

Details of the Green Cess

• The cess will range from Rs 20 to Rs 80 and will apply to both commercial and private vehicles.
• Certain vehicles will be exempt from this tax, including:
  • Two-wheelers
  • Electric vehicles
  • CNG vehicles
  • Ambulances
  • Fire brigades
  • Vehicles registered in Uttarakhand

Implementation and Technology

• The Green Cess system is expected to be operational by the end of December 2024.
• To identify vehicles, the government will use automatic number plate recognition cameras. The cess amounts will be directly deducted from the owners' FASTag wallets.
• FASTag is a device that facilitates toll payments using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology while the vehicle is in motion.
• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced two mobile applications, MyFASTag and FASTag Partner, to assist users in obtaining FASTags.
• A FASTag is valid for five years from the date of issue and is available in seven different colour codes.

Successful Treatment of Landslide Zones in Uttarakhand

The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has effectively addressed active landslide areas in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand using rock bolt technology.

Challenges Posed by Landslides in Uttarakhand

• Landslides are a common occurrence in Uttarakhand's hilly areas, particularly during the monsoon season, causing road blockages and posing difficulties for Chardham pilgrims.
• These landslides often lead to loss of life and have been a significant concern for many years.
• Persistent landslide zones along the Gangotri and Yamunotri highways have posed serious risks for an extended period.

Implementation of Australian Rock Bolt Technology

• The BRO is utilizing Australian rock bolt technology to address active landslide zones at Raturisera and Bandarkot on the Gangotri highway in Uttarkashi district.
• This technology was previously successful at the Nalupani and Chungi Badethi landslide zones and has been crucial in treating long-standing landslide areas as part of the Chardham road-widening project.

Effectiveness and Techniques of Rock Bolt Technology

• The rock bolt technology has demonstrated a 90% effectiveness in preventing landslides.
• It involves techniques such as soil nailing to stabilize loose soil and rock bolting in bedrock to strengthen vulnerable areas.
• The BRO, established in 1960 with only two projects, has expanded to 18 projects across 11 states and three Union Territories.
• Originally known for Project Tusker (now Vartak) in the East and Project Beacon in North India, the BRO is now recognized as the leading agency for infrastructure construction in high-altitude and challenging snow-bound regions.

Recent Accomplishments of the BRO

• In the year 2023-24, the BRO successfully completed 125 infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh along the Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang Road.
• The BRO is set to commence work on the 4.10-km long Shinkun La Tunnel, which has the potential to become the world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft, surpassing China’s Mila Tunnel at 15,590 ft.
• The BRO operates under the Ministry of Defence as an Indian executive force, responsible for securing India’s borders and enhancing infrastructure in remote northern and northeastern regions.
• Under the Border Roads Development Board (BRDB), the BRO manages road networks in border areas and neighbouring countries.
• The motto of the BRO, “ Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam,” translates to “Everything is achievable through hard work,” reflecting their commitment to diligent work.

Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan Civil Servants in Mussoorie

The 6th Capacity Building Program for civil servants from the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka has commenced at the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) in Mussoorie. This program, running from December 9 to 20, 2024, aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of 40 mid-career civil servants from Sri Lanka, including Divisional Secretaries, Assistant Divisional Secretaries, District Secretaries, and officials from various ministries and the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA).

Objectives and Focus Areas

• The program aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of governance and administration.
• Focus areas include basic administration, policy frameworks in healthcare and public administration, the role of technology (especially Artificial Intelligence) in governance, and successful governance models, particularly in waste management.

Topics and Field Visits

• Topics covered include the changing paradigm of governance, e-Office, Ayushman Bharat-PM-JAY, Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), climate change impacts, and Aadhaar.
• Field visits to significant institutions such as the Forest Research Institute, District Administration Ghaziabad, Cyber Security Cell Noida, and the Taj Mahal are part of the program.

Role of NCGG in Global Training

The National Centre for Good Governance, established in 2014, has played a crucial role in training senior officers from Sri Lanka and providing governance training to officers from various countries, including Malaysia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Kenya, South Africa, and Fiji.

Overview of Ayushman Bharat-PM-JAY

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is the world’s largest health insurance scheme, fully funded by the government. Launched in February 2018, it provides a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care. Health Benefit Packages under PM-JAY cover various medical services, including surgery, medical and day care treatments, and the cost of medicines and diagnostics.

10th World Ayurveda Congress and Arogya Expo

The 10th World Ayurveda Congress (WAC 2024) and Arogya Expo were recently inaugurated in Dehradun, marking a significant event where diverse ideologies, cultures, and innovations converge.

Launch of “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan”:

• On 29 October 2023, during the 9th Ayurveda Day, the Union Ayush Minister launched the “Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyan,” a nationwide campaign to assess the Prakriti of over 1 crore individuals based on Ayurveda principles.
• Citizens are encouraged to actively participate in this important initiative.

Ayush Grid and Global Investment:

• The Ayush Grid is an initiative by the Ministry of Ayush aimed at digitising the Ayush sector and promoting traditional healthcare systems.
• The project aims to transform healthcare through innovations, enhancing effectiveness, safety, and affordability.
• Global partners are expected to invest over 1.3 billion dollars in Ayurveda-related projects.

WAC 2024:

• Organised by the World Ayurveda Foundation (WAF), part of Vijnana Bharati.
• The event has attracted over 5500 Indian delegates and more than 350 delegates from 54 countries.
• WAC 2024 will feature over 150 scientific sessions and 13 associate events, including plenary discussions.
• The theme, “Digital Health: An Ayurveda Perspective,” focuses on leveraging modern technologies to advance Ayurveda.

Deliberations on:

• Enhancing healthcare delivery through digital tools.
• Redefining research methodologies.
• Integrating Ayurveda into the global health framework.

Role of the Ministry of Ayush:

• The Ministry of Ayush is instrumental in organising the World Ayurveda Congress, reflecting India’s commitment to promoting Ayurveda on a global scale.

Contributions:

• Fostering Ayurveda knowledge, research, and practices through international collaborations.
• Engaging experts, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss Ayurveda’s relevance and potential for growth worldwide.

Significance of WAC 2024:

• The event celebrates Ayurveda’s rich heritage and envisions its future role in the global healthcare system.
• It aims to integrate traditional practices with modern technology, ensuring Ayurveda remains a sustainable and holistic healthcare option.
• WAC 2024 is poised to be a pivotal event in establishing Ayurveda as a transformative force in global healthcare.

The World Ayurveda Foundation (WAF)

• The World Ayurveda Foundation (WAF) is an organisation dedicated to promoting Ayurveda worldwide and supporting various initiatives related to research, health programmes, and other activities in the field of Ayurveda.
• Founded in 2011as part of Vijnana Bharati's initiative, the WAF aims to:
  • Support research in Ayurveda.
  • Facilitate health programmes through camps, clinics, and sanatoriums.
  • Organise seminars, exhibitions, and study groups related to Ayurveda.
  • Provide leadership in policy and planning for Ayurveda.
• The WAF is also responsible for organising the World Ayurveda Congress (WAC), which includes scientific sessions, health ministers’ conclaves, and other activities focused on exploring how Ayurveda can address various health challenges.

Transgender Welfare Board in Uttarakhand

Recently, the Uttarakhand Cabinet has given the green light to establish the State Transgender Persons Welfare Board.

As part of this initiative, the state will implement a policy aimed at ensuring equal job opportunities for transgender individuals.

Survey and Issuance of Identity Cards:

• A comprehensive survey will be conducted throughout Uttarakhand to assess the population of transgender individuals in the state.
• Following the survey, transgender persons will be issued identity cards to formalize their recognition and status.

Facilitating Welfare Access:

• The welfare board will ensure that the transgender community has access to existing social, educational, and health programs.
• Additionally, the board will develop new programs that are sensitive and equitable to the needs of the transgender community.
• A monitoring system will be put in place to address complaints, with a specified timeframe for resolution.

Formation of Uttarakhand Transgender Persons Welfare Board:

• The Social Welfare Department will oversee the administrative functions of the board, with the Chief Minister at the helm.
• Board members will include Secretaries from various departments, such as Social Welfare, Home, Finance, Personnel, Urban Development, and Panchayati Raj.
• Five experts from the transgender community, including activists and health professionals, will be appointed to the board.
• A representative from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on transgender rights will also be included.

National Context and Legal Mandate:

• With this initiative, Uttarakhand will become the 18th state or union territory in India to establish a welfare board for transgender individuals.
• This move is in accordance with the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, and the accompanying Rules, 2020.
• Other states with similar Transgender Welfare Boards include Rajasthan, Mizoram, Chandigarh, Andhra Pradesh, Pondicherry, Maharashtra, Kerala, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Understanding Transgender Identity:

• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, defines a transgender person as someone whose gender identity differs from the gender assigned to them at birth.
• This definition encompasses trans individuals with intersex variations, gender-queer individuals, and those identified by socio-cultural terms such as kinnar, hijra, aaravani, and jogta.

Transgender Population in India:

• The 2011 Census in India was the first to include questions aimed at identifying the transgender population, estimating that 4.8 million Indians identified as transgender.

UCC in Uttarakhand from January 2025

Recently, the Chief Minister announced at a meeting in Dehradun that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across Uttarakhand from January 2025.

Uniform Civil Code:

• The UCC is mentioned in Article 44 of the Constitution as part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which states that the government should aim to create a uniform civil code for all citizens in India.
• However, implementing it is up to the government’s discretion.

Historical Context:

• While the British established uniform criminal laws in India, they did not standardise family laws due to their sensitive nature.
• During the debates, the Constituent Assembly discussed the UCC, with Muslim members expressing concerns about its effect on community personal laws and suggesting safeguards for religious practices.
• Supporters like K.M. Munshi, Alladi Krishnaswami, and B.R. Ambedkar argued that the UCC would promote equality.

Milestone Achievement:

• Uttarakhand will be the first state in India to implement the UCC after Independence.
• Goa's version of the UCC applies only to civil laws and does not equate to a full UCC covering all personal laws.

Supreme Court of India’s Stance on UCC

• Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum Case, 1985: The Court noted with regret that “Article 44 has remained a dead letter” and supported its implementation.
• Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India, 1995 and John Vallamattom v. Union of India, 2003: The Court reiterated the need for the UCC's implementation.
• Shayara Bano v. Union of India, 2017: The Supreme Court ruled that the practice of triple talaq was unconstitutional, as it violated the dignity and equality of Muslim women.
• The Court also suggested that Parliament should pass laws to regulate Muslim marriages and divorces.
• Jose Paulo Coutinho v. Maria Luiza Valentina Pereira Case, 2019: The Court praised Goa as a “shining example” where the UCC applies to all, regardless of religion, while protecting certain limited rights, and called for its implementation throughout India.

Uttarakhand's Wine Tourism Initiative

The Uttarakhand government has recently inaugurated its first wine production unit in Kotdwar as part of a new excise policy aimed at promoting wine tourism in the state.

Wine Tourism Initiative:

• The initiative offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity to visit wine production units, where they can learn about the history of wine and the production process.
• Visitors will have the chance to taste different varieties of wine.
• To enhance the tourism experience, guest houses are being constructed around wine units, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the region's beautiful scenery.

Uttarakhand’s Agricultural Resources:

• Uttarakhand is rich in a variety of fruits and flowers, such as malta fruit, apples, pears, and the buransh flower, all of which are suitable for wine production.
• These local resources will add a unique charm to the wine tourism experience.

Expansion Plans:

• A private wine unit in Kotdwar has been producing wine with the approval of the excise department for the past two months.
• There are plans for establishing new wine production plants in Bageshwar and Champawat.

Economic and Employment Objectives:

• The government aims for the excise policy to significantly boost revenue.
• The initiative is expected to create numerous job opportunities.
• Small and medium wine production units will be encouraged in hilly areas.
• Local fruits will be used to generate jobs and business opportunities for residents.

Increase in Forest Fires in Uttarakhand

Forest Fire Surge

A report by the Forest Survey of India (FSI) indicates a 74% rise in forest fires in Uttarakhand over the past year.

Satellite Observations and Fire Counts:

• Satellite data reveals a dramatic increase in fire incidents in Uttarakhand, with 21,033 fire counts from November 2023 to June 2024, a significant jump from 5,351 during the same period in 2022–2023.
• This season, 1,808.9 sq km of forest area was impacted by fires.
• Andhra Pradesh reported the largest fire-affected area at 5,286.76 sq km, followed by:
  • Maharashtra: 4,095.04 sq km
  • Telangana: 3,983.28 sq km
  • Himachal Pradesh: 783.11 sq km

Top Affected States:

• Chhattisgarh: 18,950 incidents.
• Andhra Pradesh: 18,174 incidents.
• Maharashtra: 16,008 incidents.
• Madhya Pradesh: 15,878 incidents.
• Telangana: 13,479 incidents.

High-Risk Areas:

• Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir are identified as “very high risk” zones for forest fires.

Nationwide Risk:

• Approximately 11.34% of India’s forest cover and scrub land is in areas highly prone to fire.
• Vulnerable regions include:
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Telangana
  • Chhattisgarh
  • Odisha
  • Madhya Pradesh
  • Jharkhand
  • Uttarakhand

Fire Susceptibility:

• Factors like extreme heat and the availability of fuel wood significantly increase the risk of forest fires.
• Fires can rapidly spread to other forest areas due to the presence of combustible materials.

This information underscores the escalating severity of forest fires in India, posing serious ecological and environmental challenges.

About Forest Survey of India (FSI)

Established:

• The Forest Survey of India (FSI) was established on 1st June 1981, succeeding the Pre Investment Survey of Forest Resources (PISFR) set up in 1965.
• The formation of FSI was recommended by the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) in 1976, leading to its establishment.
• The PISFR was initiated in 1965 with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Parent Organization:

• FSI operates under the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.

Primary Objective:

• The main objective of FSI is to regularly assess and monitor the forest resources of India.
• FSI also provides training, research, and extension services related to forest resources.

Functioning:

• FSI has its headquarters in Dehradun and operates across India.
• FSI has four regional offices located in:
  • Shimla
  • Kolkata
  • Nagpur
  • Bangalore
• The Eastern zone includes a sub-centre in Burnihat, Meghalaya.

Fishing Cat Collaring Project

The Wildlife Institute of India, located in Dehradun, is poised to initiate India's inaugural Fishing Cat Collaring Project within the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Spanning 235 square kilometres, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) ranks as India’s second-largest mangrove habitat.
• This sanctuary is a crucial habitat for the endangered fishing cat.
• Situated in the Godavari estuary, CWS is positioned at the confluence of the Coringa River and the Bay of Bengal in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
• The fishing cat also finds refuge in the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Krishna estuarine forest region.

Fishing Cat Population Trends:

• The initial survey of fishing cats in 2018 estimated the population at 115 individuals.
• Recent years have witnessed a significant increase in sightings, suggesting a positive growth trend in the fishing cat population within and around the sanctuary.

Mangrove Conservation and Community Role:

• Local communities, organised into Environment Development Committees (EDCs), play an active role in conserving the mangrove ecosystem.
• There are 420 locals involved in these committees, which also oversee Community-Based Eco-Tourism (CBET) initiatives to provide alternative livelihoods.

India’s First Fishing Cat Collaring Project:

• The Wildlife Institute of India is spearheading India’s first Fishing Cat Collaring Project as part of the second fishing cat census.
• This ambitious three-year project aims to investigate various aspects of the fishing cat’s life, including its home range, behaviour, habitat ecology, feeding habits, and spatial usage.
• The plan includes collaring 10 fishing cats with lightweight GIS-equipped devices to facilitate this research.
• The collaring process is expected to be finalised by March or April 2025.

Ramsar Convention Site Proposal:

• The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department is working towards securing Ramsar Convention Site status for Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, recognising its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.

Mithila Makhana:

• Mithila Makhana is an autonomous institution operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Founded in 1982 and located in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, the institution provides training programmes, academic courses, and advisory services in wildlife research and management.

Fishing Cats:

• Scientific Name: Prionailurus viverrinus.
• Description: Fishing cats are approximately twice the size of domestic house cats.
• They are nocturnal animals, primarily hunting for fish, frogs, crustaceans, snakes, birds, and scavenging carcasses.
• Fishing cats breed throughout the year.
• These cats spend the majority of their lives in dense vegetation near water bodies and are highly skilled swimmers.

Habitat:

• Fishing cats are unevenly distributed along the Eastern Ghats of India.
• They flourish in estuarine floodplains, tidal mangrove forests, and inland freshwater habitats.
• Apart from the Sundarbans in West Bengal and Bangladesh, fishing cats are also found in the Chilika lagoon and adjacent wetlands in Odisha, as well as in the Coringa and Krishna mangroves in Andhra Pradesh.

Threats:

• The primary threat to fishing cats is the destruction of wetlands, which are their preferred habitats.
• Shrimp farming is an escalating threat to the mangrove habitats essential for fishing cats.
• Additionally, fishing cats are at risk from hunting for their meat and skin.
• Tribal hunters practice ritual hunting of fishing cats throughout the year, and they are occasionally poached for their skins.

Protection Status:

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• CITES: Appendix II
• Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I