Strategic significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Why in news?

The new thrust on developing strategic infrastructure, both civilian and military, on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has been long awaited.

What is the strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands?

• Geopolitical location- Situated at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer a strategic vantage point for monitoring and controlling maritime traffic passing through one of the world's busiest waterways.

• Strategic chokepoints- The islands are positioned near several strategic chokepoints, including the Malacca, Sunda, Lombok, and Ombai-Wetar straits. Control over these chokepoints is essential for maritime security and trade flows in the region.
• Significance of Maritime boundary- The islands share maritime boundary with neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, giving India significant influence over maritime activities in these regions under UNCLOS.
• Military importance- The development of military infrastructure on the islands enhances India's ability to project power and deter potential threats from the eastern direction, particularly from China.

Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), established as a tri-services command in 2001, plays a crucial role in safeguarding India's maritime interests.

• Economic potential- The islands offer economic opportunities, including maritime trade, tourism, and fisheries. Developing infrastructure to support these sectors can contribute to islands' economic growth and reduce their dependence on mainland India for essential supplies.

Why the pace of developing strategic infrastructure in the islands has have been slow?

• Slow realisation- The unprecedented expansion of China’s navy has prompted the island’s strategic criticality for India’s security.
• Infrastructure deficit- The distance from the mainland and the inherent difficulties in developing infrastructure have been cited as reasons for delays in various projects.
• Complex procedures- Obtaining environmental clearances, even for small projects, has been a complex process.
• Land acquisition- Regulations related to forest conservation and the protection of native tribes have further complicated land acquisition issues.
• Multi-dimensional project- Developing the islands and their strategic infrastructure involves coordination across multiple ministries, departments, and agencies. This multi-dimensional effort presents significant challenges.
• Political impact - Seeking immediate political gains takes precedence over long term strategic vision.

What should strategic infrastructure development in these islands focus on?

• Surveillance- Establishing robust surveillance systems to monitor the vast maritime area stretching 420 nautical miles from north to south is essential to deter potential threats.
• Maritime infrastructure- Construction of ports and fuel storages in both the northern and southern groups of the islands is crucial for the operational turnaround of ships without returning to Port Blair.
• Military infrastructure- Building military bases, airfields, and naval facilities to enhance defence capabilities and ensure a rapid response to security challenges.
• Enhance connectivity- Improving transportation infrastructure, including airports, ports, roads, and ferry services, to facilitate the movement of people and goods within the islands and with the mainland.
• Economic development- Promoting economic activities such as tourism, fisheries, and maritime trade through the development of ports, logistics facilities, and tourist amenities.
• Sustainable development- Balancing development with environmental conservation by obtaining necessary clearances and implementing eco-friendly practices.
• Great Nicobar Project- Accelerating the development of the Galathea Bay transhipment port on Great Nicobar Island is vital. Maritime services such as repair and logistics for both international and Indian shipping need to be established.
• Incentivise habitation- Consideration should be given to the planned habitation of uninhabited islands by providing incentives like free or subsidized land to encourage eco-friendly entrepreneurial activities.
• International cooperation- Leveraging international partnerships, such as the QUAD and the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI), to support development efforts and enhance regional stability.

References

1. Indian Express- Strategic importance of Andaman and Nicobar
2. PIB- Great Nicobar Project

New Green Credit Programme Rules

Why in news?

Recently the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued further guidelines on its Green Credit Programme that will prioritise the restoration of ecosystem.

What are the concerns with Green credit program?

• Commodification of conservation- The program turns environmental conservation into a commodity, this is because the industries that clear forests for non-forestry purposes are required to compensate by afforesting an equivalent area.
• Impact on Forest ecology- The GCP’s method of identifying ‘degraded land parcels’ for tree plantation is criticized for potentially disrupting local ecosystems and biodiversity. The term ‘degraded’ is considered vague and could lead to soil degradation and loss of ecosystem services.
• Risk of ‘Green Deserts’-The program might lead to the creation of ‘green deserts,’ or monoculture plantations, which lack the ecological complexity of natural forests. This could result from a forest measurement approach that focuses solely on tree count.
• Loss of biodiversity hotspot- The emphasis on afforestation in areas labelled as ‘wastelands’ is worrisome as these areas might include grasslands and other habitats that are crucial for carbon sequestration and species conservation, and their transformation into forested areas could result in biodiversity loss.
• Impact on ecosystem- India has diverse forest types, including grasslands and shrub-dominated areas hence inappropriate tree planting could introduce invasive species or hinder the development of a sustainable ecosystem.
• Carbon trading issues- The program’s provision of using green credits in carbon trading is contentious due to the unclear methodology for equating stored carbon from trees with carbon credits.

How the government responded to the concerns with the new green credit programme rules?

• Afforestation rules- It allowed entities to fund reforestation in designated degraded areas.
• Role of States- The State forest departments are responsible for the tree planting. After two years and an evaluation by the ICFRE, each tree earns one ‘green credit.’
• Afforestation- Currently, 13 States have been offered 387 parcels totalling 10,983 hectares for this purpose. Entities meeting the criteria will receive cost estimates for afforestation.
• Updated guidelines- The Environment Ministry issued guidelines for States to calculate the cost of restoring degraded forest landscapes.

Previously, there was a requirement of a minimum of 1,100 trees per hectare for an area to qualify as reforested. However, the new guidelines allow flexibility, recognizing

• Flexibility- The new guidelines allow flexibility recognizing that not all degraded forests can support such tree density. In some areas, shrubs, herbs, and grasses may be suitable for ecosystem restoration.
• Preference for indigenous species- The new rules emphasized using indigenous species, and naturally growing seedlings will be retained during restoration efforts.
• Role of public sector- Several public sector companies, including Indian Oil, Power Grid Corporation, National Thermal Power Corporation, Oil India, Coal India, and National Hydropower Corporation, have registered to invest in the programme.
• Pilot project mode- The programme is currently in a “pilot project” mode and questions about quantifying shrubs and grasses in terms of green credits are still being addressed.
• Partial offsets of obligations- Companies won’t be able to fully offset their compensatory afforestation obligations using green credits but can claim a portion of it.
• Equivalence issues- The relationship between green credits and carbon credits is still being determined as it is important for integrating the programme with broader carbon trading markets and ensuring that the credits represent meaningful carbon sequestration.

What lies ahead?

• Green Credit Program represents a commendable step towards fostering environmental stewardship and sustainability.
• However, to achieve its objectives effectively, it must address the identified challenges and incorporate nuanced strategies that prioritize ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.

References

1. The Hindu- Explained new credit program rules.
2. The Hindu- Centre tweaks green credit norms

Indian Patent System

Why in news?

Centre’s Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024 has raised concerns about public health implications.

What are the legal provisions that govern patent system in India?

• Indian Patents and Designs Act, 1911- The Controller of Patents and Designs was responsible for patent administration.
• Justice N Rajagopala Ayyangar Committee- The report stated the monopoly that a patentee obtains is only in exchange for the disclosure of the invention to the public, free to be used after the monopoly period is over.
• Patent Act, 1970- It is India’s first independent patent law which palyed vital role in the growth of industries, notably the pharmaceutical sector, earning India the title “the pharmacy of the world.”

Patent Act, 1970 is based on the recommendations of Bakshi Tekchand Committee (1949) and the Justice Rajagopal Ayyangar Committee

• Globalisation- In 1991, India liberalized its economy and adhered to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT 1947), which was succeeded by the WTO, resulting in amendments being introduced in line with the TRIPS Agreement.
• Patent (Amendment) Act, 2005- It extending product patents in all areas of technology including food, medicine, chemicals and microorganisms.
• Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024- The aim of the amendments was to streamline the working of the Indian Patent Office, enhance protection and support innovation in India.

What are the key provisions of Patent (Amendment) Rules 2024?

• Expedited examination- Applicants can request an examination within 31 months of the priority date to accelerate the patent process.
• Digitalization- Transition to digital platforms for submissions and communications, with revised deadlines for providing information on foreign applications.
• Certificate of inventorship- Inventors can now request a certificate via Form 8A, which will include their name, recognizing their contribution.
• Pre-grant opposition process- The process has been streamlined, representations must be considered by the Controller within one month, and an official fee is introduced, discouraging frivolous oppositions.
• Advance payment discount- Patentees are offered a 10% discount for advance payments covering atleast 4 years, made electronically.
• Simplification- The patentees are no longer required to submit value or sales data for the patent in India annually.

What are the issues in India’ patent system?

• Manpower shortage- The major reason for delays in the patents is the lack of sufficient manpower in patent office.
• Limited application- The number of patents applied and granted in India is still a fraction compared to the patents granted in China, USA, Japan, and Korea.
• Special 310 report- India continues to be on the ‘Priority Watch List’ of the United States Trade Representatives  for lack of adequate IP rights protection and enforcement, this would impact US investments in India.
• Lack of transparency- Recent 2024 amendment has been made without parliamentary discussion or transparent justification, have drawn criticism for potentially compromising public health and access to essential medications.
• Dilution of patent provisions- The government has been making concessions to meet the demands of industrialized countries and pharmaceutical companies, which may have influenced the dilution of certain patent provisions.
• Lack of accountability- The companies no longer need to file Form 27 that compelled patent holders to disclose every year if their patents are being worked in India or not, with details of quantity and value.

Now, Form 27 has to be submitted just once in three years and with no insistence of details

References

1. Down To Earth- Unhealthy patent amendments
2. WIPO- FAQ on patents

Prelim Bits 26-04-2024 | UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Childcare Leave

The Supreme Court recently said that two-year childcare leave, apart from mandatory maternity leave of 180 days is a constitutional right for woman employees.

Shalini Dharmani's plea –She told the court that she has exhausted her leaves and that the Himachal Pradesh govt had refused to grant her childcare leave as the state service rules do not have a provision akin to Section 43-C of the Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules.

Section 43-C of the Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules, 2010

• It allows women employees
  • To take childcare leave of 730 days till their disabled children attain 22 years of age, and
  • Women with normal child can avail till the kids reach 18 years of age.

Supreme Court’s recent judgment

• Participation of women in the workforce is not a privilege but a constitutional mandate.
• The bench directed the Himachal Pradesh govt to forthwith constitute a high-level committee to reconsider the entire issue of child care leave to women employees.
• It asked the committee to engage with Union ministries concerned and file a report, recommending appropriate policy decision on inserting child care leave for women in the state service rules, before the court by July 31.
   

References

1. Times of India | Childcare leave for women
2. NDTV | Childcare Leave for Women Is A Constitutional Mandate

Climate Strategy 2030

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) unveiled the Climate Strategy 2030 document on Earth Day recently.

India’s Green Financing Gap

• India requires approximately $170 billion annually to reach a cumulative total of over $2.5 trillion by 2030 for green financing.
• As of 2019-20, India garnered about $49 billion in green financing, with the majority of funds earmarked for mitigation.
• Only $5 billion was allocated towards adaptation and resilience, reflecting the minimal private sector engagement in these areas due to challenges in bankability and commercial viability.

NABARD's Climate Strategy 2030

• Aim - To address India’s need for green financing.
• Key pillars
  • Accelerating green lending across sectors,
  • Playing a broader market-making role,
  • Internal green transformation and
  • Strategic resource mobilisation.
• The initiative reinforces NABARD’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positions it as a pivotal player in India’s transition towards a resilient and sustainable economy.

Reference

The Hindu | Climate Strategy 2030

Mission ISHAN (One Nation, One Airspace)

India has kickstarted the process of unifying its 4 airspace regions into one spanning the entire nation.

• Currently, Indian airspace is divided into 4 flight information regions (FIRs) - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai and a sub-FIR at Guwahati, each managed separately.
• ISHAN - Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management at Nagpur.
• Aim – All coordination for domestic flights flying in upper airspace (above 25,000 ft) will be handled by air traffic controllers (ATCOs) in Nagpur.
• It is expected to make air traffic operations more efficient, safer and seamless, enabling it to handle more capacity.
• The move is also expected to benefit the passengers by reducing congestion and flying times.
• FIRs are controlled by a single authority, which is responsible for providing air traffic services as well as alerting services.
• The air traffic controllers (ATCOs) in every region would only be required to guide the flights approaching or taking off from an airport until they enter the upper space.
• Benefits
  • Flexibility in flight routes
  • Reduced Travel time
  • Lower fuel consumption
  • Reduce carbon footprint

References

1. The Print | Mission ISHAN
2. WIONews | ‘One nation, one airspace’

Omorgus Moreshwar

Scientist Dr Aparna Sureshchandra Kalawate recently introduced a new species of beetles named Omorgus (Afromorgus) Moreshwar.

• The species is named after the Moreshwar temple, an ashtavinayak pilgrimage site in Pune.
• Family - The new beetle belonged to the subgenus Afromorgus of the Trogidae family, which now had 10 species from India.
• The new species of beetles is extremely rare and can be found only during monsoon.
• Prey - The beetle is necrophagous (fed on dead bodies) in the last stages of decomposition and also called keratin beetle.
• The beetle is important for forensic science as it helps detect the time of death of an animal or human.
• Characteristics - The beetles of this group are sometimes called ‘hide beetles’ as they tend to cover their body under the soil and hide.
• They are not photogenic, beetles are usually black or grey and encrusted in dirt.
• Appearance - Their bumpy appearance is distinct, with short, dense setae all over the body.
• After an organism died, blowflies were amongst the first to arrive in the early stages of decomposition.
• The final stage saw the arrival of the newly discovered beetle which fed on the corpse.

References

1. Times of India | Rare Species of Beetle Discovered In Pune
2. Hindustan Times | Newly discovered beetle species
3. The Indian Express | Pune scientist discovers beetle species

 World Energy Congress & World Energy Council

India is showcasing its innovative technologies and power generation practices, at the 26^th World Energy Congress, being held in Rotterdam, Netherlands recently.

About 26^th World Energy Congress

• The 26^th World Energy Congress is expected to be a critical turning point for leadership on clean and inclusive energy transitions worldwide.
• Theme- ‘Redesigning Energy for People and Planet’.
• Co-hosted by - The World Energy Council and the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.
•  This edition celebrates 100 years since the Council’s formation and the 1^st World Energy Congress.
• The Congress seeks to explore the role of connected energy societies in driving forward global energy transitions in a world context.
• The World Energy Congress is the world’s longest-established energy event, having shaped the global energy agenda for a century.
• It enables the highest levels of government-to-government dialogue and unites businesses and communities of all shapes and sizes.

About World Energy Council India

• World Energy Council (WEC) is a global body established in 1923, with the aim of promoting sustainable supply and use of energy.
• Headquarters - London.
• The idea for the foundation of the Council came from Daniel Nicol Dunlop in the 1920s.
• It is an UN-accredited global energy body that has convened diverse interests from across the full energy ecosystem for a century.
• It has over 3,000 member organisations and a presence in nearly 100 countries.
• WEC India is one of the earliest country members of World Energy Council, having joined the Council in 1924.
• WEC India functions under the patronage of Ministry of Power, Government of India and with the support of the Ministries of Coal, New & Renewable Energy, Petroleum & Natural Gas and External Affairs.

References

1. PIB | India at World Energy Congress 2024
2. World Energy Congress | About