Daily Prelims Notes 17 November 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

17 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Agreement on implementing Article 8(j) special for world’s indigenous peoples: Luis Guillermo Izquierdo Mora
2. Negotiators agree to discuss select elements of NCQG
3. Rising Diabetes Cases in India: An Urgent Call for Comprehensive Prevention Efforts
4. India and Japan Collaborate on Advanced Naval Technology with UNICORN Masts
5. EU’s EUDR Compliance Extension Brings Relief to Indian Coffee and Rubber Planters
6. How ‘Benjamin Button’ jellyfish reverse age to survive
7. Eye donation and corneal transplant
8. Over 10 lakh seniors enrol in Ayushman Vay Vandana

1. Agreement on implementing Article 8(j) special for world’s indigenous peoples: Luis Guillermo Izquierdo Mora

Sub : Env

Sec: Int conventions

Context:

• The 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) highlighted the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in conserving biodiversity.
  • A new Subsidiary Body was established to implement Article 8(j) of the CBD, enhancing engagement and participation of IPLCs in all convention processes.
    • It aims to speed up actions and achieve the goals set by the biodiversity agreement.
  • A new Programme of Work was adopted for Article 8(j) and related provisions, focusing on the needs and contributions of IPLCs.

Article 8(j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

• Article 8(j) recognizes the vital role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) in conserving biodiversity. It states:
• Respect, Preserve, and Maintain Knowledge:
  • Contracting parties are encouraged to respect, preserve, and maintain the traditional knowledge, innovations, and practices of IPLCs that are crucial for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
  • Such actions must be subject to national legislation and involve the approval and participation of the knowledge holders.
• Promotion of Knowledge:
  • The article calls for the wider application of IPLCs’ traditional knowledge, with the active involvement of the communities.
  • It emphasizes equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of this traditional knowledge and practices.

Local Biodiversity Outlooks 2 (LBO-2) Report:

• Launch: The Local Biodiversity Outlooks 2 (LBO-2) report was launched in September 2020.
• Collaborative Research:
  • LBO-2 is a significant collaborative effort, featuring contributions from over 50 indigenous and local authors and communities.
• Key Highlights:
  • It underscores the critical roles of IPLCs in maintaining and enhancing both biological and cultural diversity.
  • The report presents indigenous and local perspectives on the transformational changes needed to achieve the vision of a world living in harmony with nature.

How It Will Benefit Communities?

• Although the creation of the subsidiary body won’t solve all the issues faced by IPLCs, it strengthens their involvement in major decisions.
• It provides a platform for IPLCs to propose actions that are more aligned with their realities, helping to protect their ancestral lands and traditional knowledge.

Connection of Indigenous Communities to the Environment:

• IPLCs depend on local biodiversity not just for food and medicine, but also for spiritual practices.
• Spiritual guides, or “mamos,” play a vital role in advising the community on sustainable use of local biodiversity, which has been preserved for centuries.

Example: The Role of Frailejón (Espeletia sp.)

• Frailejón, a slow-growing shrub native to Colombia, holds great cultural and ecological importance:
  • Used in rituals for key life events (births, deaths, sickness, etc.), it is seen as a symbol of life and connected to nature’s cycles.
  • It contributes to water availability by capturing moisture from clouds and releasing it into the soil, helping form lakes and rivers that supply water to urban areas.

Threats to Biodiversity in Colombia:

• Forest fires in the Andean regions have put frailejón and other species at risk.
• Illegal agriculture, particularly the use of pesticides and fertilizers, is destroying the alpine tundra ecosystem.
• Extractive industries, such as mining for construction materials, threaten the habitat. Indigenous beliefs view rocks as the earth’s bones, and mining is seen as breaking these natural structures.

2. Negotiators agree to discuss select elements of NCQG

Sub : Env

Sec: Int conventions

New Collective Quantified Goal for Climate Finance (NCQG):

• The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for Climate Finance is an initiative under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), aiming to set a new and more ambitious target for climate finance, beyond the previous goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually.
• The NCQG is expected to address the increasing financial needs of developing countries to meet climate mitigation and adaptation goals as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Key Aspects of the NCQG:

1. Background and Transition from $100 Billion Goal:
   • The $100 billion annual climate finance commitment, made by developed countries in 2009 (COP15 in Copenhagen), was intended to be fulfilled by However, this goal has not been fully met, leading to increased calls for a new and higher financial target.
   • The NCQG seeks to replace this outdated target with a more robust and inclusive framework, addressing the needs for mitigation, adaptation, loss and damage, and just transition.

Article 6.8 Deliberations (Non-Market Approaches – NMA):

• Article 6.8: Provides opportunities for countries to cooperate towards the achievement of their NDCs without relying on carbon markets.

Mitigation Work Programme (MWP):

• The Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) is an initiative under the UNFCCC aimed at scaling up global mitigation efforts to meet the climate targets set by the Paris Agreement.
• The MWP focuses on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with efforts to pursue a limit of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Background:
  • The MWP was introduced during COP26 (Glasgow, 2021) as part of efforts to bridge the emissions gap and enhance collective action on mitigation.
  • It was further developed and launched at COP27 (Sharm El-Sheikh, 2022), where countries emphasized the need for urgent, transformative actions in this decade (2020-2030).
  • The programme responds to the findings of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, which highlighted the need for rapid, substantial reductions in GHG emissions to avoid catastrophic climate impacts.

National Adaptation Plan (NAP):

• The National Adaptation Plan (NAP) is a strategic framework established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to help countries, particularly developing nations, adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• The NAP process enables countries to identify vulnerabilities, prioritize adaptation actions, and integrate adaptation into national planning and development strategies.
• Background:
  • The NAP process was established in 2010 as part of the Cancun Adaptation Framework at COP16 (Cancun, Mexico).
  • It aims to address medium- and long-term adaptation needs, complementing the National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs), which focused on urgent and immediate needs.
  • The process is country-driven, allowing each nation to tailor its plan based on its unique climate risks, priorities, and socio-economic conditions.

New Climate Finance Report:

• Investment Needs: Emerging market and developing countries (excluding China) require $2.3-2.5 trillion annually for climate action by 2030.
• Implications: This data could shape the ongoing negotiations on setting a new climate finance goal (NCQG).

ESCAP Event on Low Carbon Energy Transition (Asia-Pacific):

• Organisers: ESCAP, IAEA, IRENA, UNEP FI, UNCTAD.
• Low Carbon Energy Transition:
  • The Low Carbon Energy Transition refers to the global shift from fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) towards renewable and low-carbon energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and nuclear energy.
  • This transition is a key strategy for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by mid-century, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA):

• Call to Action: Urged governments to increase green procurement of low-carbon products in high-emission industries.
• Support Base: Endorsed by 50 business leaders and over 700 financial institutions.
• Challenges: Over 500 industrial projects need financing, amounting to over $1 trillion. Urgent policy measures were suggested to stimulate demand.
• About ITA:
  • The Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) is a new global initiative launched at COP28, focusing on decarbonizing heavy-emitting industries.
  • Spearheaded by the UN, UAE, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, the ITA aims to mobilize significant investments to support industrial decarbonization projects, specifically targeting sectors like steel, cement, chemicals, aluminum, aviation, and shipping.
  • The ITA has identified a pipeline of 473 projects requiring around $700 billion in investments by 2030 to produce low-carbon commodities.
  • These efforts are essential as heavy industries contribute approximately 30% of global CO₂ emissions.
  • The initiative addresses key barriers such as insufficient demand for low-carbon products, and plans to implement demand-side policies, including green public procurement and carbon pricing standards.
  • Tools like a Policy Playbook and a Green Purchase Toolkit will also be provided to assist stakeholders in creating a supportive market environment for green investments.

Just Energy Transition (JET):

• The Just Energy Transition (JET) is a framework aimed at ensuring that the shift from fossil fuels to a low-carbon economy is carried out in a fair, inclusive, and equitable manner.
• It prioritizes social justice and equity, recognizing the economic and social impacts on workers, communities, and industries heavily dependent on fossil fuels. The concept has gained prominence as countries accelerate efforts to meet climate targets under the Paris Agreement.
• Recent Developments:
  • At COP28 (Dubai, 2023), discussions on JET focused on scaling up international cooperation and financial support for developing countries.
  • New commitments were made to enhance social protection measures and support workforce retraining initiatives as part of broader climate action strategies​.
  • The International Labour Organization (ILO) has been actively promoting the JET framework, emphasizing the need for strong labor policies and rights-based approaches to ensure fair treatment of all workers.

3. Rising Diabetes Cases in India: An Urgent Call for Comprehensive Prevention Efforts

Sub : Sci

Sec : Health

Why in News

• On International Diabetes Day, a recent global study highlighted the alarming rise in diabetes cases worldwide, with India emerging as the nation with the highest diabetic population. This has sparked concerns among health experts about the need for urgent and effective preventive measures.

Global Diabetes Prevalence:

• A study published in The Lancet revealed that over 800 million adults are currently living with diabetes worldwide, a figure that has quadrupled since 1990. India alone accounts for more than a quarter of the global diabetic population, with 212 million adults affected. The study’s figure for India surpasses the results of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-InDiaB study from the previous year by nearly 100 million cases.

About HbA1c Testing:

• HbA1c, also known as glycated hemoglobin or A1C, is a blood test that measures the average blood glucose (sugar) levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It is expressed as a percentage, indicating how much glucose is attached to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.
• Used to diagnose diabetes and monitor the long-term control of blood glucose in people already diagnosed with diabetes. An HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher is typically indicative of diabetes.

About Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

• OGTT is a test that measures the body’s ability to process glucose. It involves fasting overnight, followed by consuming a sugary drink (containing 75g of glucose), and measuring blood glucose levels at intervals (typically after 2 hours).
• Primarily used to diagnose Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher two hours after the drink indicates diabetes.

Difference between HbA1c Testing and Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

4. India and Japan Collaborate on Advanced Naval Technology with UNICORN Masts

Sub : Sci

Sec : Defence

Why in News

• India and Japan have recently signed a significant agreement for the co-development of the UNICORN mast technology. This development marks a crucial milestone in defence cooperation between the two nations and showcases Japan’s first export case of defence technology under a bilateral agreement. The move comes as part of broader efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy.

About UNICORN Mast:

• India and Japan have signed an MoI for the co-development of the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast.
• The collaboration involves Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in India, partnering with Japanese defence experts to bring advanced communication technology to Indian naval platforms.
• The UNICORN mast is a conical structure that integrates various communication antennas on top of naval warships. This integration aims to improve stealth capabilities by reducing the ship’s radar signature.
• UNICORN masts are advanced integrated masts used in naval vessels to enhance stealth, communication, and sensor capabilities. They are specifically designed to consolidate various radar, communication, and surveillance systems into a single, compact structure.
• The streamlined structure minimizes the ship’s radar visibility, crucial for stealth operations.
• UNICORN masts are built to accommodate state-of-the-art technology for real-time data acquisition and communication, crucial for modern naval operations.
• Japan has exported the UNICORN NORA-50 Integration Mast, highlighting its utility in stealth and sensor optimization for naval fleets​.

5. EU’s EUDR Compliance Extension Brings Relief to Indian Coffee and Rubber Planters

Sub :Geo

Sec : Eco Geo

Why in News

• The European Union has decided to extend the compliance deadline for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), offering Indian coffee and rubber planters additional time to adapt to the new requirements. This decision is significant for India’s plantation sector, especially for coffee and rubber, which are crucial export commodities to the EU.

EUDR Compliance:

• The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) aims to prevent the import of agricultural goods associated with deforestation, mandating compliance from growers, exporters, and traders.
• The regulation was initially set to be enforced by December 2024. However, the deadline has now been extended:
• Large operators and exporters must comply by December 30, 2025.
• Micro and small-scale growers have until June 30, 2026 to meet the standards.

Relevance to Indian Coffee Industry:

• Over 70% of Indian coffee exports go to EU countries, making EUDR compliance crucial for Indian growers.
• Indian coffee is unique as it is often cultivated under a two-tier canopy of native shade trees, which supports biodiversity. Despite this sustainable practice, the new EU regulations still require Indian planters to adhere strictly to EUDR standards.

Indian Coffee Production:

• Indian coffeeis said to be the finest coffee grown in the shade rather than in direct sunlight anywhere in the world.
• The two well-known species of coffee grown are the Arabicaand
• Regions:Predominantly in Karnataka’s Kodagu (Coorg) region (70% of India’s coffee), also in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Other coffee-producing regions: Non-traditional areasof Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on the eastern coast of the country and a third region comprising the states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh of Northeastern India.
• Almost 80%of Indian coffee is exported; 70% is bound for Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Greece, Netherlands and Italy accounts for 29% of the exports.
• Coffee production globally: Globally top producers: Brazil (29%), Vietnam (18%) andIndonesia (7%), Colombia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Peru and India.

Rubber Sector’s Response to EUDR Extension:

• The extension of the EUDR deadline is expected to stabilize the international rubber market in the short term, the postponement has temporarily eased market concerns.
• The rubber sector now has until 2026 to prepare for compliance, providing time to implement necessary changes.
• The Rubber Board of India has partnered with Hyderabad-based tech firm TRST01 to facilitate compliance. They plan to issue due diligence certificates to exporters, starting with select regions in Kerala.

Indian Rubber production:

• Hevea brasiliensis, native to the Amazon basin, is the primary source of natural rubber, now grown extensively in Asia and Africa.
• Hevea brasiliensis is a fast-growing, perennial tree, reaching 25-30 meters in height, with an economic life span of 32 years.
• Commercial rubber cultivation in India began in 1902.
• India’s rubber growing regions are classified into traditional (Kerala and Tamil Nadu) and non-traditional (coastal Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, northeastern states, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) zones.
• Rubber requires a tropical climate with temperatures between 20°C-35°C and heavy rainfall of at least 200 cm annually for optimal growth.
• Thailand is the world’s largest producer of rubber, contributing 29% of global production, followed by Indonesia.
• India ranks 4th in global natural rubber production, with 81% of its output from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

6. How ‘Benjamin Button’ jellyfish reverse age to survive

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• Reverse development is the phenomenon in jellyfish-like organisms, where certain species can revert to an earlier stage of their life cycle to survive stressful conditions.
• This process has been noted in the immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) and, more recently, in comb jellies (Mnemiopsis leidyi).

Reverse development:

• In the 1980s, researchers Christian Sommer and Giorgio Bavestrello accidentally discovered the remarkable ability of Turritopsis dohrnii to revert to an earlier life stage when faced with stress, such as physical damage or environmental changes.
• Normally, adult jellyfish (medusae) release planulae (larvae) that develop into polyps, which then grow into new adult medusae.
• However, in stressful conditions, Turritopsis dohrnii can revert from the adult (medusa) stage back to a polyp or even a larval stage, this phenomenon is called reverse development.

Reverse Development in Comb Jellies:

• A new study reveals that the comb jelly can also undergo reverse development when stressed.
• To study this phenomenon, the scientists subjected the comb jellies to two types of stress: prolonged starvation and physical injury or lobectomy (cutting the adult lobes).
• The researchers found that animals subjected to lobectomy had a significantly lower mortality and higher success rate in reverting to earlier developmental stages (40% reversal success) compared to those that were starved (14%).

Key differences:

• Immortal Jellyfish reverts into a colony of polyps rather than a single larval organism. This makes it difficult to track the development of a single specimen.
• Comb jellies, on the other hand, reverts to a single larva, allowing researchers to more easily trace and study the life cycle of an individual organism.

How reverse development helps to survive harsh conditions:

• After undergoing stress, comb jellies reverted to the larval cydippid stage. In this stage, the creature is simpler and requires fewer resources to survive.
• Once provided with sufficient food, the larvae could grow back into full adults.

Ecological implications of Reverse Development:

• Mnemiopsis leidyi is a highly invasive species, and its ability to reverse development may contribute to its ecological impact.
• The species has been linked to the collapse of fisheries in the Black Sea in the 1990s.

7. Eye donation and corneal transplant

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• World Sight Day is observed every year on the second Thursday of October. In 2024, it falls on October 14.
• This day is marked by the International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) to raise awareness about vision-related issues and the importance of accessible eye care services globally.

Corneal Blindness:

• Corneal blindness is a leading cause of blindness among people under 50 years of age.
• The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye that focuses light by refraction onto the retina, enabling vision.
• Damage to the cornea, from injury, disease, or infection, can impair vision, and the only effective treatment to restore sight is a corneal transplant.

Corneal transplant:

• A corneal transplant involves restoring vision to an individual with a damaged cornea by using healthy tissue from a donor.
• The long-term success of corneal grafts depends on factors such as the quality of donor tissue, the type of corneal condition and follow-up care.
• Corneal transplants began in 1905, with the first successful transplant in India occurring in 1960. Since then, advances in surgical techniques have led to greater success rates.
• Surgeons now perform lamellar corneal transplants, where only a specific layer of the cornea is transplanted, rather than the entire cornea. This method leads to quicker recovery and reduces the chances of immune rejection.

Lack of donations:

• The National Programme for the Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment estimates that over a million people in India suffer from corneal blindness.
• Despite the demand, the number of corneal transplants performed annually falls far short of the target of 100,000 transplants partly due to challenges in organ donation, such as procedural delays and consent laws.
• To address this, the government is considering a change to the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994, to allow presumed consent, meaning all eligible donors would be assumed to have given consent, with the family’s formal approval.

8. Over 10 lakh seniors enrol in Ayushman Vay Vandana

Sub : Schemes

Sec :Vulnerable section

Context:

• More than 10 lakh senior citizens have enrolled for the newly launched Ayushman Vay Vandana card, within three weeks of the scheme’s rollout. Women account for around 4 lakh enrolments under the scheme.

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card:

• The central government recently launched Ayushman Vay Vandana Card, an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
• The card aims to ensure free healthcare for every citizen aged 70 years and above, providing an annual coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family.
• The scheme was announced during the Union Budget 2024-25 and is being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Eligibility: All Indian citizens aged 70 years or older are eligible for the benefits, regardless of income or economic status.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):

• Ayushman Bharat is a flagship healthcare initiative launched by the Government of India in 2018, aimed at providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services to the population, especially the economically vulnerable sections of society.
• PMJAY is the health insurance scheme under Ayushman Bharat, which provides health coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary
• PMJAY provides cashless and paperless access to services for the beneficiary at the point of service.
• Eligibility: The households included are based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) for rural and urban areas respectively.