Daily Prelims Notes 19 December 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

19 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Climate change and biodiversity loss are connected: Key takeaways from NEXUS report
2. Ganges river dolphin tagged for the first time in India
3. Selection of the Next NHRC Chief
4. Formulate Policy for Sacred Groves: Supreme Court Directs Government
5. Search for Extraterrestrial Life
6. Indonesia’s Mining Boom
7. MP plans new home for cheetahs, relocate leopards

1. Climate change and biodiversity loss are connected: Key takeaways from NEXUS report

Sub: Env

Sec: Int convention

Context:

• A first-of-its-kind IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) Nexus report emphasizes the interconnectedness of five major challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water scarcity, and health risks. Addressing these challenges in isolation is not only ineffective but also counterproductive.

Key Findings of the Nexus Report:

• Interlinkages of Crises:
  • Economic activities harm biodiversity, climate, food production, water, and health, with unaccounted costs of $10–25 trillion annually.
  • Actions addressing one challenge may negatively impact others (e.g., scaling food production can stress water, land, and biodiversity).
• Synergistic Solutions:
  • Over 70 response options were identified with positive outcomes across multiple elements.
  • Examples:
    • Restoration of carbon-rich ecosystems (forests, soils, mangroves).
    • Nature-based solutions for sustainability.
    • Sustainable diets and managing biodiversity to reduce disease risks.
  • Emphasis on sustainable production and consumption, ecosystem conservation, pollution reduction, and climate mitigation.
• Economic Impacts of Biodiversity Decline:
  • Over 50% of global GDP (~$58 trillion annually) depends on nature.
  • Biodiversity loss (2–6% per decade) directly reduces productivity.
  • Trillions of dollars in incentives still support biodiversity-harming activities.

Transformative Change Report: A Call for a Paradigm Shift:

• Simultaneously, IPBES released the Transformative Change Report, proposing a new ecological approach based on:
  • Equity and Justice
  • Pluralism and Inclusion
  • Respectful Human-Nature Relationships
  • Adaptive Learning and Action

Urgency of Action:

• Delaying action will double costs in a decade.
• Immediate action could generate:
  • $10 trillion in business opportunities.
  • 400 million jobs by 2030 through nature-positive economic models.

What is IPBES?

• IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) is the equivalent of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for biodiversity and ecosystems.
• While the IPCC focuses on climate change, IPBES periodically evaluates existing scientific knowledge on biodiversity and ecosystems to make comprehensive assessments but does not produce new research.

Key Facts about IPBES:

• Established in 2012, it informs major environmental agreements, such as:
  • UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
  • Convention on Combating Desertification (CCD)
  • Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
  • Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
• Its first report in 2019 revealed that:
  • 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to human-driven ecosystem changes.
  • 75% of Earth’s land and 66% of marine environments have been significantly altered.
  • Over 85% of wetlands have been lost.
• This report shaped the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022), which aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 through:
  • 30×30 Goals: Protecting 30% of land, freshwater, and oceans and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems.

Source: IE

2. Ganges river dolphin tagged for the first time in India

Sub :Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• A healthy male Ganges river dolphin from the Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra, was tagged for the first time under Project Dolphin.

Details:

• This initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, was executed by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, a biodiversity conservation group.

Key Objectives of Tagging:

• The tagging aims to study the dolphin’s migratory patterns, habitat utilization, range, and seasonal distribution.
• Lightweight tags compatible with Argos satellite systems ensure minimal interference with the dolphin’s movement.

Significance:

• Hailed as a historic milestone for conserving India’s national aquatic animal, funded by the National CAMPA Authority.
• As an apex predator and an umbrella species, the dolphin’s conservation is vital for the health of river systems and the communities depending on these ecosystems.

Challenges:

• The species is nearly blind, relying on echolocation for survival.
• It’s elusive behaviour and brief surfacing (5–30 seconds) have historically hindered research.
• India hosts 90% of the global population, but the dolphin’s distribution has significantly declined over the past century.

About Gangetic Dolphin:

• It is a freshwater species and one of the few river dolphins found in the world.
• It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
• Common Names: Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South Asian River Dolphin
• Scientific name: Platanista gangetica
• The Gangetic Dolphin has been recognized as India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• Description:
  • A long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body and large flippers are characteristics of the Ganges River dolphin.
  • It feeds majorly on fishes and is usually found in counter-current systems of the main river channel.
  • Its eyes lack lens, and as a result, this species is also referred to as the “blind dolphin”.
  • They have a highly developed bio-sonar system (echolocation technique) that facilitates them to hunt for fish even in murky waters.
  • Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 seconds. Because of the sound it produces when breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the ‘Susu’.
• Conservation status:
  • IUCN: Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act: Schedule-I
  • CITES: Appendix I

Kulsi river:

• The Kulsi River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam. 
• The river originates from the West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya.
• The river is known as the Khir River in its origin.
• The confluence of the Kulsi with Brahmaputra River is at Nagarbera of Kamrup district, Assam.
• Significance:
  • The Kulsi River is the habitat of the endangered South Asian river dolphin (Platanista gangetica).
  • This endangered dolphin (known as Xihu in the Assamese language) breeds only in the Subansiri and Kulsi rivers across the entire Brahmaputra delta.
  • However, sand mining and other development activities make dolphins in the Kulsi vulnerable and the numbers of this endangered dolphin have sharply declined.

Source: TH

3. Selection of the Next NHRC Chief

Sub: Polity

Sec: National body

Why in News

• The high-power committee, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, convened to select the next Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
• The Leaders of the Opposition recommended Justice K.M. Joseph, a retired Supreme Court judge, as a candidate for the NHRC Chairperson position.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is an independent statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• It functions as a guardian of human rights, which include the rights to life, liberty, equality, and dignity, as guaranteed by the Constitution of India and upheld in international covenants like the Paris Principles.

NHRC Composition

• Chairperson: A retired Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
• Members:
  • One sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court.
  • One sitting or retired Chief Justice of a High Court.
  • Three individuals (including at least one woman) with expertise in human rights.
• Ex-officio Members: Chairpersons of seven national commissions:
  • National Commission for Minorities.
  • National Commission for Scheduled Castes.
  • National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
  • National Commission for Women.
  • National Commission for Backward Classes.
  • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
  • Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

Appointment and Tenure

• Conducted by the President of India based on the recommendations of a six-member committee chaired by the Prime Minister. Members include:
  • Speaker of the Lok Sabha.
  • Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
  • Leaders of the Opposition from both Houses of Parliament.
  • Union Home Minister.
• Tenure: Chairperson and members serve a term of three years or until reaching the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. They are eligible for reappointment but cannot seek further employment in the Central or State governments post-tenure.

Removal of Members

• The President can remove the chairperson or members for:

• Insolvency or engaging in outside employment.
• Physical/mental incapacity or unsound mind.
• Conviction and imprisonment for a crime.
• Proven misbehaviour or incapacity (requires Supreme Court inquiry).

Powers

• Quasi-Judicial Powers: Can summon individuals, call for evidence, and recommend actions.
• Investigation: Conducts investigations independently or through agencies like the CBI.
• Recommendations: Advises the government but cannot enforce its recommendations.

4. Formulate Policy for Sacred Groves: Supreme Court Directs Government

Sub: Env

Sec: Biodiversity

Why in News

• The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union Environment Ministry to develop a comprehensive policy for the management and conservation of sacred groves across the country.

About Sacred Groves:

• Sacred groves are patches of natural vegetation preserved by local communities due to their religious and cultural significance.
• These areas are often dedicated to local deities, with communities taking on the responsibility of their protection and upkeep.
• Activities like hunting and deforestation are typically prohibited, while sustainable practices such as honey and deadwood collection may be permitted.
• The Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2002 offers governmental protection to these sacred lands.

State-wise Distribution of Sacred Groves in India:

• Andhra Pradesh: Approximately 750 sacred groves, locally known as Pavitravanalu.
• Arunachal Pradesh: Around 58 groves, often associated with monasteries and referred to as Gumpa Forests.
• Assam: Approximately 40 sacred groves, locally known as Than or Madaico.
• Bihar: Known as Sarna, these groves are relatively small, comprising 2 to 20 trees.
• Chhattisgarh: About 600 sacred groves, locally termed Sarna, Devlas, Mandar, or Budhadev.
• Goa: Approximately 93 sacred groves, contributing to the state’s rich biodiversity.
• Gujarat: Around 29 sacred groves, each playing a role in local ecological conservation.
• Haryana: Approximately 57 sacred groves, known locally as Beed, Bani, Bann, Janglat, or Shamlat.
• Himachal Pradesh: The state with the highest number of sacred groves, totaling around 329, locally called Dev Van. The Shipin grove is notable for its ancient deodar trees.
• Jharkhand: Approximately 29 sacred groves, known as Sarna, with more than 500 Jaherthan in the Godda region.
• Karnataka: Hosting about 1,476 groves, referred to as Devarakadu, predominantly in Kodagu district.
• Kerala: Approximately 1,500 sacred groves, known as Kavu or Sarpa Kavu, integral to the state’s cultural landscape.
• Madhya Pradesh: Around 170 sacred groves, locally termed Dev Van, contributing to regional biodiversity.
• Maharashtra: Approximately 1,600 groves, called Deorai or Devrai, concentrated in Pune, Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Kolhapur.
• Manipur: About 365 sacred groves, known as Umang Lai, Gamkhap, or Mauhak, reflecting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
• Meghalaya: Home to some of the richest groves, with approximately 125, called Law Kyntang or Asong Khosi, present in almost every village in the Khasi hills.
• Odisha: Approximately 322 sacred groves, known as Jahera or Thakuramma, playing a role in local traditions.
• Puducherry: About 108 sacred groves, referred to as Kovil Kadu, contributing to the region’s ecological diversity.
• Rajasthan: Approximately 560 groves, known as Oran, providing unique biodiversity in distinct areas.
• Sikkim: Around 56 sacred groves, often associated with monasteries and referred to as Gumpa Forests.
• Tamil Nadu: Approximately 448 groves, called Kovil Kadu or Sarpa Kavu, integral to the state’s cultural heritage.
• Telangana: About 65 sacred groves, each contributing to the state’s ecological balance.
• Uttarakhand: Approximately 133 groves, known as Devbhumi, Baun, or Bugyal, including sacred alpine meadows.
• Uttar Pradesh: Around 32 sacred groves, each playing a role in local cultural and ecological conservation.
• West Bengal: Approximately 670 groves, known as Garamthan, Harithan, Jahera, Sabitrithan, or Santalburithan, contributing to the state’s biodiversity.

Significance of Sacred Groves:

• Biodiversity Hotspots: Groves serve as habitats for diverse species of plants and animals.
• Climate Regulation: They contribute to carbon sequestration and local climate stability.
• Groves are integral to the customary practices and spiritual beliefs of various communities.
• These forests support the livelihood of dependent communities by providing resources like medicinal plants and firewood.

5. Search for Extraterrestrial Life

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

• The search for extraterrestrial life has gained momentum with advanced scientific techniques and tools. Astrobiologists are expanding their understanding of alien life forms, focusing on unconventional methods such as analysing mineral signatures and exploring non-carbon-based life possibilities.

Methods of Detecting Extraterrestrial Life:

• Astro biological Research: Scientists study extreme environments on Earth, known as analog sites, to understand potential extraterrestrial habitats. These studies help develop techniques for detecting life on other planets.
• Spectroscopic Analysis: By analysing the light spectra from distant planets, researchers can identify chemical compositions of atmospheres and surfaces, searching for biosignatures indicative of life.
• Techno signature Detection: The search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) focuses on identifying signals or artifacts, such as unusual radio waves or potential megastructures like Dyson spheres, that may indicate advanced civilizations.

Mineral Signatures: Mineral diversity on planetary surfaces can provide clues about biological activity. Two notable minerals in this context are:

• Apatite: A complex calcium phosphate mineral, apatite is a primary component of bones, teeth, and fish scales on Earth. Its presence on other planets could suggest biological processes.
• Zircon: Simple silicate crystals like zircon date back to the time before life started on Earth. A zircon found in Australia is the oldest known piece of Earth’s crust. Detecting such minerals elsewhere may provide insights into a planet’s geological history and potential for life.

Potential Solvents for Alien Life: While water is essential for life on Earth, other solvents could potentially support life elsewhere:

• Ammonia: A liquid under certain conditions, ammonia could serve as a medium for biochemical reactions.
• Methane: Lakes of liquid methane on Titan, Saturn’s moon, suggest it could act as a solvent for life forms.
• Sulfuric Acid: Despite its corrosiveness, some extremophiles on Earth thrive in acidic environments, indicating the possibility of life in sulfuric acid-rich habitats.

About Spectroscopic Analysis: This technique involves studying the interaction between matter and electromagnetic radiation to determine the composition of distant objects:

• Atmospheric Analysis: By examining the absorption lines in a planet’s spectrum, scientists can identify gases like oxygen or methane, which may indicate biological activity.
• Surface Composition: Reflectance spectroscopy helps determine the minerals present on a planet’s surface, providing clues about its geological and potentially biological history.

6. Indonesia’s Mining Boom

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geo 

Why in News

• Indonesia is witnessing a mining boom due to the global demand for critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and bauxite, essential for the energy transition and industries like electric vehicle manufacturing. However, this rapid expansion has led to severe environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges for local communities, especially in small islands like Kabaena.

Impacts of Indonesia’s Mining Boom:

• Deforestation: Over 3,700 hectares (9,140 acres) of forest, including protected areas, have been cleared in Kabaena between 2001 and 2023.
• Water Pollution: Rivers and seawater in Kabaena are contaminated with hazardous mining byproducts, including nickel, lead, and cadmium, as revealed by lab studies.
• Marine Life Decline: Octopi, fish, and seaweed—critical to local diets and livelihoods—have disappeared due to pollution.

About Nickel, Cobalt, and Bauxite:

Kabaena Island:

• Part of the Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia.
• Rich in natural resources, especially nickel, contributing to Indonesia’s mining boom.
• Environmental impact includes deforestation, sediment runoff, and loss of marine biodiversity (e.g., octopus, colourful fish).

Bajau People:

• Indigenous community traditionally reliant on the sea.
• Known as “Sea Nomads,” they depend on fishing and marine harvesting for sustenance.
• Skilled in free diving and building stilted houses near water.

7. MP plans new home for cheetahs, relocate leopards

Sub: Env

Sec :Protected Area

Context: Madhya Pradesh’s plan for cheetah conservation at Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the “Cheetah Action Plan.

Details:

Location: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary (straddling Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan) will host cheetahs and boost conservation efforts.

Action Plan:

• 6-8 cheetahs will be introduced into a 64 sq km predator-proof fenced area by next year.
• 12-14 cheetahs, sourced from Africa, will join the population to maintain a strong genetic pool.

Prey Base:

• 1,500 prey animals (chital, blackbuck, etc.) will be introduced to ensure sufficient food availability.
• Annual prey requirements estimated at 1,500-2,000 animals.

After Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan’s Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve have also been identified as potential sites for population expansion. These areas will undergo extensive habitat restoration and prey augmentation to support sustainable cheetah populations.

Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary:

• Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary situated on the northern boundary of Mandsaur and Nimach districts in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• Spread across 2,500 sq. km landscape straddling Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary’s mix of grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and riverine evergreen patches is meant to offer an ideal habitat for the cheetahs to thrive.
• The Chambal River passes through the sanctuary dividing it into two parts.
• The western part is in Nimach district and eastern part is in Mandsaur district.
• It is in the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

Flora and Fauna:

• The Sanctuary has a varied terrain of wooded hills – the forest being dry, mixed and deciduous- and flat grasslands around Gandhi sagar dam submergence.
  • The principal tree species found in the Sanctuary are Khair (Acacia catechu), Salai, Kardhai, Dhawda, Tendu, Palash etc.
• The predominant animal species are the deer, of which the most easily sighted are the chinkara or Indian gazelle, Nilgai and sambar.
  • In addition the Indian leopard, langur, Indian wild dog, peacock, otter, and Mugger crocodile are present.

Kuno National Park:

• Kuno National Park is a national park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, India.
• It derives its name from the Kuno River. It was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary with an initial area of 344.686 km2 (133.084 sq mi) in the Sheopur and Morena districts.
• In 2018, it was given the status of a national park. It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

Sr. No.	Parameter	African Cheetah	Asiatic Cheetah
1.	IUCN status	Vulnerable	Critically Endangered.
2.	CITES status	Appendix-I of the List. This List comprises of migratory species that have been assessed as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range.	Appendix-I of the List.
3.	Habitat	Around 6,500-7,000 African cheetahs are present in the wild.	40-50 found only in Iran.
4.	Physical Characteristics	Bigger in size as compared to Asiatic Cheetah.	Smaller and paler than the African cheetah. Has more fur, a smaller head and a longer neck. Usually have red eyes and they have a more cat-like appearance.
5.	Image