Daily Prelims Notes 2 March 2024

March 2, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

2 March 2024

Table Of Contents

1. India’s GDP Growth in Q3 2023-24

Subject: Economy

Section: National Income

GDP Growth Rate:
- Surpassed expectations to rise to a six-quarter high of 8.4% in the third quarter (October-December) of 2023-24.
- This exceeded the 5% estimate for Q3 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other economists.
Impact on Full-Year Estimate:
- Q3 GDP pushed the full-year estimate to 7.6% in the second advance estimates.
- Initial estimate was 3% released in January.
Sectoral Growth:
- Improvement in sectors such as:
  - Manufacturing
  - Mining
  - Construction
  - Trade
  - Hotels
  - Transport
  - Communication
  - Broadcasting services
- Agriculture sector, however, recorded a contraction in Q3.
Divergence in Growth Rates:
- Divergence between GDP and Gross Value Added (GVA) growth rates.
- GDP for Q3 was 4%, while GVA growth was lower at 6.5%.
- GVA measures national income from the output side, excluding product or indirect taxes.
Reasons Behind Surge in GDP:
- Strong growth in sectors except agriculture.
- Manufacturing grew at 6%.
- Construction posted 5% growth.
- Services, such as trade, hotels, transport, communication, grew at 7%.
Investment Support:
- Rise in investments supported GDP growth.
- Revival in capex cycle due to:
  - Turn in real estate cycle
  - Industry utilization back at 2019 levels.

Consumption Expenditure:
- Slowdown in private final consumption expenditure.
- FY23 growth levels at a two-decade low (excluding pandemic year).
- Q3 private final consumption expenditure rose by 5% year-on-year.
Growth Revisions:
- Revisions made to growth rates of previous financial years.
- Q3 growth rate revised down to 3% for October-December 2022-23.
Divergence Between GVA and GDP:
- Sharp rise in net taxes and fall in subsidies.
- Widening difference to 190 basis points in Q3.
Government’s View:
- Divergence due to fall in subsidies.
- Urea subsidy 25% lower than the year-ago period.
Growth Expectations and Concerns:
- Expectation for broad-based improvement in consumption growth and private investments.
- Concerns about slowing profit growth and rising input costs.
- GDP deflator growth expected to impact real GDP growth in FY25.
Future Outlook:
- Growth momentum expected to moderate.
- Urban demand could moderate as wage growth slows.
- Government capital expenditure may slow in Q4.

India’s GDP growth in Q3 2023-24 reflects a mixed picture with strong performances in certain sectors, a slowdown in consumption, and a divergence between GDP and GVA growth rates. The outlook for future growth hinges on factors such as consumption demand, private investments, and government spending.

Understanding GDP and GVA in India’s Economic Growth

What is GDP?

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) measures the monetary value of all final goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a specific time period.
It includes consumption, government spending, investments, and net exports.

Components of GDP:

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): Money spent by individuals on final goods and services.
Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE): Government spending on goods and services.
Gross Fixed Capital Expenditure (Gross Investment): Investments in capital assets to boost productivity.
Net Exports (NX): Difference between exports and imports.

Calculation:

GDP = PFCE + Gross Investment + GFCE + (Exports – Imports)

What is GVA?

Gross Value Added (GVA) calculates the value of goods and services produced in an economy, minus the cost of inputs and raw materials.
It provides insights into the contribution of each sector to the economy.

GVA Calculation:

GVA = Total Output Value – Cost of Intermediary Inputs

Relationship Between GDP and GVA

Derived Relationship:
- GDP is derived from GVA along with taxes earned by the government and minus subsidies provided.
- GDP = GVA + Taxes – Subsidies
Usage:
- GDP is more commonly used for analyzing annual economic growth and for comparisons between countries or over time.
- GVA helps understand the performance of individual sectors within the economy.

Recent Indian Economic Growth Data

Q2 FY23 Growth:
- India’s GDP grew by 6.3% and GVA by 5.6%.
- India maintained its status as the fastest-growing major economy, outpacing China.

Significance of GDP and GVA

Economic Indicators:
- GDP and GVA serve as crucial indicators of an economy’s health and performance.
- They reflect overall economic activity, sector-wise contributions, and growth trends.
- Government policies and decisions often rely on GDP and GVA data.

Conclusion

Understanding GDP and GVA is essential for comprehending India’s economic growth story. The recent growth rates reflect a positive trajectory, with implications for policy, investment, and sectoral development. As India aims for sustained growth, these indicators will continue to guide economic strategies and decisions, ensuring a path of prosperity and progress.

2. Offshore Mineral Blocks for Auction

Subject: Geography

Section: Eco Geography

Shortlisted Blocks:
- The Mines Ministry has shortlisted around 10 offshore mineral blocks for potential auction.
Location:
- Blocks are located on both the east coast and west coast of India.
Minerals:
- Expected minerals include:
  - Construction sand
  - Lime mud
  - Others

Number of Identified Blocks:
- Ministry has identified 35 offshore mineral blocks so far.
- Potential auctions would mark the first offshore mining activities in India.
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ):
- Some blocks are in the Exclusive Economic Zone of India, beyond the territorial waters (12 nautical miles).
- Target minerals: Lime mud and polymetallic nodules.
Consultations:
- Inter-ministerial discussions underway with Ministries like Defence for necessary No-Objection Certificates (NOCs).
- Aim to avoid any overlapping with existing projects.
Timeline:
- Auctions likely to occur by June-July 2024.
Mineral Usage:
- Lime mud primarily imported, used in:
  - Steel
  - Paint
  - Pharma
  - Glass industries
- Marine sand deposits (used in construction) reported off the coast of Kerala.
Auction Rules:
- Discussion on rules:
  - Auction for production in-lease can be made at G3 level of exploration for silica sand and lime mud.

Offshore Mining Stages:
- Four stages of exploration:
  - Reconnaissance (G4)
  - Preliminary exploration (G3)
  - General exploration (G2)
  - Detailed exploration (G1)

Deep-sea Mining:
- Offshore mining or deep-sea mining involves retrieving mineral deposits from ocean depths below 200 metres.
- Process:
  - Submersible crafts with suction pipes creep across the seabed, stirring up metallic objects.
  - Poly-metallic nodules sorted, unwanted sediment flushed back into the sea.

Demand:
- Growing demand for metals like those in nodules for:
  - Wind turbines
  - Solar panels
  - Batteries
  - Smartphones
- Essential for clean-energy technologies.
Standard Operating Procedures:
- Centre is developing SOPs for private sector bidders winning exploration rights.

Offshore mineral auctions mark a significant step in India’s mining sector, potentially unlocking valuable resources and catering to the demand for essential minerals in various industries.

Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023: Salient Features

Introduction of Auction Regime

Purpose: Major reform in allocating operating rights in offshore areas.
Method: Operating rights granted through auction via competitive bidding.

Types of Operating Rights

Production Lease:
- Granting to private sector through auction.
- Duration fixed at 50 years, aligning with MMDR Act.
- Renewal provision removed.
Composite License:
- Two-stage operating right for exploration and production.
- Private sector granted through auction.

Operating Rights for PSUs

Mineral-bearing areas reserved by Central Government.
PSUs exclusively granted operating rights for atomic minerals.

Area Acquisition Limit

Maximum Area:
- Restricted to 45 minutes latitude by 45 minutes longitude.
- Applies to any mineral or prescribed group of associated minerals.

Non-Lapsable Offshore Areas Mineral Trust

Purpose:
- Ensure funds for:
  - Mitigation of adverse impacts.
  - Disaster relief.
  - Interest and benefits for affected parties.
- Funding:
  - Additional levy on mineral production, up to one third of royalty.
  - Rate to be prescribed by Central Government.
- Management:
  - Trust to maintain a fund under the Public Account of India.

Ease of Business Measures

Transfer of Licenses:
- Provision for easy transfer of composite license or production lease.

Timelines for Production

Commencement:
- Introduction of timelines for starting production and dispatch.
- Ensures timely utilization of leases.

Revenue Allocation

Royalty and Premiums:
- Revenues from offshore mineral production accrue to Government of India.

Significance of Offshore Mineral Resources in India

Resource Potential:
- Vast mineral resources within Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
GSI Findings:
- Lime mud, construction-grade sand, heavy mineral placers, phosphorite, ferromanganese nodules and crusts.
Economic Growth:
- Utilization essential for India’s high-growth economy.
Public-Private Partnership:
- Encouragement of public-private partnerships.
- Private sector brings expertise and technology for exploration.

Conclusion

The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023 introduces crucial reforms in India’s offshore mining sector. By adopting an auction regime, granting specific rights to PSUs for atomic minerals, setting area acquisition limits, and establishing a non-lapsable trust, the Bill aims to promote transparency, responsible mining, and economic growth.

It aligns with India’s vision of harnessing its maritime resources for sustainable development while ensuring benefit for all stakeholders.

Understanding the International Seabed

The international seabed, also known as the Area, refers to the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.
It covers about 54% of the world’s oceans.
Recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the “common heritage of mankind,“ it is to be managed for the benefit of all nations.

The Role of International Seabed Authority (ISA)

Establishment: ISA is an autonomous international organization established under UNCLOS.
Mandate: It regulates and manages all mineral-related activities in the international seabed.
Functions:
- Grants licenses and regulates exploration and exploitation activities.
- Ensures activities protect the marine environment.
- Promotes equitable and efficient resource utilization.

Deep Sea Mining:

Definition: Involves extracting mineral deposits and metals from the ocean floor.

Types:
1. Mining polymetallic nodules.
2. Extracting massive seafloor sulphide deposits.
3. Stripping cobalt crusts from rocks.
Materials: These areas contain minerals vital for technologies such as batteries, cellphones, and renewable energy.

Current Regulations on Deep Sea Mining

Governed by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
High Seas: Areas beyond 200 nautical miles from any nation’s coast.
Common Heritage: The seabed and its resources are considered humanity’s shared wealth.
Management: Must protect global interests, support research, and safeguard marine environments.

Challenges of Offshore Mining

Environmental Impact
Deep-Sea Ecosystem
Technological Challenges
Regulatory Issues
Resource Conflicts
Economic Viability
Social Impact
Waste Management
Accidents and Spills
Lack of Coordination

3. How the development of Agaléga figures in India’s vision for its maritime neighborhood

Subject: IR

Section: Places in news

Context:

Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Pravind Jugnauth jointly inaugurated an airstrip and the St James Jetty on North Agaléga Island in the Indian Ocean.

More on news:

The development of the Agaléga Islands is in the socio-economic and national security interest of Mauritius, and also aligns with India’s maritime vision.

Why is Agaléga important to Mauritius?

The islands, which is a dependency of Mauritius, were not developed for many years.
The near absence of an official government or security presence was a serious vulnerability for Mauritius.
This vulnerability could be converted to strength by developing the islands and creating facilities that could operate ships and aircraft.
Building a jetty and an airstrip was therefore considered imperative by the government of Mauritius.
They chose India as their preferred development partner.

Why did Mauritians choose India?

Ties between India and Mauritius go back to 1948, 20 years before the country’s independence from Britain.
Seventy per cent of the inhabitants of Mauritius are of Indian origin, and the two countries share deep historical, social, and cultural bonds.
Considering the sensitivities in Mauritius over issues of sovereignty and security, both sides progressed with utmost caution, and every concern was appropriately addressed before the project got off the ground.

How will the development of Agaléga help Mauritius?

The new jetty and airstrip will enable a larger and more credible government presence on the islands, and the stationing or forward deployment of ships of the Mauritius Coast Guard.
It will be possible to better monitor and police the vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that extends 200 nautical miles outward from these islands.

What is in it for India?

The joint development of Agaléga underscores India’s commitment to the vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), and its willingness to assist smaller maritime nations in building capacity and developing capability.
It will indicate to other maritime neighbors that India is a benign and friendly country that respects the sovereignty of independent nations.
India would like to emerge as the preferred development and security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

About Agalega Islands:

Agaléga is a group of two islands with a total area of 26 sq km and a native population of about 300 people.
It lies approximately 650 nautical miles (1,050 km) north of Mauritius, and belongs to the island nation.
Agaléga is a dependency of Mauritius which consists of two outer islands located in the Indian Ocean, about 1,050 km (650 mi) north of Mauritius Island.
Agalega is explicitly defined by the Constitution of Mauritius, part of the Sovereignty of Mauritius, together with the following islands Rodrigues, Tromelin, Cargados Carajos (Saint Brandon), Chagos Archipelago, Diego Garcia and other islands included in the State of Mauritius.

4. Bengaluru bomb blast: What are improvised explosive devices, or IEDs?

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Context:

At least nine people were injured after an explosion at the bustling Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru’s Whitefield area on March 1, possibly by an improvised explosive device (IED).

More on news:

Some notable instances of IEDs being used in the past include the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts, the 2008 Jaipur blasts, the 2006 Jama Masjid bombings, and the 2013 Bodh Gaya bombings. IEDs have also been commonly used by Maoist insurgents, and Kashmiri militants.

What are IEDs?

The term “IED” first entered common usage during the United States’ Iraq invasion (beginning in 2003), where such bombs were commonly used against US forces.
An IED is basically a home-made bomb.
IEDs can come in many forms, ranging from a small pipe bomb to a sophisticated device capable of causing massive damage and loss of life.
IEDs can be deployed using a vehicle, carried, placed, or thrown by a person, delivered in a package, or concealed on the roadside.

Components of an IED:

Each IED comprises a few basic components, which can come in various forms, depending on resources available to the bomb-maker.
These include an initiator or a triggering mechanism, (which sets the explosion off), a switch (which arms the explosive), a main charge (which causes the explosion), a power source (since most IEDs contain an electric initiator, they require an electronic power source), and a container.
Additionally, IEDs may be packed with additional materials or “enhancements” such as nails, glass, or metal fragments designed to increase the amount of shrapnel released by the explosion — and thus the damage it causes.
Enhancement may also include hazardous materials such as toxic chemicals, or radio-active circumstances — an IED packed with, say, depleted Uranium will be colloquially called a “dirty bomb”.
Some common materials used to build IEDs include fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and urea nitrate, gunpowder, and hydrogen peroxide.
The reasons why passengers are not allowed to carry beyond a certain quantity of liquids aboard commercial aircraft is the possibility of creating IEDs on site by mixing some commonly available liquids.

Damage caused by IEDs:

IEDs are not simply used to kill and injure — they have often, especially in active war zones, been used as distractions.
The extent of damage caused by an IED depends on its size, construction, and placement, and whether it incorporates a high explosive or propellant.
Typically, IEDs come with a very clear trade-off.
While smaller bombs are easier to hide, carry, and deploy, they are also generally much less damaging than larger ones, especially ones deployed using vehicles.

5. Minimum age to cast postal ballots hiked to 85 years

Subject: Polity

Section: Elections

Context:

The government on Friday, in consultation with the Election Commission, amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to raise the minimum age for senior citizens eligible for voting by postal ballot, to 85 years from 80 years.

Recent Changes:

According to the electoral roll published on February 8, of the 96.88 crore electors in the country, 1.85 crore were above the age of 80.
The rules enable postal ballot voting for a “notified class of electors”, which includes essential services workers, persons with disabilities, Covid-19-infected or suspected cases and senior citizens.
In Section 27(A) (e), senior citizens had been defined as those above 80 years.
In the conduct of Elections Rules-1961, in rule 27A, in clause (e), for the words and figures―above 80 years, the words and figures ―above 85 years shall be substituted.

About Postal Ballot:

A restricted set of voters can exercise postal voting.
Through this facility, a voter can cast her vote remotely by recording her preference on the ballot paper and sending it back to the election officer before counting.
Members of the armed forces like the Army, Navy and Air Force, members of the armed police force of a state (serving outside the state), government employees posted outside India and their spouses are entitled to vote only by post.
In other words, they can’t vote in person.
Voters under preventive detention can also vote only by post.
Special voters such as the President of India, Vice President, Governors, Union Cabinet ministers, Speaker of the House and government officers on poll duty have the option to vote by post. But they have to apply through a prescribed form to avail this facility.
The Returning Officer is supposed to print ballot papers within 24 hours of the last date of nomination withdrawal and dispatch them within a day.
This is done so that the ballot papers reach the concerned voter well before the polling date and she has enough time to send it back before the counting day.
Postal ballot papers for members of the Armed Forces are sent through their record offices.
For members of the armed police force of a state (serving outside the state), government employees posted outside India and their spouses, the ballot paper can be sent through post or electronically.
For remaining categories ballot papers can be delivered personally or through post.
The postal ballot facility had been extended to persons with disability, absentee voters who are working in essential services and senior citizens (above 80 years) for the first time in 2019, after an amendment to the Conduct of Elections Rules on the recommendation of the ECI.
Those who opt for the facility are visited at home by poll officials, who facilitate the filling up of the postal ballots.
The whole procedure is done after informing the political parties and under videography.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the facility was extended to those infected or suspected to be infected with the coronavirus, starting with the Bihar Assembly elections in 2020.
However, the ECI eventually decided not to extend the facility to those above 65 years.
On August 23, 2023, the Law Ministry again amended the rule to take the eligibility back to 80 years from 65 years.

6. Union code 0001: How a village seeded India’s White Revolution

Subject: History

Section: Post Independence India

Context:

Amul, the renowned dairy cooperative, recently celebrated its golden jubilee, marking fifty years of transformative impact in India’s dairy industry.

More on news:

On October 31, 1964, the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri inaugurated a 50-tonne-per-day cattle feed plant of the Kaira District Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union, better known as Amul.
It laid the basis for the Operation Flood programme that helped turn India into the world’s largest milk producer by 1998.
Feed factory was opened in Kanjari,about 8 km from the cooperative’s dairy in Anand.
Amul’s top five DCSs ranked by average milk procurement in 2022-23 were Badharpura (18,609 LPD), Undel (17,429 LPD), Bedva (12,173 LPD), Motipura (10,430 LPD) and Borsad (9,769 LPD). They are all much bigger than Ajarpura.

The start of a revolution:

The National Dairy Development Board was established in September 1965, with Shastri appointing Kurien as the chairman of this organization having the mandate to replicate the “Anand Pattern”.
It laid the basis for the Operation Flood programme that helped turn India into the world’s largest milk producer by 1998.
Ajarpura not only seeded the White Revolution, it was the first Amul dairy cooperative society (DCS) to be registered on August 7, 1947, with a union code of “0001”.

About White Revolution:

In 1970, India set in motion the ‘White Revolution’, the world’s biggest dairy development program, led by Dr. Verghese Kurien. ‘Operation Flood’.
White Revolution or Operation Flood, launched on 13 January 1970, was the world’s largest dairy development program and a landmark project of India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
It transformed India from a milk-deficient nation into the world’s largest milk producer, surpassing the United States in 1998 with about 22.29 percent of global output in 2018.
Within 30 years, it doubled the milk available per person in India and made dairy farming India’s largest self-sustainable rural employment generator.

7. Undersea cable disruptions expose India’s crucial telecom vulnerability

Subject: Science

Section: Awareness in IT

Context:

Three critical undersea cables, namely Asia-Africa-Europe-1, Europe India Gateway, and Tata Global Network, which connect India to the global telecom networks, have suffered damages which are speculated to be the result of targeted attacks amidst the ongoing conflict in the Red Sea region.

Submarine Communication Cable:

These are strategically placed on the ocean floor, connecting land-based stations to facilitate the transmission of telecommunication signals across vast bodies of water.
Utilizing fibre-optic technology, these cables contain optical fibres that are encased in protective materials designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the marine environment.
Offering a dependable, cost-effective, and high-capacity solution for internet connectivity, submarine cables present significant advantages over satellite alternatives.

India’s undersea cable network:

India boasts a robust submarine cable network, with 17 cables making landfall at 14 different cable landing stations, predominantly in Mumbai and Chennai, as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster undersea connectivity.
To streamline and improve data transmission while decreasing dependency on international service providers, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has implemented new regulations.
These classify Cable Landing Stations (CLS) into two categories:Main CLS and CLS Point of Presence, aimed at enhancing data flow.
Further, TRAI has put forth recommendations to acknowledge the operations of submarine cables as essential services. It has suggested changes to legislation and proposed tax exemptions for critical equipment, including exemptions from customs duty and GST.
Notable submarine cable projects include:
- The MIST Submarine Cable System establishes links between India and countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
- Reliance Jio Infocomm’s India Asia Xpress (IAX) creates direct connections from India to the Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
- The India Europe Xpress (IEX) spans from India to Italy through Saudi Arabia and Greece.
- The SeaMeWe-6 project connects Singapore to France with stops in India, Bangladesh, and the Maldives.
- The Africa2 Cable links India to the UK through various African nations.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI):

TRAI is a regulatory body set up by the Government of India under section 3 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997.
It is the regulator of the telecommunications sector in India.
It consists of a chairperson and not more than two full-time members and not more than two part-time members.
The TRAI Act was amended by an ordinance, effective from 24 January 2000, establishing a Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal to take over the adjudicatory and dispute functions from TRAI.

Source: TH

8. Rajya Sabha member, team meet rebel Arakan Army inside Myanmar, discover poor condition of Kaladan project on Myanmar side

Subject: IR

Section: Places in news

Context:

An Indian delegation, led by Rajya Sabha member K. Vanlalvena, engaged in talks with the Arakan Army within Myanmar, weeks after the rebel group captured a crucial township near the Indian border.

details:

The meeting aimed to discuss the status of the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project, a $484 million connectivity initiative designed to enhance overland and water connectivity between India and Southeast Asia.
Key Discussions:
- The dialogue with the Arakan Army focused on two main issues: the refugee problem affecting the region and the progress of the Kaladan project.

Security and Autonomy Concerns:
- The situation indicates a loss of control by the Burmese military in the area, highlighting the influence of various rebel groups over approximately forty per cent of Myanmar’s territory.
Strategic Implications:
- The Kaladan project is strategically important for connecting India’s northeastern region to Southeast Asia, potentially enhancing commercial prospects through the port of Sittwe.
- The engagement with the Arakan Army, a non-state actor with growing influence, raises questions about the future legal status of the Kaladan project amid Myanmar’s complex political landscape.

About Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project:

Kaladan Project would link India and Myanmar via the Bay of Bengal.
It was jointly identified by India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of transport for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar as well as to the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar.
It is being constructed by India under the Grant in Aid Scheme.
Once completed, it will link Kolkata with the Sittwe seaport in Rakhine state in Myanmar, primarily over the Bay of Bengal – covering over 500 km.
The project envisaged four important stages:
- Kolkata to Sittwe waterway;
- Sittwe to Paletwa inland (River Kaladan) waterway;
- Paletwa to India-Myanmar border post in Myanmar;
- Finally, linking the road to Lawngtlai in Mizoram as part of the project’s last leg;
Benefits:
- The project is expected to contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern States of India.
- It also provides a strategic link to the North-East, thereby reducing pressure on the Siliguri Corridor.

Places in news:

Paletwa township- a part of Myanmar (border to India) currently controlled by the Arakan Army.
Port of Sittwe- A port of Myanmar and a part of the Kaladan Project.

Source: TH

9. Global Resources Outlook 2024

Subject: IR

Section: Reports and Indices

Context: Global Resources Outlook 2024, released on final day of assembly, reveals shocking statistics

What is Global Resources Outlook?

It is a flagship report of International Resource Panel

What is International Resource Panel (IRP)?

The International Resource Panel (IRP) was launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 2007 to build and share the knowledge needed to improve our use of resources worldwide. The International Resource Panel is a scientific panel of experts that aims to help nations use natural resources sustainably without compromising economic growth and human needs. It provides independent scientific assessments and expert advice on a variety of areas, including:
The volume of selected raw material reserves and how efficiently these resources are being used the lifecycle-long environmental impacts of products and services created and consumed around the globe options to meet human and economic needs with fewer or cleaner resources.
The Secretariat of the IRP is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) through its office in Paris, France.

10. Planetary Boundary pioneer Johan Rockstrom wins 2024 Tyler Prize for environmental achievement

Subject: Environment

Section: Int conventions

Why in news?

The 2024 Tyler Prize for environmental achievement will be awarded to Johan Rockstrom for his groundbreaking contributions and pioneering work to the development of the Planetary Boundaries framework, the science for defining the safe operating space for humanity on Earth.

Who is Johan Rockstrom?

Rockstrom is director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and co-chair of the Earth Commission. The framework provides boundaries for world development and a basis for human justice, PIK said in a statement on February 29, 2024.

The prestigious Tyler Prize is often described as Nobel Prize for environment. Rockstrom will receive the award on May 17, 2024, in a ceremony in Potsdam, Germany.

What is concept of planetary boundary?

The concept of planetary boundaries was first proposed by a team of international scientists in 2009 to articulate key natural processes that, when kept in balance, support biodiversity.

The Planetary Boundaries is an international collaboration across multiple Earth system science disciplines. The theory establishes defined boundaries for nine Earth systems, emphasising the critical importance of their stability and resilience in preserving life as we understand it.

Nine planetary boundaries beyond which we can’t push Earth Systems without putting our societies at risk:

climate change
biodiversity loss
ocean acidification
ozone depletion
atmospheric aerosol pollution
freshwater use
biogeochemical flows of nitrogen and phosphorus
land-system change
Release of novel chemicals.

Humanity already exists outside the safe operating space for at least four of the nine boundaries:

climate change,
biodiversity,
land-system change, and
biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus imbalance).

The best way to prevent overshoot, researchers say, is to revamp our energy and food systems.

The nine planetary boundaries, counter clockwise from top: climate change, biosphere integrity (functional and genetic), land-system change, freshwater use, biogeochemical flows (nitrogen and phosphorus), ocean acidification, atmospheric aerosol pollution, stratospheric ozone depletion, and release of novel chemicals (including heavy metals, radioactive materials, plastics, and more).

Earth Trajectories: Think of the Earth’s climate taking different trajectories through time — pathways weaving between different climate states.
Different paths through all the possible climates can be influenced by distinct tipping points.
Self-reinforcing feedback processes can lock the planet into a particular trajectory for centuries or millennia.
There is no evidence that modern societies can exist, let alone thrive, in conditions substantially different from the Holocene.