Daily Prelims Notes 2 November 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

2 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. India spells out finance needs for biodiversity and conservation
2. 50 years on, Tamil Nadu plans to reintroduce Nilgiri tahr in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
3. First ‘black hole triple’ system discovered: What does it mean?
4. What is AQI — and how is the air quality in Delhi after Diwali this year?
5. Goa Speaker Rejects Plea to Disqualify Congress MLAs Over Defection to BJP
6. India’s Methane Diplomacy at COP29: Opportunities for Emission Reduction and Climate Financing
7. North Korea’s New ICBM: Propaganda or Strategic Capability?

1. India spells out finance needs for biodiversity and conservation

Sub: Env

Sec: Biodiversity

Context:

• India is ramping up efforts for biodiversity and conservation funding, especially over the 2025-30 period.
• As per India it is necessary to provide means of implementation, including financial resources, as laid down in target 19 of the KMGBF as well as from DSI, for implementation of the NBSAP

Details:

• Projected Funding Requirement (2025-2030): India anticipates spending approximately ₹81,664 crore on biodiversity and conservation.
• Previous Spending (2018-2022): India allocated ₹32,207 crore through various Ministries and statutory bodies solely from central government funds for conservation-related initiatives.
• Need for Additional Funding Sources:
  • Officials at the conference highlighted that India cannot meet these increased funding needs through government expenditure alone.
  • India emphasised the necessity of international finance and support for fulfilling these goals.

Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF):

• The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) is a landmark global agreement adopted to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
• It was finalised during the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in two phases—first in Kunming, China, in 2021, and later in Montreal, Canada, in December 2022.

Goals of KMGBF by 2030:

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has four long-term goals for 2050 related to the 2050 Vision for biodiversity.

1. Goal-A: Protect and Restore Biodiversity:
   • Aim to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems.
   • Protect 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas by 2030, a target known as “30×30.”
2. Goal-B: Prosper with Nature:
   • The integrity, connectivity and resilience of all ecosystems are maintained, enhanced, or restored, substantially increasing the area of natural ecosystems by 2050;
   • Human-induced extinction of known threatened species is halted, and, by 2050, the extinction rate and risk of all species are reduced tenfold and the abundance of native wild species is increased to healthy and resilient levels;
   • The genetic diversity within populations of wild and domesticated species, is maintained, safeguarding their adaptive potential.
3. Goal-C: Equitable Sharing of Benefits:
   • Ensure fair access to genetic resources and share benefits from their use equitably.
   • Promote access and benefit-sharing through mechanisms like Digital Sequence Information (DSI), which involves sharing genetic data in global databases.
4. Goal-D: Invest and Collaborate:
   • Secure significant funding for biodiversity from both public and private sources.
   • Encourage countries to allocate 0.7% of GDP to biodiversity finance and mobilize an additional $200 billion by 2030 for conservation.
   • Establish mechanisms to aid low- and middle-income countries with implementation.

Key Targets of KMGBF:

The framework outlines 23 action-oriented targets across various aspects of biodiversity. A few examples:

• Target 1: Ensure all land and sea areas are under spatial planning to prevent ecosystem degradation.
• Target 3: Conserve at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 (30×30 goal).
• Target 9: Reduce pollution from plastics and excess nutrients by at least 50%.
• Target 16: Promote sustainable consumption by reducing overconsumption and food waste.
• Target 19: Enhance financial flows and mechanisms to support biodiversity conservation efforts globally.

Importance and Impact

• The KMGBF is often compared to the Paris Agreement for biodiversity. It emphasizes global cooperation, funding, and accountability, with regular monitoring and reporting mechanisms. The framework highlights the urgent need for a coordinated effort among nations to protect biodiversity, adapt to climate change, and promote sustainable development.

Monitoring and Accountability

• The agreement includes mechanisms for transparent monitoring and accountability to assess progress and provide guidance on how countries can meet these targets.

Digital Sequence Information (DSI):

• Digital Sequence Information (DSI) refers to the digital data representing the genetic makeup of organisms.
• DSI is derived from DNA, RNA, and other genetic material and is widely used in biodiversity research, agriculture, healthcare, and biotechnology.
• This information plays a crucial role in understanding and conserving biodiversity, as well as in developing new technologies and products based on genetic resources.

Key Aspects of DSI

1. Content:
   • DSI includes sequences of nucleotides (DNA/RNA) and proteins, which represent an organism’s genetic information.
   • It can also include related molecular information like gene functions, interactions, and biochemical pathways.
2. Applications:
   • Biodiversity Research: Helps scientists study species diversity, relationships, and adaptation mechanisms.
   • Conservation: Used to track endangered species, study genetic diversity, and support conservation efforts.
   • Agriculture: Enables crop improvement, pest resistance, and development of resilient plant varieties.
   • Healthcare and Biotechnology: Important for drug development, understanding disease mechanisms, and creating diagnostics.
3. Global Databases and Accessibility:
   • DSI is often stored in global databases like GenBank, EMBL, and DDBJ, which allow scientists worldwide to access genetic information.
   • Open access to DSI promotes collaborative research but raises concerns about fair and equitable sharing of benefits, especially for countries that provide genetic resources.
4. Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS):
   • DSI has led to debates within the framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol.
   • These agreements emphasize fair access to genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits derived from their use. However, DSI data doesn’t currently fall under the Nagoya Protocol’s requirements, creating a gap in benefit-sharing.

Importance of DSI in Biodiversity and Conservation:

• DSI enables researchers to monitor biodiversity, understand genetic relationships, and develop conservation strategies.
• It allows countries to leverage their genetic resources for technological and economic benefits, provided that there is a fair system of access and benefit-sharing.

What is National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan ( NBSAP)?

NBSAP stands for National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. It is a policy instrument developed by countries as part of their commitment to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The NBSAP outlines a country’s strategic plans for the conservation, sustainable use, and equitable sharing of biodiversity resources.

Key Features of NBSAPs:

1. Conservation of Biodiversity: NBSAPs focus on preserving ecosystems, species, and genetic diversity.
2. Sustainable Use of Resources: Plans are made to use biological resources responsibly to ensure they remain available for future generations.
3. Equitable Sharing: Ensures fair access to genetic resources and the sharing of benefits derived from them.

Purpose

The NBSAP is tailored to each country’s unique biodiversity and socioeconomic context. It acts as a roadmap to meet national and global biodiversity targets, like the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity requires each Contracting Party to develop or adapt national strategies, plans, or programs for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, reflecting the Convention’s relevant measures. Additionally, it mandates the integration of biodiversity conservation into various national and cross-sectoral policies. Related articles, such as Article 26 and Article 10(a), support Article 6 by requiring countries to report on their biodiversity efforts and incorporate conservation considerations into national decision-making. Overall, Article 6 obliges nations to create and implement a national biodiversity strategy aligned with the Convention’s goals and tailored to their specific circumstances.

2. 50 years on, Tamil Nadu plans to reintroduce Nilgiri tahr in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• Fifty years after the Nilgiri tahr was last seen in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR), the Tamil Nadu Forest Department plans to reintroduce this state animal to the area.

Project Nilgiri tahr:

• Objective: To bring back Nilgiri tahrs to STR by finding suitable habitats with sufficient fodder and the right elevation.
• Current Status in Reserves:
  • STR is currently the only major reserve in Tamil Nadu without Nilgiri tahrs.
  • The species has been spotted in Mudumalai, Anamalai, Srivilliputhur Megamalai, and Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserves.
• Implementation:
  • The forest department is surveying STR for ideal “grass hills” where Nilgiri tahrs can thrive.

Nilgiri Tahr:

• The Nilgiri tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) is an endangered mountain ungulate (hoofed mammal) native to the Western Ghats of India.
• As Tamil Nadu’s state animal, it holds cultural and ecological significance and is one of the few wild goat species adapted to live in steep, rugged landscapes.

Key Characteristics:

• Physical Appearance:
  • The Nilgiri tahr has a robust, stocky build with coarse, dark brown to grayish fur.
  • Males are larger, with a distinctive dark coat and a lighter “saddle patch” on their back. They also have backward-curving horns, which can grow up to 40 cm in length.
  • Females are smaller, lighter in colour, and have shorter horns.
• Habitat:
  • Found mainly in grassland and rocky hill slopes at elevations between 1,200 to 2,500 meters in the Western Ghats.
  • Major populations are concentrated in Eravikulam National Park in Kerala and other Tamil Nadu reserves such as Mukurthi, Kalakkad Mundanthurai, Srivilliputhur Megamalai, and Anamalai.
• Diet:
  • Primarily grazers, they feed on grasses, shrubs, and various herbs.
  • Their diet varies seasonally, influenced by the availability of food and changes in vegetation cover.

Population Status and Conservation:

• Endangered Status: The Nilgiri tahr is listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN due to its limited range and declining population.
• Population Estimate: There are an estimated 3,100 individuals in Tamil Nadu’s protected reserves.

Threats to Survival:

1. Habitat Loss:
   • Expansion of plantations, construction projects, and grazing encroachment in their habitats disrupt their natural ranges.
2. Predation:
   • Predators like leopards and wild dogs (dholes) pose a natural threat, especially to young tahrs.
3. Poaching and Illegal Hunting:
   • Despite legal protections, poaching for meat and horns remains a concern in some regions.
4. Climate Change:
   • Altered rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and changing vegetation due to climate change affect their mountain habitats.

Conservation Efforts

• Project Nilgiri Tahr: Launched by the Tamil Nadu government with a ₹25 crore budget, this project focuses on habitat restoration, population monitoring, and possibly reintroducing Nilgiri tahrs into areas where they once thrived.
• Protected Reserves: The majority of the Nilgiri tahr population resides within protected areas, where they are monitored and protected from poaching and habitat destruction.
• Research and Monitoring:
  • Annual censuses and habitat studies help track population trends and improve conservation strategies.
  • Recent DNA analyses are being conducted to understand their dietary needs better, which aids in habitat management.

Cultural and Ecological Significance:

• State Symbol: The Nilgiri tahr is the state animal of Tamil Nadu and represents the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
• Ecological Role: As herbivores, they play a key role in maintaining the balance of mountain ecosystems by controlling vegetation growth and serving as prey for native predators.

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR):

• Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) is a significant protected area in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu, India. 
• Known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes, STR was designated as a tiger reserve in 2013. It plays a crucial role in connecting various wildlife corridors and is an essential part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

Key Facts

• Location: Situated in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu, STR covers portions of both the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats, making it a unique ecological region.
• Area: It spans an area of approximately 1,411 square kilometers, making it the largest wildlife sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
• Establishment: Originally a wildlife sanctuary in 2008, it was upgraded to a tiger reserve in 2013 due to its importance as a tiger habitat.

Biodiversity:

1. Fauna:
   • Tigers: STR has a thriving population of Bengal tigers and is a key region for tiger conservation in Tamil Nadu.
   • Elephants: It hosts one of the largest populations of Asiatic elephants in South India.
   • Other large mammals include leopards, gaurs (Indian bison), sloth bears, dholes (Indian wild dogs), and mugger crocodiles.
   • Herbivores like spotted deer, sambar, four-horned antelope, and blackbuck are also found here.
2. Flora:
   • The vegetation in STR ranges from dry deciduous and thorn forests at lower altitudes to moist deciduous and semi-evergreen forests at higher elevations.
   • Key tree species include teak, rosewood, bamboo, and sandalwood.
3. Birds and Reptiles:
   • STR is home to diverse bird species, including the Indian grey hornbill, crested serpent eagle, and Malabar trogon.
   • Reptile diversity includes cobras, pythons, and the Indian chameleon.

Conservation Significance:

• Tiger Conservation: STR is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which connects multiple tiger habitats, including Bandipur and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves. This connectivity allows for the genetic exchange between tiger populations, crucial for maintaining genetic diversity.
• Elephant Corridor: The reserve is a critical elephant corridor, linking elephant populations across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which helps reduce human-elephant conflict by providing safe passages for migratory herds.

Unique Features:

1. Diverse Ecosystems: STR is one of the few reserves bridging the Western and Eastern Ghats, supporting a wide range of ecosystems and species adapted to varied climatic conditions.
2. Tribal Communities: The reserve is home to indigenous tribes, such as the Irula and Soliga communities, who have a deep connection with the forest and contribute to its conservation.
3. Human-Wildlife Coexistence: The area has been a model for community-based conservation, where local communities collaborate with forest officials to manage and conserve wildlife.

3. First ‘black hole triple’ system discovered: What does it mean?

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

• A recent study has discovered a black hole triple system in space for the first time, located about 8,000 light years away in the constellation Cygnus. The discovery could throw light into the formation of stars.
• Situated in the constellation of Cygnus, the system features one of the oldest known black holes, the V404 Cygni, which is nine times as big as the Sun in our solar system.

Study and findings:

• The study was carried out by researchers at the California Institute of Technology and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and was published in Nature last month.
• The triple system features a central black hole, V404 Cygni, which is consuming a nearby small star that is spiralling toward it, while a more distant star orbits the black hole at a much greater distance.

About Blackholes:

• Black holes are regions in space where gravity’s pull is so intense that not even light can escape.
• Traditionally, scientists believe most black holes form from massive stars that end their lives in supernova explosions.

Failed Supernova:

• The new finding suggests a different origin for V404 Cygni, a direct collapse instead of a supernova, raising questions about black hole formation processes.
• This phenomenon occurs when a star exhausts its nuclear fuel and collapses under its own gravity without the explosive expulsion of material typical of a supernova.
• They refer to this event as a failed supernova, where the collapse happens too rapidly for an explosion to take place, allowing the black hole to form gently without scattering surrounding stars.

The triple system:

• Many black holes discovered until now have been part of binary systems, consisting of a black hole and a secondary object (such as a star or another black hole).
• But the black hole triple not only has one star which orbits the black hole about every 6.5 days, but also a more far-off star which orbits it every 70,000 years.
• Bottom of Form
• However, the black hole triple will not have three members forever, as V404 Cygni is consuming the nearer star.
• This suggests that some already discovered binary systems could have been triple systems at some point, with the black hole later devouring one of its members.

4. What is AQI — and how is the air quality in Delhi after Diwali this year?

Sub: Env

Sec: Pollution

Context:

• The Air Quality Index (AQI) in New Delhi was around 351 on November 1, the day after Diwali. Despite the ban on firecrackers in the national capital, various parts of the city saw violations.
• However, after Diwali, the pollution levels did not aggravate to the levels generally observed in recent years due to increased wind speeds post Diwali, which helped disperse pollutants.

Factors contributing to Poor Air Quality in Delhi:

• Meteorological Conditions: The onset of winter brings cool, dense air that traps pollutants close to the ground.
• Stubble Burning: Agricultural practices in neighbouring states, particularly Punjab and Haryana, where farmers burn stubble, add to the pollution levels.
• Firecrackers: Despite the ban on firecrackers, violations are common during Diwali.
• Road Dust and Vehicular Emissions: Increased Road dust and pollution from vehicles contribute significantly to the poor air quality.

Air Quality Index:

• Launched in 2014 with One Number – One Colour -One Description for the common man to judge the air quality within his vicinity.
• The measurement of air quality is based on eight pollutants, namely: Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3), and Lead (Pb).
• Each of these pollutants is given a weight based on a formula. That weight depends on the kind of impact it has on human health.
• AQI has six categories of air quality. These are: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor and Severe.
• It has been developed by the CPCB in consultation with IIT-Kanpur and an expert group comprising medical and air-quality professionals.

How does the AQI influence government policy:

• The AQI influences government policies and emergency measures to combat air pollution, particularly in Delhi. The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been implemented to address air quality deterioration. Previous actions under this plan have included:
• Bans on coal and firewood use, including in restaurants and tandoors.
• Restrictions on diesel generator sets, except for emergencies.
• Increased parking charges to discourage the use of private vehicles.

Impact of PM 2.5:

• Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 is particularly dangerous due to its small size, measuring less than 2.5 micrometres.
• These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to serious health issues such as respiratory diseases, asthma, heart attacks, and bronchitis.

5. Goa Speaker Rejects Plea to Disqualify Congress MLAs Over Defection to BJP

Sub: Polity

Sec: Elections

Why in News

The Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly dismissed a petition seeking the disqualification of eight Congress MLAs who defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2022. This decision, based on the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, highlights ongoing debates on anti-defection laws and political stability.

Legal Basis for Disqualification:

Petition cited Para 2 of the Tenth Schedule and Article 191 of the Constitution, arguing that the MLAs should be disqualified for “voluntarily giving up” their Congress membership.

The petition claimed that the requirements under Para 4 of the Tenth Schedule for a valid merger were not met. Specifically, it argued that two-thirds of the Congress Legislature Party members did not agree to the merger, thus making the defection unconstitutional.

Speaker’s Ruling and Constitutional Interpretation:

Speaker ruled that an elected member would not face disqualification if their original political party merges with another, as per the Tenth Schedule. He stated that:

• A member has the choice to either support or reject the merger, but in either case, they cannot be disqualified on grounds of defection.

According to the ruling, the Tenth Schedule allows for a merger exception, protecting defected MLAs from disqualification if their party merges with another.

About Defection:

In Legislature, a defector is a person who gives up allegiance to one party in exchange for allegiance to another, changing sides in a way which is considered illegitimate by the first party.

In India, the defections of legislators during the 1960s and 70s from their parent parties created political instability in many States, bringing down elected governments.

Therefore, to ensure the stability of elected governments, the 52nd constitutional amendment introduced the ‘anti-defection’ law through the Tenth Schedule in 1985.

What is Anti-Defection Law?

The 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 provided for the disqualification of the members of Parliament and state legislatures on the ground of defection from one political party to another.

Through this amendment, a new Schedule i.e. Schedule 10 was added to the Constitution. This act is often referred to as the ‘anti-defection law’.

Later, the 91st Amendment Act, 2003 made one change in the provisions of the Tenth Schedule. It omitted an exception provision i.e., disqualification on ground of defection not to apply in case of split.

The law, part of Article 102(2) and Article 191(2), aims to maintain political stability and prevent frequent switching of party allegiance, which can destabilize governments.

Various Features of the Act:

The Tenth Schedule contains the following provisions with respect to the disqualification of members of Parliament and the state legislatures on the ground of defection.

Disqualification:

Members of Political Parties:

• If he voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party; or
• If he votes or abstains from voting in such House contrary to any direction issued by his political party without obtaining prior permission of such party.

Independent Members:

• An independent member of a House (elected without being set up as a candidate by any political party) becomes disqualified to remain a member of the House if he joins any political party after such election.

Nominated Members:

• A nominated member of a House becomes disqualified for being a member of the House if he joins any political party after the expiry of six months from the date on which he takes his seat in the House.

Exceptions:

• If a member goes out of his party as a result of a merger of the party with another party.
• A merger takes place when two- thirds of the members of the party have agreed to such merger.
• If a member, after being elected as the presiding officer of the House, voluntarily gives up the membership of his party or re-joins it after he ceases to hold that office.

Deciding Authority:

Any question regarding disqualification arising out of defection is to be decided by the presiding officer of the House.

In KihotoHollohan case (1993), the Supreme Court held that the presiding officer, while deciding a question under the Tenth Schedule, function as a tribunal.

Hence, his decision like that of any other tribunal, is subject to judicial review on the grounds of mala fides, perversity, etc.

6. India’s Methane Diplomacy at COP29: Opportunities for Emission Reduction and Climate Financing

Sub : Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Why in News

India’s focus on methane reduction has gained attention ahead of COP29, set to take place from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Dubbed the “Finance COP,” COP29 will feature discussions on a new global climate finance target, including the “new collective quantified goal” (NCQG). Methane’s significant impact on climate change has put it at the forefront, creating new diplomatic opportunities for countries like India to pursue targeted assistance and capacity-building support in methane abatement.

Context of COP29 and the NCQG:

Date: Scheduled for November 11-24, 2024

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

It follows COP28 held in Dubai, UAE, in 2023, which saw significant discussions on the phase-out of fossil fuels and the operationalization of the loss and damage fund.

COP29, organized under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), will convene leaders and delegates from across the world.

A key focus of COP29 is determining a new annual climate finance target—called the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).

The NCQG is intended to set a new global climate finance target for developed countries to support developing nations in their climate action efforts. It’s meant to succeed and expand upon the previous goal of mobilizing $100 billion annually by 2020, which was established at the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Conference.

The host country aims to boost battery storage, improve electricity grids, and reduce methane emissions from organic waste.

Role of Methane in Global Warming

Methane accounts for about 30% of global warming since pre-industrial times, with concentrations rising sharply.

Global Warming Potential: Methane’s warming effect is 28 times greater than CO₂ over a 100-year period and 84 times more potent over a 20-year period.

Due to its potency, cutting methane emissions offers a rapid and effective way to reduce short-term global temperature rise while efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions continue.

Methane, the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after CO2, is significantly more potent, having a global warming potential 28 times greater than CO2 over a century and even higher over two decades.

Its sources include cattle-farming, landfills, wastewater treatment facilities, rice cultivation, and some industrial processes.

Energy, agriculture and waste sectors are the primary emitters of methane, responsible for 30 per cent of the earth’s warning.

It is only recently that policymakers have started to prioritize methane in global warming discussions.

This shift was highlighted at the 2021 U.N. climate talks where the ‘Global Methane Pledge’ was introduced, aiming to reduce methane emissions to slow global warming.

New research has revealed that the primary source of atmospheric methane is microbes, rather than the burning of fossil fuels, indicating an evolving understanding of methane’s sources and impacts.

India’s Position on Methane Emissions:

India ranks as the third-largest emitter of anthropogenic methane, following China and the U.S.

Source Breakdown: According to India’s Third Biennial Update Report to the UNFCCC, methane emissions were dominated by:

• Agriculture (74%)
• Waste (14%)
• Energy (11%)
• Industrial Processes (1%)

Challenges:

Agricultural Dependence: Agriculture, especially livestock and rice cultivation, accounts for the majority of India’s methane emissions, creating resistance to economy-wide methane reduction targets.

Global Methane Pledge: India has not signed this U.S.-EU-led initiative aiming to cut global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, partly due to the economic reliance on agriculture.

Waste Management Initiatives:

Indore’s Model: Indore city has implemented a system for organic waste sorting, paired with a biomethane plant producing fuel for public transport.

GOBARdhan Scheme: This national initiative promotes bioenergy production from cattle waste, aligning with clean energy goals.

National Livestock Mission: Techniques like green fodder cultivation and improved animal feeding practices are supported to reduce methane emissions from livestock.

7. North Korea’s New ICBM: Propaganda or Strategic Capability?

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News
On November 1, 2024, North Korea announced the successful test launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), claimed to be “the world’s strongest.” This announcement has raised concerns and global attention, especially regarding North Korea’s advancing missile capabilities and regional security dynamics. Despite North Korea’s grand statements, international defence experts have raised doubts, suggesting that the missile’s size may limit its practical use in conflict scenarios.

About Hwasong-19:

The Hwasong-19 is notably large, with estimates suggesting it could be up to 28 meters in length. This size impacts its mobility, making it more detectable and less likely to survive pre-emptive strikes.

Range: The missile is designed to potentially target the U.S. mainland, similar to its predecessor, Hwasong-18, which was capable of reaching over 13,000 km.

Likely equipped with solid-fuel technology, Hwasong-19 allows for faster launches compared to liquid-fuelled models, making it harder to intercept.

Analysts believe Hwasong-19 may carry multiple warheads, increasing its potential for evading missile defence systems.

The missile’s large size makes it easier for adversaries to detect, potentially compromising its effectiveness in a real conflict scenario.

About Intercontinental ballistic missile:

An intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) is a missile with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery.

Conventional, chemical, and biological weapons can also be delivered with varying effectiveness, but have never been deployed on ICBMs.

Countries that have ICBMs: India, Russia, the United States, North Korea, China, Israel, the United Kingdom and France.

ICBMs are differentiated by having greater range and speed than other ballistic missiles.

Short and medium-range ballistic missiles are known collectively as the theatre ballistic missiles.

Types of ballistic missiles based on the range:

Short-range (tactical) ballistic missile (SRBM): Range between 300 km and 1,000 km.

Medium-range (theatre) ballistic missile (MRBM): 1,000 km to 3,500 km.

Intermediate-range (Long-Range) ballistic missile (IRBM or LRBM): 3,500 km and 5,500 km.

Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): 5,500 km +.

Ballistic missiles of India: Agni, K-4 (SLBM), Prahaar, Dhanush, Prithvi and Trishul.