Daily Prelims Notes 21 May 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

21 May 2024

1. India and China: A Comparative Analysis of Consumer Markets

Sub: Economy

Sec: National Income

• Population Dynamics:
  • India: Surpassed China in 2023 to become the world’s most populous country. India’s population is expected to continue growing and peak around 2060.
  • China: Facing a declining birth rate (6.4 births per 1,000 people), a low total fertility rate (~1%), and a negative population growth rate. China’s dependency ratio is projected to increase over time.
• Consumption Metrics:
• Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE):
  • India: PFCE contributes over 58% to GDP, steadily increasing.
  • China: PFCE contributes only 38% to GDP and has been on a decline.
  • Aggregate PFCE: Despite China’s larger economy, its PFCE is only about 3.5 times that of India’s, indicating a larger contribution of consumption to India’s GDP.
• Consumption Trends:
• India:
  • PFCE grew from $1.64 trillion in 2018 to $2.10 trillion in 2022.
  • Despite marginal growth in aggregate and per-capita terms in 2022, India showed resilience.
• China:
  • PFCE increased significantly post-2020 but showed a decline in both aggregate and per-capita terms in 2022.
• Per Capita PFCE:
  • Despite India closing the gap in aggregate terms, China’s per capita PFCE increased marginally from ~3.0 times of India in 2018 to ~3.1 in 2022.
• PPP Adjustments:
  • China: PFCE approximately 1.5 times that of India in PPP terms, despite China’s GDP (PPP) being 2.5 times that of India.
  • India: Closed the PPP gap from ~1.58 in 2018 to ~1.55 in 2022, indicating significant growth despite exchange rate challenges.
• Expenditure Categories:
  • India: Higher spending on food, clothing, footwear, and transport, indicative of a developing market.
  • China: Higher spending on housing, white goods, recreation, education, and healthcare, indicative of a maturing market.
• Sectoral Expenditure:
  • India: Spends around half of what China spends on food, transport, and communication. Significant real growth rates in these categories often outperform China’s nominal growth rates.
• Future Prospects:
  • India’s Growing Consumer Base: Increasing spending potential enhances India’s appeal to foreign businesses.
  • China+1 Strategy: India’s expanding consumer market, coupled with geopolitical shifts, positions it as a favorable alternative or complement to China for foreign businesses.

Conclusion

India’s consumer market is characterized by a growing population, increasing consumer spending, and higher contributions to GDP from PFCE, making it a compelling destination for foreign businesses.

China’s market, while larger and more mature, faces demographic challenges and a declining consumption trend. The evolving dynamics in both countries suggest that India’s burgeoning consumer class and rising expenditure will significantly enhance its appeal as a preferred destination over China in the coming years.

The comparative analysis reveals that while China’s consumption market is larger in absolute terms, India’s consumer market is growing at a faster rate. India’s younger, expanding population and increasing consumer spending make it an attractive destination for foreign businesses. The data indicates a shift in global consumer dynamics, with India potentially becoming a preferred market over China due to its growth trajectory and consumer base expansion.

About China Plus One Strategy

• The China Plus One Strategy refers to the practice of multinational companies diversifying their supply chains by setting up operations in one or more additional countries outside of China.
• This strategy aims to reduce reliance on China and mitigate risks associated with concentrating manufacturing and supply chain operations in a single country.

Drivers of the Strategy:

• China-U.S. Trade War: Ongoing trade tensions and tariffs between China and the U.S. have increased the cost and complexity of doing business exclusively in China.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains that were overly dependent on China, prompting companies to seek alternative locations to ensure business continuity.

Benefits:

• Risk Mitigation: Diversifying production sites helps companies avoid disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, or local crises.
• Cost Management: Shifting some operations to countries with lower labor and production costs can help companies manage expenses better.
• Market Access: Establishing a presence in multiple countries can provide better access to regional markets and reduce logistical challenges.

Preferred Destinations:

• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Vietnam

Attraction Strategies:

• These countries have implemented preferential policies to attract foreign investment, including:
  • Tax Incentives: Reduced corporate taxes and tax holidays for foreign investors.
  • Simplified Regulations: Streamlined procedures for setting up businesses.
  • Infrastructure Development: Investment in transportation, logistics, and industrial infrastructure to support manufacturing and export activities.
  • Skilled Workforce: Training programs to ensure the availability of skilled labor.

Impact on China:

• While companies are expanding their operations to other countries, they are not necessarily exiting China entirely. Instead, they are creating a more balanced and resilient supply chain by maintaining a significant presence in China while adding production capabilities elsewhere.

Conclusion:

• The China Plus One Strategy is a strategic response to global economic shifts, aiming to create more resilient and efficient supply chains.
• Countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam are capitalizing on this trend by offering attractive conditions for foreign investment, thus becoming important hubs in the global manufacturing network.

2. Govt mulls new farm law to facilitate sale of inter-State agriculture produce

Sub: Economy

Sec: Agri

The Indian government is considering the introduction of a new farm law to facilitate inter-State trading of agricultural produce, enabling farmers to sell their products online to distant markets beyond their State boundaries.

This initiative aims to establish an independent regulatory authority responsible for framing the rules and regulations, including the fees for inter-State trading. The law will not interfere with intra-State trading, which will remain under the control of local governments.

Key Provisions and Context

• Revival of a 2012 Plan:
  • The current proposal revives a plan from 2012 that was shelved due to decision-making delays, despite having been approved by the Law Ministry at that time.
• Constitutional Basis:
  • The proposed law is grounded in Article 307 of the Indian Constitution, which allows Parliament to appoint an authority for facilitating the freedom of trade and commerce across India (Articles 301-304).
• Independent Regulatory Authority:
  • An independent body will be established to oversee inter-State agricultural trade, ensuring that appropriate rules and regulations are in place.
• Enhanced Trading Platforms:
  • The law is expected to boost transactions on the government’s e-NAM platform, enhancing farmers’ ability to access better markets and prices for their produce.
• Learning from Past Experience:
  • Given the backlash against the farm laws introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which were later repealed, the government plans to engage in wider consultations with stakeholders to avoid similar issues.

Potential Benefits

• Increased Market Access:
  • Farmers will have the opportunity to sell their produce directly to buyers in other States, potentially securing better prices and reducing reliance on local Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) yards.
• Economic Efficiency:
  • By facilitating direct sales and inter-State trading, the law could lead to more competitive pricing and better income for farmers.
• Boost to e-NAM:
  • The electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform is likely to see increased usage, which could standardize trading practices and improve market transparency.

Challenges and Considerations

• Building Trust:
  • The success of inter-State trading will depend on building trust among buyers regarding the quality of produce, which might necessitate third-party guarantees or quality certifications.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Given the mixed reception to previous farm laws, the government must engage in comprehensive consultations with farmers, State governments, and other stakeholders to address concerns and build consensus.
• Infrastructure and Logistics:
  • Effective implementation will require robust logistics and infrastructure to handle the increased volume of inter-State agricultural trade.

Conclusion

The proposed farm law represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s agricultural market and improving economic opportunities for farmers. By leveraging constitutional provisions and modern trading platforms like e-NAM, the government aims to create a more efficient and fair market environment. However, the success of this initiative will largely depend on careful planning, inclusive stakeholder consultations, and the establishment of mechanisms to ensure quality and trust in inter-State agricultural transactions.

Overview of eNAM

• The National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is an online trading platform for agricultural commodities in India.
• Launched on April 14, 2016, and is completely funded by the Government of India.
• The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) acts as the lead agency for implementing eNAM under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare.
• Aims to create better marketing opportunities for farmers through a competitive and transparent price discovery system and online payment facilities for buyers.
• Networks existing Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) market yards, sub-market yards, private markets, and other unregulated markets to create a central online platform for agricultural commodity price discovery.

Key Features of eNAM

• Online Trading and Price Discovery:
  • Farmers can showcase their products through nearby markets.
  • Traders from anywhere can quote prices.
  • Provides single-window services for all APMC-related services and information:
    • Commodity arrivals, quality, and prices.
    • Buy-and-sell offers.
    • E-payment settlements directly into farmers’ accounts.
• Licensing and Market Access:
  • Licenses for traders, buyers, and commission agents can be obtained from state-level authorities without the need for physical presence or possession of a shop in the market yard.
• Quality Standards and Testing:
  • Harmonization of quality standards for agricultural products.
  • Infrastructure for quality testing available in every market.
  • Provision of Soil Testing Laboratories in selected markets to facilitate farmers.

Benefits to Stakeholders

• Farmers:
  • Access to a larger market with competitive pricing.
  • Reduced dependence on local APMC markets.
  • Direct payments to bank accounts ensuring prompt financial transactions.
• Traders and Buyers:
  • Reduced transaction costs.
  • Access to quality-certified produce.
  • Simplified licensing processes.
• Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
  • Improved market reach.
  • Enhanced ability to negotiate better prices for members.
• Market Infrastructure:
  • Unified national market network.
  • Improved transparency and efficiency in agricultural trade.

What is APMC?

• Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) is a statutory market committee established by a State Government under the Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act.
• APMCs regulate wholesale marketing of agricultural produce in a defined area of operation.
• Provide a centralized marketplace where sellers, buyers, and agents can meet to conduct trade.
• APMCs ensure fair trade practices, provide price information, and maintain market infrastructure.

3. SII ships first set of malaria vaccine doses to Africa

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• Serum Institute of India (SII) marked a significant milestone on Monday with the shipment of the first set of R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to seven-eight countries in Africa.

More on news:

• Close to half-a-million children die of malaria each year in the African region, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
• SII has entered into a partnership with Novovax, University of Oxford and the United States government.
• 1,63,800 doses were allocated for the Central African Republic (CAR) region and 43,200 doses were dispatched from the SII facility. 
• The initial shipment will be sent to CAR, followed by other African countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the coming days.

What is Malaria?

• Malaria is a life threatening mosquito borne blood disease caused by plasmodium parasites.
• It is predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, South America as well as Asia.
• The parasites spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• After entering the human body, parasites initially multiply within the liver cells and then attack the Red Blood Cells (RBCs) resulting in their rupture.
• There are5 parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat.
• Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.
• It is preventable as well as curable.

What is the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine?

• The low-cost, high-efficacy R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine is developed by the University of Oxford and SII leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology.
• The vaccine has demonstrated high efficacy with a reassuring safety profile and the R21//Matrix-M vaccine is the second malaria vaccine to be authorized for use in children in malaria-endemic regions.
• On a vaccine for India, it was pointed out that the particular parasite (found in Africa) was not in India.
• It will take another five years for a malaria vaccine, for India.

4. An overlooked molecule could solve the Venus water mystery

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Space sector

Context:

• A recent study published in Nature examines why water disappeared from Venus.

About the study:

• More than four billion years ago, Venus had enough water to cover its surface with an ocean 3 km deep. Today, the planet only has enough for this ocean to be 3 cm deep.

What are the reasons for loss of water?

Hellish Atmosphere:

• The first is its hellish atmosphere which is a result of its carbon dioxide-rich composition, which causes a strong greenhouse effect. 
• The planet’s surface is hotter than water’s boiling point, simmering at 450 degrees C. So water can only exist as vapor in Venus’ atmosphere.

Planet’s proximity to the Sun:

• The Sun’s heat and ultraviolet radiation combined to shred water molecules into their constituent hydrogen and oxygen atoms in Venus’s ionosphere — the upper region of the atmosphere, where charged atoms, molecules, and their electrons zoom around at high speeds.
• The two theories broadly blame thermal and non-thermal processes for the water loss.
• The thermal process refers to hydrodynamic escape. As the Sun heated Venus’s outer atmosphere, it expanded, allowing hydrogen gas to leak to space.
• This escape lasted until the outer atmosphere sufficiently cooled, by about 2.5 billion years ago.

HCO+ dissociative recombination reaction (DR):

• Scientists have known for a while that HCO+ molecules drive hydrogen escape on Mars.
• On Venus, the HCO+ dissociative recombination reaction (DR) occurs in bulk at an altitude of about 125 km, above the clouds made of sulphuric acid.
• HCO+ is created when a carbon monoxide molecule (CO) loses an electron while absorbing an hydrogen atom.
• DR is the reverse reaction: HCO+ absorbs an electron and breaks up into CO and a hydrogen atom. These energetic hydrogen atoms then escape into space.
• It was found that the reaction accelerated water decline once the hydrodynamic escape of hydrogen gas ended.
• HCO+ DR could have doubled the rate at which Venus lost water by hydrogen escape.
• The model predicted that the amount of water on Venus would have stayed roughly the same from nearly 2 billion years ago.
• As a non-thermal process, the HCO+ DR reaction would’ve gone on indefinitely and drained all the water.
• The thermal process was time-bound because the upper atmosphere returned to thermal equilibrium.

About Venus:

• Venus is the second planet from the Sun, and the sixth largest planet. 
• It’s the hottest planet in our solar system.
• Venus is a cloud-swaddled planet named for a love goddess, and often called Earth’s twin.

What are various missions to Venus?

BepiColombo:

• BepiColombo is a joint mission of the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency to the planet Mercury.
• The mission comprises two satellites launched together: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter and Mio.
• Scientists found  a signature of carbon ions escaping Venus in data collected by the BepiColombo spacecraft.

NASA’s MAVEN:

• MAVEN is a NASA spacecraft orbiting Mars to study the loss of that planet’s atmospheric gasses to space, providing insight into the history of the planet’s climate and water.

5. T.N. will protect its rights in inter-State water disputes

Sub: Polity

Sec: Federalism

Context:

• DMK general secretary and Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan on Monday maintained that the State government would protect the rights of Tamil Nadu in the inter-State water disputes.

More on news:

• The State government would protect the rights of Tamil Nadu in the inter-State water disputes with Karnataka and Kerala if the neighboring States attempted to violate the verdict of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

Major issue:

• The issue is that Kerala is building a check dam across the Silanthi river.
• Building a check-dam across Silandhi river will block the flow of water to the Amaravathi dam, and farmers in Tamil Nadu will be adversely affected.
• If the check dam is constructed, Amaravathi cannot receive water from the Silanthi river.

About Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT):

• The Government of India constituted the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) on June 2, 1990, to adjudicate the water dispute between the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry with respect to the inter-state Cauvery water and river basin.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Entry 17 of the State List deals with water i.e., water supply, irrigation, canal, drainage, embankments, water storage and hydropower.
• Entry 56 of the Union List empowers the Union Government for the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys to the extent declared by Parliament to be expedient in the public interest.
• According to Article 262, in case of disputes relating to waters:
  • Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution or control of the waters of, or in, any inter-State River or river valley.
  • Parliament may, by law, provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint as mentioned above.

Other rivers in news:

Amaravathi river:

• The river receives water from Pambar, Silanthi and Chinnar rivers.
• The Amaravati River is the longest tributary of the Kaveri River in the fertile districts of Udumalpet, Dharapuram and Karur Tamil Nadu state, South India.
• It runs north, past the Amaravathi Reservoir and Amaravathi Dam in Amaravathinagar.
• Some main tributaries of the Amaravati river are Kudavanur, Nangaji, Shanmuga Nadi, Kudumiar, Upper, and Thenar.

6. The baobab’s journey from Madagascar to Africa and Australia

Sub: Environment

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• The origins and history of the baobab tree have been clarified through a new genomic study.

Details of the study:

• The baobab lineage began in Madagascar around 21 million years ago and spread to Africa and Australia within the past 12 million years.
• Two baobab lineages went extinct in Madagascar but established themselves in Africa and Australia.
• Baobab seed pods likely floated from Madagascar to Africa and Australia via ocean currents and Indian Ocean gyres.

About the Baobab tree:

• Adansonia is a genus made up of eight species of medium-to-large deciduous trees known as baobabs.
• They are placed in the Malvaceae family, subfamily Bombacoideae.
• They are native to Madagascar, mainland Africa, and Australia.
• The trees have also been introduced to other regions such as Asia.
• The baobab tree has a unique appearance, especially when leafless, resembling upside-down roots.
• Baobabs provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for wildlife in dry savannahs and produce nutrient-rich fruits and edible leaves for people.
• The trees have large, fragrant flowers attracting nocturnal pollinators and primates like lemurs and bush babies.
• Baobabs can grow very large and live for thousands of years, with extensive root systems that help prevent soil erosion and aid in nutrient recycling.

Environmental significance of Baobab tree:

• Baobab trees are crucial to the dry African savanna ecosystem, maintaining soil humidity, aiding nutrient recycling, and preventing soil erosion with their extensive root systems.
• Their large whitish flowers open at night and fall within 24 hours.
• As succulents, baobabs store water in their trunks during the rainy season, producing nutrient-dense fruit in the dry season, containing tartaric acid and Vitamin C, vital for many species.
• Baobabs provide water and shelter for various animals, including birds, lizards, monkeys, and elephants, which consume the bark for moisture. Bats pollinate the flowers by feeding on their nectar.
• The African baobab is notable for its size, lifespan, fruit, bark, and unique growth of multiple fused stems with regenerating bark in the spaces between them, known as false cavities.

Source: TH

7. Helicopter crash kills Iran President, Foreign Minister

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were confirmed dead after their helicopter crashed in a foggy mountain region.

Details:

• Crashed Helicopter: Bell 212 helicopter
• Helicopter crash site- Varzaghan of Iran.
• Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei appointed Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber as interim leader until elections on June 28.
• Ali Bagheri was named Acting Foreign Minister.

Fatal crashes involving very very important persons (VVIPs):

• On June 23, 1980, Sanjay Gandhi, the son of Indira Gandhi, died while piloting his aircraft at Safdarjung Airport in Delhi.
• On September 2, 2009, a Bell helicopter crash claimed the life of the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.
• On April 30, 2011, a helicopter carrying Dorjee Khandu, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, crashed.
• On December 8, 2021, India’s first Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat, and his entourage died in an Indian Air Force Mi-17 helicopter crash near Coonoor, Tamil Nadu.
• On April 10, 2010, the aircraft carrying the President of Poland, Lech Kaczyński, and his wife, Maria, crashed in fog killing 96 people.

Bell 212 helicopter:

• The Bell 212 is a two-blade, medium helicopter that first flew in 1968.
• Originally manufactured by Bell Helicopter in Fort Worth, Texas, United States, production was moved to Mirabel, Quebec, Canada in 1988, along with all Bell commercial helicopter production after that plant opened in 1986.
• The 212 was marketed to civilian operators and has up to a 15-seat capacity, with one pilot and fourteen passengers.

About Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi:

• Born on 14 December 1960 to a clerical family in the Noghan district of Mashhad.
• Ebrahim Raisolsadati served as the eighth president of Iran from 2021 until his death in 2024.
• A Principlist and a Muslim jurist, he became president after the 2021 election.
• Raisi served in several positions in Iran’s judicial system.
• Raisi was criticized for his role in the 1988 executions of Iranian political prisoners; United Nations special rapporteurs and other organizations accused him of crimes against humanity.
• Raisi’s presidency saw deadlock in negotiations with the U.S. over the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
• During Raisi’s term, Iran intensified uranium enrichment, hindered international inspections, and supported Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

Source: TH

8. Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• The Philippines accused Chinese fishermen of causing significant damage to giant clams at the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which is controlled by China’s coast guard.

Scarborough Shoal:

• Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, Huangyan Island, Minzhu Jiao, and Panatag Shoal, consists of two skerries.
• Located between Macclesfield Bank and Luzon, with Luzon 220 km away, in South China Sea.
• Disputed territory claimed by the Philippines, China, and Taiwan.
• The Philippines claims it through the 1734 Velarde map.
• China and Taiwan claim it through the nine-dash line (eleven-dash line for Taiwan).
• Related to broader South China Sea territorial disputes, including the Spratly Islands.

The previous standoff between the Philippines and China:

• In 2012, a standoff occurred between the Philippines and China over illegal fishing activities.
• The Philippines initiated an international case against China in 2013.
• In 2016, The Hague’s arbitration court ruled China’s nine-dash line claim invalid, affirming the Philippines’ sovereign rights.
• China rejected the ruling and increased its military presence at Scarborough Shoal and the Spratly Islands.
• The Tribunal’s ruling was supported by various nations, including Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

What is the South China Sea dispute?

• Several countries claim various parts of the sea, and these claims often overlap.
• In particular, China’s sweeping claims – which include sovereignty claims over land parcels and their adjacent waters – have angered competing claimants like Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.
• Other countries have staked claims on islands and various zones in the sea, such as the Paracels and the Spratlys.
• Nine-dash line:
  • China claims by far the largest portion of territory in an area demarcated by its so-called “nine-dash line”.
  • The line comprises nine dashes, which extend hundreds of miles south and east from its most southerly province of Hainan.

About the South China Sea:

• It is an arm of the western Pacific Ocean that borders the Southeast Asian mainland.
• Boundaries: It is bordered by China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
• It is connected by the Taiwan Strait with the East China Sea and by the Luzon Strait with the Philippine Sea (both marginal seas of the Pacific Ocean).
• The South China Sea and the East China Sea together form the China Sea.
• The two major archipelagos are known as the Paracel Islands, controlled by China, and the Spratly Islands.
• Climate: Weather in the sea is tropical and largely controlled by monsoons.
• It is the second most used sea lane in the world. It is a significant trade route for crude oil from the Persian Gulf and Africa through the Strait of Malacca to Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
• Major Ports: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan.

What are clams?

• Clam is a common name for several kinds of bivalve molluscs.
• The word is often applied only to those that are edible and live as infauna, spending most of their lives halfway buried in the sand of the seafloor or riverbeds.
• Clams have two shells of equal size connected by two adductor muscles and have a powerful burrowing foot.
• They live in both freshwater and marine environments; in salt water, they prefer to burrow down into the mud and the turbidity of the water required varies with species and location; the greatest diversity of these is in North America.
• Giant clams are the largest living bivalve molluscs.

9. Supreme Court orders against illegal mining in Sariska reserve

Sub: Environment

Sec: Protected Area

Context:

• The Supreme Court of India ordered the closure of 68 mines within a 1-kilometre radius of critical tiger habitat (CTH) of the Sariska tiger reserve on May 15.

Details:

• The purpose is to stop the illegal mining of marble, dolomite, and limestone in the area, which violates the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the Environment Protection Act, of 1986.
• The order is viewed as an opportunity to rectify past errors and effectively demarcate no-go zones around Sariska and other affected reserves.
• Based on a “traced map provided by the Forest Department,” the Jain Committee found in 1992 that the protected areas covered “about 800 sq km”.
• The Central Empowered Committee (CEC) of the SC in the 2000s submitted a damning report on mining around the Jamua Ramgarh Sanctuary which is part of the Sariska tiger reserve.

About Sariska Tiger Reserve:

• A tiger reserve in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India.
• It stretches over an area of 881 km2 (340 sq mi) comprising scrub-thorn arid forests, dry deciduous forests, grasslands, and rocky hills.
• This area was a hunting preserve of the Alwar state and was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958.
• It was given the status of a tiger reserve making it a part of India’s Project Tiger in 1978.
• The wildlife sanctuary was declared a national park in 1982, with a total area of about 273.8 km2 (105.7 sq mi).
• It is the first reserve in the world with successfully relocated tigers.
• It is an important biodiversity area in the Northern Aravalli leopard and wildlife corridor.
• The park is a part of the Aravalli Range and the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.
• It is rich in mineral resources, such as copper. Despite the Supreme Court’s 1991 ban on mining in the area, marble mining continues to threaten the environment.
• Flora: The dominant tree in the forests is dhok (Anogeissus pendula).
  • Other trees include the salar (Boswellia serrata), kadaya (Sterculia urens), dhak (Butea monosperma), gol (Lannea coromandelica), ber (Ziziphus mauritiana) and khair (Acacia catechu).
• Fauna: Apart from the Bengal tiger, the reserve harbours many wildlife species including sloth bear, Indian leopard, jungle cat, caracal, striped hyena, golden jackal, chital, sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, small Indian civet, Javan mongoose, ruddy mongoose, honey badger, Rhesus macaque and Northern plains grey langur and Indian hare.
  • Bird species present include grey francolin, white-throated kingfisher, Indian peafowl, bush quail, sandgrouse, treepie, golden-backed woodpecker, crested serpent eagle and the Indian eagle-owl.
• In 2008, two tigers from Ranthambhore National Park were relocated to Sariska Tiger Reserve.

Jamua Ramgarh Sanctuary:

• In Ramgarh, a subdivision of Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Located near the Ramgarh artificial lake.
• Banganaga River, which originates from the hills of Bairath, passes through the sanctuary.
• The Ramgarh Lake hosted a rowing event during the 1982 Asian Games.

Critical Tiger habitat

• These are core areas of tiger reserves and are identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972 based on scientific evidence.
• Such areas are required to be kept as inviolate for the purpose of tiger conservation, without affecting the rights of the Scheduled Tribes or such other forest dwellers.
• The notification of CTH is done by the state government in consultation with the expert committee constituted for the purpose.