Daily Prelims Notes 25 February 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

25 February 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Emission intensity targets to be released by month-end
2. Remarkable rise in India’s social security coverage: ILO chief
3. How the historic Tea Horse Road connected India to China, through Tibet
4. Working with FSSAI, other bodies to regulate industry: Spices Board
5. Impact of Space Travel on Astronaut Health
6. How AI is Revolutionizing Agriculture in Baramati

1. Emission intensity targets to be released by month-end

Sub : Env

Sec: Climate Change

Context:

• The Union government is set to announce emissions intensity targets for nine industrial sectors by the end of February, a key step in launching India’s carbon trading scheme.
• Industries will then have a year to implement compliance measures, with carbon credit trading expected to start by October 2026.

Background:

• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Union Ministry of Power announced a carbon credit trading scheme in June 2023.
• Follow-up notifications in March 2024 mandated compliance for certain industrial sectors.
• However, emissions intensity targets have not yet been specified, which prevents the generation and trading of carbon credits.

Objective of the scheme:

• The carbon credit trading scheme aims to reduce, remove, or avoid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by pricing emission reductions.
• It functions by trading carbon credit certificates.

Global Carbon Markets vs Indian Model:

• European Model:
  • Every carbon credit represents one tonne of CO₂ prevented from entering the atmosphere.
  • Companies with mandated emission caps can buy or sell credits based on their compliance.
• Indian Model:
  • Industries are not required to cut overall carbon emissions but must improve efficiency to lower emissions intensity.
  • Example: A steel factory can burn less coal or reuse heat to produce the same amount of steel more efficiently.

Emissions Intensity Targets:

• Emissions intensity refers to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of activity.
• The nine sectors required to comply include iron and steel, aluminium, chlor-alkali, cement, fertilizers, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, petroleum refineries, and textiles.
• Additionally, voluntary carbon offset markets, including afforestation projects, may begin trading this year.
• India aims to reduce its emissions intensity by 45% of 2005 levels by 2030.

2. Remarkable rise in India’s social security coverage: ILO chief

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Vulnerable and marginalised  section

Context:

• The World Social Protection Report 2024-26, released by the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlights significant progress in India’s social protection coverage.
• The report was cited by ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo during the Regional Dialogue on Social Justice, organized by the Union Labour Ministry and the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Increase in Social Protection Coverage:

• The proportion of India’s population covered under at least one branch of social protection has increased from 24% (2021) to 49% (2024).
• This marks a near doubling in a short period, showcasing the government’s efforts to expand social security schemes.

Government Initiatives & Digital Platforms:

• Schemes like e-Shram, which registers unorganized sector workers, have helped expand employment opportunities and social security coverage.
• Various social protection programs, including health insurance and pension schemes, have also contributed to this growth.
• The government aims for an inclusive economic transformation under the vision of “Sabka Vikas” (Development for All).

Challenges for Social Protection in India:

• Despite progress, over 50% of India’s population still lacks adequate social protection.
• The informal workforce remains a major challenge in ensuring universal social security coverage.
• India allocates just 5% of its GDP to social protection (excluding healthcare), which is significantly lower than the global average of 13%. This limited funding hampers the reach and effectiveness of social welfare programs.
• Social protection programs in India are often fragmented, with multiple schemes running at different levels (national, state, local) and for various populations, leading to inefficiencies and gaps in coverage.

3. How the historic Tea Horse Road connected India to China, through Tibet

Sub : History

Sec: Ancient India

Tea Horse Road:

• The Tea Horse Road was a historic trade route spanning over 2,000 km, connecting China to India via Tibet. Less famous than the Silk Road, it was crucial for commerce, and was active for over a thousand years, particularly between the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE) and the early 20th century.
• It was a network of interconnected paths rather than a single road.
• It played a crucial role in economic, cultural, and diplomatic exchanges between China and South Asia.

Historical Background:

• The origins of the Tea Horse Road can be traced back to the Tang dynasty (618-907 CE).
• Buddhist monk Yijing (635-713 CE) recorded details about the trade, including goods like sugar, textiles, and rice noodles transported from China to Tibet and India.
• Trade intensified during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE) when the exchange of tea for horses became a formalized system.
• The route remained significant under various Chinese dynasties and continued to function even into the early 20th century.

Geographical Extent:

• The route began in southwest China and had multiple branches leading to South Asia.
• The two primary paths passed through:
• Dali and Lijiang (Yunnan province, China) → Lhasa (Tibet) → Indian Subcontinent.
• The final destinations included India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
• The route passed through high-altitude and perilous terrain, often reaching elevations of over 10,000 feet.

Goods traded:

• China exported tea, silk and cotton textiles, sugar, and rice noodles to Tibet and India.
• In return, it imported Tibetan and Yunnan horses (vital for the military), leather, animal hides, Tibetan gold, saffron, and medicinal herbs valued in Chinese medicine.

Decline of the Tea Horse Road:

• By the late Qing dynasty (1644-1912), China faced internal instability, reducing trade.
• New transportation methods like railways and steamships made the route less necessary.
• The route saw temporary revival during World War II, transporting supplies when Japan controlled China’s coastline and airspace.
• After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (1949), roads and railways replaced the Tea Horse Road. The Tea Horse Road gradually became obsolete.

Legacy and Modern day relevance:

• Lijiang, a key trading town, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• The UNESCO listing highlights:
  • Cultural exchanges between Han, Bai, and Tibetan ethnic groups.
  • Religious harmony, with elements of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism seen in murals and architecture.
  • Traditional tea-making techniques, which continue to influence tea culture today.

4. Working with FSSAI, other bodies to regulate industry: Spices Board

Sub : Eco

Sec: Agri

Why in News?

• The Spices Board of India is working with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and other regulatory agencies to introduce new industry regulations for sustainability and food safety.
• The announcement was made by the Spices Board Secretary.

Context:

• Enhanced Quality Control Measures – Mandatory Ethylene Oxide (ETO) testing has been implemented for spice exports to the European Union (EU) to improve food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Global Standardization Efforts – The Spices Board is actively participating in the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs to harmonize global spice standards, facilitate smoother trade, and reduce technical barriers.

5. Impact of Space Travel on Astronaut Health

Sub : Sci

Sec : Space sector

Why in News

• Space agencies worldwide, including NASA and ISRO, are preparing for long-duration space missions, such as Mars exploration and extended lunar stays. Understanding the physiological and psychological impacts of space travel on astronauts is crucial for mission success and long-term human space habitation.

Effects of Space Travel on Astronaut Health:

• Exposure to High-Energy Radiation: This radiation can cause DNA damage, increased cancer risk, neurodegenerative effects, and immune system dysregulation.
• Impact of Microgravity: The absence of gravity reduces mechanical stress on bones and muscles, leading to bone density loss and muscle atrophy.
• Cardiovascular Changes: Gravity is essential for regulating blood circulation. In microgravity, astronauts experience fluid shifts that cause swelling in the upper body.
• Vision and Neurological Issues: Microgravity-induced fluid shifts increase intracranial pressure, affecting vision. This condition, known as Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), leads to visual impairments.
• Psychological and Behavioural Challenges: Isolation and confinement in space can lead to sleep disturbances, mood disorders, and psychological stress.
• Haemolytic anaemia: Extended exposure can lead to haemoglobin degradation, resulting in haemolytic anaemia.
• Medication Stability: Medications stored in space may degrade faster due to radiation and microgravity, potentially becoming ineffective or harmful, which poses a significant risk for long-term missions.

Post-Mission Recovery: The recovery process depends on the duration of the mission.

• Short-term missions (a few days in low-earth orbit): About 95% of biological damage is reversed.
• Long-term missions (months aboard the ISS): Recovery takes longer, with some effects persisting post-return.

6. How AI is Revolutionizing Agriculture in Baramati

Sub : Sci

Sec : Awareness in IT

Why in News

• The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture has gained significant traction, with Microsoft and the Agricultural Development Trust (ADT) of Baramati collaborating to modernize farming practices.

The Role of AI in Baramati Agriculture:

• Founded in 1968, ADT Baramati has been instrumental in promoting agricultural and educational development in Maharashtra.
• Faced with challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, pest infestations, and resource constraints, the organization sought innovative solutions.
• This led to a partnership with Microsoft to integrate AI-driven tools into everyday farming.

Implementation of AI-Based Farming Solutions:

• The initiative leverages Microsoft’s Azure Data Manager for Agriculture (ADMA) to collect and analyse data from multiple sources, including:
  • Satellites – Providing geospatial data for precision farming.
  • Weather Stations – Monitoring climatic conditions in real-time.
  • Soil Sensors – Assessing soil health, moisture, and nutrient levels.
• The initiative integrates multiple AI tools to empower farmers:
  • AI: An open-source AI tool developed by Microsoft Research. Provides insights into soil moisture, temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels.
  • AI: A mobile application that delivers personalized agricultural recommendations in local languages. Ensures accessibility for all farmers, irrespective of their technical knowledge.
  • Sensor Fusion and Real-Time Analysis: Combines data from drones, satellites, and soil sensors to provide a comprehensive farm health overview. AI algorithms analyse data to offer precise irrigation schedules, optimal planting times, and targeted pest control measures.
• The AI-driven approach has led to significant improvements:
  • Crop Yield Increase: Over 20% rise in production due to precise farming techniques.
  • Fertilizer Cost Reduction: Spot fertilization led to a 25% decrease in expenses.
  • Water Conservation: Optimized irrigation schedules saved 8% of water usage.
  • Minimized Post-Harvest Losses: AI-based monitoring cut wastage by 12%.

Microsoft’s Azure Data Manager for Agriculture (ADMA):

• It is a platform designed to revolutionize the agricultural sector by integrating and analysing diverse farm data.
• ADMA offers connectors for various data types, including imagery, equipment metrics, weather data, and sensor readings, allowing for comprehensive data collection.
• ADMA delivers insights that help in adopting sustainable farming methods, thereby reducing environmental impact and promoting resource efficiency.
• ADMA is built on Microsoft’s trusted cloud infrastructure, ensuring data security and compliance with industry standards.