Daily Prelims Notes 6 December 2024

December 6, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

No Comments

Daily Prelims Notes

6 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Amid high potato prices, why Odisha is struggling to meet its demand

Sub : Geo

Sec : Eco Geo

In the news:

Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, KC Patra, accused West Bengal‘s government of creating artificial scarcity of potatoes to damage Odisha’s BJP-led government’s reputation.

Odisha’s Dependency on Potatoes

Odisha relies heavily on potato imports, primarily from West Bengal, due to unsuitable agro-climatic conditions for potato cultivation.
West Bengal traders usually supply 150-200 trucks of potatoes daily to Odisha and Chhattisgarh.

Potato Production in India

In India, potatoes are grown during the rabi (winter-spring) season, mainly in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Assam, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh.
A small quantity of potato is also grown during the kharif (monsoon) season in Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Global Ranking: India is the second-largest potato producer globally, after China.
Growth Trends: Between 1991-92 and 2020-21:
- Cultivation area doubled (11 to 22 lakh hectares).
- Production tripled (182 to 562 lakh metric tonnes).
- Productivity rose from 16 to 25 metric tonnes per hectare.
Top Producers (2021-22):
- Uttar Pradesh: 161 lakh tonnes.
- West Bengal: 124 lakh tonnes.
- Combined, they contribute nearly 50% of India’s total production (533 lakh tonnes).

Seasonal Price Variation:

Prices typically drop during the rabi (winter-spring) harvest but rise in summer and monsoon.
In 2024, prices surged nationwide due to supply constraints:
- Retail Prices: ₹38.08/kg on Dec 3, 2024 (55.49% higher YoY).
- Wholesale Prices: ₹3,121/quintal (69.63% higher YoY).

Impact of Rising Prices

Potatoes hold significant weight in inflation indices:
- Consumer Price Index (CPI): 0.98%.
- Wholesale Price Index (WPI): 0.28%.
Price volatility affects:
- Common households.
- Commercial sectors like hotels, restaurants, and catering (HoReCa).

Factors Behind Price Hike:

Production Decline:
- Potato output fell by 6% (567 lakh tonnes in 2023-24 vs. 601 lakh tonnes in 2022-23).
- Cultivation area slightly reduced to 23.22 lakh hectares in 2023-24.
Farmer Behavior:
- Lower prices in 2022-23 discouraged farmers from planting potatoes in 2023-24.
Regional Declines:
- Uttar Pradesh: Production decreased from 201.3 to 191.7 lakh tonnes.
- West Bengal: Sharper decline from 145 to 130 lakh tonnes.

Odisha’s Price Surge

Retail potato inflation in Odisha has consistently stayed above 60% since July 2024.
Wholesale inflation ranged between 77-79% during the same period.

Potato Propagation Summary

Seed Tuber Propagation

Potatoes are primarily grown by planting tubers.
Seed Selection:
- Use disease-free, well-sprouted tubers weighing 30-40 g each.
- Entire tubers are preferred, but large tubers can be cut to reduce costs and ensure uniform sprouting.
- Tubers should be cut longitudinally through the crown eye, treated with fungicide, and knives disinfected with potassium permanganate.
Challenges:
- High seed cost, bulky transportation, shortage of quality seeds, and virus infiltration are major concerns.

True Potato Seed (TPS) Propagation

TPS Overview:
- TPS is a botanical seed formed in the plant’s berries after fertilization.
- It significantly reduces seed rates from 2.5 tons/ha to about 200 g, saving resources.
Methods:
- Seedling Transplants: TPS seedlings are raised in nurseries and transplanted to fields for maturity.
- Seedling-Tubers: TPS seedlings are matured in nurseries to produce seedling-tubers, which are used in the next planting season.
Advantages:
- Reduces seed costs and dependency on bulky tubers.
- Ideal for areas like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and northeastern states, where quality seed tubers are scarce or expensive.

2. Global strategy to revolutionise dryland farming unveiled in Riyadh

Sub: Env

Sec: Int convention

Context:

Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR), a global leader in agricultural research, has launched its 2030 Global Strategy for Resilient Drylands (GSRD).

Importance of Drylands:

Global Impact:
- Home to 1 in 3 people globally.
- Supports nearly half the world’s livestock and 44% of food systems.
Challenges:
- 20-35% degraded due to climate change, water scarcity, and desertification.
- Higher Warming Rates: Drylands are warming 20-40% faster than other regions.

About GSRD:

Objective: Transform agriculture in arid regions to enhance food security, biodiversity, and community resilience.
Key Players:
- Led by CGIAR, specifically by ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas) and ICRISAT (International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics).
- Launched at COP16 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Riyadh.

Key Innovations:

Technological Solutions:
- Solar-powered agrivoltaics: Combining agriculture and solar energy production.
- Advanced agroforestry: Integrating trees with farming systems.
- Climate-resilient crops: Barley, lentils, chickpeas, and cacti.
- Improved livestock practices: Optimizing feeding methods for better productivity.
5 key Focus Areas:
- Adapting agrifood systems to climate change.
- Conserving biodiversity.
- Managing soil and water resources sustainably.
- Promoting healthy diets.
- Encouraging inclusive development.

Significance of the Initiative:

Global Food Security: Addresses challenges in areas where 70% of the world’s hungry reside.
Innovation Hub: Drylands reframed as potential hubs for climate-smart agricultural practices.
Collaboration: Joint efforts of CGIAR’s 15 research centres, national organisations, governments, and the private sector.

3. With Ratapani in MP declared India’s latest tiger reserve, all about the protected areas

Sub: Env

Sec: Protected Area in news

Context:

India recently expanded its network of tiger reserves with the addition of two new reserves: Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh (57th tiger reserve) and Madhav National Park (soon to be 58th), following approvals from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

What is a tiger reserve:

A tiger reserve in India is a designated area established under the Project Tiger initiative of 1973 to ensure the conservation of tigers and their habitats.
These reserves are crucial for maintaining biodiversity, restoring ecological balance and protecting the endangered tiger species.

A tiger reserve consists of a core area and a buffer zone:

Core Area: Legally declared as a National Park or Sanctuary.
Buffer Zone: A mix of forest and non-forest areas, allowing some human activity but still prioritizing conservation. Buffer zones act as transition areas for wildlife.

Current status of Tiger Reserves:

Currently, there are 57 tiger reserves in India, spread across around 82,000 sq kilometres and accounting for over 2.3 per cent of India’s geographical area, as per the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The NTCA conducts the All India Tiger Estimation to track the number of tigers every four years.
The 5th All India Tiger Estimation Report (2022) recorded 3,167 tigers in India, which accounts for more than 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.

Evolution of Tiger Reserves in India:

In the mid-20th century, tigers in India faced rapid decline due to hunting, habitat loss, and other human activities.
In 1969, India banned the export of wild cat skins, including tiger pelts.
In 1973, the Indian government, under the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL), launched Project Tiger to conserve the tiger population.

The initial phase included nine tiger reserves: Corbett (Uttarakhand), Palamau (Jharkhand), Similipal (Orissa), Sundarbans (West Bengal), Manas (Assam), Ranthambhore (Rajasthan), Kanha (Madhya Pradesh), Melghat (Maharashtra) and Bandipur (Karnataka).

Process of declaring a Tiger Reserve:

Identification: A suitable area is identified based on the presence of a viable tiger population and suitable habitat.
Ecological Assessments: Detailed studies on prey base, vegetation, and ecosystem suitability are conducted.
Proposal Submission: The state government prepares a comprehensive proposal with maps and management plans, which is submitted to the NTCA and then to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change for approval.

Notification:

Following the submission of proposal, the state government issues a preliminary notification under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, declaring the identified area as a tiger reserve.
After addressing any objections or modifications, the state issues a final notification under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, formalising the reserve.
Once declared, the area receives central funding and technical support for conservation activities under Project Tiger.

Benefits of Tiger Reserves:

Tigers, being apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the food chain and regulating prey populations.
Protecting tigers ensures the preservation of entire ecosystems, helping conserve biodiversity.

4. Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, and why the Church has frowned at relaxing rules around it

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

The 25th edition of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival is currently underway amidst a debate over relaxing the state’s 35-year-old liquor prohibition law, Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act 1989.
The government has granted tourists and stall owner’s permission to use Indian-made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) within the festival venue, the Kisama Heritage Village.
This decision has sparked opposition from influential church bodies, who have long contested the availability of alcohol, including traditional rice beer, at the festival.

About Hornbill festival:

The Hornbill Festival is an annual cultural event held in Nagaland, showcasing the heritage and traditions of the state’s diverse Naga tribes.
The festival was initiated in 2000 to promote tourism and unity among the 14 recognised Naga tribes.
The festival has become Nagaland’s biggest tourist attraction. In 2023, it attracted more than 54 lakh visitors, including over 2,100 foreign tourists.

Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989:

The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989 was introduced to impose complete prohibition on the sale and consumption of alcohol in the state.
The Act was strongly supported by Christian organizations, particularly the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA).
The Nagaland government has expressed interest in reviewing the NLTP Act, considering a shift from complete prohibition to regulated alcohol use.

Historical Context:

Alcohol consumption, including the brewing of rice beer, was a long-standing tradition among the Naga people.
However, with the arrival of American Baptists in the 1870s, Christianity and its moral codes began influencing social customs, including a strict stance on alcohol consumption.

5. Uproar in House over Hindi, Sanskrit names for new Bills

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

Opposition MPs in Parliament have sharply criticized the government’s use of Hindi and Sanskrit names for new laws, accusing it of Hindi imposition and breaching Constitutional requirements.
The debate was sparked by the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak (Indian Aircraft Bill).

Opposition’s arguments:

Potential violation of Article 348 (1B) of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that the authoritative text of laws should be in English.
Some MPs claimed that it amounted to Hindi imposition and violated the federal principles of India by disregarding linguistic diversity.
They argued that nearly 60% of India’s population speaks non-Hindi languages, and naming Bills in Hindi or Sanskrit excludes large sections of the population who do not understand these languages.
They also highlighted difficulties in pronouncing Hindi titles of Bills, questioning why the government would use Hindi names with English script.

Government’s defence:

Government has accused the opposition of displaying a colonial-era mindset, arguing that the use of Hindi names for Bills was a reflection of India’s cultural pride and heritage.
The term “Bharatiya” (Indian) and “Vayu” (air) are words familiar across multiple Indian languages, including Telugu, and thus the name reflects the linguistic diversity of India.

Constitution

Article 348(1) of the Constitution of India provides that all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in English language until Parliament by law otherwise provides.
Article 348 (2) provides that the Governor of the State may, with the previous consent of the President, authorize the use of the Hindi language or any other language used for any official purpose of the State, in the proceedings of the High Court having its principal seat in that State provided that decrees, judgments or orders passed by such High Courts shall be in English. The Official Language Act, 1963 reiterates this and provides under Section 7 that the use of Hindi or official language of a State in addition to the English language may be authorized, with the consent of the President of India, by the Governor of the State for the purpose of judgments, decrees etc. made by the High Court for that State. No law has been made in this regard by the Parliament so far. Therefore, English continues to be the language for all the proceedings of the Supreme Court.

Key issues in the debate:

The debate revolves around the diverse linguistic landscape of India, with 22 officially recognized languages and numerous dialects. The government’s use of Hindi and Sanskrit names for laws has raised concerns about marginalizing non-Hindi speakers.
Article 348 (1B) requires that the authoritative text of laws be in English, but the question arises whether naming a Bill in Hindi or Sanskrit violates this provision, particularly when the text of the Bill remains in English.

6. Is Syria’s Assad Regime in Danger?

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Why in News

The Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria is facing renewed threats as Islamist militants launched a surprise offensive in northwest Syria. This has resulted in significant territorial losses for the Assad regime, potentially reigniting the civil war that had been in a frozen state since 2016.

Background:

The Syrian Civil War (2011–2016):

The conflict began in 2011 amidst Arab Spring-inspired anti-government protests. Multiple factions, including jihadist groups and rebels, rose against the regime.
By 2015, Assad’s government retained control only over Damascus and some coastal cities, while opposition groups like the Free Syrian Army, Jabhat al-Nusra (al-Qaeda affiliate), and the Islamic State (IS) controlled other regions.
Russian Intervention (2015): Russia’s military involvement turned the tide in Assad’s favor.
The Syrian army, supported by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, recaptured key territories, including Aleppo in 2016.
Ceasefire (post-2016): The conflict entered a frozen stage, with the Assad regime holding most territories but peace remaining elusive.
Recently, Islamist militants, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched attacks from Idlib, capturing Aleppo and moving into Hama. Their swift advances have doubled their territorial control, including areas held by Kurdish rebels.

The Assad Regime:

The regime began in 1971 when Hafez al-Assad became President of Syria.
Bashar al-Assad succeeded him in 2000.
Objective: Maintain centralized control over Syria, suppress dissent, and retain power amidst civil unrest and external threats.
Ruled by the Ba’ath Party advocating Arab nationalism.
Stronghold: Damascus and coastal areas dominated by the Alawite minority.
Backed by Iran, Russia, and Hezbollah during the civil war.
Faced international condemnation for alleged use of chemical weapons.

Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF):

Formed in 2015 as an alliance of Kurdish, Arab, and Assyrian militias.
Objective: Fight ISIS, promote secular governance, and seek autonomy for Kurdish regions in northern Syria (Rojava).
Led by the Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG).
Controlled significant parts of northeastern Syria, including oil-rich areas.
Backed by the U.S. in the fight against ISIS.
Maintains a detente with the Assad regime to avoid direct conflict.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS):

Emerged in 2017 from a merger of various Islamist rebel factions, including Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.
Objective: Establish an Islamic state in Syria and overthrow the Assad regime.
Operates primarily in Idlib province.
Led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani, a U.S.-designated terrorist.
Initially affiliated with al-Qaeda but distanced itself in later years.
Controls a de facto parallel state in Idlib, with its own governance structures.

Kurdish Rebels:

Kurdish militias like the YPG emerged to protect Kurdish-majority areas after the Syrian civil war began in 2011.
Objective: Achieve autonomy or independence for Kurdish regions (Rojava) within Syria.
Fought both ISIS and Turkish-backed militias.
Administered regions with a federal democratic model.
Supported by the U.S. but opposed by Turkey due to links with the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party).
Have a tacit understanding with the Assad regime to resist Turkish advances.

Jabhat al-Nusra (Al-Qaeda’s Syrian Branch):

Founded in 2012 by Abu Mohammad al-Julani under the directive of al-Qaeda leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Objective: Overthrow the Assad regime and establish an Islamic state.
Initially operated as al-Qaeda’s official branch in Syria.
Controlled parts of Idlib and Aleppo during the civil war.
Rebranded as Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in 2016 and later evolved into HTS.
Played a prominent role in the early stages of the Syrian insurgency.

7. Hezbollah’s Support to Syria Amid Rebel Offensive

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Why in News

Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem reaffirmed the group’s support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad amidst a new offensive led by Islamist rebels.

About Hezbollah:

Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon.
It emerged in the 1980s as a response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.
It is designated as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including US and Israel.
The group is currently involved in Lebanese politics, holding seats in the Parliament and participating in the government.
It is a part of the axis of resistance grouping.
Since 2013, Hezbollah has openly supported the Assad regime in the Syrian civil war.
The group has played a critical role in recapturing territories lost during the initial stages of the war, which began in 2011.
Naim Qassem accused the United States and Israel of backing “takfiri” factions—a term Hezbollah uses to describe jihadists or radical Sunni Islamist groups.
Hezbollah views these groups as instruments of Western and Israeli interference in the region.

8. Exploring Tamil Nadu’s Model for Addressing the Elephant Menace

Sub: Env

Sec: Species news

Why in News

Karnataka’s Environment Minister has directed Forest Department officials to explore the Tamil Nadu model for managing wild elephant intrusions, as an alternative to the costly railway barricades currently used in the state.

About Elephant:

Karnataka has the largest elephant population in India, leading to frequent incidents of human-elephant conflict, including attacks on humans and destruction of agricultural fields.
India is home to nearly 60% Asian elephants.
While the number of elephants in India has increased in the past few years, the species is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of threatened species and Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act.
The South Indian States of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are home to nearly 44% of India’s elephant population.
The number of elephant reserves in India is 33^rd with the latest addition being the Terai Elephant Reserve in 2022.
Challenges:
- continuous threat of poaching for ivory
- conflict with humans – On an average, about 500 humans and 100 elephants are killed every year across the country in such confrontations.
- Fragmentation of elephant habitats
- construction of linear (railways and roads) and power infrastructure
- change of land use, particularly bringing erstwhile forested areas under agriculture.

Project Elephant:

Launched in 1992 as a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
Aim is to ensure the long-term survival of elephants in their natural habitats.
Other goals of Project Elephant are supporting the research of the ecology and management of elephants, creating awareness of conservation among local people, providing improved veterinary care for captive elephants.
This strategy is mainly implemented in 16 of 28 states or union territories in the country.
So far, about 101 elephant corridors have been identified in the country which need to be secured for conservation of elephants.

Fencing Technologies for Wildlife Management:

Railway Barricades: Durable barriers made from decommissioned railway tracks, costing ₹1.5 crore/km.
Steel Rope Fences: Cost-effective alternative using steel ropes, costing ₹45 lakh/km.
Electric Fencing: Low-voltage wires delivering mild shocks, effective but requires maintenance.
Solar-Powered Fencing: Sustainable electric fencing powered by solar energy, ideal for remote areas.
Bio-Fencing: Natural barriers like thorny bushes or plants such as agave and cactus.
Beehive Fencing: Uses beehives to deter elephants, providing additional income through honey.
Acoustic Deterrents: Devices emitting predator sounds to scare wildlife, though animals may habituate.
Trench Fencing: Deep trenches to block animal movement, effective but labor-intensive.
Laser-Based Fencing: Invisible barriers with laser beams that trigger alerts upon breach.