PM IAS UPSC CURRENT EVENTS JAN 08

Anxiety grows over men trapped in Assam coal mine as rescuers fail to make headway

Source: The Indian Express

Syllabus: GS II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

Rat-Hole Mining in Assam: Tragedy and Challenges in Illegal Coal Mining

Why in News?
A tragic incident on January 6, 2025, in Assam’s Dima Hasao district has once again highlighted the perils of illegal rat-hole mining. Three miners were confirmed dead, while six remain trapped in a flooded coal mine in Umrangso. The water level inside the mine, estimated to be 200 feet deep, has complicated rescue operations despite the involvement of an Indian Navy team with deep-sea divers. The miners, aged between 26 and 57, were working in what appears to be an illegal mine, as per Assam’s Chief Minister. The district is notorious for extensive coal and quarrying activities.

What is Rat-Hole Mining?

Definition and Process
Rat-hole mining is an unscientific and unsafe method of coal extraction prevalent in India’s northeastern states, especially Meghalaya. It involves digging small, narrow tunnels just large enough for an individual to access coal seams. Workers manually extract coal using rudimentary tools like pickaxes and shovels, descending into these hazardous pits using ropes or bamboo ladders.

Types of Rat-Hole Mining

1. Side-Cutting:
   
   • Narrow tunnels are horizontally dug into hill slopes.
   • Miners penetrate until they locate thin coal seams, often less than 2 meters thick in Meghalaya.
2. Box-Cutting:
   
   • A rectangular opening is made, typically 10–100 square meters wide.
   • A vertical pit, 100–400 feet deep, is dug to access coal seams. Horizontal tunnels are then created for coal extraction.

Hazards of Rat-Hole Mining

1. Safety Risks

• Inadequate safety measures: Lack of ventilation, structural support, and protective gear exposes workers to life-threatening risks.
• Frequent Accidents: Collapses, flooding, and toxic gas exposure often lead to fatalities.

2. Environmental Impact

• Land Degradation: Large-scale deforestation and soil erosion result from mining activities.
• Water Pollution: Toxic runoff contaminates water bodies, threatening biodiversity and public health.

Challenges in Controlling Rat-Hole Mining

1. Socioeconomic Factors

• Economic Dependency: Local communities, lacking alternative livelihoods, are reliant on this practice for survival.
• Employment for Migrant Workers: A significant number of laborers from economically weaker sections participate in these operations.

2. Regulatory Challenges

• Despite being banned, enforcement remains weak due to:
  • Poor monitoring of mining activities.
  • Alleged collusion between local authorities and illegal operators.
  • Difficulty in providing economic alternatives to mining-dependent communities.

The NGT Ban on Rat-Hole Mining

Background and Observations
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014, citing its hazardous nature and environmental damage. The ban, specifically targeting Meghalaya, was upheld in 2015 after frequent incidents of mine flooding during monsoons were reported. The NGT emphasized the necessity of regulating mining practices and protecting the environment.

Implementation and Limitations

• While the ban has curbed large-scale operations in Meghalaya, illegal mining persists in parts of the state and neighboring regions like Assam.
• The lack of effective implementation mechanisms and the continued demand for coal fuel this practice.

Way Forward

1. Policy Interventions:
   
   • Strengthening the enforcement of mining regulations.
   • Ensuring accountability among local authorities.
2. Alternative Livelihoods:
   
   • Promoting skill development programs for mining-dependent communities.
   • Encouraging sustainable industries in affected regions.
3. Technological Solutions:
   
   • Adoption of scientific and eco-friendly mining techniques to minimize risks.
4. Environmental Rehabilitation:
   
   • Comprehensive land restoration and afforestation initiatives in mining-affected areas.
   • Strict penalties for illegal mining activities.

The tragic events in Assam serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for sustainable mining practices, robust enforcement of regulations, and the provision of safer livelihood alternatives to affected communities.

Why the Location of China’s Earthquake Matters

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS I Geography

Context:
At 6:35 am IST on January 7, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck the Tibetan region of China, with tremors felt as far as Kathmandu, Thimphu, and Kolkata. The epicenter was located 10 km beneath Tingry County in the Shigatse region of Tibet, around 80 km north of Mount Everest. This disaster has raised significant concerns due to the strategic, environmental, and geopolitical implications of its location.

Key Details of the Earthquake

• Casualties and Damage: As of 7:00 pm, 95 deaths, 130 injuries, and hundreds of flattened houses were reported in China. Updates from Nepal and other affected regions are awaited.
• Epicenter: Tingry County, located in the Shigatse region, lies at an elevation of 4-5 km above sea level and has a population of around 7,000. It is also a gateway to Mount Everest and a hub of Tibetan spiritual and cultural significance.

What is a Terrane?

• A terrane is a specific fragment of the Earth’s crust, often with unique geological characteristics.
• In this case, the earthquake’s mainshock is believed to have occurred within the Lhasa terrane, an area of significant tectonic activity.

Significance of the Location

1. Proximity to China’s Largest Hydroelectric Power Dam
   
   • The Lhasa terrane includes sites associated with China’s ambitious hydroelectric power dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, recently approved by the Chinese government.
   • Once completed, the dam will generate approximately 300 billion kWh annually, making it the largest of its kind globally.
   • Geopolitical Concerns for India: The Yarlung Tsangpo flows into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, becoming the Brahmaputra River. The dam’s construction could impact the river’s flow and perennial status, raising concerns over water security for downstream regions in India.
2. Environmental Sensitivity of the Himalayan Region
   
   • Known as the “third pole,” the Himalayas are a critical source of water through their rivers, glaciers, and lakes.
   • Earthquakes can destabilize this delicate balance by:
     • Altering river courses.
     • Triggering glacial and lake instability, increasing the risk of flooding.
   • This makes the Himalayan region highly vulnerable to seismic and environmental disasters.
3. Tectonic Context and Plate Movements
   
   • The Himalayas were formed 50 million years ago by the collision of the Indian plate with the Eurasian plate.
   • The Indian plate continues to push northward at 60 mm/year, building immense tectonic stress.
   • The release of this stress through seismic activity leads to frequent earthquakes in the region.
   • Over 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher have been recorded in the Lhasa terrane since 1950.

Implications and Way Forward

1. Geopolitical Implications
   
   • India must remain vigilant about China’s infrastructural developments in the region, particularly hydroelectric projects that can impact water flow and ecosystems downstream.
   • Strengthening diplomatic channels and leveraging international forums to address transboundary river management is critical.
2. Disaster Preparedness
   
   • Enhanced seismic monitoring and data sharing between countries in the Himalayan region are essential.
   • Developing resilient infrastructure and early warning systems for earthquakes and associated risks like floods and landslides.
3. Environmental Conservation
   
   • Promoting sustainable development practices in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas.
   • Comprehensive assessments of mega projects for their seismic and environmental impact before implementation.
4. Scientific Research
   
   • Encouraging geological studies to better understand plate tectonics, stress accumulation, and release patterns.
   • Collaborative research initiatives involving all nations sharing the Himalayan ecosystem can aid in disaster mitigation and planning.

The recent earthquake underscores the interplay between natural tectonic processes, human interventions, and their cascading effects on regional and global stability. It highlights the need for a balanced approach combining scientific advancements, sustainable development, and robust international cooperation.

Why is there a drop in school enrolments?

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS II – Governance, Polity, Social Justice, and International Relations

Decline in School Enrolments: Key Insights from UDISE+ Data

The Ministry of Education (MoE) released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) reports for 2022-23 and 2023-24 on December 30, 2024, revealing a concerning trend of declining school enrolments and a reduction in the number of schools. This raises questions about the state of school education, data collection methodologies, and policy implementation.

Key Observations from UDISE+ Reports

1. Drop in Enrolments:
   
   • The total enrolment of students in grades 1-12 dropped from 26.3 crore in 2018-19 to 24.8 crore in 2023-24—a decline of 1.22 crore (6%).
   • Between 2022-23 and 2023-24 alone, enrolment fell by 37 lakh students.
2. Reduction in Schools:
   
   • The number of schools covered under UDISE+ reduced from 15,58,903 in 2017-18 to 14,71,891 in 2023-24, marking a decline of 87,012 schools.
   • Government schools accounted for most of the reduction, with 76,883 fewer schools recorded in 2023-24.
3. State-Level Impact:
   
   • Jammu and Kashmir witnessed the highest decline, with 4,509 fewer schools.
   • Other significantly affected states include Assam (4,229 schools), Uttar Pradesh (2,967 schools), Madhya Pradesh (2,170 schools), and Maharashtra (1,368 schools).

Reasons for the Decline

1. Change in Data Collection Methodology:
   
   • Starting from 2022-23, the MoE implemented individual student-level data collection using Aadhaar numbers to eliminate duplicate entries and inflated enrolment figures.
   • Experts argue that this change revealed overestimated figures from previous years. Duplicate enrolments, inflated data, and overreporting for funding and incentives like scholarships, free meals, and cash benefits may have artificially boosted numbers earlier.
2. School Closures and Mergers:
   
   • A significant reduction in government schools could be attributed to mergers or closures.
   • This process likely caused disruptions in student enrolment, especially in rural areas, as parents faced challenges in re-enrolling their children in schools located farther away.
3. Systemic Challenges in Data Management:
   
   • Critics argue that while the methodology change provides better accuracy, the lack of clarity on the reasons behind declining enrolments points to gaps in policy planning and communication.

Concerns and Implications

1. Educational Access and Equity:
   
   • The sharp decline in school enrolments indicates a potential rise in dropout rates, especially among marginalized communities.
   • School closures in rural and remote areas may violate Right to Education (RTE) norms, which mandate one primary school within a one-kilometer radius.
2. Data Transparency and Accountability:
   
   • The UDISE+ reports are silent on the reasons for enrolment and school reductions.
   • Questions arise about the effective utilization of funds allocated for school education, particularly under schemes like Samagra Shiksha. For example:
     • In 2022-23, ₹32,515 crore was spent under the scheme despite declining enrolments.
     • The allocation for 2024-25 stands higher at ₹37,010 crore.
3. Disruption in Monitoring Indicators:
   
   • Despite changes in data collection, indicators like dropout, transition, and retention rates were computed based on older datasets, potentially leading to inconsistencies in assessing systemic efficiency.
4. Regional Disparities:
   
   • The decline in schools and enrolments is more pronounced in states like Jammu and Kashmir and Assam, reflecting regional challenges in retaining students and ensuring educational continuity.

Way Forward

1. Strengthening Data Systems:
   
   • Institutionalize robust mechanisms to collect, verify, and analyze student-level data without disrupting enrolments.
   • Ensure transparency in reporting and accountability for discrepancies in enrolment and fund utilization.
2. Addressing Infrastructure Gaps:
   
   • Conduct detailed assessments of school closures and mergers to ensure compliance with RTE norms.
   • Invest in improving access to education in rural and remote areas through innovative solutions like cluster schools or mobile classrooms.
3. Focus on Retention and Inclusion:
   
   • Strengthen support systems like midday meal schemes, scholarships, and transport facilities to reduce dropouts.
   • Promote community awareness to address socio-economic barriers to education.
4. State-Specific Interventions:
   
   • Tailor solutions to address the unique challenges faced by states with the steepest declines, ensuring equitable resource allocation.
5. Policy Reforms and Monitoring:
   
   • Develop a detailed roadmap for the Samagra Shiksha scheme to address enrolment challenges.
   • Establish independent audits to evaluate the impact of policy changes on enrolments and outcomes.

The decline in school enrolments and closures as highlighted by the UDISE+ reports underscores the urgent need for a holistic approach to education policy. Ensuring access, equity, and quality in education is critical for achieving the goals of universal education and human resource development.

More flexibility, but also greater challenges

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II: Governance, Polity, and Social Justice – Government Policies and Interventions

UGC’s Flexible Degree Programmes: A Step Towards Transformative Education

The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) latest guidelines mark a significant shift in India’s higher education landscape by introducing accelerated and extended degree programmes for undergraduate students. These reforms aim to modernize education, making it more flexible, inclusive, and globally competitive. While the initiative aligns with the aspirations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it also presents notable challenges.

Salient Features of the Reform

1. Flexible Academic Timelines:
   
   • Students can complete their undergraduate degrees faster through an accelerated programme, or extend their studies under an extended programme to pursue additional learning opportunities.
2. Alignment with Global Standards:
   
   • The reforms aim to enhance international mobility of students by adhering to global benchmarks in higher education.
   • A flexible credit system allows students to progress at their own pace and customize their academic journeys based on personal interests and career goals.
3. Promotion of Multidisciplinary Education:
   
   • Echoing NEP 2020’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, the programmes encourage students to explore diverse fields, undertake internships, engage in research, and develop creative and soft skills.

Advantages of Flexible Degree Programmes

1. Accelerated Degrees:
   
   • These allow students to enter the workforce earlier, reducing the cost of education and facilitating early professional growth.
   • Ideal for students seeking to minimize financial burdens or expedite their career trajectories.
2. Extended Degrees:
   
   • These offer students opportunities to delve deeper into their chosen fields, explore new disciplines, and gain hands-on experience through internships, research, and skill development.
   • Students can better balance personal, professional, and academic commitments.
3. Holistic Learning:
   
   • A flexible system fosters well-rounded graduates with diverse skill sets, creativity, and a capacity for innovation.
4. Increased Global Competitiveness:
   
   • By aligning Indian education with international standards, the reforms aim to boost India’s reputation as a destination for quality education and improve students’ mobility globally.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Impact on Educational Depth:
   
   • Accelerated Degrees: Compressing curricula into shorter durations risks undermining the depth of learning, especially in complex subjects, leading to superficial understanding and compromised educational outcomes.
   • Extended Degrees: Students may lose academic urgency, prolonging their studies unnecessarily, and diminishing the value of their degrees.
2. Adapting Technical Education:
   
   • Engineering and technical programmes require a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Accelerated formats may:
     • Reduce exposure to crucial lab work, projects, and internships.
     • Compromise students’ problem-solving abilities essential for real-world applications.
   • Extended formats could benefit technical students by enabling specialization but may pose a financial burden for economically weaker students.
3. Administrative and Structural Challenges:
   
   • Implementing flexible programmes necessitates a significant overhaul of curricula, teaching methods, and administrative systems.
   • Universities, especially resource-constrained ones, will need robust frameworks for:
     • Tracking student progress and managing credit transfers.
     • Ensuring fair recognition of academic achievements.
4. Equity Concerns:
   
   • Digital Divide: The likely shift towards digital platforms may exacerbate disparities, disadvantaging students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds.
   • Guidance and Support: Students from marginalized communities may struggle to navigate the new system without adequate counseling and institutional support.
5. Faculty Readiness:
   
   • Teachers will require extensive professional development to adapt to flexible, multidisciplinary curricula. The effectiveness of reforms hinges on educators’ ability to guide students effectively.

Way Forward

To ensure the success of these transformative reforms, a comprehensive and inclusive strategy is essential:

1. Strengthening Institutional Capacities:
   
   • Provide financial and infrastructural support to universities for curriculum redesign and administrative restructuring.
   • Bridge the digital divide by investing in digital infrastructure and ensuring equitable access.
2. Teacher Training:
   
   • Conduct regular capacity-building programmes to equip educators with skills to handle flexible, interdisciplinary teaching models.
3. Student Support Systems:
   
   • Offer personalized academic counseling and support mechanisms, especially for students from economically weaker sections.
   • Ensure transparency and accessibility in credit transfers and progress evaluations.
4. Sector-Specific Adaptations:
   
   • For technical education, maintain a balance between accelerated timelines and in-depth training by incorporating flexible, modular approaches.
5. Monitoring and Evaluation:
   
   • Develop robust systems to monitor the impact of reforms on learning outcomes, equity, and employability.
   • Engage stakeholders, including industry and academia, to periodically review and refine the programmes.

Conclusion

The UGC’s flexible degree programmes have the potential to revolutionize higher education in India, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and global competitiveness. However, addressing challenges related to equity, quality, and infrastructure is critical. With strategic planning, adequate investments, and a focus on inclusivity, these reforms can lay the foundation for a dynamic education system aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the aspirations of NEP 2020.