Supplementary Demands For Grants

In News

• The Union government sought approval from Parliament for the second batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants worth ? 2.7 lakh crore for the financial year 2022- 23. 

Demand for Grants

• Article 113 of the Constitution requires that any proposal or estimate seeking withdrawal of money from the Consolidated Fund of India should be presented to the Lok Sabha in the form of a demand for grants.
• Any withdrawal or disbursement from the Consolidated Fund of India can only be done by passing a bill in the Lok Sabha, the house of people.
• Every ministry prepares a demand for grants for the expenditure to be incurred in the next financial year. These demands are collectively presented in the Lok Sabha as part of the Union Budget.
• The demand for grants include both charged and voted expenditure. Charged expenditures are considered liabilities of the government of India such as payment of interest and are not put to vote in the Lok Sabha.
• The other category of expenditure is voted expenditure that includes revenue and capital expenditure to be incurred on a government scheme in the next financial year. Usually, there is a demand for grant for each ministry, but large ministries like Finance and Defence have more than one demand for grants.

Demand for Grants: How is it prepared?

• Each demand for grant is prepared in two ways:
  • First, it clearly distinguishes the charged expenditure and the voted expenditure
  • It also classifies expenditure as capital expenditure and revenue expenditure
  • While capital expenditure results in the creation of some kind of assets for the government, revenue expenditures are operational in nature.

How Demand for Grants are Presented?

• Under Article 113, the Lok Sabha has the power to give or refuse its assent to a demand for grants or it can reduce the amount specified in the demand.
• Article 113 prescribes that no demand for grants can be presented in the Lok Sabha without the President of India’s prior approval.
• Under Articles 117 and 274 of the Indian Constitution, a Presidential recommendation is also required for tabling a Money Bill in the Lok Sabha. The Finance Bill, accompanying the annual financial statement which is called the Union Budget, also carries a certificate issued by the President.
• Article 115 contains provisions related to supplementary, additional or excess grants.
• Article 116 of the Constitution pertains to Votes on account, Votes of credit and exceptional grants.

Types of Grants 

• Additional Grant: It is granted when a need has arisen during the current financial year for additional expenditure upon some new service not contemplated in the budget for that year.
• Excess Grant: It is granted when money spent on the service during a financial year is in excess of the amount granted for that service in the budget for that year.
  • It is voted by the Lok Sabha after the financial year.
  • Before the demands for excess grants are submitted to the Lok Sabha for voting, they must be approved by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.
• Supplementary Grant: It is granted when the amount authorised by the Parliament for a particular service for the current financial year is found to be insufficient for that year.
  • The Comptroller and Auditor General of India bring such excesses to the notice of the Parliament.
  • The Public Accounts Committee examines these excesses and gives recommendations to the Parliament.
• Vote of Credit: It is granted for meeting an unexpected  exceptional demand upon the resources of India. the demand cannot be stated with the details ordinarily given in a budget. Hence, it is like a blank cheque given to the Executive by the Lok Sabha.
• Exceptional Grant: It is granted for a special purpose and forms no part of the current service of any financial year.
• Token Grant: It is granted when funds to meet the proposed expenditure on a new service can be made available by reappropriation.
  • A demand for the grant of a token sum (of Re 1) is submitted to the vote of the Lok Sabha and if assented, funds are made available.
  • Reappropriation involves transfer of funds from one head to another.
  • It does not involve any additional expenditure.

‘Least Developed Country’ Status

In News

• Bhutan is about to become the seventh nation to graduate from the United Nations’ (UN) list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

What are LDCs? 

• LDCs are low-income countries confronting severe structural impediments to sustainable development. They are highly vulnerable to economic and environmental shocks and have low levels of human assets.
• The concept first originated in the late 1960s and was codified under UN resolution 2768 passed in November 1971.
• There are currently 46 countries on the list of LDCs which are reviewed every three years by the Committee for Development (CDP). 33 are from Africa, nine from Asia, three from the Pacific and one from the Caribbean.
• LDCs have exclusive access to certain international support measures in particular in the areas of development assistance and trade.

LDC Identification Criteria & Indicators

• The CDP is mandated by the General Assembly (GA) and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) to review the list of LDCs every three years and to make recommendations on the inclusion and graduation of eligible countries using the following criteria:
  • Gross National Income (GNI) per capita below the threshold of USD 1,230 over a three-year average.
  • Human Assets: It is a measure of level of human capital.
  • Economic and Environmental Vulnerability (EVI): The EVI is a measure of structural vulnerability to economic and environmental shocks.
• Each of the three criteria is measured using key indicators which reflect long-term structural handicaps. 

Inclusion in LDCs

• The CDP makes recommendations for inclusion in and graduation from the category every three years.
• These recommendations are not exclusively based on the criteria scores, complementary country-specific information and the views of the government are also taken into account.
• The inclusion thresholds, as determined by the CDP, must be met for each of the three criteria (GNI per capita, HAI and EVI) in one triennial review.

Criteria to get off the LDC list?

• A nation must have a GNI per capita of at least USD 1,242 for two consecutive triennial reviews and shows that this level of income can be sustained over the long term.
• By using measures like education, health, and nutrition, a nation must show that it has improved its human capital such as expanding literacy rates, lowering malnutrition rates, and enhancing access to healthcare and education.
• A nation also must show improved ability to withstand external economic shocks like natural catastrophes or shifts in commodity prices in order to pass the economic vulnerability test. 

Countries who Graduated from the status of LDCs

• Six countries have graduated from least developed country status:
  • Botswana in December 1994
  • Cabo Verde in December 2007
  • Maldives in January 2011
  • Samoa in January 2014
  • Equatorial Guinea in June 2017
  • Vanuatu in December 2020
• Botswana achieved graduation in 1994 primarily due to its strong economic performance driven by its diamond mining industry and investments in education and infrastructure. 
• Carbo Verde graduated in 2007 following investments in tourism, fisheries, and services, as well as positioning its strategic location as a hub for sea and air transportation to help attract foreign investment.

Case of Bhutan

• Bhutan was included in the first group of LDCs in 1971. Bhutan first fulfilled the requirements for graduation in 2015, and then again in 2018 and therefore scheduled to graduate in 2021. 
• However, the UN viewed Bhutan’s request to match the effective graduation date with the conclusion of the nation’s 12th national development plan in 2023 as a legitimate request and thus postponed the delisting.
• Bhutan has mostly accomplished this by increasing exports of hydropower to India, also established Brand Bhutan in an effort to diversify exports with specialised exports of high-value, low-volume Bhutanese goods. Their goods come from sectors of the economy including textiles, tourism, handicrafts, culture, and natural resources.

Transition from LDCs to Developing Countries

• Country Actions: Prepares a national transition strategy and establishes a consultative mechanism to facilitate its preparation in cooperation with development partners
  • May seek assistance from the United Nations system in the preparation of the transition strategy.
  • Voluntarily reports on the preparation of the transition strategy to the CDP on an annual basis.
• Smooth transition strategy: Aims to ensure that development efforts are not disrupted by graduation.
  • Focuses on expected implications of loss of LDC status and associated special support measures.
  • Presents a comprehensive and coherent set of specific measures in accordance with the priorities of the graduating country, taking into account its specific structural challenges, vulnerabilities and strengths.

Countries scheduled for graduation

• Angola (2024)
• Bangladesh (2026)
• Bhutan (2023)
• Lao People’s Democratic Republic (2026)
• Nepal (2026)
• São Tomé and Príncipe (2024)
• Solomon Islands (2024)

Manipur Government withdraws from SoO Agreement

In Context

• Recently, the Manipur government withdrew from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with two hill-based tribal insurgent groups citing that they were “influencing agitation among forest encroachers”.

About

• The government  alleged that the protests were influenced by two hill-based insurgent groups.
• As a result, the state government withdrew  from tripartite talks/SoO agreements with three hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) whose leaders hail from outside the state.

Background

• The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), two umbrella groups of Kuki militants, had signed a tripartite SoO agreement with the governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008. 
• Since then, the government has been extending the agreement after it expired. 
• The KNA and ZRA are signatories of KNO.

Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement 

• SoO was a ceasefire pact between the Government of India, the Manipur government, and the two umbrella groups of Kuki militants.
• The Kuki militants had demanded a separate Kuki state within Manipur and had recently sought a Kuki territorial council.
• It was first signed in 2008 and extended periodically.

Ethnic groups in ManipurThe Kukis are an ethnic group including multiple tribes originally inhabiting the North-Eastern states of India such as Manipur, Mizoram and Assam; parts of Burma (now Myanmar).The people of Manipur are grouped into three main ethnic communities – Meiteis those inhabiting the valley and 29 major tribes in the hills dividing into two main ethno-denominations, namely Nagas and Kuki-Chins.In Manipur, the various Kuki tribes, currently make up 30% of the total 28.5 lakh population of the State.The rest of the population is made up mainly of two other ethnic groups — the Meiteis or non-tribal Vaishnavite Hindus who live in the valley region of Manipur, and the Naga tribes also living in the hilly areas of the State.Most of the state’s population concentrated in the valley.

Background of Kuki Insurgency

• On January 21, 1972, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur became states under the North Eastern region reorganization act of 1971.
• The resentment over the “forceful” inclusion into India and delay in granting statehood led to the rise of various insurgent movements.
  • In the Post-independence insurgent movements various groups demanded self-determination and separate statehood for Manipur.
• The roots of Kuki militancy lie in conflicts of ethnic identity.
  • First was the demand for self-determination by  forming a Kukiland which includes Kuki inhabited regions of Myanmar, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram.
  • The second reason lies in the inter-community conflicts between the Kukis and the Nagas in Manipur. 
    • Wanting to dominate trade and cultural activities in those areas the two communities often engaged in violent standoffs.
    • While some militant Kuki outfits demanded Kukiland, including parts which are not in India, some demanded Kukiland within India.
• As a result, it intensified after Manipur was declared a ‘disturbed area’ in 1980, under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives sweeping powers to the military and has led to excesses.
• The Present scenario
  • The demand resulted in the formulation of an independent district—Kukiland Territorial Council within the purview of the Indian constitution.

Steps taken by the Government

• Armed forces Special Powers Act:
  • In 1980, the Centre declared the entire Manipur as a “disturbed area” and imposed AFSPA to suppress the insurgency movement, which remains in force till date.
• Operation All Clear:
  • Assam Rifles and the army had conducted operation “All Clear” in the hill areas, most of the militants’ hideouts had been neutralised, with many of them having shifted to the valley.
• Ceasefire Agreement:
  • The  National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)-IM entered a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India in 1997, even as peace talks between them have still been continuing.
  • The Kuki outfits under two umbrella groups, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), also signed the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pacts with the Governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008.

In Context

• Recently, the Manipur government withdrew from the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with two hill-based tribal insurgent groups citing that they were “influencing agitation among forest encroachers”.

About

• The government  alleged that the protests were influenced by two hill-based insurgent groups.
• As a result, the state government withdrew  from tripartite talks/SoO agreements with three hill-based insurgent groups, namely the Kuki National Army (KNA), the Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA) whose leaders hail from outside the state.

Background

• The Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), two umbrella groups of Kuki militants, had signed a tripartite SoO agreement with the governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008. 
• Since then, the government has been extending the agreement after it expired. 
• The KNA and ZRA are signatories of KNO.

Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement 

• SoO was a ceasefire pact between the Government of India, the Manipur government, and the two umbrella groups of Kuki militants.
• The Kuki militants had demanded a separate Kuki state within Manipur and had recently sought a Kuki territorial council.
• It was first signed in 2008 and extended periodically.

Ethnic groups in ManipurThe Kukis are an ethnic group including multiple tribes originally inhabiting the North-Eastern states of India such as Manipur, Mizoram and Assam; parts of Burma (now Myanmar).The people of Manipur are grouped into three main ethnic communities – Meiteis those inhabiting the valley and 29 major tribes in the hills dividing into two main ethno-denominations, namely Nagas and Kuki-Chins.In Manipur, the various Kuki tribes, currently make up 30% of the total 28.5 lakh population of the State.The rest of the population is made up mainly of two other ethnic groups — the Meiteis or non-tribal Vaishnavite Hindus who live in the valley region of Manipur, and the Naga tribes also living in the hilly areas of the State.Most of the state’s population concentrated in the valley.

Background of Kuki Insurgency

• On January 21, 1972, Tripura, Meghalaya, and Manipur became states under the North Eastern region reorganization act of 1971.
• The resentment over the “forceful” inclusion into India and delay in granting statehood led to the rise of various insurgent movements.
  • In the Post-independence insurgent movements various groups demanded self-determination and separate statehood for Manipur.
• The roots of Kuki militancy lie in conflicts of ethnic identity.
  • First was the demand for self-determination by  forming a Kukiland which includes Kuki inhabited regions of Myanmar, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram.
  • The second reason lies in the inter-community conflicts between the Kukis and the Nagas in Manipur. 
    • Wanting to dominate trade and cultural activities in those areas the two communities often engaged in violent standoffs.
    • While some militant Kuki outfits demanded Kukiland, including parts which are not in India, some demanded Kukiland within India.
• As a result, it intensified after Manipur was declared a ‘disturbed area’ in 1980, under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), which gives sweeping powers to the military and has led to excesses.
• The Present scenario
  • The demand resulted in the formulation of an independent district—Kukiland Territorial Council within the purview of the Indian constitution.

Steps taken by the Government

• Armed forces Special Powers Act:
  • In 1980, the Centre declared the entire Manipur as a “disturbed area” and imposed AFSPA to suppress the insurgency movement, which remains in force till date.
• Operation All Clear:
  • Assam Rifles and the army had conducted operation “All Clear” in the hill areas, most of the militants’ hideouts had been neutralised, with many of them having shifted to the valley.
• Ceasefire Agreement:
  • The  National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN)-IM entered a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India in 1997, even as peace talks between them have still been continuing.
  • The Kuki outfits under two umbrella groups, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and United People’s Front (UPF), also signed the tripartite Suspension of Operation (SoO) pacts with the Governments of India and Manipur on August 22, 2008.

SIPRI Report on Global Arms Import

In News

• India remains the biggest arms importer between 2018-22 despite a drop in overall imports.

About

• India is the world’s largest arms importer for the period between 2018-22, according to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).
• SIPRI is a leading international research institute focused on conflict, peace, and arms control.
• According to the findings, India’s arms imports dropped by 11% between 2013–17 and 2018–22, but it still holds its position as the world’s biggest importer of major arms since 1993.
• Russia was the largest supplier of arms to India, but its share of total Indian arms imports fell from 64% to 45% while France emerged as the second largest supplier between 2018-22.

Key Findings:

• India’s Arms Imports and Exports:
  • India is the biggest arms export market to Russia, France, and Israel and the second largest export market to South Korea
  • India was also the third largest market for South Africa which was ranked 21 in the list of arms exporters
  • For the same period, India remained the largest arms importer followed by Saudi Arabia, with Russia accounting for 45% of India’s imports followed by France (29%) and the US (11%)
  • India was the third largest arms supplier to Myanmar after Russia and China accounting for 14% of its imports
  • India is now looking to become a significant exporter of defence equipment by aiming for $5 billion in exports and $22 billion in turnover by 2025.
• Reasons for Decrease in India’s Arms Imports:
  • India’s slow and complex arms procurement process,
  • Efforts to diversify its arms suppliers
  • Attempts to replace imports with major arms that are designed and produced domestically
• Russia’s Arms Exports:
  • Just under two thirds of Russian arms exports went to three states in 2018–22 — India (31%), China (23%) and Egypt (9.3%)
  • Russia’s position as India’s main arms supplier is under pressure due to strong competition from other supplier states, increased Indian arms production and since 2022, the constraints on Russia’s arms exports related to its invasion of Ukraine.
• Pakistan’s Arms Imports:
  • Arms imports by Pakistan increased by 14% between 2013–17 and 2018–22.
  • It accounted for 3.7% of the global total with China supplying 77% of Pakistan’s arms imports in 2018–22.
• Global Arms Transfers:
  • The global level of international arms transfers decreased by 5.1%, imports of major arms by European states increased by 47% between 2013–17 and 2018–22 in the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
  • The U.S. share of global arms exports increased from 33% to 40% while Russia’s fell from 22% to 16%.

Challenges of arms imports:

• Slow and complex procurement process: India’s arms procurement process is often slow and complex, which can delay the acquisition of necessary weapons and equipment.
• Dependence on foreign suppliers: India remains heavily dependent on foreign suppliers for its arms imports, which can make it vulnerable to supply disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and changing global dynamics.
• Diversification of suppliers: India is making efforts to diversify its arms suppliers to reduce its dependence on any one country, but this process can be difficult and time-consuming.
• Domestic arms production: India is also attempting to produce more of its own arms domestically, but this requires significant investments in infrastructure, technology, and skilled labor.
• Replacement of imports: India is seeking to replace some of its imports with domestically designed and produced arms, but this process can be slow and challenging.

Government steps

The Indian government has taken several steps to promote domestic arms production and reduce the country’s reliance on arms imports. Some of these measures include:

• Defence Manufacturing Policy: The government has formulated a Defence Manufacturing Policy that aims to create an ecosystem for domestic defence manufacturing, enhance self-reliance, and reduce dependence on imports.
• Make in India: The Make in India initiative encourages domestic production of defence equipment, including fighter jets, submarines, and helicopters, by providing incentives for private sector investment in the defence industry.
• Strategic Partnership Model: The Strategic Partnership (SP) Model is a policy framework that allows private sector companies to partner with foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to produce defence equipment in India.
• Technology Transfer: The government is encouraging technology transfer from foreign OEMs to Indian companies, enabling the latter to manufacture and maintain sophisticated defence equipment domestically.
• Defence Exports: The government is promoting exports of defence equipment to other countries, which not only helps Indian defence manufacturers to grow but also enhances India’s reputation as a global defence supplier.
• Defence Innovation Fund: The Defence Innovation Fund (DIF) has been set up to provide financial support to start-ups and MSMEs working on innovative defence technologies.
• Defence Corridors: The government has announced the establishment of two defence corridors, one in Uttar Pradesh and the other in Tamil Nadu, to promote defence manufacturing in these regions.

SIPRI

SIPRI was founded in 1966 by the Swedish parliament as an independent research institute.Its main objective is to conduct research on issues related to international peace and security, including arms control, disarmament, and conflict resolution.It is funded by a combination of government grants, private donations, and project-based funding.SIPRI’s flagship publication is the SIPRI Yearbook, which provides comprehensive data and analysis on global military expenditure, arms transfers, and other relevant security issues.The institute also produces other reports, briefs, and databases on various topics related to conflict, arms control, and peacebuilding.It maintains an extensive database of military expenditure, arms transfers, and other relevant data, which is freely available on its website.The institute collaborates with other research institutes, governments, and civil society organizations around the world to promote peace and security.SIPRI is based in Stockholm, Sweden, but has a global reach and influence, with its research and analysis informing policy decisions and public debates in many countries.

Source: TH

Vulture Survey

In News

• Recently, the vulture survey was carried out in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

About

• An population estimation was carried out by forest departments of respective states in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) and the adjoining landscape consisting of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) in Kerala, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) and Nagerhole Tiger Reserve (NTR) in Karnataka.
• Based on inputs from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Vulture Specialist Group, survey was done using  vantage point count method .
• Outcomes :
  • As many as 246 vultures  were spotted including  White-rumped vultures (183), Long-billed vultures (30), Red-headed vultures (28), Egyptian vultures (3), Himalayan Griffon (1), and Cinereous vulture (1).
• Types of Vultures:
  • Vultures are one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds that live mostly  in the tropics and subtropics
    • They act as nature’s garbage collectors
    • Vultures play a valuable role in keeping wildlife diseases in check.
  •  India is home to nine species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon.
• Conservation status :
  • Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Oriental white-backed are protected in the Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Rest are protected under ‘Schedule IV’.
  • According to IUCN Oriental White-backed Vulture,Long-billed Vulture ,Slender-billed Vulture and Red-headed Vulture are Critically endangered.
  • Egyptian Vulture is endangered and Eurasian Griffon is least concerned while  remaining are near threatened.
• Threats:
  • Use of Diclofenac: A veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)  found in the carcass of cattle the vultures feed on. Vultures die from kidney failure within days of exposure to diclofenac-contaminated tissues.
    • The veterinary use of diclofenac was banned in 2008.
  • Pesticides: The presence of organochlorine pesticide, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals were also the major  cause of mortality.
  • Lack of Nesting Trees
  • Electrocution by power lines
  • Food Dearth and Contaminated Food
• Conservation Efforts :
  • National Board for Wildlife(NBWL) has approved an Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025. Key highlights of the plan include,
    • Vulture Conservation Centre: Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get a vulture conservation and breeding centre.
    • Vulture Safe zone: Establishment of at least one vulture-safe zone in each state for the conservation of the remnant populations in that state.
    • Rescue Centres: Establishment of four rescue centres, in Pinjore (Haryana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam) and Hyderabad (Telangana). There are currently no dedicated rescue centres for treating vultures.
  • Establishment of Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centres : there are nine VCB Centres in India, of which three are directly administered by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
  •  creation of “vulture restaurants” in the state of maharashtra , where carcasses free of diclofenac are provided
  • Involvement of local villagers as ‘gidhaad mitra’ for  rejuvenation and conservation efforts.

Oscar win for ‘The Elephant Whisperers’

In News

• The Elephant Whisperers, a Tamil documentary, won the Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Film category at the 95th Academy Awards.

About

• The 40-minute documentary, directed by Kartiki Gonsalves and produced by Guneet Monga, is based on the life and work of Bomman and his wife Bellie who foster orphaned elephant calves. Bomman and Bellie are both from the Kattunayakan tribe.
• Kattunayakans, one of the 75 “Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups” (PTGs) in India, are settled in parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Values in Context & Why it matters

• Empathy & Compassionate Values: The documentary shows the lives of Bomman and Bellie, two Indigenous people entrusted with the care of two orphaned baby elephants, Raghu and Ammu. It portrays the bond between the elephants and the couple as they nurture the calves.
• Human- Nature Relationship: Using the national park and the Theppakadu Elephant camp as the backdrop, the film delves into themes of conservation, human-animal conflict and coexistence between nature and humans.
  • It also emphasises the importance of involving indigenous communities in the process of conservation.
• Conservation: The documentary also sheds light on the incessant human-animal conflict, with Raghu losing his mother to electrocution and Bellie losing her partner to a tiger attack.

Caregiving: It is the hardest and most selfless job in the world. It requires a stupendous amount of patience and warmth to be able to tend to someone who cannot tend to themselves.

Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) 

• Human-wildlife conflict is when encounters between humans and wildlife lead to negative results, such as loss of property, livelihoods, and even life. Defensive and retaliatory killing may eventually drive these species to extinction.

Cause of HWCs

• Human populations and demand for space continue to grow, people and wildlife are increasingly interacting and competing for resources, which can lead to increased human-wildlife conflict. 
• Lack of Protected Areas
• Zoonotic Diseases 

Repercussions

• Destruction of habitat and collapse of wildlife populations
• Injury and loss of life of humans and wildlife
• Crop and Human property damage 
• Economic and psychological costs to Tribals
• Impact on the Sustainable Development 

Way Forward

• Administrative: Increase Surveillance using technology, use Signboards, Wildlife Corridors.
• IEC Measures: Awareness Programmes & Training programs, compensation for damages.
• Structural Measures: Improvement of habitat and boundary walls, Part of Corporate Social Responsibility. 

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

• It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state, at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• It has a common boundary with Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) on the West, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) on the North, and the Nilgiris North Division on the South and East and Gudalur Forest Division on the South West, together forming a large conservation landscape for flagship species such as Tiger and Asian Elephant. 
• The Reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as ‘Elephant Grass’.

Demand for Lightning to be Declared a Natural Disaster

In News 

• Some Indian States have recently demanded lightning to be considered a natural disaster.

About

• At present, Cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, frost, and cold waves are considered disasters.
• These disasters are covered under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is 75% funded by the Centre.
• Lightning prevalence is more at night and early hours in hilly states and more during the day in the plains.
• Strikes can cause cardiac arrest and severe burns, but 9 of every 10 people survive.
• Hundreds more survive strikes but suffer from a variety of lasting symptoms, including memory loss, dizziness, weakness, numbness, and other life-altering ailments.
• Lightning is dangerous, and about 2,000 people are killed worldwide by lightning each year with farmers being the most affected and deaths are more during the rainy season.
• India is among only five countries in the world that has an early warning system for lightning in which the forecast is available from five days to up to three hours in advance of the predicted event.

What is lightning?

• Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by imbalances between storm clouds and the ground, or within the clouds themselves where most of the lightning occurs.
• During a storm, colliding particles of rain, ice, or snow inside storm clouds increase the imbalance between storm clouds and the ground, and often negatively charge the lower reaches of storm clouds.
• Objects on the ground, like steeples, trees, and the Earth itself, become positively charged—creating an imbalance that nature seeks to remedy by passing current between the two charges.
• Cloud-to-ground lightning bolts are a common phenomenon with about 100 striking Earth’s surface every second.
• A typical cloud-to-ground lightning bolt begins when a step-like series of negative charges, called a stepped leader, races downward from the bottom of a storm cloud toward the Earth along a channel at about 200,000 mph (300,000 kph).

Impact of Lightning

• Madhya Pradesh had the highest number of lightning-related deaths (162), followed by Maharashtra (121), Gujarat (72), Bihar (70), Rajasthan (49), and Chhattisgarh (40).
• India has experienced 90,632 deaths due to lightning strikes between 1972 and 2019.
• The Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2021 report confirms that 40.4% of deaths due to natural disasters took place due to lightning.
• Lightning adversely impacts the agriculture, aviation, power, and communication sectors.
• Rural and forest areas are the most vulnerable due to the presence of water bodies and tall trees.
• 96% of lightning deaths occurred in rural areas.
• 77% of farmers are killed due to lightning as they work in agricultural fields during the Kharif cropping season in the monsoon period.

Challenges of Lightning in India

• High mortality rate: Lightning strikes kill more than 2,000 people in India every year, making it one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in the country.
• Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness among the general public about the dangers of lightning, which often leads to fatalities and injuries.
• Poor lightning protection infrastructure: Most buildings and structures in India are not equipped with lightning protection systems, making them vulnerable to lightning strikes.
• Limited lightning data: There is limited data on lightning strikes in India, which makes it difficult to develop effective lightning protection policies and strategies.
• Climate change: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of thunderstorms, which could lead to more lightning strikes in the future.
• Limited resources: India has limited resources to invest in lightning protection infrastructure and research, which makes it challenging to mitigate the risks associated with lightning.

Government steps for disaster management

• Disaster Management Act, 2005: The act provides a legal framework for the management of disasters in the country and lays down the responsibilities of various agencies and authorities and outlines the procedures for disaster management.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): It was established in 2005 to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to disaster management in the country. 
• State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs): Each state has a separate SDMA which works in coordination with the NDMA and other agencies to mitigate the impact of disasters.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): The NDRF is a specialized force created to respond to disasters and provide relief & rescue operations and comprises battalions stationed across the country.
• Early Warning Systems: The government has set up early warning systems for various disasters, such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and landslides. These systems use technology to provide timely warnings to people in the affected areas.
• Capacity building: The government has initiated various capacity-building programs to improve the skills and knowledge of the stakeholders involved in disaster management. 
• National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP): It is a comprehensive plan developed by the government to address all aspects of disaster management, including prevention, mitigation, and response. 
• International cooperation: The government has signed various agreements with other countries and international organizations to share knowledge, resources, and best practices in disaster management.

What more can be done?

• The government should include lightning as a “natural disaster” to minimise lightning-related deaths.
• Mapping vulnerable populations with potential lightning hotspots, improving early warning systems, and installing lightning detection systems are critical measures.
• The government should prepare a database related to lightning strikes, gender-wise lightning deaths, and occupation-wise fatalities at the district, state, and central levels for devising an action plan against lightning strikes.
• Training and community awareness programs are essential measures to minimise deaths due to lightning.

Way ahead

• Although the government has taken several steps to improve disaster management in India, there is a need to bring lightning under its ambit.
• While there are still challenges to be addressed, targeted steps can help in building a robust disaster management system in the country.

Source: TH

Academy Awards 2023

In News

• Recently, ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ and RRR  became the first ever Indian productions to win the Oscar .

About

• The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, are given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS),as a recognition of excellence in cinematic achievements.
• SS Rajamouli’s RRR  became the first Indian feature film to win an Oscar.   The film’s ‘Naatu Naatu’ soundtrack by MM Keeravani was awarded the Best Original Song Award
  • The song was composed by MM Keeravaani and penned by Chandrabose.
• Directed by Kartiki Gonsalves, Indian documentary The Elephant Whisperers emerged as the winner in the Best Documentary Short category
  • The film also highlights the stunning beauty of Tamil Nadu’s Mudumalai National Park and gives a peek into the lives of the Kattunayakan, an indigenous community that inhabits parts of South India.
  • It also became the first Indian production that has won an Academy Award for the Documentary Short category. 
• Previous winners:
  • Bhanu Athaiya: Bhanu Athaiya is the first person from India to win an Oscar. She won an Oscar in the  Best Costume Design Category for the 1982 historical film Gandhi.
  • Satyajit Ray: In 1992 Satyajit Ray received the honorary Oscar  award in recognition of his exceptional skill in the field of filmmaking.
  • Resul Pookutty : His work on Slumdog Millionaire earned him the Academy Award in 2009  for Best Sound Mixing. 
  • A R Rahman and Gulzar :in 2009  The song “Jai Ho,” written by Rahman and Gulzar, won the Best Original Song Oscar for the film Slumdog Millionaire.he also  received a second Oscar for Danny Boyle’s Slumdog Millionaire’s as Best Original Score.
  • ‘Jai Ho’, composed by AR Rahman and penned by Gulzar, is  the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award .

Operation Trishul

In News

• Under Operation Trishul, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has extradited 33 people hiding in other countries, involved in various criminal activities.

About

• Operation Trishul involves using the Interpol’s Star Global Focal Point Network, and using the Interpol’s channels to identify dispersal of proceeds of crime by financial criminals.
• The CBI is India’s nodal agency which coordinates with the Interpol to bring back fugitives hiding abroad.
• Operation Trishul also aims at dismantling support networks and generating criminal intelligence on shell companies, fraudulent transactions, money mules and co-accused located globally. 
• Last year the CBI was successful in bring back 27 fugitives hiding abroad. 

Who are Fugitive Offenders?

• The “Fugitive Economic Offender” means any individual against whom a warrant for arrest in relation to a scheduled offence has been issued by any court in India, who:
  • leaves or has left India so as to avoid criminal prosecution; or
  • refuses to return to India to face criminal prosecution.
• Fugitive economic offenders act, 2018 aims to seize the property of economic offenders who have fled the nation to avoid being prosecuted or who refuse to come back to face charges.