04 January 2025 : The Hindu Analysis

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1. In Madurai, mining for tungsten and trouble

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice, GS3 – Environment

Context

• Women from Kesampatti village in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, have staged protests against a proposed tungsten mining project, expressing alarm over its potential impact on the local environment, culture, and heritage.

Background of the Protest

• The community is utilizing kummi, a traditional folk dance, as a form of protest against the project. The Union Government has granted mining rights to Hindustan Zinc Limited, a decision that has ignited fervent opposition among residents. Protesters assert that the land holds significant ties to their cultural identity and religious practices.

Opposition to Mining

• The mining area, including Arittapatti, is recognized for its biodiversity and historical value, featuring Tamil Brahmi inscriptions and unique wildlife species such as the Indian pangolin and slender loris. Environmental concerns are paramount, as the prospect of soil and water contamination raises alarms among the community.

Government Stance and Legal Context

• While the Tamil Nadu government has expressed opposition to the project, its authority is constrained by the centralized provisions of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. The Union Government argues in favor of the project, citing tungsten’s critical role in renewable energy and defense sectors as a matter of national interest.

Community and Expert Concerns

• Activists and villagers are calling for the exclusion of heritage sites and agricultural land from designated mining areas. Health risks spotlighted include studies from China that link tungsten mining to heightened levels of soil and water contamination. Historical precedents, such as the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, are referenced to underscore the potential dangers of oversight in such projects.

Political Dynamics

• Political responses vary among local and national parties, with some expressing outright opposition while others engage in blame-shifting. Community actions include petitions, Gram Sabha resolutions, and public protests aimed at preserving their land and livelihood.

Conclusion 

• This situation epitomizes the tension between environmental preservation, community rights, and the increasing demand for essential minerals in global markets.

Practice Question: Discuss the socio-environmental impacts of mining projects on local communities, with reference to the ongoing protests in Madurai district. (150 Words /10 marks)

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2. China’s Mega Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo: A Looming Challenge for India and Downstream Nations

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 09)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

• The proposed hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River by China presents considerable geopolitical, environmental, and water security challenges for downstream nations, particularly India.

Analysis of the news:

Overview of the Project

China's sanctioning of a monumental hydropower initiative on the Yarlung Tsangpo, recognized as the largest of its kind globally, raises critical geopolitical and environmental concerns. With a noteworthy capacity of 60,000 MW—three times greater than that of the Three Gorges Dam—the project exploits the river’s steep gradient in Tibet. The ramifications, however, reach downstream, impacting millions reliant on the Brahmaputra system for their water, agriculture, and overall livelihoods.

Strategic Motivations and Environmental Risks

• China is pursuing a transition to greener energy sources, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060. The Yarlung Tsangpo's significant descent creates favorable conditions for hydroelectric power generation. Yet, large dams like the Three Gorges have been associated with severe environmental consequences, such as displacement, biodiversity loss, and potential seismic hazards resulting from substantial water storage. Situated in an ecologically sensitive and earthquake-prone area, this project could have downstream repercussions affecting agriculture, sediment deposition, and river flow.

India’s Concerns

• As a lower riparian state, India relies heavily on the Brahmaputra system for its agricultural and economic sustenance. Any alterations in water flow or sediment transport resulting from China’s upstream projects could have detrimental effects on states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The project’s proximity to the "Great Bend"—immediately preceding the river’s entry into India—intensifies these concerns. Historical events, such as the 2004 Parechu Lake landslide, further emphasize the potential risks associated with unilateral actions in these vulnerable regions.

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Bilateral Mechanisms and Their Limitations

• Current collaborative frameworks, including MoUs pertaining to the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers, have not proven fully effective. Although agreements like the 2013 umbrella MoU and the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention provide a basis for cooperation, their application and enforcement are limited. Data sharing, which is crucial during crises, has frequently been disrupted due to political tensions, as seen during the Doklam and Ladakh standoffs.

India’s Options

India must pursue a comprehensive approach that includes:

• Diplomatic Engagement: Strengthening dialogue with China to emphasize transparency and adherence to international norms.
• Public Advocacy: Actively contesting China's assertions regarding the project's downstream effects to prevent any implicit acceptance.a’s claims about the project’s downstream impacts to avoid tacit acceptance.
• Regional Alliances: Building coalitions with other impacted nations, such as Bangladesh, to present a unified stance.
• Domestic Preparedness: Enhancing disaster management infrastructure and exploring alternative water management solutions.

Water security must be recognized as a pivotal concern in the India-China relationship, with an explicit understanding that overlooking India’s apprehensions may negatively influence diplomatic interactions.

Conclusion

China's Yarlung Tsangpo project highlights the intricate challenges associated with transboundary river management. For India, the protection of its interests necessitates a strategic approach that combines firm diplomacy, regional collaboration, and effective domestic strategies to address potential threats. The magnitude and implications of this project warrant ongoing vigilance and proactive measures.

India’s Initiatives to Counter such Projects: In response to China's infrastructure initiatives, India is constructing a dam on the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh as a countermeasure. To facilitate effective cross-border river management, India and China have established an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) since 2006, which allows for data sharing. Under this arrangement, China has committed to providing India with hydrological information concerning the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers during flood periods.

Practice Question: The proposed Chinese hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo presents substantial geopolitical and environmental challenges for downstream countries. Analyze the implications for India and propose strategies to ensure its water security and regional interests. (250 Words / 15 marks)

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3. India’s BUR-4 Highlights 36% Emissions Intensity Reduction and Progress Toward 2030 Climate Goals

(Source – Indian Express)

Topic: GS3 – Environment

Context

• India’s Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) demonstrates notable achievements in mitigating emissions intensity while moving forward with its climate obligations under the Paris Agreement.

Analysis of the news:

Overview of the BUR

• The Biennial Update Report (BUR) is a requirement delineated by the UNFCCC for developing nations to provide a comprehensive overview of their climate action initiatives. India submitted its BUR-4 in December 2024 as part of its commitments under the Paris Agreement, which encompasses data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mitigation strategies, and the technological and financial assistance received.

Progress on Emissions Reduction

• India reported a 36% decrease in GDP emissions intensity from 2005 to 2020, on a path to achieve its 2030 goal of a 45% reduction. Total GHG emissions in 2020 were identified at 2,959 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, with net emissions totaling 2,437 million tonnes after taking into account carbon sinks. Significantly, emissions dropped by 7.93% compared to 2019, though there has been a 98.34% increase since 1994, driven by economic expansion.

Sectoral Emissions Breakdown

• Energy Sector: The predominant contributor, accounting for 75.66%, with electricity generation alone responsible for 39%.
• Agriculture: Contributed 13.72%, primarily from methane emissions.
• Industrial and Waste Sectors: Represented 8.06% and 2.56%, respectively. CO2 emissions dominated the profile (80.53%), followed by methane (13.32%) and nitrous oxide (5.13%).

Achievements on Climate Goals

India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2022 target a 50% share of non-fossil fuel-based power capacity by 2030, alongside an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent. The BUR-4 report underlines the following advancements:

• Non-fossil fuel-based power capacity reached 46.52% by October 2024.
• An additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent was established from 2005 to 2021.
• The Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme facilitated savings of 19.3 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in energy and a reduction of 28.74 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 2012 to 2022.

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Technological Needs for Low-Carbon Growth

India emphasized the critical need for advanced technology to foster climate resilience and low-carbon growth. However, challenges such as slow technology transfer and intellectual property concerns pose barriers.

• Energy Sector: Requirements include ultra-efficient photovoltaic cells, floating wind turbines, and geothermal technologies.
• Industrial Sector: Focus on carbon capture and storage technologies for the cement, iron, and steel industries.
• Water Sector: Development of solar and wind-powered desalination systems for arid regions.

Conclusion

India’s Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) reflects significant strides toward achieving climate objectives, while also revealing the complexities involved in harmonizing economic development, emission reductions, and technological advancements. The findings accentuate the critical necessity for global collaboration to dismantle obstacles and expedite climate-resilient growth.

What proactive steps India has taken to combat climate change?

• Renewable Energy Expansion: The nation has set an ambitious target of 500 GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030, focusing on solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies. The National Solar Mission has played a pivotal role in enhancing solar power generation nationwide. 
• Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Programs such as the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and the UJALA initiative exemplify the country’s commitment to improving energy efficiency.
• Increasing Forest and Tree Cover: Current forest and tree cover accounts for 25.17% of India’s total geographical area, with a consistent upward trend.
• Supporting Global Climate Initiatives: India actively participates in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which aim to foster international cooperation on climate issues.
• Other National Schemes: Initiatives like the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, National Bio-Energy Programme, and National E-Bus Programme further exemplify India's multifaceted approach to climate action.

Practice Question: Discuss the key highlights of India’s Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) under the UNFCCC and analyze the challenges and opportunities it presents in achieving the nation’s climate commitments. (250 Words /15 marks)

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Prelims Facts

1. India ‘protests’ new Chinese counties in Ladakh

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)

Context

• The establishment of new counties by China in the contentious Aksai Chin region, along with the ambitious Yarlung Tsangpo mega-dam project, has heightened tensions between India and China.

Places in Focus

Hotan Prefecture (Xinjiang, China)

• Situated in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China, Hotan Prefecture encompasses sections of Aksai Chin, an area under dispute claimed by India.
• This region is strategically significant due to its proximity to the historical Silk Road.
• It is recognized for its jade production and its pivotal role in ancient trade networks.

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Aksai Chin (Ladakh, India)

• Aksai Chin is a high-altitude plateau located in the northeastern part of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh.
• Although administered by China, it is claimed by India as an integral part of Ladakh.
• This area has been a major flashpoint in the India-China territorial disputes, notably during the 1962 conflict.
• Its harsh and arid climate leads to a sparse population.

Yarlung Tsangpo (Tibet, China)

• The Yarlung Tsangpo represents the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River, originating in Tibet.
• It traverses deep gorges within the Himalayas before entering India and subsequently Bangladesh.
• This site is slated for China’s proposed $137 billion mega dam initiative, which is crucial for regional hydrology and impacts ecosystems in downstream areas.

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2. Health Ministry monitoring HMPV outbreak in China

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1)

Context

• The Indian health authorities are closely observing the recent increase in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases reported in China. This respiratory virus predominantly impacts children and the elderly; however, no cases have been registered within India thus far.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Overview:

• Discovery: Identified in 2001, HMPV is part of the Pneumoviridae family and is closely related to the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
• Affected Groups: The virus primarily affects young children, older adults, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
• Symptoms: Infected individuals may experience a range of symptoms including cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, HMPV can escalate to bronchitis or pneumonia.

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• Transmission: The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets released during coughing or sneezing, through close personal contact, or via contaminated surfaces.
• Incubation: Symptoms typically appear within 3 to 6 days post-exposure, with the duration of illness varying based on the severity of the case.
• Seasonality: HMPV activity is generally more prevalent during the winter and spring months.
• Treatment: Currently, there are no specific antiviral treatments available for HMPV; supportive care is advised for those affected.

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3. This tribe prefers to live and let ‘live-in’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)

Context

• This article delves into the traditions of the Konda Reddi tribe, highlighting their acceptance of live-in relationships, cultural practices, and the gradual changes within their society.

Location and Population of the Konda Reddi Tribe:

• The Konda Reddi tribe is predominantly located in the hilly and forested areas of Andhra Pradesh, with significant populations in the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Khammam, and Srikakulam.

Economic Activities:

• The tribe primarily engages in shifting cultivation, with annatto being a key commercial crop utilized in lipstick production. Additionally, the region's distinctive red soil is commonly employed in the construction of traditional mud-walled houses.

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Marriage Traditions:

• Live-in relationships are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional weddings, which often impose significant financial burdens. Traditional marital ceremonies last four days and are characterized by grand feasts that include obligatory chicken and mutton dishes. A notable aspect of their customs is the Laagudu tradition, where the groom’s family “abducts” the bride, leading to subsequent wedding negotiations.

Community and Cultural Changes:

• The Konda Reddi tribe is undergoing gradual cultural transformations, including intermarriage with non-tribal populations. Traditionally, disputes within the community have been resolved by local village elders, preserving the tribe's unique approaches to conflict resolution.

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4. The horror of Saydnaya jail, a symbol of Assad’s brutality, war crimes

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 413)

Context

Saydnaya Prison, infamous for its human rights violations under the Assad administration, has become emblematic of the state's brutality during the Syrian civil war, where thousands faced torture, execution, and unlawful imprisonment.



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 Saydnaya Prison:

• Location: Situated north of Damascus, Syria.
• Purpose: Initially established in the 1980s to detain political prisoners, including Islamist and Kurdish militants.
• Operations: It evolved into a representation of oppressive state control, serving as a site for extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances.
• Human Rights Violations: Documented atrocities include mass executions, torture, sexual assaults, and forced disappearances.
• Infamous Incidents: A 2016 UN commission reported that crimes against humanity were perpetrated in Saydnaya. Amnesty International labeled the prison a “human slaughterhouse.”
• Crematorium: Authorities discovered a crematorium used to incinerate the bodies of executed inmates.
• Liberation: In 2024, rebel forces captured the prison, resulting in the release of over 4,000 inmates.

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