Global Warming ❖ Renewable Energy Groups

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CONTENTS

EXPLAINED : 3 TO 12

❖ INDIA RUSSIA RELATIONS ❖ SABRIMALA VERDICT ❖ SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN ❖ GLOBAL WARMING ❖ RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUPS

PRELIMS BOOSTER : 13 to 22

❖ BLACK SPOTTED TURTLE ❖ S-400 MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM ❖ DEATH OF LIONS IN GIR ❖ TYPE 2 POLIO VIRUSES ❖ INDIA’S LOW AIR SAFERTY OVERSIGHT SCORE ❖ POCSO e-BOX ❖ NOBEL PRIZE – MEDICINE ❖ PLACES IN MAHARASHTRA AND KARNATAKA FOR UNESCO SITE STATUS ❖ FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ISA ❖ NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSICS ❖ BRU REFUGEES ❖ NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY ❖ UDHYAM ABHILASHA SCHEME ❖ INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION ❖ SETU BHARATAM PROJECT ❖ PM VAYA VANDANA YOJANA ❖ GI TAG FOR ALPHONSO MANGO ❖ NOBEL PEACE PRIZE ❖ JAPAN DROPS ROBOT ON ASTEROID

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EXPLAINED

❖ INDIA – RUSSIA RELATIONS

CONTEXT

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid an official visit to New Delhi to take part in the 19th India-Russia annual bilateral summit.

During the Cold War, India and the Soviet Union (USSR) had a strong strategic, military, economic and diplomatic relationship. After the collapse of the USSR, Russia inherited the close relationship with India.

This resulted in India and Russia sharing a Special Relationship. Russia is a longstanding, time-tested, partner. Be it in the field of equipping our defence forces or industrialisation of the country or strategic support in the UN Security Council, Russia has always come to India’s help. Relations between India and Russia have been based on defence acquisition, hydrocarbons, nuclear energy, space cooperation, trade and commerce, science and technology, culture and people to people ties.

POLITICAL RELATIONS

The first major political initiative, since the collapse of the Soviet Union, between India and Russia began with the Strategic Partnership signed between the two countries in 2000. Both countries closely collaborate on matters of shared national interest these include at the UN, BRICS, G20and SCO. Russia also strongly supports India receiving a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. In addition, Russia has vocally backed India joining the NSG and APEC.

MILITARY RELATIONS

India has so far been heavily dependent on Russian armaments with more than 70 per cent of its weapons being sourced from Russia. Although in absolute terms Russia is still the largest supplier of defence equipment to India. India and Russia have several major joint military programmes.India is the second largest market for the Russian defence industry. In 2017, approximately 68% of the Indian Military's hardware import came from Russia, making Russia the chief supplier of defence equipment.

ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Bilateral trade between both countries is concentrated in key value chain sectors. These sectors include highly diversified segments such as machinery, electronics, aerospace, automobile, commercial shipping, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, apparels, precious stones, industrial metals, petroleum products, coal, high-end tea and coffee products.

CULTURAL RELATIONS

Indo–Russian relations in the field of culture are historical. Traditionally, there has been strong collaboration in the field of cinema between India and the USSR. Yoga in Russia has been growing and becoming increasingly popular since the 1980s, particularly in majors cities and urban centres, mainly due to its reputation for health benefits.

CHALLENGES IN INDIA-RUSSIA RELATIONS

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Growing India-US Relations- Some major issues of dissonance have appeared between the two countries over the last few years. The first concerns the rapidly expanding ties between India and USA, which started with the India-US nuclear deal in 2008. The second concerns the growing defence relationship between India and USA.

India’s overall defence import from Russia has progressively declined. Most recently, India’s reported decision to sign the three ''foundational'' defence Agreements with USA, viz., Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), Communications Interoperability and Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA) and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for Geo-spatial Cooperation, has surfaced as a cause of serious concern for Russia. The latter feels that India is virtually entering into a military alliance with USA, which will severely restrict Russia's ability to share sophisticated defence technology with it.

CAATSA(Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) was enacted to punish Russia by sanctioning persons engaging in business transactions with the Russian defence sector. The U.S. has been publicly warning for months that purchase of the Russian air defence missile system, the S-400 from Russia could attract provisions under the CAASTA.

Russia is upset with India’s defence procurement policy and is unable to digest the fact that the United States is overtaking Russia in the Indian weaponry market. Many in Moscow are sulking, seeking retribution by ending the arms blockade of Pakistan to compensate for the losses suffered in the Indian market. A host of voices has emerged in the Russian media asking with ‘whom does India stand – the US or Russia?’

BUSINESS DESPITE SANCTIONS

There are obvious opportunities for cooperation between Russia, which is natural resources-rich, and India, which is resource-hungry. Whether they are exploited would depend on how well India’s economic ministries, banks and business community understand the ground realities of doing business with Russia.

Even before CAATSA, there was confusion in India about sanctions against Russia. The U.S. and European sanctions between 2014 and 2016 are sector- and currency-specific. They affect entities operating in Europe and the U.S., and transactions in euro or dollar currencies. They are not applicable to other geographies or currencies. This remains the case, even post-CAATSA, for all sectors other than defence and energy.

Therefore, with proper structuring of business deals, trade and investment exchanges with Russia are possible, and without losing business with Europe and America. This explains how the economic engagement of major European countries with Russia has actually grown in 2017 and 2018, despite the sanctions. European and American corporate lawyers with expertise on sanctions have enabled this. Indian business needs to tap into this expertise.

CONCLUSION

Russia is still politically, diplomatically and militarily important for India. A country with large stockpiles of strategic bombers and a veto power in the UNSC acts as a useful counterweight against global hegemony. Here, India needs to be mindful of the risk of relying totally on the US, which could restrict access to civil-military technologies and snap all cooperation should India decide to lift its self-imposed moratorium on nuclear weapons testing. India also cannot ignore the geostrategic calculations, where the US can never replace Russia politically and operationally in case of a national crisis.

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❖ SABRIMALA VERDICT

CONTEXT

Recently a writ petition has been filed in the Kerala High Court alleging that hasty steps were being taken by the State government and the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to allow women who did not observe the mandatory 41-day penance into the Sabarimala temple in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict.

Indian jurisprudence has arisen over the years in cases where governments have passed laws to regulate what they see as secular activity, though it is associated with religious practice. The religious bodies have objected to government action on the ground that the activity is religious and not secular. In order to get the special rights under Article 26, most cases involved an attempt by groups to show themselves as a distinct religious denomination. The same was attempted in the Sabarimala case too.

SABARIMALA CASE

The Sabarimala case arose out of a petition filed in public interest by a registered association of young lawyers, challenging the Constitutional validity of Rule 3(b) of the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Rules, 1965, which restricts the entry of women into the Sabarimala temple. These Rules were framed under the Kerala Hindu Places of Public Worship (Authorisation of Entry) Act, 1965. This Act was enacted to make provisions for entry of all classes and sections of Hindus into places of public worship.

INDIA’S EVOLVING JURISPRUDENCE ON RELIGIOUS RIGHTS

Much of Indian jurisprudence on religion has evolved around what constitutes an essential religious practice. The two relevant Constitutional provisions under the head Right to Freedom of Religion are-

• Article 25- (1)Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practice and propagate religion.(2) Nothing in this Article shall affect the operation of any existing law or prevent the State from making any law –a) Regulating or restricting any economic, financial, political or other secular activity which may be associated with religious practice;b) Providing for social welfare and reform or the throwing open of Hindu religious institutions of a public character to all classes and sections of Hindus; • Article 26-Subject to public order, morality and health, every religious denomination or any section thereof shall have the right -to establish and maintain institutions for religious and charitable purposes;to manage its own affairs in matters of religion;to own and acquire movable and immovable property; andto administer such property in accordance with law. • It is interesting to see the evolution of Indian jurisprudence through attempts by Indian Courts to distinguish between what is a “matter of religion” and what is not, in several cases over the decades. This exercise is also desirable so that readers understand that the jurisprudence applied by the Supreme Court in the Sabarimala case is consistent with the principles that have evolved over decades and in relation to all religions uniformly. • One of the earliest cases arose when the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951 was enacted to empower a statutory commissioner to intervene if they had ‘reason to believe’ that a religious institution was mismanaging funds. This Act was challenged by the Mathadhipathi of the Shirur Mutt who claimed that the law interfered with his right to manage the religious affairs of the Mutt. The Supreme Court examined the question, “Where is the line to be drawn between what are matters of religion and what are not?” The Court held: • What constitutes the essential part of a religion is primarily to be ascertained with reference to the doctrines of that religion itself.This meant that the views of the followers of the religion were crucial to determine what constituted the essential aspects of a religion.

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EXCLUSION OF WOMEN WAS NOT A UNIFORM PRACTICE

• Applying the essential practices test, the majority opinion of the Court finds that the practice of excluding women between the ages of ten and fifty from undertaking the pilgrimage and praying at the Sabarimala temple is not an essential part of the religion. The religious texts and tenets relied on by the Respondents did not indicate such an essential practice. At best, these documents indicate the celibate nature of Lord Ayyappa at the Sabarimala temple but do not establish a connection between the Lord’s celibate nature and exclusion of women. The Supreme Court noted the observations of the Kerala High Court in Mahendran’s case that even when old customs prevailed, women were allowed to visit the temple. • The Kerala High Court had noted an incident where the Maharaja of Travancore, accompanied by the Maharani and the Divan, had visited the temple in 1115 ME. The High Court, while examining evidence, had noted that the temple had seen the presence of women worshippers of all ages for the first rice-feeding ceremony of their children. The Secretary of the AyyappaSevaSangham had deposed that young women were seen in Sabarimala during the previous ten to fifteen years. A former Devaswom Commissioner admitted that the first rice-feeding ceremony of her grandchild was conducted at the Sabarimala temple. • The High Court found that during the twenty years preceding the decision, women irrespective of age were allowed to visit the temple when it opened for monthly poojas, but were prohibited from entering the temple only during Mandalam, Makaravilakku and Vishu seasons. The Supreme Court takes note of these observations by the Kerala High Court collected by evidence, to hold that the practice of excluding women from the temple was not a uniform practice. This also shows that denial of constitutional protection to the exclusionary practice will not result in a fundamental change in the character of the religion.

REAL REASONS FOR THE EXCLUSION

Another impressive feature of the Sabarimalajudgement is the readiness shown by the Supreme Court to dive deep into the reasons given for the exclusion of women of a certain age. The Kerala High Court’s reason of the “arduous nature of the journey” which could not be completed by women for physiological reasons is rejected by the Supreme Court as it is not even a religious reason to claim constitutional protection. This reason is also too paternalistic, and must be left to the individual choice of the devotee to decide whether she can take the arduous nature of the journey or not. The Court cannot promote such stereotypes and must lean in favour of interpretations of equality.

BREAKING FREE OF STEREOTYPES

The Supreme Court looks at one more argument given to explain the exclusionary practice — the naisthikabrahmacharya nature of Lord Ayyappa, and that celibacy is an important part of the 41-day vratham for the followers. It was stated that the presence of women distracts the devotees. While dismissing this reason, the Court frowns upon the attempt to impose the burden of a man’s celibacy on a woman and construct her as a cause for deviation. This argument is then employed to deny her access to spaces which she is entitled. Again the Court refuses to perpetrate stereotypes of a woman being too weak to keep the vratham. The equality of human beings entails being free from the restrictive and dehumanising effect of stereotypes.

CONCLUSION

Group rights must be subjected to individual rights. If accepted, no practice will be afforded constitutional protection if it violates constitutional values of individual liberty, equality and dignity, even if it is shown to be an essential religious practice. We can find support for this thought in some of the earlier Supreme Court judgements.

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❖ SWACHH BHARAT ABHIYAN

CONTEXT

• Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention is a four-day convention organized by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have been envisioned as "a bold, universal agreement to end poverty in all its dimensions and craft an equal, just and secure world – for people, planet, and prosperity by 2030". • Realising the importance of water and sanitation towards the achievement of this vision has led to a dedicated SDG on water and sanitation – the SDG 6, which aims "to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." India has taken massive strides towards achieving universal safe sanitation. • The Government of India launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on 2nd October 2014, with an aim to build a Clean and Open Defecation Free (ODF) India by 2nd October 2019, as a befitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. The mission will cover all rural and urban areas. The urban component of the mission will be implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development, and the rural component by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION FOR URBAN AREAS

• The programme includes elimination of open defecation, conversion of unsanitary toilets to pour flush toilets, eradication of manual scavenging, municipal solid waste management and bringing about a behavioural change in people regarding healthy sanitation practices. • The mission aims to cover 1.04 crore households, provide 2.5 lakh community toilets, 2.6 lakh public toilets, and a solid waste management facility in each town. Under the programme, community toilets will be built in residential areas where it is difficult to construct individual household toilets. Public toilets will also be constructed in designated locations such as tourist places, markets, bus stations, railway stations, etc. The programme will be implemented over a five-year period in 4,401 towns. • The total assistance available for construction of an individual toilet is Rs 4000/- from the Central Government and an amount of Rs 1333/- at least from the State Government. However in the case of the North East States, the states are required to contribute only Rs 400/- per individual toilet. However, there is no bar on releasing any extra funds at any stage by the ULB/State Government through additional resources. • The expected assistance for construction of community toilets - Central Government will contribute upto 40% of the cost of construction of community toilet as a VGF/ outright grant. As per SBM guidelines, the States/UTs shall provide an additional 13.33% for the said component. The NE and special category states shall be required to contribute 4% only. The balance shall have to be arranged through innovative mechanisms by the urban local body. The approximate cost per seat for a community toilet is Rs 65,000/-. • Rs 62,009 crore is likely to be spent on the programme. Of this, the Centre will pitch in Rs 14,623 crore. Of the Centre’s share of Rs 14,623 crore, Rs 7,366 crore will be spent on solid waste management, Rs 4,165 crore on individual household toilets, Rs 1,828 crore on public awareness and Rs 655 crore on community toilets.

SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (GRAMIN)

• The Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan has been restructured into the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The mission aims to make India an open defecation free country in Five Years. It seeks to improve the levels of cleanliness in rural areas through Solid and Liquid Waste Management activities and making Gram Panchayats Open Defecation Free (ODF), clean and sanitised. • Under the mission, One lakh thirty four thousand crore rupees will be spent for construction of about 11 crore 11 lakh toilets in the country. Technology will be used on a large scale to convert waste into wealth in rural India in the forms of bio-fertilizer and different forms of energy. The mission is to be executed on war

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footing with the involvement of every gram panchayat, panchayat samiti and Zila Parishad in the country, besides roping in large sections of rural population and school teachers and students in this endeavor. • Incentive as provided under the Mission for the construction of Individual Household Latrines (IHHL) shall be available for all Below Poverty Line (BPL) Households and Above Poverty Line (APL) households restricted to SCs/STs, small and marginal farmers, landless labourers with homestead, physically handicapped and women headed households. • The Incentive amount provided under SBM(G) to Below Poverty Line (BPL) /identified APLs households shall be up to Rs.12,000 for construction of one unit of IHHL and provide for water availability, including for storing for hand-washing and cleaning of the toilet. Central Share of this Incentive for IHHLs shall be Rs.9,000/- (75%) from Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The State share will be Rs.3,000/-(25%). For North Eastern State, and Special category States, the Central share will be Rs. 10,800/- and the State share Rs.1,200/- (90% : 10%). The beneficiary is to be encouraged to additionally contribute in the construction of his IHHL to promote ownership.

PERFORMANCE OF SWACHH BHARAT MISSION (SBM)

Since the inception of the program, the rural sanitation coverage of India has increased significantly, from 39% in October 2014 to over 90% as of September 2018. Over 78 million household toilets have been constructed under the Mission. As a result, 25 States/Union Territories, over 513 districts, and 5,04,316 villages have declared themselves as free from open defecation.

CONCLUSION

Swachh Bharat Mission is a game changer for India because sanitation is critical to health and human capital, which in turn, is critical for economic growth. Improving sanitation is about investing in people, transforming lives. Healthier children will become healthier adults who contribute more to the economy. Swachh Bharat Mission has created a mass-movement by institutions and by the people.

❖ GLOBAL WARMING

CONTEXT

Recently Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a report related to global warming and temperature targets set by the world community at a meeting in Incheon, South Korea.

Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate. There is great debate among many people, and sometimes in the news, on whether global warming is real (some call it a hoax). But climate scientists looking at the data and facts agree the planet is warming

CAUSES OF GLOBAL WARMING

• Burning fossil fuels- When we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas to create electricity or power our cars, we release CO2 pollution into the atmosphere.Reducing the amount of electricity generated from coal and gas, and increasing the amount of electricity from clean, renewable energy sources like solar and wind, means less carbon pollution is emitted. This is one of the main ways we can address global warming. • Deforestation- Plants play an important role in regulating the climate because they absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen back into it. Forests and bushland act as carbon sinks and are a valuable means of keeping global warming to 1.5°C. But humans clear vast areas of vegetation around the world for

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farming, urban and infrastructure development or to sell tree products such as timber and palm oil. When vegetation is removed or burnt, the stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere as CO2, contributing to global warming. Up to one-fifth of global greenhouse gas pollution comes from deforestation and forest degradation. Preventing deforestation as well as planting trees, through reforestation and afforestation, are important actions in the fight against global warming. • Farming- Animals, particularly livestock like sheep and cattle, produce methane, a greenhouse gas. When livestock are grazed at a large scale, as in Australia, the amount of methane produced is a big contributor to global warming. Some fertilisers that farmers use also release nitrous oxide, which is another greenhouse gas. Using different fertilisers and different stock feeds can help to reduce farming's contribution to climate change.

PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT

It is an agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance, starting in the year 2020. The Paris Agreement's long- term goal is to keep the increase in global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels; and to limit the increase to 1.5 °C, since this would substantially reduce the risks and effects of climate change.

IPCC REPORT ON GLOBAL WARMING

• Preventing an extra single degree of heat could make a life-or-death difference in the next few decades for multitudes of people and ecosystems on this fast-warming planet. But they provide little hope the world will rise to the challenge. • Earth’s weather, health and ecosystems would be in better shape if the world’s leaders could somehow limit future human-caused warming to just 0.5°Celsius from now, instead of the globally agreed-upon goal of 1° C. • Half as many people would suffer from lack of water.There would be fewer deaths and illnesses from heat, smog and infectious diseases.Seas would rise nearly 4 inches (0.1 meters) less. • Half as many animals with back bones and plants would lose the majority of their habitats.There would be substantially fewer heat waves, downpours and droughts.The West Antarctic ice sheet might not kick into irreversible melting.And it just may be enough to save most of the world’s coral reefs from dying. • Limiting warming to 0.5°C from now means the world can keep “a semblance” of the ecosystems we have. Adding another 0.5°C on top of that the looser global goal essentially means a different and more challenging Earth for people and species. • But meeting the more ambitious goal of slightly less warming would require immediate, draconian cuts in emissions of heat-trapping gases and dramatic changes in the energy field. While the U.N. panel says technically that’s possible, it saw little chance of the needed adjustments happening. • In 2010, international negotiators adopted a goal of limiting warming to 2°C since pre-industrial times. It’s called the 2° goal. In 2015, when the nations of the world agreed to the historic Paris climate agreement, they set dual goals — 2°C and a more demanding target of 1.5°C from pre-industrial times. The 1.5° was at the urging of vulnerable countries that called 2°C a death sentence. • The world has already warmed 1°C since pre-industrial times, so the talk is really about the difference of another half-degree C from now. • There is no definitive way to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 above pre-industrial levels, the U.N.- requested report said. Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate, the report states. • Less than 2% of 529 of their calculated possible future scenarios kept warming below the 1.5° goal without the temperature going above that and somehow coming back down in the future.The pledges nations made in the Paris agreement in 2015 are “clearly insufficient to limit warming to 1.5 in any way. Limiting warming to the lower goal is “not impossible but will require unprecedented efforts.

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• To limit warming to the lower temperature goal, the world needs “rapid and far-reaching” changes in energy systems, land use, city and industrial design, transportation and building use, the report said. Annual carbon dioxide pollution levels that are still rising now would have to drop by about half by 2030 and then be near zero by 2050. Emissions of other greenhouse gases, such as methane, also will have to drop. Switching away rapidly from fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas to do this could be three to four times more expensive than the less ambitious goal, but it would clean the air of other pollutants. And that would have the side benefit of avoiding more than 100 million premature deaths through this century, the report said. • “Climate-related risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security and economic growth are projected to increase with global warming” the report said, adding that the world’s poor are more likely to get hit hardest. Extreme weather, especially heat waves, will be deadlier if the lower goal is passed. • Meeting the tougher-to-reach goal could result in around 420 million fewer people being frequently exposed to extreme heat waves, and about 65 million fewer people being exposed to exceptional heat waves, the report said. The deadly heat waves that hit India and Pakistan in 2015 will become practically yearly events if the world reaches the hotter of the two goals, the report said. • Coral and other ecosystems are also at risk. The report said warmer water coral reefs will largely disappear.

CONCLUSION

Global warming is accelerating the change in climate. Natural climate is unable to adjust with this rapid change mainly due to anthropogenic factors. World community should take appropriate areas to reduce the emission of green house gases in the atmosphere. All stakeholders should act locally and think globally.

❖ RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUPS

CONTEXT

Prime Minister of India, recently inaugurated the first Assembly of the International Solar Allianc. The same event also marked the inauguration of the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting, and the 2nd Global RE- Invest (Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo). The Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Antonio Guterres, was present on the occasion.

Fossil fuels are non-renewable, that is, they draw on finite resources that will eventually dwindle, becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to retrieve. In contrast, the many types ofrenewable energy resources- such as wind and solar energy-are constantly replenished and will never run out.In the last 150 to 200 years, mankind has depended on fossil fuels for energy needs. Nature is now indicating that options such as solar, wind and water, offer more sustainable energy solutions. Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources.

INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE (ISA)

• ISA is an alliance of 121 solar resource rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. ISA was jointly launched by India and France on November 30, 2015 in Paris, France on the side-lines of the 21st Conference of Parties (CoP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The ISA Framework Agreement was opened for signature on 15 November 2016 in Marrakech, Morocco, on the side-lines of CoP-22. • The vision and mission of the International Solar Alliance is to provide a dedicated platform for cooperation among solar resource rich countries that lie completely or partial between the Tropics of Capricorn &

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Cancer, the global stakeholders, including bilateral and multilateral organizations, corporates, and industry to make a positive contribution to assist and help achieve the common goals of increasing the use of solar energy in meeting energy needs of prospective ISA member countries in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner. • Apart from being a founding-member, India plays a significant role in the alliance in terms of being a host as well as a major contributor to the achievement of the target. The ISA is the first international body that will have a secretariat in India. India, with a target to produce 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, would account for a tenth of ISA’s goal. India will produce 175 GW electricity from renewable sources by 2022 and 100 GW will be from solar energy.The Government of India has committed Rs.175 crore for setting up of ISA and till date released a sum of Rs 145 crore for creating a corpus fund, building infrastructure and meeting day to day recurring expenditure. • On March 11, 2018, India and France co-hosted the founding conference of the International Solar Alliance (ISA). 48 countries, including 25 Heads of States participated in this conference. In addition, there were representations from the United Nations, multilateral development banks, energy-related think tanks, corporate sector and civil society. • The Delhi Solar Agenda, adopted in the Founding Conference of the ISA, states that the ISA member States inter-alia have agreed to pursue an increased share of solar energy in the final energy consumption in respective national energy mix, as a means of tackling global challenges of climate change and as a cost- effective solution by supporting and implementing policy initiatives and participation of all relevant stakeholders, as applicable, in respective States. • Till date, out of 121 prospective member countries that lie either fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, 70 countries have signed the Framework Agreement of the ISA. 44 of these countries have ratified the ISA treaty. • The first Assembly, in a way, will lay the foundation for global Solar Agenda. The Assembly, as supreme decision making body of the ISA, will steer the process to significantly harness solar energy for achieving universal energy access at affordable rates. The Assembly will adjudicate upon various administrative, financial and programme related issues. Hon’ble Ministers from ISA countries have been invited for the Assembly. The countries that have ratified the ISA Treaty Framework will attend the Assembly as Members. Countries that have signed but are yet to ratify the ISA Treaty Framework will attend the Assembly as Observers. Till date, 75 country delegations have confirmed participation. This includes 36 member countries, 24 observer countries, 12 prospective member countries and 3 partner country. Ministerial level participation has been confirmed from 22 member countries, 10 observer countries and 3 prospective member countries.

INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION (IORA)

The Indian Ocean Rim Association was set up with the objective of strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within the Indian Ocean Region with 21 Member States and 7 Dialogue Partners. India hosted 2nd IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial meet. In this meeting, Ministers from 9 member countries and delegates from all 21 member countries participated. India, Australia, Iran, Indonesia Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, Madagascar, UAE, Yemen, Seychelles, Somalia, Comoros and Oman are members of IORA.

2ND RE-INVESTMENT

• The 2nd Re- Invest aims at accelerating the worldwide effort to scale up renewable energy and connect the global investment community with Indian energy stakeholders. It included a three-day Conference on renewables, cleantech and future energy choices, and an Expo of renewables-related manufacturers, developers, investors and innovators. • It will provide a great opportunity to various countries, states, business houses & organisations to showcase their business strategies, achievements and expectations. It would facilitate collaboration and cooperation

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with key stakeholders in India, which has today emerged as one of the world’s largest renewable energy markets. • Globally, India stands 5th in renewable power, 4th in wind power and 5th in solar power installed capacity. India is one of the world’s largest green energy markets, with exponential increase in demand and supply. Renewable energy development and deployment has received proactive policy support, including 100% foreign investment. The Government of India is aiming to exceed the set target of 175 GW renewable energy capacities by 2022. • Re-Invest is a global platform to explore strategies for development and deployment of renewables. It showcases India’s green energy market and the Government’s efforts to scale up capacity to meet the national energy demand in socially, economically and ecologically sustainable ways. The 2nd Global Re- Invest will build upon the success of Re-Invest 2015 and provide an international forum to established players as well as new segments of investors and entrepreneurs to engage ideate and innovate.

CONCLUSION

Renewable energy promotes sustainable development. India is putting efforts to promote renewable energy at domestic and global level through International Solar Alliance, IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting and the 2nd Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo).

A selected candidate from our very first batch which was for UPSC CSE 2018 He got final selection. .

We are thankful to all those candidates who are improving their performance and making our hard work fruitful.

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PRELIMS BOOSTER

❖ BLACK SPOTTED TURTLE

CONTEXT

India accounts for 29% of black spotted turtles (Geoclemys hamiltonii) seized from across seven countries in South Asia, states a recent report by TRAFFIC, an international network monitoring trade in wildlife.

ABOUT BLACK SPOTTED TURTLE

• Classified as vulnerable by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of threatened species. • The black spotted turtle or spotted pond turtle is native to South Asia, and a heavily trafficked turtle. • The medium-sized freshwater turtle has a black shell with yellow streaks. • The species was once smuggled for its meat and is now sought after as an exotic pet.

ABOUT TRAFFIC

• TRAFFIC stands for Trade Records Analysis of Flora and Fauna in Commerce. • TRAFFIC is a leading non-governmental organisation working globally on trade in wild animals and plants in the context of both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. • TRAFFIC plays a vital role in tackling illegal wildlife trade through conducting research and analysis, advocacy and awareness work and by supporting remedial action against illegal wildlife trade.

❖ S-400 MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEM

CONTEXT

The focus during Mr. Putin’s visit is the proposed 39,000-crore deal for five S-400 air defence systems as the prospect of U.S. sanctions looms large with U.S. officials warning against it.

BACKGROUND

In October 2016, the two countries concluded IGA for five S-400 systems and four stealth frigates after which the negotiations began to conclude a commercial contract.

WHAT ARE THESE S-400 SYSTEMS

• The state-of-the-art S-400 Triumf (NATO name SA-21 Growler) is considered one of the most advanced long- range defence systems in the world. • It has a range of 400 km and can hit targets at a height of up to 30 km. • Its powerful radars can track hundreds of targets simultaneously and destroy a range of targets. • Each system includes a command post, a 3D phased array acquisition radar, optional tracking radar and firing units. • There are various kinds of missiles to choose from based on the mission requirements.

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THREAT OF SANCTION ATTACHED TO S-400 SYSTEM

• The Trump administration imposed sanctions on some entities and individuals in China as it recently acquired Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 systems. • In December last year, Turkey signed a deal to acquire these systems; in October last year Saudi Arabia signed a memo of intent to acquire the S-400 and talks are on to finalise the deal. • Interestingly, Saudi Arabia has threatened Qatar with military action if it moves to acquire the same system. • According to the portal military today, the S-400 has been exported to Algeria as well. • Several officials have stated on various occasions that India would go ahead with the deal and it was for the U.S. to find a way around the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) to avoid sanctions.

UPCOMING SUMMIT TO FINALISE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA)

India and Russia have concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for 200 helicopters estimated to cost over $1 billion. Under the deal, 60 helicopters will be imported from Russia and at least another 140 will be built in India by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with technology transfer. As part of this, a joint venture was set up in India which will build the helicopters.

❖ DEATH OF LIONS IN GIR

CONTEXT

21 lions have died in Gujarat’s Gir forest since September 12, sending shockwaves through the only abode of Asiatic lions in the world.

CAUSE OF DEATHS

As per the reports received from NIV, Pune, viruses were found in four cases, whereas traces of protozoans, which is spread by ticks found in the body of lions, were found in six samples sent to Veterinary College in Junagadh.

WHAT NOW

As a precautionary measure, all lions in Samardi have been brought to Jamwala Rescue Centre where they have been kept in isolation and action is being taken to insulate them from the disease.

ABOUT GIR FOREST NATIONAL PARK

• At the end of the 19th century, only about a dozen Asiatic lions were left in India, all of them in the Gir Forest, which was part of the Nawab of Junagarh's private hunting grounds. Today, it is the only area in Asia, where Asiatic lions occur, and is considered one of the most important protected areas in Asia due to its supported species. • It was declared as a sanctuary in 1965. • It is part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion. • In 2015, the population has been 523 (27% up compared to previous census in 2010). The population was 411 in 2010 and 359 in 2005. • The seven major perennial rivers of the Gir region are Hiran, Shetrunji, Datardi, Shingoda, Machhundri, Godavari and Raval. • Indian leopard, chital, chinkara etc are also found here.

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❖ TYPE 2 POLIO VIRUSES

CONTEXT

The Union Health Ministry has ordered an inquiry into the type-2 polio virus contamination detected in the vials used for immunisation in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Telangana, and has ordered additional immunisation in three States.

WHY THIS IS A CAUSE OF CONCERN

India eliminated the type-2 strain in 2016, and the type-2 containing poliovirus vaccine (ToPV) was phased out in April 2016. So children born after April 2016 in India have no immunity to type-2 polio virus. The type 2 component of tOPV also interferes with the immune response to poliovirus types 1 and 3.

WHAT IS POLIO/POLIOMYELITIS

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a crippling and potentially deadly infectious disease. It is caused by the poliovirus. The virus spreads from person to person and can invade an infected person’s brain and spinal cord, causing paralysis (can’t move parts of the body).

WHAT ARE VACCINES

A vaccine is made from very small amounts of weak or dead germs that can cause diseases, for example, viruses, bacteria, or toxins.

WHAT IS OPVS, IPVS AND TOPVS

• Oral polio vaccine (OPV) is made from live-attenuated polioviruses (note that ‘poliovirus’ is all one word). OPV is a light red or light yellow liquid supplied in vials that either have droppers as caps, or they come with separate glass droppers. The vaccine is given by putting two drops into the child’s mouth • Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) consists of inactivated (killed) poliovirus strains of all three poliovirus types. IPV is given by intramuscular or intradermal injection and needs to be administered by a trained health worker. IVP produces antibodies in the blood to all three types of poliovirus. In the event of infection, these antibodies prevent the spread of the virus to the central nervous system and protect against paralysis. • Trivalent OPV: TOPV contains all three poliovirus serotypes (1, 2 and 3), and the use of this vaccine has led to the eradication of wild poliovirus type 2 (WPV2), with the last case occurring in 1999.

❖ INDIA’S LOW ‘AIR SAFETY OVERSIGHT SCORE’

CONTEXT

The Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) has expressed concern over India’s low ‘air safety oversight score’, which is lower than that of Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and North Korea in the Asia- Pacific region.

BACKGROUND

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) carried out the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme for India in November 2017 and another team of the watchdog came in February this year. The audit result showed that the country's score declined to 57.44 per cent from 65.82 per cent earlier, placing India below Pakistan, Nepal and many other nations.

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ABOUT INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a UN specialized agency, established by States in 1944 to manage the administration and governance of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention).

WHAT IS THE UNIVERSAL SAFETY OVERSIGHT AUDIT PROGRAMME (USOAP)

ICAO has performed safety oversight audits within the framework of the Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) for well over a decade. The results of these audits allow ICAO to assess Member States’ safety oversight capabilities and to generate a more comprehensive analysis of aviation safety, including in terms of its effectiveness and its development.

WHAT DO USOAP AUDITS FOCUS ON :

• Primary Aviation Legislation and associated civil aviation regulations • Civil Aviation Organizational structure • Personnel Licencing activities • Aircraft Operations • Airworthiness of civil aircraft • Aerodromes • Air Navigation Services • Accident and Serious incident investigation

WHAT DOES COMING OF THIS REPORT MEANS

ICAO audits focus on the safety oversight capability of the designated governmental authority responsible for civil aviation. It does not necessarily indicate a safety deficiency but indicates that the State is not providing sufficient oversight to ensure the effective implementation of all applicable ICAO Standards.

❖ POCSO e-BOX

• The POCSO e-box is an easy and direct medium for reporting any case of sexual assault under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences {POCSO) Act, 2012. • POCSO Act was enacted by the Government of India to protect children from offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography; while safeguarding the interest of the child at every stage of the judicial process, by incorporating child friendly mechanisms for reporting, recording of evidence, investigation and speedy trial of offences through designated Special Courts. • According to a study on 'Child Abuse India 2007' by Ministry of Women & Child Development, about 53% of children surveyed, reported having faced one or the other form of sexual abuse. It has been found that in most cases, the offender is a family member/near relative or an acquaintance. • NCPCR is a statutory body constituted under the provisions of the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005 for the protection of child rights.

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❖ 2018 NOBEL MEDICINE PRIZE WINNERS

• Two immunologists, James Allison of the U.S. and Tasuku Honjo of Japan, won the 2018 Nobel Medicine Prize for research into how the body’s natural defences can fight cancer. • In 1995, Dr. Allison was one of two scientists to identify the CTLA-4 molecule as an inhibitory receptor on T- cells. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that play a central role in the body’s natural immunity to disease. • Around the same time, Dr. Honjo discovered a protein on immune cells, the ligand PD-1, and eventually realised that it also worked as a brake, but acted in a different way.

❖ PLACES IN MAHARASHTRA AND KARNATAK FOR UNESCO SITE STATUS

CONTEXT

Lonar Lake in Maharashtra and St. Mary’s Island and Malpe beach in coastal Karnataka are the GSI’s candidates for UNESCO Global Geopark Network status.

PRE-CONDITIONS TO BE CONSIDERED AS GLOBAL GEOPARK

An aspiring Global Geopark must have a dedicated website, a corporate identity, comprehensive management plan, protection plans, finance, and partnerships for it to be accepted.

ABOUT LONAR LAKE

Lonar crater became a geo-heritage site in 1979. It is relatively young geologically, at just 50,000 years old. A meteorite estimated to weigh two-million-tonnes slammed into the Earth, creating a 1.83-km diameter crater where the lake formed. It is distinguished by a near-perfect, circular ejecta blanket, which refers to earth thrown up during the collision, around it.

ABOUT ST. MARY’S ISLAND

St. Mary’s Island, declared a national geo-heritage site in 1975, is estimated to be an 88-million-year-old formation that goes back to a time when Greater India broke away from Madagascar.

WHAT IS A UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK

UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. A UNESCO Global Geopark uses its geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society in the context of the dynamic planet we all live on, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing the impact of natural disasters.

WHAT IS GLOBAL GEOPARK NETWORK

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), of which membership is obligatory for UNESCO Global Geoparks, is a legally constituted not-for-profit organisation with an annual membership fee. The GGN founded in 2004 is a dynamic network where members are committed to work together, exchange ideas of best practise, and join in common projects to raise the quality standards of all products and practises of a UNESCO Global Geopark. While the GGN as a whole comes together every two years, it functions through the operation of regional networks, such as the European Geoparks Network that meets twice a year to develop and promote joint activities.

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❖ FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ISA

CONTEXT

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged world leaders to move towards a future of ‘one world, one sun, one grid’ in which countries around the world would share electricity so that none is without it.