2023 09 07

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 1:

Firms are moving away from metro campuses to smaller towns

GS Paper 2:

Dire conditions faced by women prisoners in India

GS Paper 3:

Forest Restoration

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Enhancing AI and creativity skills among students and teachers
Bamboo-based Reusable Straw

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Heat index
G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard
Malaviya Mission – Teachers Training Programme
UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability
Battery energy storage system
Missing green growth

Mapping

Nairobi (Kenya)

Firms are moving away from metro campuses to smaller towns

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Geography: Location of Industries

Source: TH

Context: The IT industry association Nasscom and Deloitte released a report highlighting that there are now 26 emerging destinations in India, beyond the 7 metro hubs, which offer promising opportunities for investments.

Reasons for Migration of Firms to Smaller Cities:


Reasons	Example
Remote and hybrid work models	Companies like Cognizant allowed employees to work from anywhere (during the pandemic), leading to a shift away from major cities. Companies can establish satellite offices in smaller cities, supporting remote and hybrid work models.
Cost savings	Moving to smaller cities allows companies to reduce real estate costs and invest more in people and R&D. Employees can save more in terms of rental costs and experience social benefits in smaller towns.
Rich talent pool	Smaller cities have untapped talent with a potential talent drain to larger metros, providing opportunities.
Higher retention rates	Employees prefer to stay in their hometowns, leading to higher retention rates in smaller cities.
Availability of office space	Smaller cities like Coimbatore offer quality office spaces with amenities at lower costs compared to metros.
Rise of co-working spaces in smaller cities	Co-working spaces provide access to high-quality office space at a fraction of the cost in larger cities.
Counter-magnet dynamics	Surat and Pune have started acting as a counter-magnet region to Mumbai and attract migrants from the neighboring districts of Maharashtra.

Implications of this shift:


Actors involved	Positive Implications	Challenges
Companies	Cost savings in real estate. Access to untapped talent pools.	Infrastructure limitations. Investment in employee amenities.
Employees	Lower living costs. Reduced commute times.	Adapting to different living environments. Limited access to certain urban amenities.
Local Communities	Economic growth and Increased job opportunities.	The strain on local resources and infrastructure.
Real Estate Sector	Increased demand for office spaces. Potential for real estate development.	Potential oversupply. Infrastructure planning challenges.
Government	Regional development. Reduced pressure on major metros.	Infrastructure investment is required. Addressing disparities in development.
Large Metros	Reduced congestion. Potential cost of living reduction.	Reduced demand for office space. Potential economic shifts.

Conclusion:

This development favours that now the people from smaller towns in India might enjoy better lifestyles and ample employment opportunities in their own regions compared to 20 years ago.

Insta Links:

Human Migration

Mains Links:

What are the main socio-economic implications arising out of the development of IT industries in major cities of India? ( UPSC 2021)

Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades. ( UPSC 2015)

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Today's Article, Why firms are moving away from metro campuses to smaller towns

Dire conditions faced by women prisoners in India

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Governance/ Prison Reforms

Source: IE

Context: A Supreme Court-appointed committee (Justice Amitava Roy Committee ) report on prison reforms has highlighted the dire conditions faced by women prisoners in India.

Key observations:

The correctional justice system is “evidently gender exclusionary”.
Increase in population of female prisoners by over 11% between 2014-19

Key findings of the report:


Aspect	Key Findings
Access to basic facilities	Women prisoners face more significant challenges than men in accessing basic facilities such as medical care, legal aid, paid labour, and recreational activities.
Meeting children	Only jails in Goa, Delhi, and Puducherry allow female prisoners to meet their children without any bars or glass separation.
Sanitary napkins	Less than 40% of prisons in India provide sanitary napkins for female inmates.
Sharing facilities	Approximately 75% of female wards in prisons have to share kitchens and common facilities with male wards.
Exclusive women’s prisons	Only 18% of women prisoners are allotted exclusive women’s prison facilities.
Lodging together	All categories of female prisoners, including undertrials and convicts, are lodged in the same wards and barracks.
Gender-specific training	Lack of gender-specific training for matrons on how to search women inmates.
Complaints against abuse or harassment	Women inmates can file complaints against jail staff for abuse or harassment only in 10 states and 1 union territory.
Medical and psychiatric wards	Lack of separate medical and psychiatric wards for women inmates.
Child delivery facilities	Inadequate “basic minimum facilities” for child delivery in prisons.
Gender-specific healthcare professionals	Shortage of healthcare professionals to address the gender-specific health needs of female inmates.

To know about Model Prisons Act 2023: Click Here

Recommendations:

Conclusion:

The report underscores the need for significant improvements in the treatment and facilities for women in Indian prisons, calling attention to the gender-specific challenges they face.

Insta Links:

Prison Reforms in India

Mains Links:

Q.Instances of the President’s delay in commuting death sentences have come under public debate as a denial of justice. Should there be a time specified for the President to accept/reject such petitions? Analyse. ( UPSC 2014)

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Dire conditions faced by women prisoners in India, Today's Article

Forest Restoration

GS Paper 3

Source: TH

Context: For over two centuries, India has been a laboratory for tree planting experiments, offering valuable insights into the consequences of various approaches to forest restoration.

What is Deforestation?

Deforestation is the process of clearing or removing a large area of forests or trees, typically due to human activities such as logging, agriculture, urban development, or infrastructure expansion.

Drivers of Deforestation in Tropical Areas:


Drivers	Examples
Economic Drivers	Amazon rainforest in Brazil: Threatened by logging, mining, and agriculture due to economic incentives.
Infrastructure Development	Trans-Amazonian Highway, Brazil: Facilitated access to remote areas, leading to deforestation.
Global Demand for Commodities	Palm Oil Predicament, Malaysia & Indonesia: High palm oil demand drives extensive deforestation.
Climate Change Pressures	Amazon’s Tipping Point: Increased climate stress risks forest dieback and widespread deforestation.
Policy and Governance	Congo Basin Crisis: Weak governance contributes to extensive deforestation in the Congo Basin.
Sociocultural Factors	Indonesia’s Indigenous Communities: Displacement for palm oil plantations leads to deforestation. The demise of the Adivasis, India: Displacement and loss of traditional forest management knowledge cause deforestation.

What is Forest Restoration?

Forest restoration involves the deliberate and planned process of restoring and regenerating forests that have been degraded, damaged, or lost due to various human activities or natural causes. This process aims to return a forest ecosystem to a healthier and more natural state, often involving tree planting, habitat restoration, and sustainable management practices to improve biodiversity, ecosystem services, and overall forest health.

India’s Pledge:

India aims to restore 21 million hectares of forest by 2030 through the Bonn Challenge. In 2018, a report by the government and the IUCN indicated 10 million hectares were under restoration. India’s national forest policy targets 33% tree coverage.

Status of forest restoration:

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), deforestation and forest degradation contribute to around 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
30% of forestland is degraded in India. The total area occupied by primary forests in India has decreased by 6%.

Current Approach to Restoration:

The current global focus on tree planting has often led to the rapid establishment of fast-growing tree plantations e.g. Miyawaki Method; fast-growing single species like eucalyptus or bamboo to quickly increase tree cover. This approach can yield quick results but also poses risks, including invasive species and land dispossession.

India’s Tree Planting Experiments:

India has conducted tree planting experiments for over 200 years, offering valuable lessons about different approaches to forest restoration and their consequences on local communities and the environment.

Lessons from India:


Lessons	Examples from India’s Experience
The Importance of Diverse Restoration Approaches	Positive Case: The Forest Rights Act of 2006 empowered village assemblies (Gram Sabhas) in central India’s Gadchiroli district to restore degraded forests, sustainably utilizing tendu leaves for bidi (Indian tobacco). In western India’s Kachchh grasslands, communities successfully restored the ecosystem by removing the invasive “gando bawal” tree, introduced by British foresters in the late 19th century.
Balancing Tree Planting with Ecosystem Impact	Negative Case: The introduction of non-native species like wattle, pine, and acacia disrupted ecosystems, leading to resource loss and community hardships.
Considering the Impact on Local Communities	Negative Case: British colonial restrictions on local forest use led to conflicts, including communities burning down forests in retaliation.
Measuring Success Beyond Tree Quantity	Positive Case: Measuring success by the well-being of people and ecosystems, rather than just tree quantity, ensures a more comprehensive view of restoration outcomes.
Sustainable Management for Long-Term Benefits	Positive Case: Communities managing forests sustainably, like in Gadchiroli and Kachchh, demonstrate the long-term benefits of responsible forest restoration.

Further Actions Needed:

Forest Landscape Restoration: Implement forest landscape restoration to restore ecological functionality and enhance human welfare in deforested or degraded forest landscapes, involving communities, governments, and vulnerable forest-dependent individuals.
Diverse Tree Species: Prioritize planting diverse native tree species in reforestation efforts. Natural forests with varied species are more effective at carbon sequestration than monoculture plantations.
- For instance, in Punjab, native species like Jhand, Desi Kikar, and Pharwan have high survival rates.
Promote Agroforestry: Encourage sustainable forest crops through agroforestry, which enhances food security, empowers women, and boosts household income, reducing rural-to-urban migration.
Holistic Well-being: Recognize that tree planting contributes to the holistic well-being of individuals, communities, and the planet.

Key Government Initiatives:

International Initiatives:

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030): Focuses on restoring degraded terrestrial ecosystems, including forests.
Bonn Challenge: Aims to restore 350 million hectares of landscapes by 2030. India pledged to restore 21 million hectares and create a carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion tonnes by 2030.

Indian Programs:

Compensatory Afforestation
National Afforestation Programme
National Mission for a Green India (Green India Mission)
Nagar Van Scheme
Hariyali Mahotsav and Van Mahotsav
Forest Fire Prevention and Management Scheme
Green Skill Development Programme for youth in the environment and forest sectors.
State Initiatives (Telangana): ‘Telanganaku Haritha Haram’ large-scale tree planting program, utilizing drones for efficient implementation.

Conclusion:

Successful forest restoration must consider its impact on forest rights, local livelihoods, biodiversity, and carbon storage. The choice of plantation species should prevent invasiveness, and a broader view of success is needed beyond tree cover alone.

Insta Links

The baton of forest restoration in the net-zero race

Mains Links:

Forest restoration is one of the key elements of climate mitigation strategies. In this context, examine the measures taken in restoring the degraded forest landscape in India. (250 words)

Prelims Links:

With reference to the ‘New York Declaration on Forests’. Which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC 2021)

It was first endorsed at the United Nations Climate Summit in 2014.
It endorses a global timeline to end the loss of forests.
It is a legally binding international declaration.
It is endorsed by governments, big companies and indigenous communities.
India was one of the signatories at its inception.

Select the Correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1,2 and 4

(b) 1,3 and 5

(c) 3 and 4

(d) 2 and 5

Answer: A

Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of the ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India?

Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’
Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security for one and all in the future
Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Forest landscape restoration, Forest Restoration, Today's Article

Enhancing AI and creativity skills among students and teachers

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: TH

Context: Recently, the Union Ministry of Education and Adobe signed an agreement to help children develop creative expression in classrooms using the application Adobe Express.

What is Adobe Express?

Adobe Express is a user-friendly content creation application with generative AI capabilities. It allows users to create stunning graphics, videos, collages, flyers, logos, and more using a variety of templates, fonts, filters, stickers, and icons.

Training and certification in creativity and digital literacy will be provided to about 20 million students and 5,00,000 teachers by 2027 using an Adobe Express-based curriculum.

Usage: The example can be used in Governance/Questions on Education/ social partnership with private companies

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Adobe Express, Enhancing AI and creativity skills among students, Today's Article

Bamboo-based Reusable Straw

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: TH

The Botanical Survey of India has obtained a patent for a bamboo-based reusable straw, developed from the bamboo species Schizostachyum andamanicum found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The bamboo’s morpho-anatomical structure resembled modern synthetic drinking straws, inspiring this eco-friendly invention.

Usage: The example highlights the economic potential of bamboo to replace plastic straws with an organic alternative.

About Botanical Survey of India

The Botanical Survey of India (est. 1890; under MoEFCC; HQ: Kolkata) is a premier organization in India responsible for undertaking scientific research and documentation of the country’s plant diversity.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Bamboo-based Reusable Straw, Today's Article

Heat index

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Recently, Iran recorded a scorching heat index of 70 degrees Celsius (°C) in the coastal part of the country.

The heat index, also known as apparent temperature, is a crucial indicator that measures how the temperature feels to humans based on a combination of air temperature and relative humidity.
It provides a more accurate representation of how hot the weather actually feels compared to just the air temperature.

About Heat Index:

The heat index is calculated using a complex formula that considers factors such as air temperature, relative humidity, and dew point. The dew point, the temperature at which air becomes saturated with moisture and forms dew, is a critical component in this calculation.

Various countries have their own heat index measurement systems. For instance, Canada uses the Humidex, and the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) has its own heat index chart.

Why measure the Heat Index?

The importance of measuring the heat index lies in its ability to assess the impact of heat on human health and well-being. High humidity during heatwaves can make the apparent temperature significantly higher than the actual air temperature, making it feel much hotter to people.
High heat index values can lead to heat stress, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke, posing serious health risks. Monitoring the heat index is vital for public safety, especially during extreme heat events.
It helps authorities issue heat wave alerts, implement necessary precautions, and adapt to extreme heat conditions by adjusting work schedules and providing cooling solutions to protect public health and safety.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, geography, GS1, Heat Index, Today's Article

G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Ministry of Tourism in partnership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has introduced the G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard.

Developed under India’s G20 Presidency and with the expertise of UNWTO, the dashboard emphasizes India’s dedication to sustainable tourism.
The G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard is a comprehensive platform that consolidates insights, case studies, and best practices from G20 countries to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It serves as a knowledge hub for sustainable tourism practices, fostering collaboration and growth within the global tourism industry.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, economy, G20 Tourism and SDG Dashboard, GS3, Today's Article, Tourism.

Malaviya Mission – Teachers Training Programme

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Union Ministry for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched the Malaviya Mission – Teachers Training Programme (under the University Grants Commission (UGC))

It is proposed by restructuring of existing schemes of capacity building of teachers under the Department of Higher Education.

Objectives of the Mission:

This initiative aims to provide tailored training programs for teachers and enhance the quality of education at higher educational institutions (HEIs).
The program will capacitate 15 lakh teachers across India through 111 Malaviya Mission centres, formerly known as Human Resource Development Centers (HRDCs).
It seeks to make educators future-ready, improve training quality, build leadership skills, and align with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP).

Themes: The program’s themes include multidisciplinary education, Indian knowledge systems, academic leadership, and more, fostering holistic development. Lifelong learning is emphasized.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Malaviya Mission - Teachers Training Programme, Today's Article

UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Several Indian banks, have initiated interoperability between the [Unified Payments Interface’s](https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/08/12/rbi-launches-new-features-for-upi/#:~:text=A%20unified%20payment%20system%20(UPI,National%20Payments%20Corporation%20of%20India.) (UPI) Quick Response (QR) codes and their central bank digital currency (CBDC) or e₹ applications.

This integration allows users of the retail digital rupee to perform transactions by scanning any UPI QR code at a merchant outlet, simplifying payments for customers and merchants.

The digital rupee, issued by the RBI, is a tokenized digital version of the rupee, stored in a digital wallet linked to a customer’s savings bank account.

This move aims to increase the adoption of the digital rupee by leveraging the widespread use of UPI.

About Interoperability:

As defined by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), it enables a payment system to work seamlessly with other payment systems. In this context, it means that all UPI QR codes are compatible with CBDC apps, eliminating the need for separate QR codes for transactions.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Banking, economy, GS3, Today's Article, UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability

Battery energy storage system

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Indian government has approved viability gap funding (VGF) to cover up to 40% of the total capital cost for the establishment of a 4,000 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the country.

This initiative is aligned with India’s renewable energy goals, as the country has seen significant growth in solar and wind energy capacity, meeting 25% of its energy demand from renewables, including large hydro plants.
The BESS aims to enable the use of stored renewable energy during peak hours, promoting round-the-clock renewable energy supply.
The scheme supports India’s ambition to achieve 50% of its energy requirements through renewable and non-fossil energy sources by 2030, while also contributing to carbon emissions reduction.

About Battery Energy Storage Systems:


Term	Definition
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)	A system that stores electrical energy in batteries for later use.
Purpose	To store surplus electricity when available and discharge it when demand is high or during power outages.
Components	· Batteries (lithium-ion, lead-acid, etc.). · Inverters for converting DC to AC power. · BMS (Battery Management System) for monitoring and managing battery health and performance.
Applications	· Grid stabilization and frequency regulation. · Energy shifting to optimize energy consumption. · Backup power during outages. · Integration of renewable energy sources.
Benefits	· Smoothing out intermittent renewable energy generation · Reducing peak demand and associated costs · Enhancing grid reliability · Supporting renewable energy adoption.
Types	· Residential BESS for homes · Commercial BESS for businesses · Utility-scale BESS for large-scale energy storage.
Environmental Impact	BESS can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by improving energy efficiency and integrating renewable energy sources.
Challenges	· High initial costs · Battery degradation over time · Recycling and disposal of batteries · Regulatory and grid integration issues.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Battery energy storage system, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Today's Article

Missing green growth

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: A recent analysis indicates that 11 high-income countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, may require over two centuries to achieve a 95% reduction in their 2022 greenhouse gas emissions.

The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, highlights that if current trends persist, these nations would emit 27 times their fair share of the 1.5 degrees Celsius carbon budget defined by the Paris Agreement.
The researchers found that “green growth” is unattainable for these high-income countries, and their pursuit of economic growth contradicts the climate and equity goals of the Paris Agreement.
The study emphasizes that there is nothing environmentally friendly about the economic growth in these countries, and the term “green growth” is misleading, akin to greenwashing.

Solution suggested:

To achieve emissions reductions in line with the Paris Agreement, these nations should adopt a “post-growth” approach, focusing on equitable reductions in carbon-intensive production and consumption while enhancing livelihoods and well-being through policies like public job guarantees, reduced work hours, living wages, minimum income guarantees, and universal access to affordable housing and quality public services.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, ENVIRONMENT, GS3, Missing green growth, Today's Article

Nairobi (Kenya)

Mapping

Source: DTE

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) has released a zero draft for an international treaty aimed at ending plastic pollution.

It is divided into four parts:

The objectives
The life cycle of plastics and plastic products
Sustainable production and consumption of plastics
Collectively addressing the implementation of the instrument

The treaty aims to promote sustainable production and consumption of plastics and improve waste management.

Kenya is a country in East Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean. It encompasses savannah, lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands. It’s also home to Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania’s 5,895m Mt. Kilimanjaro.

September 7, 2023 /07 September 2023, Kenya, Nairobi, Today's Article