SUMMARY OF

DOWN TO EARTH
[01 – 15 April, 2024]

Climate Migration and Refugees 2

Human Elephant Conflicts 3
Global Water Scarcity 4
Inequality in India 6
Shifts in Global Weather Patterns 7
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) 8
Land Subsidence (A Geohazard) 9

PRELIMS FOCUS

Chrysotile Asbestos 10
Pioneers of Green Revolution in India 11
Antiretroviral Drug For HIV 11
First Advance Estimates of Horticultural Crops for 2023-24 12
India's First Marine Force 13
Rhodamine B 13
World Happiness Report 2024 14
Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 14
Petroleum (Amendment) Rules, 2024 15
EShram Portal 15

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

MCQs
 address the impacts of climate change on
CLIMATE MIGRATION AND REFUGEES migration and displacement in international
Context: fora.
● Coordination: Strengthen coordination between
● Seven decades after the world defined refugees,
agencies to advance policy solutions for refugees
it still lacks a definition for climate refugees
and migrants affected by climate change.
About:
Role of International Organizations:
● Climate change is increasingly being recognized
● International organisations like the UNHCR are
as a significant driver of human migration and
working to protect displaced people and
displacement.
strengthen their resilience to the current and
● As the impacts of climate change intensify, more
future impacts of climate change.
people are being forced to leave their homes in
● The UNHCR’s Strategic Plan for Climate Action
search of safer and more sustainable living
2024-2030 details a global roadmap for
conditions.
prioritised action in support of governments and
● Climate Migration refers to the large-scale
in collaboration with a wide range of partners.
movement of people due to changes in the
● Geneva Convention (1951): It gives a legal
environment that adversely affect their living
definition of refugees. It does not include
conditions.
climate disasters as a ground for seeking asylum
● The United Nations High Commissioner for
● 1985: UN Environment Programme for the first
Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that an average of
time broadly defines environmental refugees as
20 million people are forcibly displaced to other
people who are forced to leave their traditional
areas in countries all over the world by weather-
habitat, temporarily or permanently, due to
related events every year.
‘environmental disruption’.
Impact of Climate Change on Migration: ● 2011: Nansen Conference on Climate Change
and Displacement in Norway formulates 10
● Climate change exacerbates existing
principles on climate change and crossborder
vulnerabilities, requiring greater support for
displacement
those on the move and their host communities.
● 2013: European Commission downplays climate-
● The majority of people forcibly displaced by
induced migration into Europe.
persecution, conflict, and violence today live in
● 2015: The Paris Agreement calls for a taskforce
countries that are highly vulnerable and ill-
to recommend approaches to avert, minimise
prepared to adapt to climate change.
and address climate change-related
● Displaced populations frequently have no option
displacement
but to live in remote locations, in overcrowded
● 2018: The UN Global Compact on Refugees has
camps or informal settlements, with limited
a reference of climate refugees, but lacks
access to basic services or infrastructure and
actionable commitments from countries
where they are highly exposed and vulnerable to
○ It is the first inter-governmental and non-
climate hazards like floods, drought, storms, and
binding agreement that acknowledges that
heatwaves.
climate change is a “deep cause” for the
Policy Responses to Climate Migration: movement of people, but is silent on the
impacted communities.
● Protection: Strengthen and expand the
● 2022: Kampala Ministerial Declaration on
protection of refugees and migrants in situations
Migration, Environment and Climate Change
of vulnerability affected by climate change.
allows people affected by weather events to
● Partnerships: Enhance existing climate action by
move safely across the borders in the Horn and
partnering with key humanitarian partners.
East of Africa regions.
● Multilateral Engagement: Expand U.S.
multilateral diplomacy and leadership to
 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

○ It was adopted by 48 African countries in ● The conflict, characterised by crop raiding,

2023 to address the link between property damage, and loss of human and
climate change and human mobility in elephant lives, is escalating due to habitat loss
the continent, and does not mention the and fragmentation.
term climate refugee.
● 2023: Pacific island countries agree on a Understanding the Conflict
framework to allow cross-border movement of ● India is home to a significant population of Asian
people due to climate change. elephants, with Assam having the second-
○ Australia and Tuvalu sign a treaty which highest number after Karnataka.
allows some people from Tuvalu affected by ● However, loss of natural habitat and
climate change to migrate to Australia and fragmentation have been bringing wild
work there. elephants closer to human habitations, sparking
● The Global Goal on Adaptation, a significant conflicts.
outcome of the 28th Conference of the Parties ● Over 500 humans are killed in encounters with
to the UNFCCC (COP 28) in 2023, fails to elephants annually, and crops and property
mention climate migration, mobility or worth millions are also damaged.
refugees. ○ Many elephants are also killed in retaliation.
○ The global goal, enshrined under Article 7.1
of the 2015 Paris Agreement, pledges to Impact of Conflict
“enhance [the world’s] adaptive capacity, ● The conflict creates considerable economic
strengthen resilience, and reduce hardships for the affected farmers.
vulnerability to climate change”. ● There are several regions that experience crop
damage by elephants year after year. Human
Conclusion deaths due to encounters with elephants are
● Climate migration is a complex and urgent issue also an issue of serious concern.
that requires coordinated global action. ● It is estimated that every year approximately
● By understanding the link between climate 400 persons are killed by elephants across the
change and migration, and by implementing country, and more than 100 elephants are also
effective policies and strategies, there is a need killed annually, mostly as retaliatory killings by
to ensure the protection and resilience of people.
climate migrants and refugees.
● As the impacts of climate change continue to Government Initiatives
intensify, addressing climate migration will ● The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
become an increasingly important part of our Change (MoEFCC) has released guidelines for the
global response to the climate crisis. management of HEC.
● These guidelines define HEC and provide
measures for preventing the entry of elephants
HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICTS
into human-use areas, such as villages and
Context: agricultural fields.
● The government has launched a national portal
● Communities in Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh
on human-elephant conflict called ‘Surakhsya’
reduce human-elephant conflicts using
for the collection of real-time information and
technology and proactive on-ground monitoring.
for managing the conflicts on a real-time basis.
About the Human-Elephant Conflicts in India ○ It aims to help set the data collection
protocols, data transmission pipelines, and
● Human-elephant conflict (HEC) has emerged as a
data visualisation tools to enable
significant challenge for elephant conservation
policymakers to leverage HEC data for policy
and management in India.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

formulation and for the preparation of About the Global Water Scarcity
Action Plans for mitigation of conflicts. ● Water scarcity is a relative concept, where the
demand for water may exceed the supply, or the
Major Elephant Corridors in India
infrastructure may be inadequate to meet
● Elephant corridors are vital for the conservation
everyone’s needs.
of elephants as they provide connectivity
between different habitats, allowing elephants
to move freely and access resources such as
food and water.
● They also play a crucial role in maintaining
genetic diversity among elephant populations.

State of Elephant Corridors in India

● As per the MoEFCC, the number of elephant
corridors in India has increased to 150, up from
88 in 2010.
○ It reflects the expansion of elephant ranges
in regions such as Vidarbha in Maharashtra,
southern Maharashtra bordering Karnataka,
northern Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya
Pradesh.
● West Bengal has the highest number of
elephant corridors, totaling 26, constituting 17%
of the total corridors.
● The East central region contributes 35% (52
corridors), and the North East region follows as
the second-largest with 32% (48 corridors).
● It is an increasing problem on every continent,
Conclusion with poorer communities most severely
affected.
● Human-Elephant Conflict in India is a complex
● As the global population increases and climate
issue that requires a multi-pronged approach for
change intensifies, the availability of freshwater
its resolution.
resources is becoming increasingly strained.
○ While efforts are being made at various
● Globally, 2 billion people (26% of the
levels to mitigate the conflict, it is crucial to
population) do not have safe drinking water,
ensure the protection of both humans and
and 3.6 billion (46%) lack access to safely
elephants.
managed sanitation.
● As we move forward, it is hoped that these
● Between two and three billion people
initiatives will help in reducing the conflict and
experience water shortages for at least one
contribute to the harmonious co-existence of
month per year.
humans and elephants.
● It poses severe risks to livelihoods, notably
through food security and access to electricity.
GLOBAL WATER SCARCITY
Conditions for Water Availability and Stress
Context:
● The natural distribution and availability of water
● A study has found that the cities with population resources is characterised by high or extreme
above 1 million in 2016, will face water scarcity variability, as evidenced by increasing or
in 2050. decreasing river discharge.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

Impact of Climate Change

● Climate change is exacerbating the water
scarcity crisis.
● Over the past twenty years, terrestrial water
storage – including soil moisture, snow, and
ice – has dropped at a rate of 1 cm per year,
with major ramifications for water security.
● The global urban population facing water
scarcity is projected to double from 930
million in 2016 to 1.7 – 2.4 billion people in
2050.

Drought
● It is one of the major drivers of global food
and water insecurity, and has strong links
with land use, land use change and
resilience.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

Widespread crisis ○ Data, technology, and communications have

● Roughly half of the world’s population sees a critical role.
severe water scarcity, either for a few months or ● IWRM depends on good quality data on water
throughout the year. resources; water-saving, green and hybrid
technologies, particularly in industry and
agriculture; and awareness campaigns to reduce
the use of water in households and encourage
sustainable diets and consumption.

INEQUALITY IN INDIA
Context:
● Current levels of inequality were last seen
Human Cost
before 1922, during the British Raj
● Poor and marginalised groups are on the
frontline of any water scarcity crisis, impacting About the Inequality in India
their ability to maintain good health, protect ● Inequality is a multifaceted issue that
their families, and earn a living. encompasses income, wealth, and
● For many women and girls, water scarcity means opportunities.
more laborious, time-consuming water ● It is not just about the distribution of wealth but
collection, putting them at increased risk of also about access to resources, opportunities,
attack and often precluding them from and decision-making power.
education or work. ● In India, the Periodic Labour Force Survey for the
years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20 shows that
Solutions
the top 10% earn approximately equal to the
● Shared Socioeconomic Pathway-1 (SSP1) and bottom 64%.
Representative Concentration Pathway-2.6 ● Over the past few decades, the gap between the
(RCP2.6), which are the most sustainable rich and the poor has widened significantly,
development pathway of low climate change leading to social, economic, and political
mitigation challenges and low social repercussions.
vulnerability, as per IPCC.
● Desalination of Seawater State of Inequality in India
● Groundwater exploitation ● According to the World Inequality Lab, by 2022-
● Reservoir construction 23, 22.6% of India’s national income went to just
● Inter-basin water transfer the top 1% in the country, the highest in the last
● Domestic virtual water trade 100 years.
● International water transfer / virtual water trade ● The top 1% of the population held more than a
fifth of the national income while the bottom
Way Forward
half accounted for a mere 13%.
● There is an urgent need to establish strong ○ It has been reducing for some decades.
international mechanisms to prevent the global ● India’s wealth distribution also signals how fast
water crisis from spiralling out of control. inequality is growing. A household here, on
● Integrated water resources management average, had wealth worth Rs 983,010. But the
(IWRM) provides a broad framework for general wealth held by the bottom half was
governments to align water use patterns with “almost nothing” at Rs 66,280.
the needs and demands of different users, ○ That’s just 6% of the Indian average.
including the environment.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

Impact of Inequality resolution. While efforts are being made at

● The rising inequality in India has severe various levels to mitigate the inequality, it is
implications. crucial to ensure the protection of both
● It undermines both growth and reduction of humans and elephants.
poverty. ● As we face the imminent risk of a global water
● Between 1960 and 1980, inequality was crisis, it is essential to act together to share
dropping. water equitably and manage it sustainably
● However, inequality began increasing with the
beginnings of liberalisation in the 1980s, and SHIFTS IN GLOBAL WEATHER PATTERNS
faster after the 1991 economic reforms in India.
Context:
Major Initiatives ● A study published in the Weather and Climate
● Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): It ensures the Dynamics found that the change in winter and
protection, survival, and education of the girl spring weather patterns is likely to get more
child. intense.
● Mahila Shakti Kendra: It aims to empower rural
women with opportunities for skill development Understanding Climate Change
and employment. ● Global weather patterns are undergoing
● Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): One significant shifts due to climate change.
of the biggest financial inclusion initiatives in the ● Climate change refers to long-term shifts in
world. temperatures and weather patterns.
● Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandna Yojna: It aims to ● These shifts can be natural, due to changes in
provide maternity benefits to pregnant and the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions.
lactating mothers. ○ However, the changes observed since the
● Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): mid-20th century are largely driven by
It aims to enable a large number of Indian youth human activities, particularly the burning of
including women to take up industry-relevant fossil fuels.
skill training in securing a better livelihood.
● Deen Dayal Upadhyay National Urban Impact on Weather Patterns
Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): It focuses on ● The warming of the planet impacts local and
creating opportunities for women in skill regional climates.
development, leading to market-based ○ It may cause weather patterns to become less
employment. predictable.
● State of Inequality in India Report: It was ● These unexpected weather patterns can make it
released by Dr Bibek Debroy, Chairman, difficult to maintain and grow crops in regions
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister that rely on farming because expected
(EAC-PM). temperature and rainfall levels can no longer be
○ It presents a holistic analysis of the depth and relied on.
nature of inequality in India. ● Widespread changes in weather patterns and
● National Policy for Women Empowerment: It is increased frequency and severity of extreme
aimed at securing a better, safe, and equal place weather events are well-documented
for women in society and taking care of their all- consequences of global climate change.
round interests including their socio-economic ● These departures from old norms can bring
development. storms, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfire
conditions beyond what infrastructure has been
Conclusion designed to withstand or what people have
● Inequality in India is a complex issue that come to expect.
requires a multi-pronged approach for its

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

● Weather and Climate Dynamics reveals that over ● Another study shows that the AMOC could
the past 70 years, western disturbances have collapse between 2025 and 2095 due to the
been occurring more often during summer, impact of anthropogenic emissions.
shifting precipitation trends. ● If the above prediction deems true, AMOC may
● Globally, too, countries have reported extreme be the first of the 16 climate tipping elements
seasonal conditions this year, with record to be breached.
breaking temperatures in countries like
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC):
Indonesia, South Africa, Gabon, Kenya, South
● It is a system of ocean currents that circulates
Sudan, Algeria, Tunisia, Guyana, Colombia and water within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing warm
Brazil. water north and cold water south and is part of a
complex system of global ocean currents.
Rising Sea Levels ● The global conveyor belt circulates cool
● In polar regions, the warming global subsurface water and warm surface water
throughout the world. It plays a crucial role in
temperatures associated with climate
moderating the climate of Europe and North
change have meant ice sheets and glaciers America and influences temperatures near the
are melting at an accelerated rate. Equator.
○ It contributes to sea levels rising in ● The entire circulation cycle of the AMOC, and the
different regions of the planet. global conveyor belt, is quite slow. It takes an
● Together with expanding ocean waters due estimated 1,000 years for a parcel of water to
to rising temperatures, the resulting rise in complete its journey along the belt.
● Even though the whole process is slow on its
sea level has begun to damage coastlines as
own, there is some evidence that the AMOC is
a result of increased flooding and erosion. slowing down further.
Tipping elements in the Earth's climate system:
ATLANTIC MERIDIONAL OVERTURNING ● These are the critical threshold for a system that
CIRCULATION (AMOC) influences the climate and ecology of the planet,
indicating the point beyond which that system
Context: begins to undergo a large-scale irreversible shift.
● Recently, it was found that the Anthropogenic ● Tipping elements include long-term loss of major
aerosols, which include pollution from ice sheets on Greenland and in Antarctica, large-
transportation, coal combustion and scale ecosystem shifts for the Amazon rainforest
manufacturing, work to reduce AMOC and northern evergreen forests, species loss for
movement by shielding the solar heating and coral reefs, shrinking Arctic sea-ice, and potential
cooling the Earth's climate. weakening of the AMOC etc.
○ The collapse of AMOC could have a cascading
About: impact on the stability of other tipping
● It was found that anthropogenic aerosols over elements and climate systems of the earth.
North America and Europe, along with rising
greenhouse gases, can contribute to a slowdown
of AMOC.
○ However, it was unclear whether aerosols
from Asia could also impact the system.
● In a recent study published in Nature
Communications, scientists have found a direct
link — an increase in aerosols over Asia could
accelerate the risk of an AMOC collapse. (Fig: Tipping elements)

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

Domino effect: What if AMOC would collapse?

● Collapse of the AMOC will impact other tipping ● AMOC is a kind of ‘switch’ for climate in the
elements and climate systems globally. northern hemisphere, especially Europe.
● Example: Tipping element ● It would cause widespread cooling across the
○ The Amazon rainforest: AMOC collapse northern hemisphere and less precipitation in
means more heat in tropics; Amazon could
places such as Europe, North America, China
either stabilise or turn dry.
○ Sahel/West African monsoon: Impact on and some parts of Russia in Asia.
wind flow, ITCZ by AMOC collapse may hurt ○ The excess heat due to a collapsed AMOC
establishment of monsoon. could lead to less rainfall over the Amazon
○ West Antarctic ice sheet: Heat would not get rainforest and make it drought prone and
transferred northwards by AMOC, leading to dry, and it could potentially transform it to a
rapid melting of the ice sheet.
savannah state.
● A slowdown of AMOC could hinder monsoon
formation and rainfall in different regions.
○ Rainfall in the Sahel region (the West
African monsoon) could reduce, the summer
monsoon circulation in South Asia and India
could weaken; and there might be more
winter storms in Europe.
○ Weakening of the land-sea thermal gradient
weakens the sea level pressure gradient
Slowing of AMOC:
and the summer monsoon circulation over
● For the past few decades, more fresh cold water the Indian region.
has been added to the North Atlantic Ocean due
to increased precipitation and rapid melting of
the Greenland ice sheet, which is reducing
LAND SUBSIDENCE (A GEOHAZARD)
salinity and density of the water. This is slowing Context:
down AMOC and will lead to its collapse.
● Nearly 2 billion people globally are threatened
● Data for Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs)
due to land subsidence, a geohazard caused by
between 1870 and 2020 shows collapse of
the sudden or gradual settling of ground surface.
AMOC in the North Atlantic Ocean (Subpolar
gyre) “fingerprint” region is significant. About the Land Subsidence:
● Historically, the collapse of AMOC has been
● Land subsidence, the sinking or lowering of the
associated with warming events. According to
Earth’s surface, is a global geological hazard that
paleoclimatic data, in the past before the start of
poses serious risks to infrastructure, natural
the planet’s glacial periods or ice ages, there was
resources, built environment, and businesses in
abrupt warming.
numerous places worldwide.
○ Scientists term these incidents Dansgaard-
● It is caused by the sudden or gradual settling of
Oeschger events, which occurred over a few
the land surface due to the removal of
decades before gradual cooling heralds an
subsurface material.
ice age.
○ It can be due to a variety of factors, both
● The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
natural (include earthquakes, volcanic
Change (IPCC) in its sixth Assessment Report
activity, and compaction of fine-grained
series estimates that AMOC is unlikely to see a
unconsolidated sediments) and
halt this century.
anthropogenic (include mining and
extraction of groundwater, oil, gas, and
minerals).

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

Land Subsidence Around the World agriculture, leading to compaction of the

● It is estimated that by 2040, land subsidence will subsurface sediments.
affect about 8% of the world’s surface and about
Conclusion
1.2 billion inhabitants living in 21% of the major
cities worldwide. ● Land subsidence is a destructive phenomenon
● For example, Jakarta in Indonesia is another city that damages infrastructure and aquifers, as well
experiencing significant land subsidence due to as putting human lives at risk.
unregulated pumping of groundwater. ● Population growth has played an undeniable
● More than 6.3 million sq km of Earth's surface is part in resource extraction that has led to
susceptible to significant subsidence, with the subsidence.
primary reason being groundwater abstraction. ● Therefore, it is crucial to manage our resources
sustainably and implement effective measures
to mitigate this geohazard.
● Further research and monitoring are needed to
understand the full extent of land subsidence
and develop effective strategies to address it.

PRELIMS FOCUS

CHRYSOTILE ASBESTOS
Land Subsidence in India Context:
● In India, land subsidence has become a ● Recently, the US Environmental Protection
significant concern, particularly in the capital Agency (EPA) issued a comprehensive ban on
city, Delhi. Chrysotile Asbestos.
● A recent study shows that parts of Delhi,
including Kapashera, an urban village near About the Chrysotile Asbestos:
Delhi’s international airport, and Faridabad, a ● Chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos,
part of Delhi’s larger metropolitan area, are is a fibrous mineral and one of the six types of
experiencing dangerous land subsidence. asbestos.
● The subsidence rate was more than 11 cm/year ○ It is the sole form of asbestos in the
in Kapashera and 3 cm/year in Faridabad. serpentine group of minerals.
○ This subsidence is attributed to excessive ● It is the most commonly encountered form of
groundwater extraction. asbestos, accounting for approximately 95% of
the asbestos in the United States and a similar
Impact of Land Subsidence
proportion in other countries.
● Land subsidence reduces the flood-control ● It is a soft, fibrous silicate mineral in the
capacity in urban areas and brings security risk serpentine subgroup of phyllosilicates.
and damage to buildings and a whole range of ● Chrysotile boasts properties such as high tensile
infrastructure including roads, bridges, rail strength, flexibility, and resistance to heat and
transits, flood control walls, and underground chemicals, which once made it a popular choice
lines. in construction materials.
● With an increase in land subsidence occurring in
densely populated areas, a key factor driving Health Risks Associated with Chrysotile
subsidence is groundwater abstraction — the Asbestos
removal of water stored in the pore space of ● It is clear that chrysotile can cause
subsurface layers and transporting it away for mesothelioma (cancer of the lung or abdominal
human consumption and irrigation in cavity linings).

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

● The relevant primary scientific literature is ● However, from the scientific point of view, it was
systematically analysed in several international initiated by Ram Dhan Singh of Punjab
scientific agency reports. Agricultural College, who developed improved
● All reports document and evaluate the extensive wheat varieties such as C-591, and C-306 that
evidence in humans (and animals) and confirm provided a high yield without chemical fertilisers
that all forms of asbestos — including chrysotile and limited irrigation facilities.
— are the only known cause of mesothelioma. ○ His contribution was appreciated by
● It can also cause other cancers, including the Borlaug, and C-306 is being cultivated even
most common cancer associated with asbestos 80 years after development.
exposure, cancer of the lung, as well as cancer of ● Chidambaram Subramaniam: As the Food and
the larynx and ovaries. Agriculture Minister at the time, Subramaniam is
● It is also associated with pharynx, stomach, and often referred to as the 'Political Father of the
colorectal cancer. Green Revolution’.
● In the field of wheat research, notable work has
PIONEERS OF GREEN REVOLUTION been done by DS Athwal and VS Mathur.
○ Athwal worked on rice and developed the
IN INDIA
world’s first millet hybrid, and is recognized
Context: as the ‘Father of the Wheat Revolution’ for
his significant contributions to wheat
● India needs more minds like MS Swaminathan,
production.
Ram Dhan Singh, DS Athwal etc to deal with the
● Others who worked on rice include Gurdev Singh
current issues faced by Indian Agriculture.
Khush, VP Singh, Dharampal Singh and Rajeev
About the Green Revolution: Varshney.
● NGP Rao developed the first sorghum hybrid
● It was a major initiative to ensure food security
and CT Patel the first cotton hybrid.
globally, with the aim to introduce new
● TS Venkatraman and Janaki Ammal are
technologies such as High-Yielding Varieties
remembered for their excellent research on
(HYVs) of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, irrigation
sugarcane improvement.
and mechanisation.
● Its purpose was to alleviate hunger by increasing
the production and quality of food crops, ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUG FOR HIV
especially wheat and rice.
● The main objective was to make the country
Context:
self-sufficient in food grains by adopting modern ● The World Health Organization (WHO) found
agricultural practices. that the resistance to the antiretroviral drug
○ It included the use of HYVs seeds, dolutegravir is increasing among HIV patients.
mechanised farm tools, irrigation facilities, ○ However, the body now notes evidence of
pesticides, and fertilisers. resistance of 3.9-8.6% among patients.

Persons associated with Green Revolution: About the Antiretroviral Drugs for HIV:
● Norman Borlaug is known as the Father of the ● Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of
Green Revolution. medications used to treat Human
○ In 1970, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Prize for his work in developing high yielding ● It works by stopping HIV from reproducing,
dwarf varieties of wheat. which can reduce levels of HIV and keep the
● MS Swaminathan is known as the Father of immune system healthy.
Green Revolution in India. ● Although it’s not a cure, many people reach
undetectable levels of HIV with ART.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

Understanding Antiretroviral Therapy About:

● The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral Overview of the Estimates
therapy (ART) that involves taking a combination ● The horticulture production in the country in
of HIV medicines (called an HIV treatment 2023-24 (First Advance Estimates) is estimated
regimen) every day. to be about 355.25 Million Tonnes, marginally
● ART is recommended for everyone who has HIV, lower than the 355.48 million tonnes as per the
and people with HIV should start taking HIV 2022-23 final estimates.
medicines as soon as possible. ● An increase in area of 1.15% or 3.27 Lakh Ha is
observed in 2023-24 over 2022-23 (Final
Antiretroviral Drugs Estimates).
● Antiretroviral drugs are organised into six ● The estimates provide a comprehensive
different classes based largely on the stage of overview of the expected production and area
the life cycle they inhibit. under cultivation for horticultural crops in India
● These include Entry/Attachment Inhibitors, for the year 2023-24.
Integrase Inhibitors, Nucleoside Reverse Fruit Production
Transcriptase Inhibitors (NRTIs), Non-Nucleoside ● The production of fruits is expected to reach
Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs), 112.08 Million Tonnes, mainly due to increases
Protease Inhibitors (PIs), Fusion Inhibitors, and in production of Banana, Mandarin, and Mango.
CCR5 Antagonists. Vegetable Production
● It includes the first antiretroviral drug regimen, ● Production of vegetables is envisaged to be
Cabenuva, which requires a once-a-month or around 209.39 Million Tonnes.
once-every-two-month injection rather than an ● Increase is expected in production of Cabbage,
oral dose daily. Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Tapioca, Tomato, and
Other Vegetables.
Future of Antiretroviral Therapy Specific Crop Estimates
● Antiretroviral therapy is quickly changing, with ● Tomato: Production of Tomato is expected to be
newer drug agents offering fewer side effects, around 208.19 Lakh Tonne compared to around
greater durability, and a decreased risk of drug 204.25 Lakh Tonne last year, an increase by
resistance. 1.93% Lakh Tonne.
● In the past, antiretroviral therapy was described ● Onion: Production of Onion in 2023-24 is
as a three-drug ‘cocktail’. expected to be around 254.73 Lakh Tonne
● Today, with improved pharmacokinetics and a compared to around 302.08 Lakh Tonne last
longer drug half-life, antiretroviral therapy may year due to decrease of 34.31 Lakh Tonne in
involve as few as two co-formulated drug Maharashtra, 9.95 Lakh Tonne in Karnataka,
agents. 3.54 Lakh Tonne in Andhra Pradesh and 3.12
Lakh Tonne in Rajasthan.
FIRST ADVANCE ESTIMATES OF ● Potato: Production of Potato in 2023-24 is
expected to be around 589.94 Lakh Tonne
HORTICULTURAL CROPS FOR 2023-24
compared to around 601.42 Lakh Tonne last
Context: year, attributed to decrease in West Bengal over
the previous year.
● Recently, the Department of Agriculture and
Farmers’ Welfare has released the First Advance
Estimates of 2023-24 of Area and Production of
various Horticultural Crops.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

INDIA'S FIRST MARINE FORCE RHODAMINE B

Context: Context:
● Recently, Tamil Nadu announced the launch of ● Recently, Himachal Pradesh banned the
the country's first marine force to protect production, sale and storage of cotton candy or
marine resources and biodiversity in the Gulf of candy floss for one year, after tests revealed the
Mannar and the Palk Bay. presence of a potentially hazardous colouring
agent named Rhodamine B in samples.
About:
● The Marine Elite Force aims to combat marine About the Rhodamine B
wildlife crimes, including smuggling, prevention, ● It is a chemical commonly used for dyeing in the
and poaching of marine animals, particularly in textile, paper, leather, and paints industry as a
the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere and Palk Bay. colouring agent that helps in attaining the red
● The force is equipped with two deep water and pink spectrum.
boats with a wireless communication system. ● In powdered form the chemical is green in
● They have been training for over a year and have colour and upon being added to water, it turns
been carrying out pilot operations from April pink.
2023. ● It is being tested for use as a biomarker in oral
● It enhances the capacity of the Tamil Nadu rabies vaccines for wildlife, such as raccoons, to
Forest Department to conserve marine and identify animals that have eaten a vaccine bait.
coastal ecology in a professional manner but ● It is widely used as a food additive in the
also plays a crucial role in combating illegal manufacturing, packaging, import, and sale of
wildlife smuggling in the region. various food items.
● It sets a precedent for other coastal states in ○ Its low cost makes it a popular choice for
India to follow, thereby contributing to the food colouring.
larger goal of marine conservation.
Health Hazards of Rhodamine B
Team Behind the Force ● According to studies, even if consumed in small
● Twelve marine watchers have been engaged in quantities, the chemical is highly toxic and
the Marine Elite Force from the local fishermen carcinogenic.
community. ● If consumed regularly, Rhodamine-B can cause
● They have been given extensive training related severe damage to the cerebellum tissue in the
to marine patrolling, including scuba diving, brain and to the brainstem that connect the
snorkelling. brain to the spinal cord.
● The Marine Watchers have been trained by ○ It can lead to functional abnormalities and
specialised forces viz. Indian Coast Guard, Navy, can hinder human motor functioning.
and Marine Police. ● Several states in India, including Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka, have banned the use of Rhodamine B
Impact of the Marine Elite Force in food products.
● During the pilot operations, the force has ● As per the Food Safety Standards Act, 2006,
detected 25 cases with the seizure of 4133 Kg of preparation, packaging, importing, selling and
illegal wildlife articles. serving food items with Rhodamine-B in
● It has been doing vigilant patrolling activities to wedding ceremonies and other public events is a
strengthen the protection and sustainable punishable offence.
management of the marine area, build capacity,
and collect and disseminate information.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

WORLD HAPPINESS REPORT 2024 ● The primary focus of the scheme is to promote
the adoption of electric two-wheelers (e-2W)
Context: and three-wheelers (e-3W), including registered
● Recently, the United Nations Sustainable e-rickshaws & e-carts and L5 category vehicles.
Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN)
Beneficiaries
released the World Happiness Report for 2024.
● The scheme aims to benefit those e-2W and e-
About the World Happiness Report of UNSDSN 3Ws registered for commercial purposes
● It is released annually and takes into account six primarily.
variables — GDP per capita, healthy life ● In addition to commercial use, privately or
expectancy, having someone to count on, corporate-owned registered e-2W will also be
freedom to make life choices, generosity, and eligible under the scheme.
freedom from corruption. ● It aims to support 3,72,215 EVs, including e-2W
● It is supported by taking the average life (3,33,387) and e-3W (38,828, including 13,590
evaluation data gathered by the Gallup polls for rickshaws & e-carts and 25,238 e-3W in the L5
the 2021-23 period. category).

Findings for 2024 Incentives under the Scheme

● Finland topped the list for the seventh year in a ● EMPS provides financial incentives to consumers
row, followed by Denmark, Iceland and who purchase electric two - and three-wheelers.
Sweden. ● It offers support of up to INR 10,000 per two-
○ Israel too made it to the top five of the wheeler for about 3.33 lakh two-wheelers.
ranking. ● For small three-wheelers (e-rickshaw and e-
● Afghanistan was deemed as the least happy carts), the new scheme has provision for up to
country, after Congo, Sierra Leone, Lesotho and INR 25,000 subsidy for over 41,000 such
Lebanon. vehicles.
● India ranked 126th same as last year, China
Impact
ranked 60th, Nepal at 93, Pakistan at 108,
Myanmar at 118, Sri Lanka at 128 and ● The EMPS 2024 is expected to provide a
Bangladesh at 129th spots. significant boost to the green mobility and
○ India ranked lower than Pakistan, Libya, Iraq, development of the electric vehicle (EV)
Palestine and Niger on the index. manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
● It promotes an efficient, competitive, and
resilient EV manufacturing industry in the
ELECTRIC MOBILITY PROMOTION country, thereby promoting the vision of Aatma-
SCHEME 2024 Nirbhar Bharat.
● The scheme encourages domestic
Context:
manufacturing and strengthening of the EV
● Recently, the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries supply chain, which is expected to create
introduced the Electric Mobility Promotion significant employment opportunities along the
Scheme (EMPS) 2024 to accelerate the adoption value chain.
of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers in
the country.

About the EMPS 2024

● It is a fund-limited scheme with a total outlay of
Rs. 500 crore implementing for a period of four
months, from 1st April 2024 till 31st July 2024.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

PETROLEUM (AMENDMENT) RULES, unorganised workers, already registered in the

2024 eShram portal.

Context: About the eSharm Portal

● Recently, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and ● It is a national database of unorganised

Natural Gas issued the Petroleum (Amendment) workers, including migrant workers,
Rules, 2024 to enhance safety, streamline construction workers, gig and platform workers
import procedures, and ensure compliance and was launched by the Ministry of Labour and
within the petroleum industry. Employment in 2021.
● It is the first of its kind and aims to provide a
About the Petroleum (Amendment) Rules, comprehensive platform for these workers to
2024: access social security schemes.
● It is a regulatory framework issued by the ● It allows unorganised workers to register
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization themselves under 30 broad occupation sectors
(PESO), Department for Promotion of Industry and around 400 occupations.
and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and ● The registration process is simple and user-
Industry. friendly, requiring only an Aadhaar number.
● It aims to enhance safety measures, streamline ● Once registered, workers are provided with a
import procedures, and ensure compliance Universal Account Number (UAN), which they
within the petroleum industry. can use to access various social security
schemes.
Key Features
Bridging the Gap in the Unorganised Sector
● The amendment introduces several key features
aimed at improving the safety and efficiency of ● The launch of the eShram portal is a significant
the petroleum industry. step towards addressing the challenges faced by
● While the specific details of the amendment are unorganised workers who often lack access to
not available in the search results, it is clear that social security benefits due to the absence of
the focus is on enhancing safety measures and employer-employee relationship.
streamlining procedures. ● The eShram portal aims to bridge this gap by
providing a platform for these workers to
Impact of the Amendment register and access benefits directly.
● It is expected to have a significant impact on the
Challenges and the Way Forward
petroleum industry in India.
● By enhancing safety measures and streamlining ● The nuances of the unorganised workers’
import procedures, the amendment aims to identity are complex, and portal registration may
make the industry safer and more efficient. not be able to capture these complexities.
● It ensures compliance with the latest safety ● Moreover, given the estimated 380 million
standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents workers in the unorganised sector, the
and improving the overall safety of the industry. registration process will be a long-drawn one.
● However, the eShram portal represents a
significant step forward in recognising and
eSHRAM PORTAL addressing the needs of unorganised workers.
● With continued efforts and improvements, it has
Context:
the potential to transform the lives of millions of
● Recently, the Supreme Court of India directed workers in the unorganised sector.
states and Union Territories to ensure that
ration cards are issued to 80 million migrant and

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 Summary of Down to Earth [01 – 15 -April, 2024]

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION 1. It is the sole form of asbestos in the serpentine

group of minerals.
1. What do you understand about climate 2. It can cause mesothelioma (cancer of the lung or
migration? What are the associated challenges? abdominal cavity linings).
How far do you think the international Which of the statements given above is/are
community should address the issue of climate correct?
migration and refugees? (a) 1 only
2. What are the significant impacts of global water (b) 2 only
scarcity on socio-economic development, and (c) Both 1 and 2
what strategies should be implemented to (d) Neither 1 nor 2
mitigate these impacts? 3. Drugs like Dolutegravir and Cabenuva are
3. What are the root causes of economic and social related to which of the following:
inequality in India, and what policy measures (a) Tuberculosis
would you suggest to address this issue (b) Malaria
effectively? (c) Covid-19
4. How far do you think the shifts in global weather (d) HIV AIDS
patterns due to climate change will impact 4. Which one of the following states of India
agriculture and food security, and what adaptive recently announced the launch of the country's
measures should be taken to mitigate these first marine force to protect marine resources
impacts? and biodiversity?
5. What are the primary causes and potential (a) Tamil Nadu
impacts of land subsidence, and what strategies (b) Maharashtra
should be implemented to mitigate this (c) Kerala
geohazard effectively? (d) Gujarat
5. With reference to the World Happiness Report
(2024), consider the following statements:
MCQs
1. It was released by the United Nations
1. The recently launched national portal Sustainable Development Solutions Network
‘Surakhsya’, is a portal on: (UNSDSN).
(a) reporting cyber crime 2. India ranked lower than Pakistan, Libya, Iraq,
(b) human-elephant conflict Palestine and Niger on the index.
(c) to minimise road accident Which of the statements given above is/are
(d) to clean coastal area correct?
2. With reference to the Chrysotile that was (a) 1 only
sometimes appeared in the news, consider the (b) 2 only
following: (c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer Key: 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (a) 5. (c)

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