Activist Sonam Wangchuk, others detained at Delhi border launch indefinite fast

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was detained on the Delhi border as he led a group of protesters to petition the Central government for the inclusion of Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution among other demands for autonomy to the region.

Asymmetrical Federalism

• Asymmetrical federalism refers to a system where certain States or areas have more autonomy and special provisions than others.
• The Indian Constitution provides different levels of autonomy to some States/regions, unlike a symmetrical federation (e.g., the U.S. or Australia), where all States have equal powers.
• Examples in India:Areas/states under Fifth and Sixth Schedules.

History of the Fifth and Sixth Schedules

• Pre-British Era: Tribal populations had control over their lands and were mostly autonomous under earlier Muslim rulers.
• British Era: British policies affected tribal rights, especially through restrictive forest laws, leading to discontent and various tribal rebellions. Eg: Kol rebellion (1831-32), Santhal revolt (1885), Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) and Bastar rebellion (1911).
• Post-Rebellion Policies: After tribal revolts, the British adopted an isolationist policy, creating ‘excluded’ and ‘partially excluded’ areas in the Government of India Act, 1935.
• The Fifth and Sixth Schedules have been modelled on the basis of these provisions which allowed ‘partially excluded’ and ‘excluded’ areas under the Government of India Act, 1935.

Fifth Schedule:

• The Fifth Schedule is applicable to what are officially called ‘scheduled areas’ that are declared by the President.
• The guiding norms for declaring an area as a ‘scheduled area’ include preponderance of tribal populations, compactness of area, a viable administrative unit like a district or block, and economic backwardness.
• At present 10 States have such ‘scheduled areas.’
• Tribes Advisory Councils (TAC): Set up to advise on the welfare of Scheduled Tribes (ST).
• The Governor, subject to the approval of the Central government, shall make regulations for the allotment and transfer of lands among the members of the STs.
• The Governor shall also regulate the businesses of money-lenders in ‘scheduled areas.’ The Governor may direct that a particular act of Parliament or State legislature shall not apply or apply with modifications to such ‘scheduled areas.’

Sixth Schedule:

• Applicable to: Tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. There are 10 such ‘tribal areas’ at present in these four States. Autonomous District Councils (ADC) are formed in these ‘tribal areas.’
• The ADC shall have powers to make laws with respect to the use and management of land, regulate shifting cultivation, inheritance of property, marriage and divorce, social customs etc. These laws take effect after being approved by the Governor. For all such matters, the laws by the State legislature will not be applicable in these ‘tribal areas’ unless extended by the ADC.
• The ADCs are empowered to establish and manage primary schools, dispensaries, roads and waterways in the districts. They can assess and collect land revenue and impose taxes on profession, trade etc. They can grant licences or leases for the extraction of minerals.
• These areas have more executive, legislative, judicial, and financial powers than Fifth Schedule areas.

Special Provisions for Northeastern States

• Apart from the Fifth and Sixth Schedules, there are special provisions applicable to many of the northeastern States under Part XXI of the Constitution.
• These are contained in Articles 371A (Nagaland), 371B (Assam), 371C (Manipur), 371F (Sikkim), 371G (Mizoram) and 371H (Arunachal Pradesh).

Are Further Reforms Needed?

• Autonomy on Paper vs. Practice: The regulations made by the Governor in ‘scheduled areas’ are subject to approval by the Central government. Similarly, the laws made by ADCs in ‘tribal areas’ are subject to the approval of the Governor of the State. When different parties are in power at the Centre, State as well as ADC, political differences affect the autonomy of these areas.
• Unnotified Areas: Many tribal areas across India are not notified as scheduled areas , denying them constitutional protections.
• 125th Constitutional Amendment bill: Pending in Rajya Sabha, it aims to grant more powers to Autonomous District Councils (ADCs).
• Growing Demand for Inclusion: Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur Hill Areas, and Ladakh have expressed interest in being included under the Sixth Schedule.

Forest Rights Act, 2006: The recognition of tribal forest rights should be ensured across the country, including Fifth and Sixth Schedule areas.

Cruise Bharat Mission

• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways
• This mission will be implemented in three phases
• Three-Phase Implementation:
• Phase 1 (Until October 2025)
• Phase 2 (2025-2027)
• Phase 3  (2027 – 2029)
• Key Objectives:
• Increase cruise passengers to 1 million by 2029.
• Create 400,000 jobs in the cruise tourism sector.
• Develop world-class cruise infrastructure.

Key Measures:

• Infrastructure Development: Building new cruise terminals, marinas, and destinations.
• Financial Incentives: Establishing a special purpose vehicle (SPV), levying a cruise development cess, and providing financial support for infrastructure development.
• Regulatory Reforms: Easing cabotage regulations and developing technical standards for cruise infrastructure.
• International Cooperation: Establishing Cruise Alliances with neighboring countries.
• Skill Development: Formulating cruise-specific National Occupational Standards (NOS) to promote youth employment.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

 A survey of herpetofauna in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) identified 33 new reptile species and 36 new amphibian species.

• It is the first time record of these species in the region.
• Current Species Count:
• Total reptiles: 55 species (including previously recorded species)
• Total amphibians: 39 species (including previously recorded species)
• Threatened Species:
• 16 species classified as “threatened”
• 3 species classified as “near threatened” according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Notable Discoveries

• Critically Endangered Amphibians:
• Cave Dancing Frog (Micrixalus spelunca)
• Indraneil’s Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus indraneili)

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR)

• Located in Tamil Nadu at the trijunction of three states – Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Part of Nilgiri Biosphere reserve.
• Flora 
• Tall grasses commonly known as ‘Elephant Grass’.
• Timber Species – Teak, rosewood. 
• Giant bamboo is also found there.
• Fauna
• Home to Tiger and Asian elephant (flagship species).
• Live diverse species such as spotted deer, common langur, wild dog, Indian Gaur, and  Malabar Giant Squirrel. 
• Birds- Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar laughing thrush, and other rare birds are found here. 

Nature’s new nest: India’s 1st oxygen bird park opens its wings at Maharashtra''s Jamtha

Oxygen Bird Park (Amrit Mahotsav Park) is an eco-initiative developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) near Jamtha, along the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway-44. Covering a total area of 8.23 hectares, including 2.5 hectares dedicated to social forestry, the park is designed to serve both as a natural bird habitat and as a recreational space for locals and tourists. The project, which integrates environmental sustainability and recreational facilities, was formally approved in March 2023 with a development cost of ₹14.31 crores.

 Overview of the Park: 

• The park is an eco-initiative by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
• It is also known as Amrit Mahotsav Park. 
• NHAI operates under the Ministry of road transport and highways. 
• Purpose: Serves as a natural habitat for birds and a recreational space for locals and tourists.
• Vision 
• To create a space for observing bird varieties and recreational activities for citizens.
• To provide a safe habitat for local and migratory birds, mimicking natural ecosystems.
• Features
• Amenities: Ticket counter, food court, restrooms, walking paths, jogging/cycling tracks, amphitheater, watchtowers, and children’s play area.
• Landscaping: Thoughtfully designed green spaces with an irrigation system and utilities
• Solar Energy: Utilizes solar panels for lighting and waterfeatures, promoting environmental sustainability.
• Oxygen Park Feature: Focus on planting fast-growing trees to combat air pollution and create a healthier environment.

  Ecological Features

• Rare and Endangered Trees Area: Showcases native endangered species like the Indian Bael and Yellow Flame of the Forest.
• Lotus/Lily Pad Pond: Home to lotus and water lilies, providing habitats for waterbirds and recharging aquifers.
• Reed Bed: Ideal habitat for migrating birds such as waterhens and reed warblers.
• Bambusetum: Features native bamboo species to reduce pollution and improve soil quality.
• Plantation Area: Includes native trees and shrubs to attract wildlife and enhance air quality.

o   Palm Plantation: Planting native palms to provide nesting sites for birds and small mammals.

PM opens bio-gas plants, Assam gets 4

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the construction of four Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG)  plants in Assam

 Biogas

• It is a renewable fuel. 
• formed when animal or food waste is broken by the microorganism in the state of lack of oxygen. 
• Biogas is primarily made up of hydrocarbons which are flammable and can be used to generate heat and energy.
• Main Component: Methane is the primary gas in biogas ( around 45% – 75% by volume)  

Compressed Bio- Gas

• CBG is a renewable fuel made from organic waste materials like agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste.
• The production process involves anaerobic digestion, where waste materials decompose without oxygen.
• This process produces methane-rich biogas which is more than 90%. 
• Properties and Uses: CBG has properties similar to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and can be used as an eco-friendly fuel for vehicles, industries, and other commercial applications

CBG Blending Obligation (CBO)

• This is the initiative of the government to promote the consumption and production of CBG.
• It mandates blending of CBG with compressed natural gas and piped natural gas in the city gas distribution. 
• Voluntary phase: CBG blending obligation will be voluntary until the financial year of 2024- 25.
• Mandatory phase: From 2025- 26, CBO will become mandatory.
• Blending requirements: In FY 2025- 26, CBO will require 1% blending of CBG with total CNG and PNG. 
• The blending % will increase to 5% by year FY 2028 -29

Government Initiative

• Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation initiative:  launched by The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) in 2018.
• MoPNG associated with Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) for launching SATAT. . 
• Objective: The aim of this initiative was to set up plants for compressed biogas and to make biogas accessible for use as automotive fuel.

Challenges of CBG Plants

• High Costs: Setting up plants needs a lot of money, which can slow down growth.
• Technical Needs: Advanced technology and knowledge are needed for plants to work well.
• Waste Collection Problems: Collecting and transporting organic waste can be difficult, especially in remote places.
• Private Sector Issues: Working with private companies can be tricky in terms of coordination and management.
• Regulatory and Policy Framework for CBG : Well-defined and supportive policies are crucial for the growth of the Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) sector.
• Inconsistent rules and a lack of standardization can slow down the development of the sector.
• Health Hazards: Unscientific waste disposal can lead to diseases like dengue and malaria.
• Air pollution from burning biomass is linked to chronic diseases such as asthma, cancer, and heart diseases

Benefits of CBG Plants

• Waste to Energy: Turns organic waste into clean energy which helps in waste management. 
• Impact of Environment: Reduces carbon emissions for better air quality and climate action.
• Job Growth: Creates local jobs for plant construction and operation.
• Eco-friendly: CBG is a sustainable alternative to conventional fuels, helping to reduce environmental pollution.
• Energy Independence: It decreases reliance on imported natural gas and crude oil, supporting energy security.

How, why global forecasters got La Nina prediction wrong

 The delayed onset of the La Niña and the late retreat of the monsoon have eroded the optimism that Delhi’s residents could experience better air this winter compared to previous years.

• A large part of north India will face significant pollution-related challenges in the early winter months, with the possibility of some relief in December and January depending on how quickly La Niña conditions strengthen.
• La Niña is a climate pattern that describes the cooling of surface ocean waters along the tropical west coast of South America. It is the counterpart to El Niño, which is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean. Together, La Niña and El Niño are the “cold” and “warm” phases of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.

Key Characteristics

• Sea Surface Temperatures: La Niña is marked by cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean Trade Winds: During La Niña, trade winds are stronger than usual, pushing warm water towards Asia and allowing cold water to rise to the surface near the coast of South America.
• Atmospheric Pressure: It is characterized by lower-than-normal air pressure over the western Pacific, which contributes to increased rainfall in that region.
• Causes: La Niña is caused by a build-up of cooler-than-normal waters in the tropical Pacific. Strong eastward-moving trade winds and ocean currents bring this cold water to the surface, a process known as upwelling.

La Niña affects weather patterns worldwide:

• Asia and Australia: Typically experience increased rainfall and cooler temperatures, which can lead to flooding.
• North America: The southern United States tends to be drier and warmer, while the northern United States and Canada can experience colder and wetter conditions.
• South America: Coastal regions near Ecuador and Peru often see cooler sea surface temperatures and reduced rainfall.
• Role of La Niña in shaping air quality in winter (North India particularly Delhi).
• The delayed onset of La Niña is a matter of concern. La Niña brings stronger winds and more dynamic atmospheric circulation, which helps disperse pollutants in northern India.

La Nina could also bring a longer and more severe winter in North India.

SARTHIE 1.0

The SARTHIE 1.0 initiative was recently launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) in collaboration with the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to empower vulnerable communities in India.

Key aspects of SARTHIE 1.0:

• Awareness Generation: Under this partnership, State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs), will organise awareness camps across the country through the para-legal volunteers and panel lawyers.
• Focus Acts: The Awareness camps will focus on ensuring awareness of the five important Acts being implemented by the Department:
• Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 
• Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 
• The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 
• The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 
• Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 
• Legal Support: Offering legal assistance to ensure effective implementation of social welfare programs.
• Target Groups: Empowering Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), senior citizens, transgender persons, victims of substance abuse, beggars, and denotified and nomadic tribes.
• Aligns with UN 2030 Agenda: The SARTHIE 1.0 initiative also aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly the goals focused on eradicating poverty, reducing inequality, and promoting social protection policies that ensure greater equality for all. 

Tsangyang Gyatso Peak

Recently, An Indian mountaineering team ( the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports ) successfully climbed a previously unnamed peak in Arunachal Pradesh.

More on the news

• The peak, located at 20,942 feet in the Gorichen range, is in the Tawang-West Kameng region.
• The team named the peak “Tsangyang Gyatso Peak” to honor the 6th Dalai Lama, Rigzen Tsangyang Gyatso.

• Significance
• The naming aims to tribute the Dalai Lama’s legacy and contributions to the Monpa community and beyond.
• Highlights Arunachal Pradesh as a key destination for adventure sports.

Monpa Community 

• The Monpa are a prominent ethnic group primarily found in Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India.
• Principal Monpa festivals : The Choskar harvest festival, Losar, and Torgya.
• Religion: They believe in Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism,
• Lifestyle: The Monpa traditionally wear attire inspired by the Tibetan chuba.
• Economy:
• Types of Cultivation:
• Shifting Cultivation: Moving to different plots to grow crops.
• Permanent Cultivation: Farming on fixed land.
• Livestock: They raise Cattle, yaks, cows, pigs, sheep, and fowl.
• Cultural Connections:  The Monpa share a close cultural affinity with the Sharchops of Bhutan.
• Language
• The Monpa language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
• It is notably different from the Eastern Tibetan dialect and is written using the Tibetan script.

Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)

In the wake of several Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders complaining about being reclassified as “foreigners”, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that there were no changes made to the OCI rules.

 Definition: The Ministry of Home Affairs defines an OCI as a person who 

• was a citizen of India on or after 26th January 1950; or
• Was eligible to become a citizen of India on 26th January 1950; or
• Is a child or grandchild of such a person, among other eligibility criteria.

Introduced: The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme was introduced in August 2005.

Purpose: While tabling the legislation, it was stated that the Bill aimed to offer dual citizenship to the Indian diaspora.

Benefits of an OCI Card:

Visa and Stay: OCI cardholders receive a multiple-entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India.

Exemption from Registration: They are exempt from registering with local police authorities, regardless of their length of stay in India.

Global Statistics (2023)

Total OCI Cardholders: Over 45 lakh registered OCI cardholders from 129 countries.

Top Countries: US, UK, Australia and Canada.

Parity with NRIs

Initially: OCI card holders had general parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) regarding economic, financial, and educational fields, except in acquiring agricultural or plantation properties.

NRI’s: NRIs are Indian citizens who are permanent residents of foreign country.

Restrictions on OCIs

Voting Rights: OCIs are not entitled to vote in Indian elections.

Political Office: They cannot become members of the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, or Parliament.

Constitutional Posts: OCIs are not eligible to hold constitutional positions such as President, Vice President, or Judge of the Supreme Court or High Courts.

Government Employment: They generally cannot hold employment in the Indian government.

Ineligibility for OCI Card: 

Citizenship Restriction: Individuals are ineligible for OCI if their parents or grandparents have ever been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Foreign Spouse Eligibility: A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI can apply, provided the marriage has been registered and subsisted for at least two years.

Foreign Military Personnel: Both active and retired foreign military personnel are not eligible for an OCI card.

Cancellation of OCI: The central government may cancel the registration of OCIs on certain grounds. 

• If the OCI has registered through fraud, or
• If, within five years of registration, the OCI has been sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, or
• If it becomes necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and security of India, or
• If the OCI has violated the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 or of any other law as notified by the central government.