Revisiting Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Guidelines: Balancing Ecological Integrity with Socio-Economic Realities

• Introduction

The recent deliberations of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, have emphasized the need to review the 2011 Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) guidelines. This initiative responds to growing concerns over the inflexibility of existing norms and aims to promote more context-sensitive ecological governance around protected areas in India.

• Understanding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

ESZs—also referred to as Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs)—are regulated buffer regions established around protected areas, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Although the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 does not explicitly mention ESZs, it serves as the legislative foundation for their declaration.

Purpose of ESZs:

• Serve as ecological shock absorbers that mitigate external environmental impacts on core conservation zones.
• Facilitate a gradual transition from areas under strict environmental protection to regions with relatively relaxed restrictions.

2011 Guidelines:

These guidelines provide a general framework for determining the extent and regulatory mechanisms of ESZs, which may extend up to 10 kilometers from the boundary of a protected area. They categorize human activities into permitted, regulated, and prohibited zones.

• Rationale for Revising ESZ Guidelines

The SC-NBWL has directed the Union Environment Ministry to prepare a revised framework that incorporates region-specific ecological and socio-economic parameters. This includes drafting updated guidelines for ESZ identification and management, consulting relevant environmental divisions, engaging stakeholders, and submitting recommendations for further policy deliberation.

Criticism of the 10-km Uniform Rule:

The blanket application of a 10-km radius around all protected areas has proven both ecologically inconsistent and developmentally restrictive, particularly in urban and hilly regions.

• Regional Concerns and Contextual Variations

States have expressed specific concerns regarding the impact of rigid ESZ norms on development and livelihoods:

• Himachal Pradesh: With over 65% forest cover, stringent ESZ regulations risk impeding essential economic activity.
• Kerala: Public resistance to ESZ expansion has discouraged the notification of new sanctuaries.
• Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: Have called for more adaptable and context-sensitive implementation approaches.
• Issues in Compliance and Monitoring

The SC-NBWL has mandated that Chief Wildlife Wardens in all states submit compliance reports on infrastructure projects cleared within or around ESZs. States that fail to comply risk the suspension of future project proposals.

Concerns Raised:

• Inadequate monitoring of the conditions imposed during project approvals.
• The need for stricter enforcement and accountability mechanisms.

• Emerging Ecological Challenges

Contemporary ecological dynamics demand updated policy responses:

• Renewable Energy Installations: While environmentally beneficial, large-scale solar and wind projects near protected areas may disrupt wildlife habitats and migratory routes. Authorities have recommended their inclusion under “regulated activities” subject to ecological assessments.
• Marine Protected Areas: Existing ESZ frameworks are primarily terrestrial, and do not adequately address the unique conservation requirements of marine ecosystems. A distinct regulatory framework for marine sanctuaries has been proposed.

• Critical Reflections on Existing Guidelines

While the 2011 ESZ guidelines were initially intended to be flexible and adaptable, concerns have been raised that further relaxation could undermine key ecological safeguards. The challenge lies in striking an optimal balance between conservation goals and developmental priorities.

• Role of the SC-NBWL

As an advisory body, the SC-NBWL plays a critical role in formulating wildlife policies, conservation strategies, and in evaluating development projects in and around protected areas. As of the previous year, 347 final ESZ notifications have been issued by the Ministry, based on the committee’s guidance.

Rising Inequality in India: Contrasting Narratives on Distributional Justice

• Introduction

A recent World Bank report has reignited debates on inequality in India by suggesting that consumption inequality is both low and declining. However, independent studies and economic data sources offer a contrasting view, highlighting rising income and wealth inequality and questioning the reliability of consumption-based metrics.

• World Bank Report: Claims and Interpretation

According to the World Bank, India’s Gini coefficient declined from 0.288 in 2011–12 to 0.255 in 2022–23, suggesting lower consumption inequality than many other countries.

Gini Coefficient Overview: This statistical measure ranges from 0 (perfect equality) to 1 (maximum inequality), with lower values indicating more equitable distributions. The government has cited these findings as evidence of successful pro-poor policy implementation and inclusive growth.

• Critique of Consumption-Based Inequality Measures

Experts argue that consumption inequality is an inadequate proxy for actual economic disparity, as it fails to capture differences in income and wealth accumulation.

Key Limitations:

• Lower-income households consume a higher share of their earnings, while the wealthy save or invest more.
• Rising income among the rich does not always translate into proportionate increases in consumption.
• Household Consumption Expenditure Surveys (HCES), the basis of the data, are methodologically inconsistent and may underreport high-end expenditures.

• Findings from Independent Sources

The World Inequality Database presents a significantly different picture of inequality in India:

• Income Gini (2022–23): 0.61, among the highest globally.
• Wealth Gini (2022–23): 0.75, with only a few countries showing more concentration.

Wealth Concentration: The top 1% of Indian households control approximately 40% of national wealth. Only countries such as Russia, South Africa, and Uruguay report higher levels of wealth concentration.

• Limitations of the Gini Coefficient

Although widely used, the Gini index is an aggregate measure and fails to provide granular insights into:

• Top-end income and wealth disparities (e.g., the share of the top 0.1%).
• Intergenerational wealth transfers.
• The socio-political consequences of high inequality, such as reduced social mobility and institutional capture.

• Paradox of Falling Consumption Inequality

This paradox is explained by the tendency of rising incomes among the poor to translate directly into higher consumption, while the rich often divert income into non-consumption activities. As a result, consumption inequality may appear to decline even as income and wealth inequality increase.

Implications for Policymaking: An overreliance on consumption data risks misrepresenting the depth of inequality in India, potentially leading to complacency in policy design.

• Conclusion

While the World Bank’s consumption-based findings may offer a partial and optimistic view, they obscure the deeper structural inequalities in income and wealth that characterize India’s socio-economic landscape. For effective policymaking, it is crucial to adopt comprehensive and disaggregated metrics that reflect the full scope of inequality. Only then can truly inclusive and sustainable economic strategies be devised.

Air India Crash: Investigation into Fuel Control Switches

Crash Overview

On June 12, Air India flight AI 171, a Boeing 787-8 en route from Ahmedabad to London, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the death of all 260 people on board. Preliminary findings from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) point to a critical incident involving the aircraft''s engine fuel control switches, which both shifted from the ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position shortly after liftoff.

Key Findings from the AAIB Report

Cockpit voice recordings reveal one pilot questioning the other about whether the fuel was deliberately shut off—an action that was denied. Both pilots were experienced, and data from the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder is currently being analyzed to determine the cause and context of the switch movement.

Function and Importance of Fuel Control Switches

Fuel control switches are essential components that regulate the flow of fuel to an aircraft’s engines. On Boeing 787s, they are spring-loaded and protected by brackets and stop-lock mechanisms to prevent accidental engagement. These switches are typically only used on the ground during engine startup or shutdown. Mid-flight usage occurs only in cases of engine failure or major damage.

• RUN Position: Supplies fuel to the engine for standard operation.
• CUTOFF Position: Terminates fuel flow, shutting down the engine.

The switches require deliberate manual operation and are not designed for casual or accidental activation.

Use of Switches During Flight

In normal operations, only one fuel control switch might be turned off during flight—such as in the event of a single engine failure—since aircraft like the Boeing 787 can fly with one engine. Simultaneously shutting down both engines is highly irregular and dangerous. Aviation experts emphasize that such an action would follow strict checklists and require deliberate input from both pilots.

In the case of AI 171, both engines lost power due to both switches being in the ‘CUTOFF’ position—a rare and catastrophic scenario. Investigators are now exploring whether this was due to pilot error, mechanical malfunction, or a system failure.

Questions Over Possible System Faults

Experts widely agree that it is nearly impossible for both switches to be accidentally triggered mid-flight, particularly during the takeoff climb. This raises questions about cockpit protocol, possible mechanical failure, and the reliability of safety systems designed to prevent such incidents.

Manufacturing and Regulatory Concerns

The switches under scrutiny—part number 4TL837-3D—are manufactured by Honeywell. A 2018 advisory by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flagged possible faults in the locking mechanisms of these switches. However, the advisory did not mandate inspections, and Air India did not conduct any on its fleet.

The FAA warning suggested that a disengaged locking mechanism might allow unintentional movement of the fuel control switches, posing a risk of inadvertent engine shutdown during flight. The AAIB is now examining whether this previously flagged design issue played a role in the AI 171 tragedy.

Trump''s Tariff Threats and the BRICS Grouping

Overview of Tariff Threats

In the wake of the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose a 10% tariff on all BRICS member countries. This continues a pattern of trade aggression under his administration, aimed at penalizing what he sees as opposition to U.S. global economic dominance.

Perceived Threat of BRICS

Trump has labeled BRICS as an “anti-American” alliance, particularly criticizing the bloc’s efforts to establish a common currency and alternative cross-border payment systems that bypass the U.S. dollar. These initiatives gained momentum after the West imposed sanctions on Russia following the Ukraine conflict, prompting BRICS countries to seek financial autonomy.

Tariff Escalations and Political Motives

Beyond general tariff threats, Trump has already imposed:

• 50% tariffs on Brazil, citing anti-Bolsonaro bias.
• 30% tariffs on South Africa, citing unresolved trade disputes and human rights concerns.

He is also pushing for the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, which would impose up to 500% tariffs on Russian oil and other sanctioned products. Such a move could significantly impact India and China—both major importers of Russian oil.

BRICS'' Response to De-Dollarisation Claims

·       BRICS leaders have dismissed Trump’s accusations, clarifying that the push to use local currencies is aimed at enhancing trade efficiency among member nations—not at dismantling the global role of the U.S. dollar. The group maintains that de-dollarisation seeks to reduce economic vulnerability and dependence, not to challenge or replace the dollar outright.

·       The 2025 BRICS Rio Declaration emphasizes improving interoperability among payment systems, carefully avoiding any language that directly challenges the U.S. dollar or targets U.S. policies. While some leaders within the bloc have used anti-West rhetoric, official BRICS communications have steered clear of provocative language.

India’s Position Within BRICS

·       India has officially distanced itself from any anti-U.S. positioning within BRICS. In a parliamentary statement, the government clarified that while discussions on alternative currencies have occurred, they were not collectively endorsed. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed that India has no intent to replace the U.S. dollar in its global transactions.

·       This highlights the ideological diversity within the bloc, with countries like India advocating for a more neutral stance on global financial reform.

The Broader BRICS Agenda

·       BRICS was formed in 2009 following the global financial crisis, aiming to amplify the voice of emerging economies in global governance. The bloc now includes ten countries—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE—with more expressing interest in joining.

·       Despite their differences, BRICS nations share a common belief that current global power structures disproportionately favor the U.S. However, countries like India are cautious about portraying BRICS as anti-Western.

·       At the Rio summit, BRICS leaders criticized unilateral tariffs and expressed concern over attacks on Iran’s civilian infrastructure. These positions were carefully worded to avoid direct confrontation, underscoring the bloc’s diplomatic balancing act.

International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)

• Recent Development

CTBC Bank, the largest private bank in Taiwan, has applied to establish an IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, under the regulatory purview of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

• Overview

IFSCA is a statutory regulatory body established under the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019. It serves as a unified authority for overseeing financial products, services, and institutions within India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC).

The primary objectives of the IFSCA include fostering international financial integration, catering to the evolving requirements of the Indian economy, and providing a globally competitive platform for financial operations.

Prior to the formation of IFSCA, financial regulation in IFSCs was undertaken by domestic regulators such as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

• Institutional Structure

Headquartered at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat—the country’s first operational IFSC—the Authority comprises nine members appointed by the central government. These include:

• The Chairperson,
• One representative each from RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA,
• Two representatives from the Ministry of Finance,
• Two additional members recommended by a selection committee.

Each member serves a term of three years, with the possibility of reappointment.

Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

• Recent Issue

Reports have surfaced of buffaloes grazing freely in restricted sections of the Pong Wildlife Sanctuary in Samkehar, Bathu, and Panalath, indicating non-compliance with sanctuary regulations.

• Sanctuary Profile

Pong Dam Lake, also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar, is a man-made reservoir situated on the Beas River in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district. The reservoir was formed following the construction of the Pong Dam in 1975, the tallest earth-fill dam in India.

Spanning approximately 245 sq. km., the sanctuary encompasses both the water body and its surrounding wetlands. It was recognized as a Ramsar site in 2002, signifying its international ecological importance.

• Biodiversity
• Flora: The region supports submerged vegetation, grasslands, and forests with species such as eucalyptus, acacia, and shisham.
• Fauna: Located on a major migratory flyway, the sanctuary hosts over 220 avian species, including 54 types of waterfowl like bar-headed geese, pintails, pochards, and cormorants. Terrestrial fauna include sambar, barking deer, wild boar, nilgai, clawless otter, and leopards.

Blackbuck Conservation

• Population Decline

Wildlife authorities have acknowledged a sharp decline in the blackbuck population at Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary in Punjab.

• Species Overview

Scientific Name: Antilope cervicapra.
The blackbuck is native to India and Nepal and primarily inhabits grasslands and open scrub areas. It is the state animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.

• Physical Characteristics

Males exhibit dark brown or black fur with white underparts and ringed spiral horns. Females are lighter in color and have smaller, non-spiraled horns. Blackbucks are agile runners with keen vision, making them well-adapted to evade predators.

• Conservation Status

• IUCN: Least Concern
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix III

• Abohar Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in Punjab, the sanctuary spans land owned by 13 Bishnoi villages.
Flora includes species like Acacia nilotica and Albizia lebbeck, while fauna includes wild boars, blue bulls, porcupines, and jackals.

Bhadrakali Lake

• Current Concern

Environmental activists have raised objections to the proposed development of an island within Bhadrakali Lake, citing concerns about shrinking water levels.

• Lake Characteristics

Located in Warangal, Telangana, Bhadrakali Lake is an artificial reservoir believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva in the 12th century. Covering an area of around 32 acres and extending approximately 2 km, the lake is linked to the Maneru Dam via the Kakatiya Canal.

The Bhadrakali Temple, situated on an island in the lake, dates back to the 7th century (Chalukyan period) and is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Durga.

Akash Missile System

• Geopolitical Development

India''s defense export ambitions suffered a setback following Brazil''s reported withdrawal from talks to acquire the Akash missile system.

• System Overview

The Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed indigenously by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).

• Technical Features

• Propelled by a solid-fuel ramjet, it achieves speeds of Mach 2.5 to 3.5.
• Operational range: 4.5–25 km; effective altitude: up to 18 km.
• Equipped with a 60 kg conventional or nuclear-capable warhead.
• Uses command guidance and an advanced autopilot system.
• The Rajendra phased array radar (3D PESA) is a critical component, capable of electronically scanning and tracking multiple targets.
• Can operate in both autonomous and group modes, with ECCM capabilities.
• Designed for mobile deployment, with a fully automated response mechanism.

Cloud Seeding

• Context

In the aftermath of severe floods in Texas, public concerns have emerged regarding the environmental implications of cloud seeding.

• Scientific Overview

Cloud seeding involves the intentional introduction of substances such as silver iodide or dry ice into clouds to stimulate precipitation. First trialed in 1946 by Vincent J. Schaefer, the method has since been deployed using aircraft, rockets, and ground-based systems.

Depending on cloud temperatures, either ice or condensation nuclei are formed, initiating raindrop formation. Though widely studied, debates persist about its environmental safety and effectiveness.

BRICS Grouping

• Recent Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump recently threatened to impose 10% tariffs on countries affiliated with the BRICS bloc, following the 2025 summit in Rio de Janeiro. The move underscores growing geopolitical friction surrounding the group’s initiatives to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.

• Background and Objectives

BRICS—originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010—aims to promote inclusive global governance, economic cooperation among developing nations, and reform of institutions like the UN, IMF, and WTO.

• Expansion and Influence

The group has expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, and the UAE. Together, BRICS nations now account for 45% of the global population and 28% of global GDP.

• New Development Bank (NDB)

The NDB was established in 2015 following the 2014 BRICS summit in Fortaleza. Headquartered in Shanghai, the bank finances infrastructure and sustainable development projects in developing countries. Membership is open to all UN states, though BRICS nations must retain a minimum 55% voting share, and no country holds veto power.

Plague

• Public Health Alert

A resident of northern Arizona has died of pneumonic plague, marking the first such fatality in the area in 18 years.

• Disease Profile

Plague is a zoonotic bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. It is primarily transmitted through flea bites from infected animals. Though rare today, plague persists in rural regions of the U.S., Africa, and Asia.

• Types of Plague

• Bubonic: Affects lymph nodes.
• Septicemic: Spreads to the bloodstream.
• Pneumonic: Infects the lungs and is the most lethal form if untreated.

Prompt administration of antibiotics is essential, as untreated cases—especially pneumonic—can be fatal.

Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)

• Repositioning for the Future

STPI is reorienting its mission to support India’s next phase of digital transformation.

• Organizational Overview

Established in 1991 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), STPI promotes software exports and facilitates regulatory compliance for IT/ITES companies through schemes like STP and EHTP.

• Key Functions and Initiatives
• Provides ready-to-use IT infrastructure and office space.
• Enables duty-free import of capital goods for software export.
• Assists in export regulation compliance and tax advisory.
• Promotes start-ups through Centres of Entrepreneurship (CoEs) and the Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS).