Articles Covered

1. PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS BHARAT RATNA
2. AMRUT Scheme
3. Closing ceremony of the International Year of Millets 2023 took place at the FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy in a hybrid set up
4. Huge crater in Gujarat could be from meteor that hit Indus Valley Civilisation: Study
5. Celebrating exemplary role of Seafarers in Maritime Sector: Weeklong National Maritime Celebrations begins with pinning of the first “Merchant Navy Flag on PM’s lapel
6. Western Ghats in Gujarat record 119% rise in soil erosion in 30 years: IIT-B study
7. X-Class Solar Flares
8. Water woes in Kerala’s wetland
9. On sustainable building materials
10. Eco-Niwas Samhita
11. district election management plan

PRESIDENT OF INDIA PRESENTS BHARAT RATNA

• The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented Bharat Ratna at an Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan today (March 30, 2024). She conferred Bharat Ratna upon:
  • Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao posthumously. On behalf of the late Shri P. V. Narasimha Rao, Bharat Ratna was received by Shri P.V. Prabhakar Rao, his son.
  • Former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh posthumously. On behalf of the late Chaudhary Charan Singh, Bharat Ratna was received by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, his grandson.
  • M.S. Swaminathan posthumously. On behalf of the late Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Bharat Ratna was received by Dr. Nitya Rao, his daughter.
  • Shri Karpoori Thakur posthumously. On behalf of the late Shri Karpoori Thakur, Bharat Ratna was received by Shri Ramnath Thakur, his son.
• The Bharat Ratna Award is the highest civilian honour of India, conferred for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. The award was instituted in 1954 and consists of a certificate, a peepal leaf-shaped medallion, and no monetary grant. The recipients of the award rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence.
• Government of India has announced that the following five eminent personalities will be posthumously awarded theBharat Ratna in 2024:

BHARAT RATNA IN 2024 Karpoori Thakur: He was a socialist leader and a two-time Chief Minister of Bihar. Widely regarded as the ‘Jan Nayak’ (people’s hero) and a champion of the backward classes. Implemented the first reservation policy for the most backward castes in Bihar in 1978. Enforced total prohibition of alcohol and established many educational institutions in the state. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his outstanding contributions to social justice and empowerment. Lal Krishna Advani: He was a veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served as the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. Initiated several reforms in the fields of security, defence, and media. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his monumental contributions to the development of India and his distinguished service in various capacities. P.V. Narasimha Rao: 9th PM OF INDIA- first from south Widely hailed as the Father of economic reforms in India, as he initiated the liberalisation and globalisation of the Indian economy in 1991. Steered the country through several challenges, such as the balance of payments crisis, the Babri Masjid demolition, and the insurgency in Kashmir. He was also a scholar, polyglot, and author of several books. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his visionary leadership and his multifaceted legacy as a leader who transformed India. Chaudhary Charan Singh: He was the fifth Prime Minister of India and a prominent leader of the farmers. A staunch advocate of farmers’ rights and rural development. Introduced several policies and schemes for the welfare of the peasantry and the poor. Resisted the Emergency and upheld the values of democracy. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his incomparable contribution to the country and his unwavering dedication to the welfare of farmers. M.S. Swaminathan: He was a renowned agricultural scientist and the chief architect of the Green Revolution in India. He introduced high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which increased the food production and saved millions from famine. Made significant contributions to the fields of biodiversity, biotechnology, and environmental conservation. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna for his pivotal role in ensuring India’s food security and prosperity and his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor.

AMRUT Scheme

• It was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on 25th June 2015, in 500 selected cities and towns across the country.
• It focuses on development of basic infrastructure in the selected cities and towns in the sectors of water supply, sewerage and septage management, storm water drainage, green spaces and parks, and non-motorized urban transport.
• A set of Urban Reforms and Capacity Building have been included in the mission.
• AMRUT Mission has been subsumed under AMRUT 2.0, which was launched on 01st October, 2021.
• AMRUT 2.0, which was launched for a period of five years, from the financial year 2021-22 to the financial year 2025-26, is designed to provide universal coverage of water supply through functional taps to all households in all the statutory towns in the country and coverage of sewerage/septage management in 500 cities covered in the first phase of the AMRUT scheme.
• AMRUT 2.0 will promote a circular economy of water through the development of City Water Balance Plan (CWBP) for each city focusing on recycle/reuse of treated sewage, the rejuvenation of water bodies, and water conservation.
• It will help cities to identify scope for projects focusing on universal coverage of functional water tap connections, water source conservation, rejuvenation of water bodies and wells, recycle/reuse of treated used water, and rainwater harvesting.
• Based on the projects identified in CWBP, Mission envisages making cities ‘water secure’ through a circular economy of water.
• The mission also has a reform agenda on ease of living of citizens through reduction of non-revenue water, recycle of treated used water, rejuvenation of water bodies, augmenting double entry accounting system, urban planning, strengthening urban finance etc.
• Other components of AMRUT 2.0 are:

1. Pey Jal Survekshan to ascertain equitable distribution of water, reuse of wastewater, mapping of water bodies, and promote healthy competition among the cities /towns.
2. Technology Sub-Mission for water to leverage latest global technologies in the field of water.
3. Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to spread awareness among the masses about conservation of water.

The total indicative outlay for AMRUT 2.0 is ₹2,99,000 crore including Central share of ₹76,760 crore for five years.

Closing ceremony of the International Year of Millets 2023 took place at the FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy in a hybrid set up

• Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare graced the global occasion along with various esteemed dignitaries from renowned international organizations and delivered keynote address highlighting India’s achievements in the global campaign of the superfood

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) organized closing ceremony of the International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 on 29 March 2024 at the FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy.

• The high-level hybrid event that allowed participants to join both in-person and virtually and was graced by esteemed dignitaries from various parts of the world, including Additional Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Smt. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi from Govt. of India.

1. Additional Secretary, Smt. Maninder Kaur Dwivedi, from Govt. of India, underscored the significance of India’s thriving Millet ecosystem comprising various Start-Ups, Industries, FPOs, in increasing promotion and adoption of millets.
2. Director-General, FAO, Dr. QU Dongyu in his opening remarks at the official closing ceremony, commended the international community for their commitment to advancing millet-related initiatives and emphasized the crucial role of millets in achieving food security and nutrition for all.
3. Minister and Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to FAO Mr. Yaya Adisa Olaitan Olaniran shed light on the significance of millets and outlined strategies for integrating millet cultivation into sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria.

Further in the ceremony, attendees were treated to a captivating video showcasing the diverse range of activities and events organized under the International Year of Millets 2023 across different regions, fostering the global reach and impact of the initiative.

• The ceremony came to a close with the concluding remarks of Deputy Director-General FAO Ms. Beth Bechdol expressing gratitude to all participants for their unwavering commitment and dedication to the success of the International Year of Millets 2023 and highlighting the importance of sustaining momentum in promoting millets beyond the designated year.
• Following a proposal by India, backed by more than 70 countries, the United Nations General Assembly, at its 75th session in March 2021, declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
• The year-long celebration successfully raised awareness about the nutritional and health benefits of millet consumption, the suitability of millets for cultivation under adverse and changing climatic conditions, and the benefits of creating sustainable market opportunities for producers and consumers.

The closing ceremony served as a forum to take stock of the accomplishments of, and lessons learned from, IYM 2023 and identify priorities for future investments, particularly to address identified constraints and strengthen millets value chains.

The event showcased a series of insightful discussions and presentations underscoring the importance of millets in achieving sustainable development goals and its emergence as ‘Global Superfood’. Director, ICAR-IIMR Dr. C Tara Satyavathi shared insights into India’s R&D endeavours to develop a robust Millets value chain at a Roundtable Discussion on ‘Research and Development for the Millets Sector,’ a significant side event convened as part of #IYMClosingCeremony,

A special exhibition featuring showcase of millet-value added products from across the world and a live cooking were also organized.

Millets Millets are a highly varied group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food.  This crop is favoured due to its productivity and short growing season under dry, high-temperature conditions (hardy and drought-resistant crops). Millets are a powerhouse of nutrients, which score over rice and wheat in terms of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibre content, as well as amino acid profile.  Though rich in both iron and zinc, wheat’s protein content comprises glutens, known to trigger gastrointestinal and autoimmune disorders in many people. Bajra (pearl millet), on the other hand, has iron, zinc, and protein levels comparable to that of wheat, but it’s gluten-free and has more fibre and which significantly addresses the problem of “hidden hunger.”  Status of millets in India They were among the first crops to be domesticated in India with several evidence of its consumption during the Indus valley civilization. In India, millets are primarily a kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs than other similar staples. The main millet-growing states in India are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh millets lag Rice and wheat no longer remain aspirational foods. Thanks to the Green Revolution and the National Food Security Act of 2013. Millets are not the first choice either of consumers or of farmers.  For farmers, low per-hectare yields (1 tonne for jowar, 1.5 for bajra and 1.7 for ragi, as against 3.5 tonnes for wheat and 4 tonnes for paddy) are a disincentive. Also, access to assured irrigation, made farmers switch to rice, wheat, sugarcane, or cotton. For consumers, the gluten proteins make the wheat dough more cohesive and elastic and the resultant breads come out light and fluffy, which isn’t the case with bajra or jowar.  Steps taken in India to promote millets Pusa-1201: A hybrid bajra that gives an average grain yield of over 2.8 tonnes and potential of 4.5 tonnes per hectare. It matures in 78-80 days and is resistant to downy mildew and blast, both deadly fungal diseases. Recognising the enormous potential of Millets, which also aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Government of India (in 2018), Rebranded Millets as “Nutri Cereals” Declared 2018 as the National Year of Millets, aiming at larger promotion and demand generation

Huge crater in Gujarat could be from meteor that hit Indus Valley Civilisation: Study

The Luna structure in Kutch in Gujarat is most likely caused by a meteor impact that would have affected the Indus Valley Civilisation.

• Recently, a new study suggested that Luna Crater (1.8-kilometre-wide)in Gujaratmay have been caused by the largest meteorite to strike the planet in the last 50,000 years.

1. Supported by:Geochemical analysis at the site showed a high proportion of iridium in the soil.
2. It suggests that an iron meteorite probably impactedthe site.
3. Researchers also discovered othercharacteristics of meteors, like wüstite, kirschsteinite, hercynite and ulvöspinel.
4. Unaccepted by: Some scientists argue that whilegeochemical analysis could seem to match, it has not yet been conclusively proven that the Luna structure is a meteor crater.
5. To do that, the researchers will need to find super-heated rocksthat melted because of the energy of the impact.

Meteorite:

• It is asolid piece of debris from spacethat survives its passage through the Earth’s atmosphere and lands on the Earth’s surface.

Difference between Meteor, Meteorite and Meteoroid:

1. Meteoroids: These are objects in space that range in size from dust grains to small asteroids.
2. Meteors: When meteoroids enter the Earth’s atmosphere, they are called meteors.

Meteorites: If a meteoroid enters the Earth’s atmosphere and hits the ground, it is called a meteorite.

Significance of the Study:

1. Impact on Indus Valley civilization (IVC):The researchers dated the meteor impact to about 4,050 years ago in the area where people from the IVC lived thousands of years ago and got impacted. 
2. Severe Impacts:If it was a meteor impact, it would have created shockwaves that reached five kilometers away and wildfires that went even further.
3. The dust thrownup by the meteor would have dimmed the Sun for many days in what is now Gujarat.
4. It would have beenequivalent to a nuclear bomb, but without the radioactive fallout.

Celebrating exemplary role of Seafarers in Maritime Sector: Weeklong National Maritime Celebrations begins with pinning of the first “Merchant Navy Flag on PM’s lapel

• To commemorate the occasion, the flag was pinned on lapel of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi by Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Weeklong celebrations being planned by Directorate General of Shipping to commemorate sailing of the first Indian flag vessel “SS Loyalty” on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London in the year 1919. 61^st National Maritime Day Celebrations will be held across the country, spanning major ports

Gearing up for a weeklong celebration of National Maritime Day starting April 5, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, was honored with the ‘Merchant Navy Flag,’ pinned on his lapel by Shri TK Ramachandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of Shri Shyam Jagannathan, Director General of Shipping, and other senior officials in New Delhi on 29 March 2024. Additionally, a memento was presented to the Prime Minister.

The significance of this celebration lies in honoring the services of seafarers and commemorating a proud moment in India’s maritime history. The National Maritime Week, spanning from March 29, 2023, to April 5, 2023, pays tribute to the invaluable contributions of seafarers. It also marks the historic voyage of the first Indian Steamship, “S.S. LOYALTY,” of M/s. Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., Mumbai, which ventured into international waters on her maiden voyage from Mumbai to London (UK) on this day in 1919, now marked as “National Maritime Day.”

During his address, Shri TK Ramachandran emphasized the pivotal role Indian seafarers play in sustaining the global supply chain. He reiterated that the National Maritime Week celebrations are a tribute to these unsung heroes of the sea. The gesture of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, proudly wearing the Merchant Navy flag, signals the commencement of this week-long celebration.

National Maritime Day Celebrations will be held across the country, spanning major ports such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kandla, Visakhapatnam, as well as intermediary, minor, and inland water ports in various states and Union Territories. These celebrations serve to highlight the remarkable progress achieved by the Indian Maritime Industry since independence, underscoring its significant contributions to our national GDP.

In recognition of the invaluable service and pivotal role played by our seafarers in advancing shipping and fostering the nation’s prosperity, a series of week-long events will be organized. These events include the Merchant Navy Flag Day, seminars, medical camps, blood donation drives, and a poignant Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor the sailors who sacrificed their lives during the first and second world wars.

Central to these celebrations is the Main Function held annually on April 5th. This event serves as a focal point for commemorating the achievements of our maritime industry and paying homage to the courageous sailors who have served our nation with unwavering dedication.

Over the last 9 years, the number of seafarers has increased by 140%. In 2014, the total count of active Indian Seafarers was 117,090 which are 280,000 in 2023. Under the Maritime India Vision 2030, India aspires to emerge as a premier seafaring nation by establishing world-class standards in education, research, and training within the maritime sector. India is a signatory to both the STCW Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC). Indian seafarers occupy 12% of international seafaring jobs, and the Maritime Vision 2030 recommends that this figure reach 20% by 2030.

Western Ghats in Gujarat record 119% rise in soil erosion in 30 years: IIT-B study

A recent study has raised concerns about the alarming rate of soil erosion occurring in the Western Ghats Region (WGR).

• Methodology of the Study: The IIT-Bombay study was conducted using data from LANDSAT-8, Digital Elevation Model (DEM), and rainfall records to estimate soil loss rates using the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) method.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Soil Erosion Statistics: The study reveals a 94% increase in soil erosion rates across the WGR between 1990 and 2020.
• Tamil Nadu and Gujarat: Portions of the WGR in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat registered 121% and 119% increase in soil erosion respectively since 1990.
• Kerala and Karnataka: They witnessed a concerning increase of 90% and 56% respectively.
• Goa: It displayed equally alarming trends, with a rise of 80% in soil erosion during the study period.
• Maharashtra: It saw a substantial increase of 97%.
• The increasing rainfall erosivity factor during the subsequent years was a reason for the massive soil erosion.
• Climate change and unsustainable land use are accelerating soil erosion.
• Urgent action is needed to minimize human impact and ramp up conservation efforts.

Soil erosion

• Soil erosion is the process by which soil is removed from the Earth’s surface by exogenetic processes such as wind or water flow, and then transported and deposited in other locations.

Western Ghats Region (WGR):

• Geographical Extent: The WGR is spread across six Indian states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: It is a biodiversity hotspot of global importance recognized by UNESCO in 2012.
• Soil: Red soils are typically found on the western side of the Ghats where the slopes are steep and the rainfall is high. These soils are rich in iron and aluminium oxides and are typically clayey in texture.
• Significance: They moderate the tropical climate of the region by intercepting the southwest monsoon leading to an orographic rainfall region, thus providing for a non-equatorial tropical evergreen forest ecosystem.

Status in India:

1. According to the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, 146.8 million hectares, around 30% of the soil in India is degraded.
2. Of this, around 29% is lost to the sea, 61% is transferred from one place to another, and 10% is deposited in reservoirs.
3. Since the 20th century, soil degradation has accelerated due to man-made factors like mining, deforestation, overgrazing, monoculture farming, excessive tillage, and the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Natural Causes of Soil Erosion:

1. Strong Winds: Heavy windsremove dry tiny earth particles, which is a typical problem in semi-arid regions leading to desertification.
2. Climate change: Abnormal rainfalls or temperatureleaps destroy the field surface. It leads to stunted vegetation growth that reduces field cover and exposes it to rains and winds.
3. Rainfall and Flooding:Excessive rains wash away topsoil particles, while large raindrops hit the field surface and destroy it with heavy splashes. 
4. Running currentsduring floods is another cause of soil erosion.
5. Wildfires: Trees and shrubs slow down water run-offs. When forests or buffer zones are destroyed by wildfires, water streams have no obstacles in their way.

Anthropogenic causes of Soil Erosion:

Unscientific Agricultural Practices:

1. Tilling or Ploughing: It increases the chances of erosion because it disturbs the natural soil surface and protective vegetation.
2. Continuous cropping: Continuous cropping of the same land and extension of cultivation of marginal and sub-marginal lands encourages soil erosion.
3. Cultivation on mountain slopes: Without appropriate land treatment measures such as bounding, terracing and trenching, it can cause soil erosion and loss of soil nutrients.
4. Monoculture: It includes the practice of planting of the same variety of crop in the field.
5. Overgrazing: Trampling and grazing by cattle destroys the vegetation of the area.  In the absence of adequate vegetative cover, the land becomes highly susceptible to both wind and water erosion.
6. Economic Activities: The extraction of useful natural resources such as metals, minerals and fossil fuels etc., from the land causes serious disturbance to the land leading to soil erosion and drastic changes in the landscape.
7. Developmental Activities: Soil erosion may also occur because of various developmental activities such as housing, transport, communication, recreation, etc.

Types of Soil Erosion: Soil erosion is broadly categorized into different types depending on the agent which triggers the erosion activity. 

1. Geologic Erosion: Geologic erosion sometimes referred to as natural or normal erosion represents erosion under the cover of vegetation. It includes soil as well as soil eroding processes that maintain the soil in favourable balance, suitable for the growth of most plants.
2. The rate of erosion is so slow that the loss of soil is compensated by the formation of new soil under natural weathering processes.
3. Wind Erosion: Wind erosion is most often witnessed in dry areas wherein strong winds brush against various landforms, cutting through them and loosening the soil particles, which are lifted and transported towards the direction in which the wind blows.  Ex-Sand dunes and mushroom rocks structures, typically found in deserts.
4. Water Erosion: In water erosion, the water acts as an agent to dislodge and transport the eroded soil particle from one location to another.

Impact of Soil Erosion: In India almost 130 million hectares of land, i.e. 45 % of total geographical surface area, is affected by serious soil erosion through gorge and gully, shifting cultivation, cultivated wastelands, sandy areas, deserts and water logging. Its major impacts include:

1. Effects of Soil Erosion on Agriculture:  Eroded farmlands degrade and become unsuitable for agricultural activities.
2. Soil organic matter content in most cropland soils of north western India and elsewhere is often less than 0.5%. This leads to low and stagnating crop yields.
3. Soil organic matter (SOM) can be defined as organic materials found in soil that are, or have been, part of living organisms.
4. Losses of Topsoil:  Topsoil is the richest earth’s layer with organic matter and nutrients, so its removal by water or wind worsens field fertility.
5. It can take 500 to 1,000 years for one inch of topsoil—the upper layer of soil containing the most organic matter and microorganism to form.
6. As of 2017, the country saw an average soil erosion rate of 16.35 tonnes per hectare per year, a rate significantly higher than the 2020 global average of just 2.4 tonnes per hectare per year.
7. Soil erosion has always occurred naturally, but today, topsoil loss from erosion due to agriculture surpasses the rate of soil formation.
8. Soil Acidification: A lack of organic matter may increase field acidity, which slows down crop development and exposes farmlands to water and wind.
9. Losses In Planting Material:  Water streams or dust storms take away seeds from the fields and destroy seedlings, which results in crop losses and decreases farmers’ profits.
10. Water Pollution: Soil erosion leads to sedimentation and contamination of water bodies with chemical substances from the fields, which, in turn, spoils the quality of irrigation water.
11. Environmental Impact of Soil Erosion: Soil erosion leads to decay in aquatic inhabitants and plants, biodiversity loss, sedimentation, etc.
12. Frequent Flooding Events: When forests are converted into pastures or fields, it leads to frequent flooding and these areas also lose their infiltration properties, which also contributes to flooding and waterlogging.
13. Loss of Biodiversity: Eroded lands have sparse vegetation and become completely bare over time. It leads to decay in local flora and fauna leading to ecosystem imbalance.
14. Reduced Greenhouse Gases Sequestration: Vegetation and trees are great carbon dioxide storage, but eroded lands can hardly support their growth.
15. Soils could potentially sequester enough greenhouse gases in a year to equal about 5% of all annual human-made GHG emissions.

Government Initiatives taken to Prevent Soil Erosion in India:

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana: Under this, the Reclamation of Problem Soils has been started as a sub-scheme to assist in the reclamation of lands affected by alkalinity, salinity, and acidity.
• NABARD Loan- Soil & Water Conservation Scheme under RIDF:It aims to enhance the productivity of agriculture and its allied activities and in small river valleys, thereby improving the socio-economic set up of the people in the rural areas.
• Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana 2.0: It aims to accelerate the economic growth rate of rainfed areas agriculture.
• Watershed Development Project in Shifting Cultivation Areas (WDPSCA):It aims to protect hill slopes of jhum areas through soil and water conservation measures on a watershed basis.

Management/ Prevention of Soil Erosion:

• Crops Production on Suitable Lands: Some terrains are extremely prone to erosive processes, so they should not be used for farming without certain preventive measures to mitigate the risks.
• Besides, each field type requires specific management to protect soil from erosion.
• Terracing And Contour Farming: Terrace farming is used to grow crops on steep hills. Contour farming decreases soil erosion because plants absorb water and ridges stop it from flowing, which mitigates the destruction risks.
• Plants with strong roots also fix the land and prevent it from sliding down the slope.
• Plant Vegetation: Planting crops help prevent soil erosion by ensuring continuous ground cover, while leaving the field bare promotes erosive processes. Provide soil cover in between the growing season with crop rotation and cover crop practices.
• Besides, crop rotation reduces soil erosion by fixing the land with alternatively planted deep-rooted crops. Additionally, sequences of high vegetation protect fields from the wind.
• The vegetation cover over sandy soils should be kept above 30%. Access of wind to the soil should be controlled byleaving the stubble or mulch on the soil.
• Mulching:Mulches like straw, dried weeds, or agro textiles don’t only protect the field from rains and wind but retain soil moisture, which protects the earth from cracking.
• Decomposed mulches of biological origin add nutrients and organic matter to the field, boosting fertility and improving its structure.
• No-Till or Minimum Tillage: Reduction of farmland disturbance in the no-till approach can help reduce soil erosion. When soil aggregates and ground cover remain nearly untouched, erosive processes develop slowly.
• Rotational Grazing: When livestock grazes in the same place for a long time, it eats up nearly all vegetation. In turn, ground cover loss often provokes erosion.
• Thus, it is important to let the grazed areas regenerate by moving the cattle to other pastures.
• Drip Irrigation:Dripping systems supply tiny water drops to plant roots at the surface or underground without any destruction risks.
• Preventing Coastal Erosion: For this, protective vegetation along the beaches should be re-established.
• The dunes and the coastal system must not be disturbed. Further, construction of buildings and other development should be located behind the dune system.
• Preventing Stream Bank Erosion: For this, runoff water should be stored in the catchment by maintaining vegetation cover and as by constructing dams for storing water.

X-Class Solar Flares

• Flares are classified according to their strength. The smallest ones are B-class, followed by C, M, and X, the largest.
• Similar to the Richter scale for earthquakes, each letter represents a ten-fold increase in energy output.
• So, an X is 10 times an M and 100 times a C.
• Within each letter class, there is a finer scale from 1 to 9.
• C-class flares are too weak to noticeably affect Earth. M-class flares can cause brief radio blackouts at the poles and minor radiation storms that might endanger astronauts.
• The biggest X-class flares are by far the largest explosions in our solar system.
• X-class flares are most common during solar maximum.

Effect of Solar Flare on Earth:

1. The intense radiation emitted during a solar flare can affect satellite communications, disrupt radio signals, and even pose a risk to astronauts in space.
2. Additionally, the increased solar radiation can lead to geomagnetic storms, which may impact power grids and cause auroras (northern and southern lights) at lower latitudes.

GEOMAGNETIC STORMS

1. A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth’s magnetosphere. These storms result from variations in the solar wind that produces significant changes in the currents, plasmas, and fields in Earth’s magnetosphere.
2. The solar wind conditions that are effective for creating geomagnetic storms are sustained (for several hours) periods of the high-speed solar wind and a southward-directed solar wind magnetic field (opposite the direction of Earth’s field) at the dayside of the magnetosphere.
3. The largest such storms are associated with solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs), where a billion tons or so of plasma from the sun, with its embedded magnetic field, arrives at Earth.

Water woes in Kerala’s wetland

Kuttanad region, famous for cultivating paddy below the sea level, is reeling under a severe drinking water crisis caused by water pollution, high salinity, and changing weather patterns. Hiran Unnikrishnan and Sam Paul A. travel to the region that spans 62 grama panchayats in Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta districts to understand the issue up-close

Kuttanad, Kerala, known for idyllic backwaters, rivers, canals, and vast paddy fields, faces the alarming consequences of changing weather patterns.

1. The people of the region are facing fluctuating weather patterns, alternating between torrential downpours and drought, and intrusion of saline water from the sea.
2. Another serious concern is the drinking water problem caused by water pollution, high salinity, and drought.

Kuttanad Wetland System:

1. Part of Vembanad Wetland:It is a unique wetland complex in central Kerala and is part of the larger Vembanad Kol wetland ecosystem, which is a “Ramsar Site”.
2. Vembanad Lakeis one of the largest brackish-water lakes, which flows into the Lakshadweep Sea at Kochi.

A narrow sand ridge that runs parallel to Vembanad Lake with numerous inlets, both seasonal and permanent (known in Malayalam as ‘azhi’ and ‘pozhi’), separates Kuttanad and the Lakshadweep Sea.

• Unique Agriculture System: Kuttanad Wetland Agriculture System is unique, as it is theonly system in India that favors rice cultivation below sea level in the land created by draining delta swamps in brackish waters.
• As an approach to cope with the imminent climate impacts in coastal areas and evolve efficient methods it aims to deal with soil availability and floods issues in agriculture.
• Recognition: The farming system was declared aGlobally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) over a decade ago.
• A Fragmented Landscape: The Kuttanad system is a complex mosaic of fragmented agricultural landscapes divided in three structures:
• Wetlandsused for paddy activities and fish catching
• Garden landsused for coconut, tubers and food crops plantation
• Water areasused as inland fishing and shells

Globally Important Agricultural Heritage systems (GIAHS):

1. In order to safeguard and support the world’s agricultural heritage systems,the Food and Agriculture Organization started an initiative for the identification and the dynamic conservation of GIAHS in  
2. These traditional agricultural systems represent models of sustainable agricultural production.

Three recognised GIAHS sites in India:

1. Kuttanad Below Sea Level Farming System of Kerala
2. Koraput Traditional Agriculture of Odisha
3. Pampore Saffron Heritage of Kashmir

Ramsar Sites:

1. Establishment: A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention (also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands’), an intergovernmental environmental treaty established byUNESCO in 1971, and named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed that year.
2. Identification: Ramsar recognition is the identification of wetlands which are of international importance, especially if they provide habitat to waterfowl (about 180 species of birds).
3. First Ramsar Site in India: Chilika Lake in Orissa and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan.
4. Largest Ramsar Site in India: Sundarbans in West Bengal

On sustainable building materials

Why is addressing energy inefficiency in residential buildings important? What is Residential Envelope Transmittance Value? Why are Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks the optimal building material with respect to embodied energy and construction time?

India is witnessing an unprecedented construction boom, with over 3,00,000 housing units manufactured annually that poses significant environmental challenges. 

1. High Energy User Sector: The building sector, a major energy consumer, accounts for over 33% of India’s electricity usage,contributing to environmental degradation and climate change.
2. Increasing Demand: Also, theIndia Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) forecasts an eight-fold increase in cooling demand between 2017 and 2037, emphasizing the need for thermal comfort while reducing active cooling demand. 
3. ICAP supports the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives and promotes energy efficiencyduring the hydrochlorofluorocarbons phase-out.

Initiatives taken by the Government for Energy-efficient Construction Sector:

1. The Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) and the Residential Energy Conservation Building Code.
2. The ENS introduces the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV), a metric measuring heat transfer through a building’s envelope.
3. Lower RETV values lead to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage.
4. For optimal efficiency, improved occupant comfort, and lower utility expenses, an RETV of 15W/m2 or less is recommended.

Optimal Construction Materials:

1. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks
2. Red Bricks
3. Fly Ash
4. Monolithic Concrete (Mivan)

RETV Evaluation for the Construction Materials:

1. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Blocks: They consistently had thelowest RETV across all climatic conditions, indicating their potential as a thermally efficient material. They have lower embodied energy compared to monolithic concrete and red bricks, while still contributing to emissions and waste.
2. AAC blocks offer a better balance between embodied energy and construction timethan red bricks and monolithic concrete.
3. Embodied energy is the energy associated with the manufacturing of a product.
4. Monolithic Concrete (Mivan): Despite its quick construction time, it presents the highest embodied energy (an embodied energy 75 times greater than AAC), significant environmental impact, and sustainability challenges. 
5. Despite concerns about sustainability, it was favored by building developers for itsspeed, strength, quality, and scalability.
6. Over 60% of buildings under design and construction phases opt for it, especially in high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.
7. It offered faster construction of buildings compared to traditional masonry work, particularly for taller structures.
8. Red Bricks: For estimated construction time for a 100 sq. ft room, red bricks required the longest time.
9. They exhibit moderate embodied energy, contributing to resource depletion, emissions, and waste.

Way Forward:

• Interdisciplinary Collaborations:Collaborations with sustainability experts is a need to unlock the potential for a sustainable built environment.
• Example: For integrated design and optimise strategies like building orientation, Window Wall Ratio (WWR), U-value (rate of heat transfer) of walls, roofs and window assemblies, glazing performance, active cooling systems, etc.
• Innovation:Sustainable construction requires innovation from building materials manufacturers to develop cost-effective, scalable, durable, fire-resistant solutions with superior thermal performance and climate resilience.
• Knowledge and Awareness: There is a need to have more widespread knowledge about climate-appropriate design and architecture.

Eco-Niwas Samhita

• It is a Residential Energy Conservation Building code developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• The code sets standards to limit heat gain and loss and ensure adequate natural ventilation and daylighting potential.
• It was launched in two parts

1. ENS 2018 (Part 1) sets minimum standards for building envelope designs for energy-efficient residential buildings.
2. ENS Part 2 launched by the Bureau as ENS 2021 focuses on the building’s code compliance and electromechanical systems. It also addresses other aspects such as, Energy Efficiency in Electro-Mechanical Equipment for Building Operation, Renewable Energy Generation, Embodied Energy of Walling Materials and Structural Systems.

district election management plan

• The conduct of elections has become increasingly complex and multifaceted, requiring meticulous planning and execution to ensure a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process. A cornerstone of this planning process is the DEMP, a comprehensive document that uses statistics and analysis to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
• As per the Election Commission of India, the DEMP is to be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day.
• However, many things become clearer as the election is notified, so it becomes necessary to revise/update the plan occasionally.
• Executing the DEMP requires a collaborative effort involving election officials, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies etc. Regular interactions with political parties and media are also planned to brief them on electoral rules.

With the increasingly complex and multifaceted conduct of elections, the District Election Management Plan (DEMP) can be one of the possible solutions to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.

District Election Management Plan (DEMP):

1. DEMP is a comprehensive document that uses statistics and analysis to ensure the smooth conduct of elections.
2. Preparation: As per the Election Commission of India, the DEMP is to be prepared at least six months before the tentative poll day.
3. However, as the election is notified, it becomes necessary to revise the plan occasionally.
4. Execution: It requires a collaborative effort involving election officials, administrative authorities, law enforcement agencies etc.
5. Regular interactions with political parties and media are also planned to brief them on electoral rules.

Key Elements of DEMP:

• District Profiling: It is the foundation of the electoral strategy which includes a political map outlining constituencies, key demographic and infrastructure statistics, a brief on the district’s administrative setup and socio-economic features.
• Availability and Accessibility of Polling Stations: The detailed strategies deal with improving the availability and accessibility of polling stations, ensuring that all stations have essential facilities like ramps, electricity, lighting, drinking water, toilets, and internet connectivity.
• Special attention is given to voters with disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens through help desks, 24/7 control rooms, home voting options, and advanced postal ballot voting for essential service personnel.
• Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Plan: It focuses on increasing electoral participation by analysing voter turnout data and taking actions accordingly to address these issues.
• It includes the use of social media, engagement with community organisations, and organising events leading up to the poll day to increase awareness and participation.
• Force Deployment Plan (FDP): The FDP requires detailed planning in coordination with the district police, including vulnerability mapping of polling stations based on past disturbances and voter turnout.
• It also includes training district-level teams to enforce the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and providing a training program for all election personnel to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge.
• Material Management: It involves procuring 61 essential items, including indelible ink, seals, stamps, stationary and statutory forms.
• Categorisation on Procurement: These items are categorized based on the level at which they are to be procured (State/U.T. or district level), with timelines ranging from two-to-three weeks to four months before the election.
• Management of Other Devices: Similarly, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) management is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process, with plans necessary for secure storage and availability of EVMs.
• Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) also include plans for transportation and maintenance.

Significance of DEMP:

1. Enhancement of the Voting Experience: By making it more organized and accessible for everyone.
2. A Lesson for Broader Governance: Its approach of meticulous planning, collaboration and transparency offers lessons for broader governance.
3. Tackle Challenges Effective: It emphasizes the importance of advanced planning, data-driven decisions, and stakeholder collaboration to tackle challenges effectively.