In News: Qatar has freed eight former Indian Navy veterans who had been sentenced to death on charges of espionage.

India – Qatar Bilateral Relations

High-level visits

• The diplomatic ties between India and Qatar have been amicable for several decades.
• In November 2008, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's historic visit marked the beginning of enhanced relations.
• In 2015, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, visited India, reciprocated by Prime Minister Modi's visit to Qatar in 2016.
• Sushma Swaraj, the late Indian Foreign Minister, made the first-ever visit by an Indian Foreign Minister to Qatar in 2018.

Bilateral trade

• In 2021, India ranked among the top four export destinations for Qatar and top three sources of its imports.
• India's imports from Qatar in FY2022-23 amounted to $16.81 billion, with LNG imports constituting $8.32 billion, accounting for 49.5%.
• Qatar stands as India's primary source of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• Indian exports to Qatar totaled $1.97 billion in FY2022-23, including cereals, copper articles, iron and steel articles, vegetables, fruits, spices, and processed food products.

LNG Supply Agreement

• In January 2024, India and Qatar extended their LNG supply agreement until 2048.
• Petronet, India's company, secured a landmark deal to annually purchase 7.5 million tonnes of LNG from Qatar starting in 2029.
• This agreement, considered the world's largest extension for liquefied natural gas, builds upon a 25-year contract initiated in 1999.

Defence co-operation

• Defence co-operation is a pivotal aspect of the India-Qatar relationship.
• The India-Qatar Defence Cooperation Agreement, signed in 2008 and extended in 2018, is crucial in strengthening ties.
• Indian Naval and Coast Guard ships regularly visit Qatar, and joint naval exercises like Zair Al Bahr have been conducted.

Indian migrants in Qatar

• Approximately 8 lakh Indian migrants reside in Qatar, contributing significantly to remittances back to India.
• In FY 2021-22, Qatar sent the eighth-highest amount of remittances among all countries.

Challenges in India – Qatar Bilateral Relations

• In June 2022, BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma's derogatory remarks about the Prophet on a TV show strained relations, prompting Qatar to demand a public apology.
• The Israeli bombardment of Gaza added complexities to the bilateral relationship, with Qatar's mediation efforts in the Middle East crisis.

Background of the present case

• In August 2022, eight former Indian Navy personnel were arrested in Qatar, working for Al Dahra Global Technologies and Consultancy Services.
• They were charged with spying for Israel, leading to death sentences in October 2023.
• In November 2023, India filed an appeal, and in December 2023, the Court of Appeal of Qatar commuted the death sentences to various prison terms.

Qatar frees 8 ex-Indian Navy men jailed on espionage charges

• The release of the Navy veterans underscores strong diplomatic ties and showcases India's influence on the global stage.
• It reaffirms the safety of Indian nationals abroad and bolsters bilateral relations, critical for the millions of Indians contributing to Gulf economies.

Source: IE

In News: A recent report, titled "Report Card on the Performance of Information Commissions (ICs) has unveiled concerning statistics across India. 

Key Highlights of the Report

Gender Disparity in Information Commissions

• Representation of Women
• A significant gender gap is evident, with only 9% of Information Commissioners nationwide being women.
• Leadership Roles
• Merely 5% of Information Commissions have been led by women, and currently, no female commissioner heads any commission.

States Without Female Commissioners

• Twelve Information Commissions, constituting around 41%, have never had a female commissioner. 
• These states include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.

Background of Information Commissioners

• Retired Government Officials
• Approximately 58% of Information Commissioners surveyed have a background as retired government officials.
• Legal Professionals
• Legal professionals, including lawyers or former judges, make up about 14% of Information Commissioners, contributing to the diversity of backgrounds.

Functioning of Information Commissions

• Case Disposal Rates
• Some Information Commissions return a significant number of cases without issuing orders, with the Central Information Commission and some State Information Commissions returning 41% of appeals or complaints.
• Low Disposal Rates
• Despite a high number of pending cases, some commissions exhibit low disposal rates per commissioner, indicating potential inefficiencies in case management.
• Vacancies and Appointments
• Timely and transparent appointments are lacking, leading to reduced capacity and chiefless Commissions.

Defunct Commissions

• The State Information Commissions of Jharkhand, Telangana, and Tripura are defunct due to the absence of new appointments, impacting their effectiveness.

Transparency Issues

• The functioning of Information Commissions is largely opaque, with only 8 out of 29 stating that their hearings are open to the public, raising transparency concerns.

Way Forward

• Ensure fair, transparent, and inclusive selection processes for commissioners, prioritizing representation for women and marginalized groups.
• Provide adequate resources and infrastructure to enhance case disposal rates and efficiency in line with RTI Act and Supreme Court norms.
• Address timely and transparent appointments, advertise vacancies widely, and revive defunct commissions to fill vacancies and ensure each IC is led by a chief commissioner.
• Enhance transparency and accountability through the publication of annual reports, disclosure of budgets and expenditures, and making hearings open for public attendance.

Source: TH

In News: GS – 2 Government Policies & Interventions GS- 3 Conservation Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Statutory Bodies

Major Provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024

Introduction

• The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, a cornerstone of India's environmental legislation, is undergoing amendments to address shortcomings and align with contemporary needs.

Amended Provisions

• Decriminalisation of Minor Offences
  • Focuses on decriminalising minor water pollution offences, aiming to prevent imprisonment for technical or procedural lapses.
  • Seeks to align penalties with the severity of offences, promoting compliance without imposing excessive burdens.
• Exemption for Certain Industrial Plants
  • Empowers the central government to exempt specific industrial plant categories from statutory restrictions, reducing duplication of surveillance efforts.
  • Aims to streamline regulatory processes, enhance efficiency, and alleviate unnecessary burdens on regulatory agencies.
• Enhanced Regulatory Oversight
  • Introduces measures to standardise regulatory oversight across states.
  • Grants the central government authority to prescribe guidelines for State Pollution Control Board chairpersons and issue directives on industry-related consents.
  • Ensures fair chairperson appointments through mandatory qualifications, experience, and procedures.

Critiques

• Critics argue against centralizing powers, citing concerns about federalism principles.
• Express concerns about potential impacts on transparency in dealing with water pollution issues.
• Fear that relaxing regulations may compromise industry and regulatory accountability, reducing transparency in environmental management.

Salient Features of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

• Introduction
  • Enacted for the prevention and control of water pollution, maintaining or restoring water wholesomeness.
• Central and State Pollution Control Boards
  • Constituted under Sections 3 and 4 of the Act.
  • CPCB, a statutory organization, established in 1974, functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Previous Amendments
  • Amended in 1978 and 1988 to clarify ambiguities and empower Pollution Control Boards.
• Obligations on Industries and Local Bodies
  • Prior consent required from State Pollution Control Boards for establishing any industry or local body discharging sewage or effluent.
  • State Boards may grant consent with specific conditions or refuse with reasons in writing.
• Similar provisions apply to industries discharging waste before the Act enactment.

Source: IE

In News: Wayanad is in turmoil following the tragic incident where a 47-year-old man was pursued and fatally trampled by a wild elephant.

Rising Human-Animal Conflict in Kerala

• Magnitude of the Issue
  • The surge in human-animal conflict, particularly involving elephants, tigers, bison, and wild boars, has become a pressing concern in Kerala.
  • Government data for 2022-23 highlights a significant increase in wild animal attacks, with elephants being the primary contributors.
• Statistics
  • In 2022-23, there were 8,873 recorded wild animal attacks, leading to 98 reported deaths, with 27 attributed to elephant attacks.
  • Kerala's agriculture sector has also suffered, with 20,957 incidents of crop loss from 2017 to 2023.
• Worst-Affected Region - Wayanad
  • Wayanad, with a forest cover of 36.48%, has witnessed 41 deaths from elephant attacks and seven from tiger attacks in the last decade.

Reasons Behind the Conflict

• Decline in Quality of Forest Habitats
  • Cultivation of alien plants like acacia, mangium, and eucalyptus for commercial purposes has led to habitat and food source depletion.
  • Invasive species planted by the forest department have hindered the growth of natural vegetation.
• Changing Agri-practices
  • Shifts in agricultural practices, including leaving farmland unattended, draw animals out of forests.
  • Wildlife attacks on cultivated crops like bananas and pineapples have increased.
• Human Activities
  • Waste disposal near forested areas, habitat fragmentation due to construction, and increased human presence contribute to the conflict.

Addressing the Issue in Kerala

• Preventive Measures
  • Schemes for elephant-proof trenches, stone walls, and solar-powered electric fencing have been implemented.
  • In 2022-23, maintenance and construction of elephant-proof trenches and solar fencing were undertaken.
• Eco-Restoration Programs
  • Kerala is engaged in eco-restoration programs to keep animals within forests.
  • The state is acquiring land from farmers for conversion into forestland.
• Challenges Persist
• Despite efforts, the measures are deemed insufficient to tackle the crisis comprehensively.

Elephant Corridors in India

• Definition
  • Elephant corridors are essential natural habitat linkages allowing elephants and other wildlife to move without disturbance.
• Changing Numbers
  • Initially, 88 corridors were identified in 2005, increasing to 101 in 2017, and currently totaling 150 as per the Elephant Corridors of India, 2023 Report.
  • West Bengal leads with 26 corridors.
• Significance
  • Critical for elephant movement and beneficial for other wildlife, including the Royal Bengal tiger.

Conclusion

• The rise in human-animal conflict in Kerala emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies addressing habitat quality, agricultural practices, and human activities. The management of elephant corridors on a national scale is crucial for wildlife conservation.

Source: IE

In News: The Prime Minister of India recently spoke at an event commemorating the 200th birth anniversary of Swami Dayananda Saraswati.

About Swami Dayanand Saraswati

• Swami Dayanand Saraswati, originally named Mool Shankar Tiwari, was born on 12th February 1824 in Tankara, Gujarat.
• In his quest for truth, he spent fifteen years (1845-60) wandering as an ascetic.
• The DAV (Dayanand Anglo Vedic) schools were established in 1886, embodying Swami Dayanand Saraswati's vision.
• The formal inception of the first Arya Samaj Unit occurred in Mumbai in 1875, with the Samaj's headquarters later established in Lahore.
• Swami Dayanand Saraswati drew inspiration from the Vedas, considering them to be the unshakeable foundation and true original seed of Hinduism.
• He championed the slogan "Back to the Vedas," emphasizing a return to the fundamental teachings of the Vedas as the guiding principles for Hinduism.

Source: PIB

In News: In recent findings, researchers have illuminated a survival strategy utilized by reptiles called brumation.

About Brumation

• Brumation, similar to hibernation in mammals, is a state of dormancy or reduced activity observed in reptiles.
• This phenomenon is a natural part of the reptile's cycle, typically occurring in colder months with limited food availability.
• Reptiles, categorized as cold-blooded vertebrates with backbones, possess dry skin covered with scales or bony plates and often lay soft-shelled eggs.
• The purpose of brumation in reptiles is to conserve energy and endure harsh conditions during periods of dropping temperatures and scarce food resources.
• This dormant state allows reptiles to survive until more favorable conditions emerge for feeding and reproduction.
• During brumation, reptiles seek sheltered areas such as burrows or rock crevices, where they slow their metabolism to endure extended periods without eating.
• Various reptilian species, including turtles, snakes, and lizards, have been observed entering brumation, each exhibiting unique behaviors to cope with adverse conditions.
• Researchers document and study these instances to gain insights into the specific adaptations and strategies employed by different reptile species during brumation.

Source: TH

In News: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has recently completed the successful technology transfer of the Smart Food Grain Storage System (SAFEETY) to M/s Paras Defense and Space Technology Ltd.

About SAFEETY Technology

• SAFEETY, developed by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), an autonomous R&D institution under MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), features cutting-edge capabilities.
• The system incorporates conveyorized loading and unloading of grain bags, equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for traceability.
• Notable features include online weight and moisture measurement, along with Radio Frequency Based Removal of Moisture from Grain.
• SAFEETY demonstrates impressive efficiency by handling nearly one truckload of grains (approximately 28 tons) in just 40 minutes.
• The technology transfer of SAFEETY aligns with the Innovation, Science, and Technology theme of Vikshit Bharat @2047, aspiring to position India as a global leader in digital transformation and innovation.
• The implementation of this technology is poised to contribute to the reduction of post-harvest losses, improvement of food quality and safety, and enhancement of food security across the country.

Source: ET

In News: The recent statement from the Reserve Bank of India Governor suggests that as inflation continues to ease, bond yields will also decrease, leading to a reduction in borrowing costs.

About Bonds

• A bond is a fixed-income instrument signifying a loan from an investor to a borrower.
• The borrower is typically a corporation or government entity.
• In exchange for the loan, the investor receives regular interest payments.
• The duration between the bond's issuance and the agreed-upon repayment by the borrower is known as its 'term to maturity.'
• Bonds are utilized by issuers to raise funds for diverse purposes, including expansion projects, refinancing existing debt, and funding welfare activities.

About Bond Yield

• Bond yield represents the annual return anticipated by an investor until maturity.
• It is influenced by coupon payments, which are periodic interest earnings received by bondholders for holding the bonds.
• At the bond's maturity, bondholders receive its face value, but bonds can be bought at par value, discount (below par), or premium (above par) in the secondary market.
• The prevailing market price of bonds impacts the bond yield calculation.
• The formula for calculating bond yield is Bond Yield = Coupon Amount / Price.
• There is an inverse relationship between bond price and yield. When bond prices rise, yields fall, and vice versa.
• For example, if interest rates decrease, existing bonds become more valuable as they offer higher interest payments compared to new bonds with lower interest rates.
• However, the increased price of existing bonds makes them more expensive for new investors, causing the bond yield to decline due to the lower expected return on investment.

Source: Investopedia

In News: In an age emphasizing the preservation of heritage, initiatives are underway to uncover the enigmas linked to the Hastsal Minar.

About Hastsal Minar

• Location: Hastsal Minar is situated in a small village in western Delhi.
• Construction Period: The construction of the minar was completed in 1634 during the reign of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
• Alternative Names: It is also known as Mini Qutab Minar and referred to locally as Hastsal Ki Laat and Kaushal Minar.
• Architecture
• Constructed with lakhori bricks and clad with red sandstone.
• The minar stands 17 meters tall, with five storeys, positioned on a square platform, and has an octagonal body.
• The top features a domed Chhatri pavilion, accessible through a narrow staircase.
• The minar has three storeys, each with a decreasing diameter.
• Historical Use: Shah Jahan used Hastsal as one of his hunting lodges during the 17th century.
• Current Condition: In 2018, the minaret was recognized as Grade A in heritage value and received permission for conservation under Phase IV of the Delhi government’s project aimed at preserving lesser-known monuments in the capital.

Source: IE

In News: The Bor Tiger Reserve (BTR) has recently requested Rs 1 crore to initiate wildlife safaris in the Bangdapur and Hingni forest ranges.

About Bor Tiger Reserve

• Designation: Originally a wildlife sanctuary, Bor was declared a tiger reserve in July 2014.
• Location: Situated in the Wardha District of Maharashtra, Bor Tiger Reserve holds the distinction of being the smallest tiger reserve in India based on its area.
• Geographical Coverage: Encompassing an area of 138.12 sq.km, the reserve includes the drainage basin of the Bor Dam.
• Central Location: Positioned centrally among various Bengal Tiger habitats, it shares boundaries with Pench Tiger Reserve to the North-east, Nagzira Navegaon Tiger Reserve to the east, and Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary to the South-east.
• Adjacent Reserves: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is located to the southeast, Melghat Tiger Reserve to the west, and Satpura Tiger Reserve to the north-west.
• Vegetation: The landscape is characterized by the Dry Deciduous Forest type.
• Flora: Teak, tendu, bamboo, tarot, and gokhru are among the diverse plant species thriving in the reserve.
• Fauna: In addition to tigers, Bor Tiger Reserve is inhabited by various other mammals, including leopards, sloth bears, sambar deer, Indian bison (gaur), chital, wild boars, and more.

Source: TOI

In News: A recent article delves into the demonstration of significant alignment and reciprocal regard at various levels within India's strategic partnership agreements, with a particular focus on the one forged with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

India’s Bilateral Relations with the UAE

• Historical Diplomatic Ties
  • Diplomatic relations between India and the UAE were established in 1972.
  • A significant turning point was the visit of India’s Prime Minister to the UAE in August 2015, initiating a new strategic partnership.
  • The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi's visit to India in January 2017 elevated bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
• Economic Partnership
  • Bilateral trade reached USD 85 billion in 2022-23, with the UAE being India's third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination.
  • Goals include surpassing USD 100 billion in merchandise trade and achieving USD 15 billion in services trade within five years.
  • The UAE ranks ninth as an investor in India, with an estimated investment of USD 11.67 billion.
• Cultural Ties
  • Over 3.3 million Indians reside in the UAE, fostering cultural familiarity and receptiveness.
  • India participated as the Guest of Honour Country in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2019.
  • Indian cinema, TV, and radio channels have a significant viewership in the UAE.
• Fintech Collaboration
  • Active collaboration in the fintech sector, highlighted by the acceptance of the RuPay card in the UAE since August 2019.
  • Operationalization of a Rupee-Dirham settlement system showcases mutual convergence in digital payment systems.
• Energy Security Cooperation
  • The UAE plays a vital role in India's energy security, storing strategic oil reserves in India.
  • Agreements, such as investment in the strategic crude oil storage facility in Mangaluru, emphasize the depth of cooperation in the energy sector.
• Strategic Regional Engagement
  • Active participation in regional groupings and initiatives like I2U2 and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) demonstrates shared interests and strategic alignment.

Challenges in India-UAE Relations

• Trade Barriers Impacting Exports
  • Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) such as mandatory Halal certification pose challenges to Indian exports, leading to a decline in certain sectors.
• Chinese Economic Influence
  • China's economic influence, characterized by low-interest loans, has surpassed Indian endeavors in the UAE and the broader Middle East.
• Kafala System Challenges
  • The Kafala system, giving employers significant power over immigrant laborers, raises human rights concerns and challenges for migrant workers.
• Concerns Over UAE's Financial Support to Pakistan
  • Substantial financial aid from the UAE to Pakistan raises apprehensions about potential misuse and its impact on regional security dynamics.
• Diplomatic Balancing Act
• Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, notably between Iran and Arab nations, pose diplomatic challenges for India in maintaining balanced relations.

Steps Required to Overcome Challenges

• Paving Way for Better GCC Relations
  • Leverage the UAE's strong economic ties within the GCC to enhance India's strategic presence and access to the Africa market.
• Compliance to UAE’s NTBs
  • Focus on transparency and predictability in addressing Non-Tariff Barriers to facilitate smoother trade relations.
• Exploring 2+2 Dialogues
  • Initiate high-level 2+2 dialogues with the UAE to address strategic, defense, and political matters for enhanced bilateral understanding.
• Integrating With ‘Vision 21’ of UAE
  • Collaborate with the UAE in emerging industries aligned with its 'Vision 2021,' fostering economic ties beyond traditional sectors.
• Addressing the Kafala System
  • Diplomatically engage with the UAE to advocate for reforms in the Kafala labor system, enhancing the welfare of migrant workers.

Conclusion

• The forthcoming visit by the Prime Minister to the UAE reflects the deepening and multifaceted ties between the nations.
• The relationship encompasses robust economic partnerships, cultural exchange, and collaboration in key sectors, demonstrating a model of convergence and mutual respect poised for further strengthening.

Source: TH

"Rayagada, a mineral-rich district in southern Odisha with a predominant tribal population of 57.52%, is addressing healthcare challenges through the 'Ama Sankalpa' initiative.

• Focused on reducing Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), the district administration employs a bottom-up approach, leveraging Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) methods.
• 'Ama Sankalpa Ratha' Yatras, folk shows, and 126 Integrated Special VHND/RI sessions enhance health service accessibility, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
• The initiative includes 'Project Surjyamukhi' for early identification and referral of Severely Acute Malnourished (SAM) children, aiming to uplift the health standards of the tribal population."