What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Vir Bal Diwas
• Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

Why in News?

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 3rd Veer Baal Diwas, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of the Sahibzades. 

He described the day as a festival of inspiration for Indians, particularly the youth, and lauded 17 children conferred with Veer Baal Awards in various fields such as bravery, innovation, sports, and arts.

Vir Bal Diwas

• About
• On 9th January 2022, the day of the Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the PM had announced that 26th December would be observed as ‘Veer Bal Diwas’.
• This was announced to mark the martyrdom of sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh - Sahibzadas Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji.
• Sacrifices made by the sons of Guru Gobind Singh
• While two of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons were killed fighting the Mughals, two other sons were bricked alive on the orders of Aurangzeb’s governor of Sirhind.
• The two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom after being sealed alive in a wall.
• Veer Baal Diwas is observed on the same day the two younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh ji, attained martyrdom.

Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

• Tributes to Sahibzades and Teachings on National Integrity
  • The PM paid homage to Sahib Zorawar Singh, Sahib Fateh Singh, and Gurus, highlighting their unmatched courage and sacrifice. 
  • He emphasized the importance of instilling patriotism among youth and drawing inspiration from the Sahibzadas' unwavering faith and bravery. 
  • Veer Baal Diwas serves as a reminder that the nation and its interests should always come first.
• Youth Empowerment: A Pillar of Development
  • PM Modi underlined the role of youth in India’s progress, from independence movements to modern revolutions. 
  • The government has prioritized youth-centric policies, including initiatives in start-ups, AI, machine learning, skill development, and sports. 
  • Over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and the 'Mera Yuva Bharat' campaign have been launched to encourage innovation and societal contribution among youth.
• Health and Fitness Initiatives
  • The Prime Minister launched the 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan,' aimed at eliminating malnutrition through healthy competition among village panchayats. 
    • It aims at improving the nutritional outcomes and well-being by strengthening implementation of nutrition related services and by ensuring active community participation.
    • The programme will involve a competition among anganwadis.
    • A total of 1,000 gram panchayats will get Rs 1 lakh while a part of this amount will be used for better nutrition in the anganwadis.
  • He emphasized the importance of fitness through 'Fit India' and 'Khelo India' movements, highlighting the link between a healthy youth and a capable nation.
• Vision for India's Future
  • PM Modi encouraged youth to aim for excellence in all fields, including infrastructure, manufacturing, tourism, and space research. 
  • He expressed confidence in the youth’s ability to lead global revolutions and achieve the goals of a developed India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Political Engagement of Youth
  • PM unveiled his vision of bringing one lakh youth into politics, particularly those from non-political backgrounds. 
  • He announced the launch of the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' on Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary to discuss India's roadmap for development.

Q.1. What is the significance of Veer Baal Diwas?

Veer Baal Diwas commemorates the sacrifice of Sahibzada Zorawar Singh Ji and Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, inspiring youth to prioritize national integrity and courage while celebrating their contributions to India's unity.

Q.2. What initiatives did PM Modi highlight during Veer Baal Diwas 2024?

PM Modi emphasized youth-centric policies like Atal Tinkering Labs, 'Mera Yuva Bharat,' and 'Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan,' alongside his vision of encouraging youth into politics and advancing India’s global leadership through innovation.

Source: IE | PIB | TH

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Course of the river Brahmaputra
• China’s Brahmaputra Dam project
• Concerns and implications of China's Tibet dam project on India
• India’s response

Why in News?

China has approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra) on the Tibetan plateau. 

The ambitious project aims to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, more than tripling the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, the current world leader in hydropower.

Course of the river Brahmaputra

• The Brahmaputra, originating in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, flows through India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before entering Bangladesh and emptying into the Bay of Bengal. 
• As a perennial river, it sustains communities through irrigation, fisheries, and inland transport. 
• While it enriches agriculture by depositing fertile alluvial soil, its lower course poses challenges with recurring, devastating floods in Assam and Bangladesh due to climatic and geographical conditions.

China’s Brahmaputra Dam project

• About
  • China is constructing the dam in Medog County, Tibet Autonomous Region, where the Yarlung Tsangpo drops 2,000 meters, creating ideal hydropower conditions. 
  • The project is part of China’s renewable energy initiatives, aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 while promoting regional development in Tibet.
  • The project, costing $137 billion, is part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) and Long-Range Objectives through 2035.
• Scale and Significance of the Project
  • The dam is projected to generate up to 60 gigawatts of power, triple the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam. 
  • It will produce 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable electricity annually, supporting Beijing’s clean energy targets and bolstering water security.
  • The project will generate 20 billion yuan ($3 billion) annually for Tibet.

Concerns and implications of China's Tibet dam project on India

• Agriculture
  • The dam could retain a significant amount of silt, which is crucial for downstream agriculture. Reduced silt deposits may negatively impact the fertility of agricultural lands in India.
• Water Resources
  • China claims the dam is a run-of-the-river hydropower project.
  • However, experts warn it could reduce water flow downstream during dry seasons and exacerbate flooding during monsoons if excess water is released, potentially causing disasters in Assam.
• Potential Use of Water as a Weapon
  • China’s upstream position gives it control over the Brahmaputra’s flow. 
  • During geopolitical tensions, such as the 2017 Doklam standoff, China withheld hydrological data crucial for flood forecasting, raising concerns over the weaponization of water resources.
• Seismological Threats
  • The Himalayan region's seismic vulnerability could pose risks to downstream populations due to the scale of infrastructure projects like this dam.
• Ecological Impact
  • The dam could disrupt the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, home to critically endangered species. 
  • Combined with ongoing climate change effects, deforestation, and soil erosion, the ecological consequences may be severe.

India’s Response

• India has urged China to safeguard downstream interests. 
• Additionally, India is planning a 10 GW hydropower project in the Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, to counterbalance the potential impacts of China’s dam.
• Also, data sharing between India and China on trans-border rivers, established under the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006, remains critical.

Q.1. What is the significance of China’s Brahmaputra Dam project?

China's Brahmaputra Dam aims to produce 300 billion kWh of renewable energy annually, supporting its carbon neutrality goal and generating $3 billion annually for Tibet. It also represents China’s focus on large-scale renewable energy infrastructure.

Q.2. How could China's dam project impact India?

The dam may reduce downstream water flow, disrupt agriculture by retaining fertile silt, and amplify floods during monsoons. Additionally, its upstream position gives China leverage in controlling water resources during geopolitical tensions.

Source: IE | TH | NDTV | TOI

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Migration?
• Methodology Used by the EAC-PM for Finding Domestic Migration in India
• Key Findings EAC-PM Paper on Domestic Migration in India
• Challenges in Migration Data
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• Domestic migration in India has witnessed a significant slowdown, with the total number of migrants declining by 11.78% from 2011 to 2023.
• A recent working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), titled “400 Million Dreams!”, highlights key trends, reasons for the decline, and changes in migration patterns.

What is Migration?

• Meaning:
  • Migration is the movement of people away from their usual place of residence, either internal (within the country) or international (across countries) borders.
  • The migration arising out of various social, economic, or political reasons helps in understanding the dynamics of the society better.
• Various forms and patterns of migration:
  • Internal migration (rural-urban, intra-state, inter-state, etc) refers to migration from one place to another within a country, while external migration or international migration refers to migration from one country to another.
  • Forced migration refers to migration that is not chosen by the individual or family but is forced upon them by factors such as war, persecution, or natural disasters.
  • Voluntary migration refers to migration that is chosen by the individual or family, driven by factors such as better economic opportunities or a desire for a better life.
  • Temporary migration refers to migration that is intended to be of short duration, such as seasonal or temporary work.
  • Permanent migration refers to migration that is intended to be of long duration, intending to settle permanently in a new place.
  • Reverse migration refers to the migration of individuals or families (who have previously migrated), back to their country of origin or their original place of residence.

Methodology Used by the EAC-PM for Finding Domestic Migration in India:

• The report used 3 datasets to estimate migration trends:
  • Indian Railway Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) for passenger volumes.
  • TRAI mobile roaming data to study seasonal movement.
  • District-level banking data for remittances.
• These alternative sources were employed due to delays in the decennial Census, which is a more comprehensive but less timely data source.

Key Findings EAC-PM Paper on Domestic Migration in India:

• Decline in migration numbers:
  • Overall reduction: The number of migrants reduced from 45.57 crore (2011 Census) to 40.20 crore (2023).
  • Migration rate: The migration rate dropped from 37.64% in 2011 to 28.88% in 2023.
• Improved economic opportunities:
  • Migration is slowing due to better economic opportunities in smaller cities, improved infrastructure, and access to education and healthcare near traditional migration hubs.
  • This shift indicates overall economic growth in source regions.
• Recipient states:
  • Top recipient states: UP, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh remain prominent, while West Bengal and Rajasthan are new entrants, replacing Andhra Pradesh and Bihar.
  • Growth patterns: States like West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka showed the highest growth in migrant arrivals, whereas Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh experienced a decline.
• Regional migration trends:
  • Top origin districts: Areas around major urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, and Kolkata remain prominent sources.
  • Top destination districts: Mumbai, Bengaluru urban, Howrah, Central Delhi, and Hyderabad are key destinations.
• Seasonality of migration:
  • Peak migration movements occur during April-June, with secondary peaks in November-December.
  • Post-pandemic data shows reduced passenger movement during these high months, with May 2023 levels 6.67% lower than May 2012.

Challenges in Migration Data:

• The lack of regular and granular data poses challenges in understanding migration patterns.
• Existing reports, such as the MoSPI Migration in India 2020-21 and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (MoHUPA) Working Group Report on Migration (2017), highlight limitations in tracking trends effectively.

Conclusion:

• The slowdown in domestic migration reflects economic growth and regional development but underscores the need for improved data collection mechanisms.
• Accurate and timely data is crucial for policy formulation to address migration-related challenges and opportunities effectively.

Q.1. What is the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme?

ONORC is a scheme that allows ration card holders to access their food grains from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) in the country. The scheme was launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution to benefit the migrant population in India.

Q.2. What is the Son of the Soil doctrine?

The Son of the Soil doctrine is a political strategy that talks about the rights of the local people over their land, culture, and resources available in their region.

Source: IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Introduction
• Importance of Fisheries Extension Services
• Key Government Initiatives
• Challenges in Fisheries Extension Services
• Way Forward
• Conclusion

Introduction

• India, with its diverse aquatic resources, plays a pivotal role in global fisheries and aquaculture.
• The sector provides livelihood to more than 25 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and twice the number along the value chain.
• India is the 3rd largest fish producing country, contributing 8 percent to the global fish production and ranks 2nd in aquaculture production.
• The fish production in 2021-22 is 16.24 Million Tonnes (MTs) comprising of marine fish production of 4.12 MTs and 12.12 MTs from Aquaculture.

Importance of Fisheries Extension Services

• Fisheries extension services bridge the gap between scientific advancements and fish farmers' practices, ensuring:
  • Knowledge Transfer: Guidance on species lifecycle management, water quality, disease control, and rearing technologies.
  • Capacity Building: Training on sustainable practices and promoting fisheries as viable business models.
  • Sustainable Practices: Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and overfishing through regenerative and conservation management.

Key Government Initiatives

• Matsya Seva Kendras (MSKs):
  • Launched under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), MSKs serve as one-stop centres for fisheries-related services.
• Role and Features:
  • Provide disease testing and water/soil analysis.
  • Train fishers on seed/feed technology and sustainable practices.
  • Mobilize startups, cooperatives, self-help groups, and Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) to share best practices.
• Examples:
  • MSK in Thrissur, Kerala: Offers advanced water and soil testing services.
  • MSKs in Nasik and Sangli, Maharashtra: Focus on capacity building with technological inputs.
• Sagar Mitras:
  • Deployed in coastal states and union territories, Sagar Mitras act as intermediaries between the government and marine fishers.
• Key Functions:
  • Provide information on weather forecasts, fishing zones, and marketing needs.
  • Educate fishers on local regulations, hygienic fish handling, and disaster preparedness.
• Digital Platforms:
  • AquaBazaar: A virtual learning platform initiated by the National Fisheries Development Board. It offers:
  • Expert guidance on breeding and seed production.
  • Practical demonstrations to enhance fishers' knowledge.
• World Bank-Assisted Project:
  • Aims to formalize the fisheries and aquaculture sector by creating work-based digital identities for fishers and fish farmers.
  • Focuses on capacity building, awareness generation, and streamlining extension services.

Challenges in Fisheries Extension Services

• Fragmentation: Lack of coordination among multiple initiatives.
• Digital Divide: Limited digital literacy and infrastructure in rural areas.
• Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns and resource depletion demand adaptive strategies.

Way Forward

• Institutional Convergence: Integrate fisheries extension services with the Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and state agricultural departments to leverage existing networks.
• Promote Digital Outreach: Expand platforms like AquaBazaar to ensure wider access to knowledge and training.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage private sector involvement in technology dissemination and capacity building.
• Focus on Climate Resilience: Develop strategies for sustainable resource management in the face of environmental changes.

Conclusion

• Strengthening fisheries extension services is critical to sustaining India’s growth in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
• By enhancing last-mile connectivity, integrating digital tools, and fostering collaborations, India can empower its fishers and fish farmers to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to the nation’s economic and ecological well-being.

Q1. What is the difference between Aquaculture and Mariculture?

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms in fresh or marine water, while mariculture is a specialized branch of aquaculture that focuses on marine organisms for food.

Q2. Can freshwater fish survive in saltwater?

Freshwater fish cannot survive in saltwater because they are not adapted to the higher salt concentration in saltwater and cannot effectively osmoregulate.

Source: TH

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in news?
• What is American bald eagle?
• News Summary: American bald eagle
• Population decline since the 1800s
• Steps taken to protect the bird

Why in news?

Recently, the Bald eagle was officially declared as the United States national bird after 250 years.

What is American bald eagle?

• About
  • Bald eagle, (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), the only eagle solely native to North America.
  • It has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782 and a spiritual symbol for native people for far longer than that.
    • In 1782, it was first placed with outspread wings on the country’s Great Seal as a sign of strength.
• Features
  • Bald eagles are large, predatory raptors that are recognizable for their brown body and wings, white head and tail, and hooked yellow beak. 
  • Their feet, which are also yellow, are equipped with sharp black talons. 
  • Juvenile bald eagles look very different from adults—they are almost entirely brown, with occasional white markings on the undersides of their wings and chest.
  • Bald eagles grow to about 2.5 to 3 feet (0.7 to 0.9 meters) in height, and they have an impressive wingspan of 6.5 feet (two meters). 
  • Female bald eagles are larger than the males, but share the same coloration.
• Habitat range
  • Bald eagles are North American birds. Their range extends from the Mexico border through the United States and Canada. 
  • The birds are extremely populous in Alaska.
    • They can be seen year-round in Alaska, along the East and West coasts, the Rocky Mountains, and the Mississippi River. 
    • The rest of the United States only sees bald eagles during the winter and their migration.
• Food
  • Bald eagles love fish. These birds are opportunistic predators.
    • When fish are not available, they will eat whatever they can catch, including small birds and rodents. 
  • Bald eagles are also scavengers that will feed on carrion. If they see an opportunity, bald eagles may even steal food from other birds such as osprey.
• Life history
  • Bald eagles are solitary, but monogamous animals. Although they spend winters and migrations alone, bald eagles maintain the same breeding pair year after year.
• Conservation status
  • The bald eagle was previously listed under the Endangered Species Act, but was delisted in 2007 due to recovery efforts.
  • IUCN Status - Least Concern

News Summary: American bald eagle

Population decline since the 1800s

• Statistics
  • Once upon a time, bald eagles were abundant across the United States. 
  • When they were adopted as the country’s national symbol in 1782, there were as many as 100,000 nesting birds in the continental United States (including Alaska).
  • However, their populations began to decline in the early 1800s.
• Reasons for the decline
  • Hunting
    • Bald eagles began to be seen as a threat to livestock, especially domestic chicken, and started to be hunted.
    • Hunting intensified in the latter half of the century, when feather hats became a fashion staple.
  • Appearance of DDT
    • DDT or dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane was first synthesised in 1874. 
    • However, in 1939, it was first promoted as an insecticide and began to be used to kill malaria carrying mosquitos and agricultural pests.
    • While extremely effective as an insecticide, DDT had a catastrophic impact on the bald eagle population.

Steps taken to protect the bird

• Role of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring
  • This book, for the first time, documented the detrimental effects of chemical pesticides on the environment.
  • It meticulously described how DDT was the prime cause behind the decline in bald eagle populations.
• Ban on the use of DDT for agricultural use
  • A nationwide ban on the use of DDT for agricultural use was introduced in 1972.
• Introduction of Endangered Species Act in 1973
  • This act broadened protections already in place for endangered species, particularly focussing on protection of animal habitats.
  • The bald eagle was one of the original species listed for protection under this act.
• Captive breeding programmes and strict habitat protections
  • Captive breeding programmes were launched in the 1970s and proved to be crucial in helping the resurgence of bald eagles.
  • A practice known as hacking was commonly used by conservationists.
    • Hacking is a controlled way to raise and release bald eagles into a wild viable environment from artificial nesting towers. 
    • This method simulates a wild eagle nesting site and aids in recovery in an area where re-population is desirable.
  • Strict restrictions were brought in with regards to human activity around eagle nests or known nesting areas. 

Q1) What is Captive breeding?

Captive breeding refers to the practice of breeding and raising endangered or rare species in controlled environments, such as zoos, aquariums, or specialized breeding facilities. The primary goal of captive breeding programs is to increase the population size of threatened species and to ensure their long-term survival.

Q2) What is IUCN Status?

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Status, also known as the IUCN Red List Status, refers to the classification assigned to a species based on its conservation status. The IUCN Red List is a globally recognized system that assesses the extinction risk of various species worldwide. It provides a comprehensive evaluation of the conservation status of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms.

Source: How the American bald eagle ‘returned’ from the brink of extinction | Britannica | National Geographic | The National Wildlife Federation