What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• Tiger Reserves of India
• About Ratapani
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• Madhya Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, officially notified the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger Reserve, marking a significant but long-delayed move in tiger conservation.
• With an estimated population of 90 tigers, Ratapani now becomes the state's eighth tiger reserve.

Tiger Reserves of India:

• About:
  • The tiger reserves in India were set up as a part of Project Tiger initiated in 1973 and are administered by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) of Government of India.
  • As of December 2024, there are 57 protected areas that have been designated as tiger reserves.
  • There were 3,682 wild tigers in India (as of 2023), which is almost 75% of the world's wild tiger population.
• Tiger reserves consist of: A core area which includes part(s) of protected areas such as a national park or a wildlife sanctuary and a buffer zone which is a mix of forested and non-forested land.
• Goal: Project tiger is aimed at performing the necessary activities to ensure viability of the tiger population in the core area and to promote a balance between the existence of people and animals in the buffer zones.
• Declaration: State governments notify areas as tiger reserves based on the NTCA's recommendations.
• Maintenance:
  • As per the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the state governments are responsible for preparing a Tiger Conservation Plan.
  • Such a plan includes planning and management of notified areas and maintaining the requisite competent staff to ensure the protection of the tiger reserve.

About Ratapani:

• Location: Spanning Raisen and Sehore districts, Ratapani serves as a critical tiger habitat, with tigers migrating from nearby Satpura ranges.
• Biodiversity and challenges:
  • Habitat encroachment and insufficient prey bases led to tigers straying into populated areas, escalating conflicts.
  • The sanctuary has witnessed increased tiger-human interactions, emphasising the need for protection and management.
• Declaration as tiger reserve:
  • The notification comes amid a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by wildlife activist, who criticised the government’s delay despite receiving in-principle approval from the NTCA in 2008.
  • The PIL highlighted issues like increasing human-wildlife conflicts, degradation of tiger habitats, and encroachments due to delayed action.
  • The State Wildlife Board (SWB) approved projects like a coal-based power plant and railway lines, jeopardising the proposed reserve’s ecosystem.
• Challenges ahead:
  • Strengthening protection measures: Anti-poaching strategies and defined boundaries must be established.
  • Restoring ecosystems: Enhancing prey bases and curbing encroachments are essential to ensure a sustainable tiger population.
  • Community engagement: Collaboration with local communities is crucial to promote coexistence and minimise conflicts.

Conclusion:

• The Ratapani Tiger Reserve’s official notification marks a victory for conservation efforts but also highlights years of bureaucratic delays and ecological negligence.
• Moving forward, effective management and sustained efforts will be critical in preserving Madhya Pradesh’s rich wildlife heritage.

Q.1. What is Project Tiger?

Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation movement initiated in India to protect the endangered tiger. The project was initiated in 1973 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of India.

Q.2. What is Tiger Census?

Every 4 years the National Tiger Conservation Authority conducts a tiger census across India to figure out the Royal Bengal Tiger population in India. The year 2022 was the 5th Tiger Census in India, and NTCA has estimated 3,682 Tigers in India.

News: Ratapani finally declared a tiger reserve after lying in wait since 2007

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Electronic Monitoring of Prisoners?
• Benefits of Electronic Tracking of Prisoners
• Lessons from the US: Challenges of Electronic Monitoring
• Privacy and Electronic Tracking

Why in News?

On November 5, President Droupadi Murmu released the report “Prisons in India: Mapping Prison Manuals and Measures for Reformation and Decongestion”, authored by the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning. 

The report proposes various strategies to address prison overcrowding, including the use of electronic tracking for prisoners.

The Supreme Court ruled in July that bail conditions involving movement tracking violate the right to privacy. However, the report, along with recommendations from the Law Commission of India and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, suggests that electronic tracking could be beneficial if implemented with proper safeguards.

What is Electronic Monitoring of Prisoners?

• About
  • Electronic monitoring (EM) of prisoners is a program that uses electronic devices to track the location and behavior of offenders. 
  • EM is used to monitor offenders in a variety of situations, including: 
    • House arrest: EM can be used to monitor offenders who are ordered to house arrest as a pre-trial condition. 
    • Parole: EM can be used to monitor offenders who are released on parole. 
    • Community sentences: EM can be used as part of a community sentence or suspended sentence order. 
    • Early release: EM can be used to allow for the early release of prisoners.
• International adoption
  • Countries like the US, UK, Canada, Malaysia, and Australia employ electronic tracking to alleviate prison congestion effectively.
• Indian legislative framework:
  • Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023: Introduced electronic tracking devices as a condition for granting prison leave.
  • Law Commission of India’s 2017 Report: Recognised the cost-saving and security benefits of electronic tagging while emphasising caution.

Benefits of Electronic Tracking of Prisoners

• Overcrowding in Indian Prisons
  • According to the NCRB, Indian prisons had an occupancy rate of 131.4% as of December 2022, with 5,73,220 inmates housed in facilities with a capacity of only 4,36,266. 
  • Notably, 75.8% of the prisoners were undertrials.
• Cost-Effective Solution
  • The Prisons in India report highlights electronic monitoring as a cost-effective method to reduce prison overcrowding. 
  • It cites Odisha's data, where the government spends Rs 1 lakh annually per undertrial prisoner, compared to Rs 10,000–15,000 for an electronic tracker.
• Parliamentary Support for Electronic Tracking
  • The 2023 Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs, in its report “Prisons – Conditions, Infrastructure and Reforms”, endorsed the use of ankle or bracelet trackers. 
  • It emphasized their cost-effectiveness and potential to reduce the administrative burden of monitoring prisoners out on bail, minimizing the need for large staff involvement.
• Mental health benefits: Improves family contact and reduces stress from isolation.

Lessons from the US: Challenges of Electronic Monitoring

• E-Carceration and Its Impact
  • Studies in the US reveal that EM can function as "e-carceration," extending the punitive control of prisons into broader society. 
  • As per a report, EM exacerbates government surveillance, criminalizing environments, particularly affecting marginalized communities.
• Overrepresentation of Marginalized Communities
  • In the US, communities of color are disproportionately affected by EM practices. 
  • A parallel exists in India, where 68.4% of prisoners belong to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes, as per NCRB data, raising concerns of unequal impact.
• Financial Burden on Individuals
  • In the US, monitored individuals often bear the costs of EM, including setup fees ($100–$200) and daily charges ($3–$35). 
  • While the Supreme Court’s report in India suggests the government would bear these costs, international practices reveal potential risks of shifting the financial burden to individuals.
• Stigma and Mental Health Concerns
  • Visible tracking devices like ankle bracelets can cause social stigma, isolation, and heightened stress, as noted in the Prisons in India report. 
  • These devices may exacerbate depression and anxiety, discouraging compliance and raising questions about their humanitarian impact.

Privacy and Electronic Tracking

• Judicial Stance on Privacy Violation
  • On July 8, the Supreme Court struck down a bail condition by the Delhi High Court that required accused individuals to share their location via Google Maps. 
  • The Bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan ruled that such tracking violated the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21, emphasizing that investigative agencies cannot intrude into the private lives of individuals on bail.
• Consent and Human Rights Safeguards
  • The 2023 Parliamentary Standing Committee emphasized that electronic monitoring must be voluntary and consent-based to prevent human rights violations. 
  • It suggested that inmates’ approval is necessary before implementing such measures.
• Recommendations by the 268th Law Commission
  • The Law Commission of India acknowledged the serious impact of electronic monitoring on constitutional rights.
  • It recommended that such measures be restricted to grave and heinous crimes and only for individuals with prior convictions for similar offences. 
  • It also proposed amending criminal legislation to codify these safeguards.

Conclusion - Balancing Privacy and Monitoring

The discourse underscores the need for stringent safeguards, limited application, and respect for fundamental rights to ensure electronic tracking aligns with constitutional principles.

Q.1. How can electronic monitoring help reduce prison overcrowding in India?

Electronic tracking offers a cost-effective way to manage undertrials, reducing the need for physical incarceration. It saves government expenses compared to traditional imprisonment and minimizes overcrowding, addressing a 131.4% occupancy rate as of December 2022.

Q.2. What are the privacy concerns with electronic tracking for undertrials?

Privacy issues arise from potential surveillance and the need for voluntary consent. The Supreme Court has highlighted privacy rights under Article 21, stressing that tracking should not infringe on individuals’ fundamental rights.

News: Electronic tracking of undertrials on bail: benefits and challenges | The Hindu

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• 59th All India Conference of Director Generals/ Inspector Generals of Police
• Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi

Why in News?

Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) with 100% tariffs if they create a new currency or support an alternative to the US dollar as the global reserve currency.

Trump stated that any attempt to undermine the dollar’s dominance would result in economic retaliation, asserting that the US economy will not tolerate such moves. 

Why countries all over the world are trying to replace US Dollar?

• Weaponization of the Dollar:
  • The US has increasingly used its financial dominance as a geopolitical tool by imposing sanctions and cutting off countries like Iran and Russia from systems like SWIFT. 
    • Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is key to international financial transactions.
  • This has raised concerns about the dollar being used as a weapon against sovereign nations.
• Reducing Dependence on the US
  • The US dollar remains the dominant global currency, accounting for 88% of global forex turnover (BIS 2022).
  • Relying on the US dollar makes countries vulnerable to US monetary policies, which are primarily designed for the American economy but can have global repercussions. 
  • For instance, rising US interest rates can strengthen the dollar, causing capital outflows and economic instability in other countries.
• Economic Sovereignty
  • Nations wish to reduce external influence on their financial systems. By de-dollarizing, they aim to shield their economies from fluctuations in the dollar and from US political pressures.
• Trade Efficiency:
  • Regional and bilateral trade agreements often promote settling trade in local currencies or alternatives like China's yuan or regional payment mechanisms, bypassing the dollar altogether.
• Rise of Multipolarity:
  • With the global balance of power shifting, emerging economies like China, India, and Brazil are advocating for a more decentralized financial order that reflects the multipolar nature of the modern world.
• US Debt and Inflation
  • The US's growing debt levels and inflationary pressures have raised concerns about the long-term stability and purchasing power of the dollar, prompting countries to explore alternatives.
• Avoiding Transaction Costs
  • Conducting trade in the US dollar often involves high transaction and conversion costs. Using local currencies or regional alternatives can reduce these expenses.

Internationalisation of the rupee

• About
  • Internationalisation of the rupee is a process that involves increasing use of the local currency in cross-border transactions.
  • Basically, it is a process of promoting and increasing the use of the INR as a widely accepted currency for international transactions and investments. 
• Steps taken to promote international trade settlement in rupees
  • In July 2022, the RBI has provided an additional arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports/imports in the rupee.
  • As part of this mechanism, in December 2022, India saw its first settlement of foreign trade in rupee with Russia.
  • So far banks of more than 19 countries including the UK, New Zealand, Germany, Malaysia, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates have been permitted to make settlements in rupees.
• Challenges
  • Rupee not a dominant currency 
    • The rupee constitutes only 1.6% of global forex turnover. 
    • For the rupee to be recognized as an international currency, its turnover must rise to 4%, equivalent to other non-US, non-Euro currencies.
  • Challenges in India-Russia Trade in Rupees
    • US Sanctions Fear: Indian banks are cautious about facilitating trade in rupees due to potential US sanctions.
    • Trade Imbalance: India's imports from Russia ($61 billion in FY24) vastly outweigh exports ($4.2 billion), resulting in Russia holding large rupee reserves. These reserves are underutilized in trade and are instead invested in Indian stocks and bonds.
  • Lessons from Russia-China Trade in Domestic Currencies
    • Over 90% of their $240 billion bilateral trade in 2023 was settled in roubles and yuan.
    • This is due to their more balanced trade relationship and reduced dependence on the US dollar.
  • India is not trying to target the US dollar
    • India is looking for alternative settlement mechanisms when trade partners face dollar shortages, to ensure continued trade without hostility towards the dollar.

Potential Risks of imposing 100% Tariffs on BRICS Nations

• Experts argue that imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations could backfire:
  • Imports into the US would simply shift to third countries, potentially increasing costs for American consumers without bringing manufacturing jobs back home. 
  • The US has become less competitive in manufacturing labour-intensive goods due to higher production costs, and tariffs are unlikely to reverse this trend.

What should be the way forward?

• Need for Balanced Currency Frameworks in BRICS
  • Experts emphasized that India should ensure BRICS currency initiatives do not disproportionately favor China due to its economic dominance. 
• India’s Strategic Approach
  • India must take a balanced approach:
    • Diplomatic Engagement: Explain to the US that diversifying trade mechanisms promotes financial stability and is not anti-American.
    • Leadership in BRICS Initiatives: Accelerate the internationalization of India’s digital currency (CBDC) and financial platforms like UPI to assume a leadership role.
• Conclusion
  • India must balance its participation in BRICS financial reforms with strategic ties to the US while ensuring frameworks do not favor China. 
  • The global financial system shows diversification, but the US dollar remains dominant, with gradual shifts toward non-traditional currencies.

Q.1. Why is the US dollar losing its dominance globally?

The US dollar faces challenges due to geopolitical sanctions, the desire for economic sovereignty, and rising alternatives like regional currencies. Countries aim to reduce reliance on US monetary policies and protect against economic instability.

Q.2. What are the risks of imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations?

Imposing 100% tariffs could increase US consumer costs, shift imports to third countries, and not revive manufacturing jobs. Higher production costs make US manufacturing less competitive, making tariffs ineffective in reshoring production.

News: Trump threat to BRICS over ditching the dollar: what he can do, what it will mean for US, India | Times of India

The Chief Minister of Odisha has approved the Subhadara Yojana. The scheme aims to empower over 1 crore women who will be paid Rs. 10,000 in an year in two installments of Rs. 5000 each. Under the scheme, 100 beneficiaries who have been using maximum digital transactions will be identified and paid Rs.500 more as an incentive to promote digital literacy. 

Subhadra Yojana Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for the Subhadra Yojana, the applicant should fulfill the following eligibility Criteria- 

1. Women aged between 21-60 should be eligible to apply for the scheme. 
2. Applicants should have a KYC approved, aadhaar/ DBT- enabled bank account.

Subhadra Yojana Implementation Process

Following are the features of Subhadra Yojana: 

1. Applicants of the scheme will be issued a Subhadra Debit Card.
2. People who are financially independent, tax payers and already taking the benefit of a government scheme will not be eligible to apply for Subharda Yojana.
3. Women who receive Rs. 1500 or more every month will also not be eligible to apply for the scheme.
4. No last date to apply has been provided by the government to apply for the scheme. The scheme will be open for registration till all eligible beneficiaries are added.
5. Women will be paid Rs. 5000 on Rakhi Purmina and Rs. 5000 on International Women’s Day yearly. 

Subhadra Yojana- Financial Aspects

Odisha Government has allocated Rs. 55,825 cr. for the Subhadra Yojana. This scheme portrays the growing importance of females as voters in the world's largest democracy. The Subhadra Yojana is structured on the lines of Mission Shakti Programme, which was a popular scheme among women in Odisha. 

Subhadra Yojana FAQs

Q1. What is the Subhadra Yojana scheme?

Ans. Subhadra Yojana is a welfare scheme that provides Rs.10,000 annually to eligible women to improve standards of living.

Q2. What is the main objective of the SUBHADRA scheme? 

Ans. Main objective of the Subhadra Scheme is welfare of women and their living standards.

Q3. Is Subhadra Yojana only for Odisha? 

Ans. Yes, Subhadra Yojana is implemented in Odisha State. 

Q4. Which state recently launched the Subhadra Yojana? 

Ans. Odisha has launched the Subhadra Yojana.

Q5. Who is eligible for the Subharda Yojana?

Ans. Women in the age group between 21-60 are eligible for Subhadra Yojana. 

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Land Degradation?
• Regions Most Affected by Land Degradation
• Consequences and the Need for Action
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has released a comprehensive report titled ‘Stepping Back from the Precipice: Transforming Land Management to Stay Within Planetary Boundaries.’
• The report (published a day before the COP16 of UNCCD began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) underscores the alarming scale and consequences of land degradation globally and urges transformative changes in land management.

What is Land Degradation?

• Meaning:
  • Land degradation refers to the loss of biological and economic productivity of ecosystems like croplands, forests, and pastures.
  • According to the UNCCD, it results from unsustainable land use and management practices, amplified by natural and human-induced pressures.
• Key impacts:
  • Human health and livelihoods: Reduces food quality and quantity, raising malnutrition risks.
    • Promotes water- and food-borne diseases from poor hygiene and water scarcity.
    • Causes respiratory diseases due to soil erosion.
  • Ecosystems and biodiversity: Harmful runoff from eroded soils impacts freshwater and marine systems, endangering fauna and dependent communities.
    • Decreases biodiversity and destabilises ecosystems.
  • Climate change contributions: Degraded land releases stored carbon and nitrous oxide, intensifying global warming.
    • Ecosystem carbon absorption capacity has dropped by 20% in the past decade.
• Causes of land degradation:
  • Unsustainable agricultural practices: Overuse of chemical inputs, pesticides, and fertilizers disrupts soil health. Water diversion and poor irrigation practices lead to freshwater depletion.
  • Climate change: Increased heat stress and erratic precipitation worsen land degradation. Global warming escalates soil erosion and reduces vegetation cover.
  • Rapid urbanisation: Expanding urban areas contribute to habitat destruction and pollution. Loss of agricultural and forest lands impacts biodiversity.

Regions Most Affected by Land Degradation:

• Dry regions:
  • South Asia, northern China, the High Plains and California (USA), and the Mediterranean are particularly vulnerable.
  • These areas face severe soil erosion, reduced vegetation, and water scarcity.
• Low-income countries disproportionately affected:
  • Tropical and arid regions, especially in Africa, bear the brunt of degradation due to limited resources and resilience.
  • A third of humanity, including three-quarters of Africa’s population, lives in drylands, making them especially vulnerable.

Consequences and the Need for Action:

• Consequences: The degradation of 15 million square kilometers of land - equivalent to the size of Antarctica - signals a planetary crisis.
• Immediate steps are essential to reverse this trend, including:
  • Sustainable agricultural and water management practices.
  • Restoring degraded ecosystems to rebuild carbon sinks.
  • Addressing urban expansion impacts on natural habitats.
• Steps taken by India:

• India’s Union Environment Minister, while speaking at the 16th conference of parties (COP16) held under the UNCCD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlighted that India is taking proactive measures to tackle land degradation.
• As desertification and poverty are linked, the minister emphasised that land degradation is not just an environmental but socioeconomic issue.
• As a result, India has initiated several programmes to enhance resilience and recovery against land degradation, including issuance of soil health cards, to help farmers engage in sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion: Without swift action, land degradation will undermine global efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure food security, leaving a dire legacy for future generations.

Q.1. What is UNCCD?

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was established in 1994 to protect and restore our land and ensure a safer, just, and more sustainable future. The UNCCD is the only legally binding framework set up to address desertification and the effects of drought.

Q.2. What is the Soil Health Card Scheme?

Soil Health Card Scheme is a scheme launched by the Government of India on 19 February 2015 to issue soil cards to farmers which will carry crop-wise recommendations of nutrients and fertilisers required to help farmers to improve productivity through judicious use of inputs.

News: Bhupender Yadav: ‘India taking proactive steps to tackle land degradation’ | IE