What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Rat-hole mining?
• Ban on Rat-Hole Mining by NGT

Why in News?

Three miners were confirmed dead, and six remained trapped in a flooded coal "rat-hole" mine in Assam’s Dima Hasao district. 

The water level inside the pit is 200 feet deep, and an Indian Navy team with deep-sea divers arrived to assist in rescue operations. The incident occurred on January 6 in a coal mine in Umrangso, where nine workers aged 26 to 57 were trapped. 

Although Dima Hasao has extensive coal and quarrying activities, Assam Chief Minister stated that the mine appears to be illegal.

What is Rat-Hole Mining?

• About Rat-Hole Mining
  • Rat Hole Mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, widely prevalent in Meghalaya. 
  • The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal.
  • Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. 
  • The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.
• Rat-Hole Mining Types
  • Rat-Hole mining is broadly of two types. 
  • In the side-cutting procedure, narrow tunnels are dug on the hill slopes and workers go inside until they find the coal seam. 
    • The coal seam in hills of Meghalaya is very thin, less than 2 m in most cases
  • The other type of rat-hole mining is called box-cutting.
    • In this type, a rectangular opening is made, varying from 10 to 100 sqm, and through that a vertical pit is dug, 100 to 400 feet deep. 
    • Once the coal seam is found, rat-hole-sized tunnels are dug horizontally through which workers can extract the coal.
• Rat-Hole Mining Hazards
  • Safety Concerns
    • Lack of proper ventilation, structural support, and safety gear.
    • Frequent accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities.
  • Environmental Impact
    • Causes land degradation and deforestation.
    • Contributes to water pollution.
• Rat-Hole Mining Challenges
  • Socioeconomic Challenges
    • Practices persist due to economic factors.
    • Lack of alternative livelihoods for local communities hinders regulation.
  • Regulatory Issues
    • Mines are often unregulated despite efforts to ban or control them.
    • The practice continues to face severe criticism for its risks and environmental damage.

Ban on Rat-Hole Mining by NGT

• NGT Ban and Observations
  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned rat-hole mining in 2014 and upheld the ban in 2015.
  • Highlighted numerous fatalities caused by flooding in mining areas during the rainy season.
• Focus on Meghalaya
  • The ban was specifically enforced in Meghalaya, where rat-hole mining was widely practiced for coal extraction.
  • Meghalaya's state government appealed the NGT’s order in the Supreme Court.

Q.1. What is Rat-Hole Mining, and why is it considered dangerous?

Rat-hole mining is a primitive coal extraction method involving narrow pits and tunnels. It poses severe safety risks due to lack of ventilation, structural support, and proper gear, leading to frequent accidents. Additionally, it causes environmental damage such as land degradation and water pollution.

Q.2. Why is Rat-Hole Mining still prevalent despite its ban?

Rat-hole mining persists due to economic factors and lack of alternative livelihoods for local communities. Regulatory challenges and insufficient enforcement further allow illegal mining to continue, despite efforts by the National Green Tribunal to ban it.

Source: IE | ZN | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Why in News?
• What is Interpol?
• What is Bharatpol?

Why in News?

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 'Bharatpol' portal on January 7, developed by the CBI to enhance international police cooperation. 

The portal serves as a broadcast hub for real-time action against transnational crimes, enabling central and state law enforcement agencies to connect efficiently with Interpol and expedite investigations. 

What is Interpol?

• About Interpol
  • Full Name - International Criminal Police Organisation.
    • Interpol is the radio-telegraph code for the organisation.
  • Interpol is an international police organisation made up of 196 member countries. 
  • It does not work under UN. 
  • It has enjoyed a special role – that of Permanent Observer at the United Nations - since 1996.
  • It was founded in 1923 and is headquartered at Lyon, France.

• Functions of Interpol
  • It is not a police force in the traditional sense—its agents are not able to arrest criminals.
  • It is more of an information-sharing network, providing a way for national police forces to co-operate effectively and tackle international crime ranging from human trafficking and terrorism to money laundering and illegal art dealing.
  • Sharing of information is done by issuing colour-coded notices in four languages - English, Spanish, French, and Arabic.
  • The organization operates centralised criminal databases that contain fingerprint records, DNA samples and stolen documents.

What is Bharatpol?

• Background -CBI as Interpol Liaison for India
  • The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), functioning as the National Central Bureau (NCB-New Delhi) for Interpol in India facilitates connections between Indian law enforcement agencies and those in 195 countries. 
  • Currently, coordination happens through letters, emails, and faxes, often causing delays in investigations.
• About Bharatpol
  • Bharatpol, developed to streamline international cooperation, addresses delays by making police collaboration more seamless. 
  • It enables real-time assistance for criminal investigations.
  • The portal was introduced in response to the rise in transnational crimes such as cybercrime, financial crimes, online radicalisation, organised crimes, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
  • These crimes demand instant international coordination.
• Bharatpol Portal Key Features
  • Unified Platform for Law Enforcement
    • Bharatpol connects the CBI (NCB-New Delhi) with all law enforcement authorities in India, including SPs and CPs, ensuring seamless integration.
  • Simplified Request Mechanism
    • Frontline police officers can easily request international assistance from 195 Interpol member countries using standardised templates.
  • Rapid Information Dissemination
    • The portal enables the CBI to quickly share criminal intelligence and inputs from Interpol member countries with law enforcement agencies across India.
  • Enhanced Utilisation of Interpol Notices
    • Bharatpol simplifies drafting requests for Red Corner Notices and other Interpol notices, aiding in global tracking of crimes, criminals, and illicit assets.
  • Capacity Building and Training
    • The portal offers access to documents, templates, and training resources, improving the skills of frontline officers in conducting international investigations.
• Key Modules of Bharatpol
  • Connect
    • Enables Indian law enforcement agencies to function as an extension of Interpol’s NCB-New Delhi.
    • It ensures quick, secure, and structured transmission of requests for Interpol Notices and aiding in the swift location of criminals globally.
  • INTERPOL Notices
    • Facilitates streamlined requests for Interpol Notices to enhance international crime tracking.
  • Broadcast
    • Provides real-time access to requests for assistance from Interpol’s 195 member countries.
  • References
    • Organises and manages references for international investigations.
  • Resources
    • Simplifies the exchange and management of documents and training materials for efficient international collaboration.

Q.1. What is the Bharatpol Portal, and how does it help law enforcement?

The Bharatpol Portal, developed by the CBI, facilitates real-time international police cooperation. It simplifies requests for Interpol Notices, accelerates information sharing, and helps Indian law enforcement agencies combat transnational crimes efficiently.

Q.2. What are the key features of the Bharatpol Portal?

Bharatpol offers a unified platform for seamless law enforcement collaboration, rapid dissemination of criminal intelligence, streamlined Interpol Notice requests, and access to training resources for conducting international investigations.

Source: IE | PIB | IP

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Some Key Economic Concepts
• GDP Projections for FY25
• Other Economic Indicators for FY25
• Challenges for Sustained Growth
• Implications of GDP Forecast and Way Forward
• Conclusion

Why in News?

• India's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is projected to grow at 6.4% in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), marking a four-year low.
• This slowdown is attributed to weak industrial and investment growth, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).
• The forecast is below the Reserve Bank of India's (6.6%) and the government's estimate (6.5-7%) for the same period.

Some Key Economic Concepts

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): It is defined as the total monetary or market value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period.
  • It measures the value of total output in the economy by tracking the total demand.
• GDP = C + I + G + NX
  • Consumption (C): The biggest engine (56% of all GDP) is consumption demand from private individuals, technically known as Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE).
  • Investment (I): The second-biggest engine (32%) is the investment demand generated by private sector businesses, also known as Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF).
  • Government (G): The third engine (11%) is the demand for goods and services generated by the government and is known as the Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE).
  • Net Exports (NX): This is calculated by subtracting Indian imports from the Indian exports.
• Nominal vs Real GDP:
  • Nominal GDP (GDP calculated using current market prices) is the actual observed variable. However, Real GDP (GDP calculated using constant 2011-12 prices, after taking away the effect of inflation) is a derived metric.
  • Real GDP = Nominal GDP - Inflation Rate. Inflation is the rate at which the value of a currency is falling and consequently the general level of prices for goods and services is rising.
  • From the Budget-making perspective, nominal GDP is important. However, from the perspective of the common people, real GDP is what matters.
• Gross Value Added (GVA): It examines the amount of value added (in monetary terms) in various productive areas of the economy. It tracks the total output in the economy by looking at the total supply.
• GDP vs GVA:
  • GDP = (GVA) + (Taxes earned by the government) - (Subsidies provided by the government). The difference between these two absolute figures will reveal the government's role in the process.
  • For example,
    • GDP > GVA, if the government generated more money from taxes than it spent on subsidies.
    • GVA > GDP, if the government gave subsidies in excess of its tax collections.
• Fiscal deficit:
  • A fiscal deficit is a shortfall in a government's income compared with its spending.
  • It is essentially a marker of the health of government finances and tracks the amount of money that a government has to borrow from the market to meet its expenses.

GDP Projections for FY25:

• Nominal vs. Real GDP:
  • Nominal GDP: Expected at ₹324 lakh crore (9.7% growth), translating to $3.8 trillion at an exchange rate of ₹85 per USD.
  • Real GDP: Estimated at ₹184.9 lakh crore, 57% of nominal GDP, accounting for inflation effects.
• Factors behind the sluggish growth: (Economic slowdown drivers)
  • Cyclical slowdown: Indian economy faces a downturn in growth momentum over the past three quarters.
  • Key influences:
    • Strong base effect.
    • Impact of general elections.
    • Weak private sector capital expenditure (capex).
    • Monetary and fiscal tightening measures.

Other Economic Indicators for FY25:

• Sectoral performance:
  • Primary and secondary sectors:
    • Agriculture: GVA growth rises to 3.8% in FY25 (1.4% in FY24).
    • Manufacturing: GVA growth dips to 5.3% from 9.9% in FY24.
    • Electricity, gas, and utilities: Growth slows to 6.8% (7.5% in FY24).
    • Construction: Grows at 8.6% (9.9% in FY24).
    • Mining and quarrying: Grows at 2.9%, down from 7.1% in FY24.
  • Services: Estimated growth at 7.2%, led by public administration (9.1%).
    • Trade, hotels, and transport: Growth slows to 5.8% (6.4% in FY24).
    • Financial and professional services: Grows at 7.3% (8.4% in FY24).
• Consumption and investment trends:
  • Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): Expected to grow at 7.3% (4% in FY24).
  • Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): Growth moderates to 6.4% from 9.0% in FY24.
• Government spending and fiscal impact:
  • Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) growth rises to 4.1% in FY25 from 2.5% in FY24.
  • Lower nominal GDP growth (9.7%) compared to budget estimates may not significantly impact fiscal deficit targets.

Challenges for Sustained Growth: 

Key engines of GDP showing sluggish growth.

• Private consumption: Slow CAGR of 4.8% since FY20 hinders growth.
• Government spending: Limited fiscal expansion since 2019 (CAGR of 3.1%).
• Investments: Stagnation in private and public sector capex since 2014 (CAGR of 5.3%).
• Net exports: Persistent trade deficit, although narrowing in FY25.

Implications and Way Forward:

• Insights for policymakers:
  • The latest GDP data underscores a deceleration in economic growth.
  • While India has shown high growth rates post-pandemic, much of this was due to statistical base effects.
  • A closer look at long-term trends reveals real economic growth of less than 5% annually since FY20, far below the 7% average required to achieve developed country status by 2047.
• Strategic interventions needed:
  • Boost private consumption to encourage investments.
  • Enhance public sector capex to revitalize economic growth.
  • Leverage rural demand and improve urban wage growth.

Conclusion:

• India's GDP growth trajectory in FY25 highlights pressing structural challenges.
• While government spending and rural demand offer some support, a holistic approach addressing consumption, investments, and trade is critical to sustaining long-term growth.

Q.1. Why is GDP forecasting important?

If the growth in GDP is expected to be strong, the government may enact tighter policies. On the other hand, if GDP growth is expected to be slow, the government may enact expansionary policies. Investors also use GDP growth forecasts to make informed decisions.

Q.2. Why is primary deficit?

A primary deficit is the difference between a government's fiscal deficit and the interest payments it makes on previous debt.

Source: IE | IE

What’s in today’s article?

• Background
• Why Does the Location of the Earthquake Matter?
• Causes of the Earthquake
• Implications of the Earthquake
• Key Takeaways
• Conclusion

Background

• On January 7, 2025, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 7.1 struck the Tibetan region of China and parts of Nepal.
• The epicentre was located approximately 10 km below the surface in Tingry County, Shigatse region, around 80 km north of Mount Everest.
• By evening, reports confirmed at least 95 fatalities, 130 injuries, and the destruction of hundreds of houses. Tremors were felt as far as Kathmandu (Nepal), Thimphu (Bhutan), and Kolkata (India).

Why Does the Location of the Earthquake Matter?

• Geographical and Cultural Context:
  • Epicentre Location: Tingry County lies in the Shigatse region of Tibet, a high-altitude area averaging 4-5 km above sea level and home to about 800,000 residents.
  • Cultural Significance: Shigatse is an important spiritual hub, housing the Panchen Lama of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Tourism Impact: Tingry serves as a gateway to Mount Everest. Although tourist numbers are lower in winter, the earthquake led to the suspension of tourist activities in the region.
• Proximity to Critical Infrastructure:
  • Lhasa Terrane: The earthquake occurred in the Lhasa terrane, a tectonic fragment crucial for geophysical studies and development projects.
  • Mega Dam Project: The region hosts China’s ambitious Yarlung Tsangpo River dam project, the world’s largest hydroelectric initiative, designed to generate 300 billion kWh annually.
  • Concerns for India: The Yarlung Tsangpo becomes the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, raising concerns about potential impacts on water availability and flow.
• Environmental Sensitivity:
  • The Himalayan region, often called the "third pole," holds vast water reserves in its rivers, glaciers, and lakes, supporting millions of people.
  • Earthquakes can trigger:
    • River course changes: Past earthquakes have altered major river systems, like the Ganga in India.
    • Glacial instability: Potential flooding due to destabilized glaciers and lakes.

Causes of the Earthquake

• Tectonic Dynamics:
  • Plate Collision: The Himalayas were formed 50 million years ago when the Indian plate collided with the Eurasian plate.
  • Ongoing Tension: The Indian plate continues to push northward at a rate of 60 mm/year, causing stress and periodic seismic activity.
• Historical Seismic Activity:
  • Since 1950, the Lhasa terrane has recorded 21 earthquakes of magnitude 6 or higher.
  • Notable Event: A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Mainling in 2017, highlighting the region’s vulnerability.
• Predictive Studies:
  • Geologists monitor fault lines to anticipate potential earthquakes.
  • For example, studies predicted the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake, observing that the fault involved experienced significant events roughly 80 years apart.

Implications of the Earthquake

• Humanitarian Impact:
  • Casualties: Loss of life and injuries underscore the urgent need for disaster preparedness in high-risk areas.
  • Displacement: Many residents have lost homes, requiring long-term rehabilitation efforts.
• Environmental Risks:
  • Hydrological Changes: Earthquakes can disrupt river systems and increase flood risks.
  • Climate Sensitivity: Destabilized glaciers could accelerate regional warming impacts.
• Regional Tensions:
  • India-China Relations: The proximity of the earthquake to the Yarlung Tsangpo-Brahmaputra basin raises concerns about water security and cross-border cooperation.

Key Takeaways

• Geological Importance: Understanding the dynamics of the Indian and Eurasian plates is essential to predicting future seismic activity.
• Infrastructure Concerns: Large-scale projects like the Yarlung Tsangpo dam need rigorous risk assessments to mitigate environmental and geopolitical impacts.
• Disaster Preparedness: Regional governments must enhance early warning systems and preparedness measures to minimize the human and economic toll of such disasters.

Conclusion

• The 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Tibetan China highlights the interconnectedness of geological, environmental, and geopolitical factors in the Himalayan region.
• Beyond immediate relief efforts, a long-term focus on seismic research, sustainable development, and international cooperation is crucial to safeguarding the region and its people.

Q1. What is the difference between Hypocenter and Epicenter?

Hypocenter: A hypocenter is the point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture starts. Epicenter: An epicenter is the point at the surface that lies directly above a hypocenter in the Earth.

Q2. What is the Asthenosphere?

The asthenosphere is a physical layer of the Earth that lies below the lithosphere. It comprises part of the mantle between 100 km and 250 km in depth. 

Source : TH