Current Affairs

Model Answer

India’s forest cover has seen a reported increase of 16,630 sq km over the past decade, a statistic that masks significant ecological losses in critical areas such as the Northeast and coastal mangroves. While greening initiatives aim to enhance green cover, they often prioritize quantity over the quality of forest ecosystems, leading to a troubling dichotomy between conservation and mere greening.

Key Issues in Forest Conservation

1. Deforestation due to Development Projects:
   Large-scale infrastructure projects have led to the diversion of over 3 lakh hectares of forest land in the last 15 years. This deforestation fragments ecosystems and threatens biodiversity.
2. Quality Degradation:
   Although the net forest area may have increased, the quality of dense forests is declining. For instance, the Western Ghats have lost 58.22 sq km of forest cover, indicating that quantitative measures alone do not reflect ecological health.
3. Mangrove Degradation:
   Mangroves, essential for coastal protection, face threats from aquaculture and industrial expansion. Between 2000 and 2016, approximately 2,193.92 sq km of mangroves were lost, heightening the risk of climate-induced disasters.
4. Inadequate Implementation of Forest Rights Act:
   The implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006 has been inconsistent, with over 50% of claims unapproved, leading to the eviction of tribal communities from their lands.
5. Weakening of Environmental Regulations:
   Recent policies, such as the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022, have prioritized commercial interests over conservation, diluting protections for local communities.
6. Forest Fires and Climate Change:
   The frequency and intensity of forest fires have surged, exacerbated by climate change and human activities. The State of Forest Report 2023 indicates alarming increases in fire incidents, particularly in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.
7. Encroachment and Illegal Activities:
   Urbanization and illegal logging continue to degrade forest ecosystems, leading to increased conflicts between forest authorities and local communities.
8. Conflicts Between Conservation and Livelihoods:
   Conservation efforts often displace local communities, creating a conflict between environmental goals and the livelihoods of indigenous populations.

Suggested Measures for Effective Conservation

To tackle these challenges, India must adopt a multi-faceted approach:

• Community Participation: Empower local and tribal communities in decision-making and conservation efforts.
• Focus on Restoration: Prioritize the restoration of natural forests over expanding monoculture plantations.
• Use of Technology: Implement advanced technologies for real-time monitoring of forest health and illegal activities.
• Landscape-Based Conservation: Integrate conservation efforts with urban and agricultural planning to create comprehensive strategies.
• Strengthening Mangrove Conservation: Scale up programs that protect and restore mangroves, ensuring local community involvement.
• Promoting Agroforestry: Link agroforestry practices with rural development to provide sustainable livelihoods while conserving biodiversity.
• Utilizing Carbon Markets: Leverage carbon credits to fund forest conservation initiatives, making them economically viable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while India has made strides in expanding forest cover, the focus must shift towards enhancing forest health and biodiversity. A balanced approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic goals is crucial for the long-term sustainability of India’s forest ecosystems.

Model Answer

India’s space program has made remarkable strides, particularly with the recent successes of Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-1, positioning the country among elite spacefaring nations. Achieving self-reliance in space technology is crucial for India, as it not only enhances its technological prowess but also contributes significantly to socio-economic development and geopolitical standing.

Opportunities

One of the key opportunities lies in technological advancements. Projects like the SpaDeX mission, which marks India’s entry into space docking, demonstrate the country’s growing capabilities. Furthermore, India’s Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) taps into the burgeoning $14 billion global market for small satellites, enabling cost-effective access to space.

Additionally, the economic growth potential of the space sector is substantial. The establishment of a ₹10 billion fund for space startups encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, creating job opportunities and fostering a new generation of technological advancements.

Moreover, global partnerships with organizations such as NASA and ESA enhance India’s role in addressing global challenges, further solidifying its position in the international space community.

Challenges

Despite these opportunities, India faces several challenges. Budget constraints remain a significant hurdle, as the country allocates only 0.04% of its GDP to space activities, compared to the United States’ 0.28%. This limited funding restricts large-scale projects and long-term research initiatives.

Furthermore, India’s technological dependence on foreign entities for critical components like sensors and propulsion systems hampers its ability to achieve complete self-reliance. This is evident in the long development timelines for indigenous technologies, such as the cryogenic engine for GSLV.

Additionally, the regulatory framework governing space activities is underdeveloped, creating barriers for private sector participation. The absence of clear licensing mechanisms discourages startups and limits innovation in the space domain.

Implications

The advancements in space technology have far-reaching socio-economic implications. Space-based applications enhance sectors like agriculture through improved data for crop monitoring and disaster management, contributing to national resilience and sustainable development.

From a geopolitical perspective, increasing self-reliance in space technology can enhance India’s strategic capabilities, allowing it to better respond to global challenges and assert its influence in international affairs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while India’s journey towards self-reliance in space technology is fraught with challenges, the opportunities it presents are immense. By addressing budgetary constraints, fostering indigenous technological development, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, India can leverage its advancements in space to achieve greater socio-economic benefits and strengthen its position as a leading global space power.