Q1. Blue Economy 2.0 implies environment-friendly development as mentioned in the interim Union budget presented by Union Finance Minister. Why is this significant for India? Evaluate (250 words).’
Topic- Ecology and Environment
Introduction:
The interim budget speech delivered by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently provided a boost to Blue Economy 2.0 with the announcement of a new scheme “for restoration and adaptation measures, coastal aquaculture, and mariculture with an integrated and multi-sectoral approach”.
Body :
- Definition
- Budget proposals
- Significance for India
- Adaptation measures
- Maladaptation Challenge
Conclusion :
With marine ecosystems facing unprecedented threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation, there is an urgent need for coordinated action to safeguard the health and resilience of ocean resources. The Blue Economy, which harnesses the potential of oceans, seas, and coastal areas, has emerged as a key area of focus in discussions surrounding sustainable development.
UPSC Syllabus Environment and Ecology:
Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard? (UPSC Mains Questions 2022)
Introduction
The interim budget speech delivered by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently provided a boost to Blue Economy 2.0 with the announcement of a new scheme “for restoration and adaptation measures, coastal aquaculture, and mariculture with an integrated and multi-sectoral approach”.
Body Status :
Definition
- The phrase ‘Blue Economy’ or ‘Ocean Economy’ refers to the economic endeavours linked to oceans and seas.
- According to the World Bank, the Blue Economy is characterised as the “sustainable utilization of ocean resources with the aim of enhancing economies, livelihoods, and the health of ocean ecosystems.”
- Aquaculture is a broad term that refers to the farming of aquatic plants and animals, mariculture refers to rearing and harvesting marine creatures in salt water.
Budget proposals
- Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada Yojana will be stepped up to enhance aquaculture productivity, double exports and generate more employment opportunities.
- Five integrated aquaparks will be set up soon.
Significance for India
- India has expansive 7,500 km coastline (encompassing both mainland and islands)
- A draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy was first released in July 2022.
- Blue Economy 2.0 is positive for the 14 million people engaged in fisheries and allied activities.
- This would boost livelihoods and help in adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change
Adaptation measures
- Effective adaptation measures such as the cultivation of indigenous seaweeds, deployment of artificial reefs, and stabilisation of beach sand dunes should be prioritised for both adaptation needs and mitigation measures.
- These approaches can contribute to protecting coasts against erosion and providing livelihoods to local communities.
Maladaptation challenge
- Concerns persist regarding potential maladaptation resulting from misguided adaptation measures.
- Maladaptation, defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as “changes in natural or human systems that inadvertently increase vulnerability to climate stimuli,” denotes an inadvertent increase in the impacts of climate change on communities.
- The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) released in March 2023 highlighted an increased incidence of maladaptation in various sectors and regions.
Conclusion
With marine ecosystems facing unprecedented threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation, there is an urgent need for coordinated action to safeguard the health and resilience of ocean resources. The Blue Economy, which harnesses the potential of oceans, seas, and coastal areas, has emerged as a key area of focus in discussions surrounding sustainable development.
Q2. Financing for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees has been suspended recently by donor countries including US. Discuss the controversy and its impact in light of status and functions of UNRWA. (150 words).
Topic- International Organisations
Introduction
Some donors, including the United States, Canada and Britain, have decided to suspend funding to the UNRWA after Israel accused several UNRWA employees of suspected involvement in the October 7 attack on Israel.
Body
- About UNRWA
- Functions
- Funding
- Controversy
- Impact of suspension
Conclusion
United Nations should conduct an independent, impartial and objective investigation. At the same time, since Palestinians in Gaza heavily rely on UNRWA for essential services like education and healthcare, aid must continue to avoid any further humanitarian crisis.
UPSC Syllabus International Organisations
Why was this question asked?
‘Too little cash, too much politics, leave UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of the US’ withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (UPSC Main 2019)
Introduction:
Some donors, including the United States, Canada and Britain, have decided to suspend funding to the UNRWA after Israel accused several UNRWA employees of suspected involvement in the October 7 attack on Israel.
Body Status
About UNRWA
- UNRWA stands for UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East.
- It was founded in 1949 to provide aid to about 700,000 Palestinians who were forced to leave their homes in what is now Israel during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.
- The UN agency operates in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as well as Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan, where refugees sought safety following their expulsion
Functions
- It provides education, health, relief and social services, microfinance, and emergency aid both inside and outside refugee camps in the aforementioned areas.
Funding
- UNRWA is nearly completely funded by voluntary contributions from donor states such as the United States.
- In 2022, the UNRWA’s top government donors were the US, Germany, the European Union, Sweden, Norway, Japan, France, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and Turkey.
- It also receives a minimal UN subsidy that is utilised solely for administrative costs.
Controversy
- Israel has alleged that “Hamas tunnels (are) running next to or under UNRWA facilities and accuses the agency of teaching hatred of Israel in its schools.”
- The UN said that it had terminated nine out of 12 staff over the allegations and vowed to hold its employees accountable, but has denied all the allegations, saying it has no links to Hamas.
- Some experts call this a “coordinated political attack” against the agency by Israel.
Impact of suspension
-
- Two million Palestinians in Gaza are dependent on UNRWA services that would be scaled back as soon as February if the funding is not restored.
- UNRWA is critical to the survival of Gazans, who have been thrust into a humanitarian crisis since the conflict began.
- The agency has been the primary provider of food, water, and shelter to civilians in the enclave.
Conclusion
United Nations should conduct an independent, impartial and objective investigation. At the same time, since Palestinians in Gaza heavily rely on UNRWA for essential services like education and healthcare, aid must continue to avoid any further humanitarian crisis.