2nd Feb 2024 – Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs Reverse Engineering

Care (2-02-2024)

 

 

News at a Glance

 

Economy- Interim Budget 2024 presented

 

Blue Economy 2.0
Panel to Examine Challenges of ‘Fast Population Growth’

 

India expects fiscal deficit for 2025 to narrow to 5.1%

 

Ecology- Five more wetlands of India included in the list of Ramsar sites

 

International- India-Oman military cooperation

 

 

Interim Budget 2024-25 presented

Source: The Hindu

Context: Interim Budget 2024-25 presented by Union Finance Minister in the Parliament

 UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS –III (Indian budgeting and impact of economy)

Why in news

  • Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget in Parliament, which is her sixth budget in the House.

About Interim Budget

  • An interim budget is a type of temporary financial plan for the government, which will replace a full budget in case Parliament is short on time or general elections are approaching.
  • The Union Budget 2024-25 session will run from January 31 to February 9, 2024.
  • This time the finance minister presented the sixth budget in the House.
  • Sitharaman is the second Finance Minister after Morarji Desai, who got the opportunity to present the budget six times.

 

Key announcements of Interim Budget -2024

People-Centric Inclusive Development

  • Substantive development of all forms of infrastructure-Physical, Digital and Social
  • Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)-Promoted formalisation and financial inclusion
  • Deepening and widening of tax base via GST
  • Strengthened financial sector brought savings, credit and Investment back on track
  • GIFT IFSC- A robust gateway for global capital and financial services for the

Economy

  • Proactive Inflation management
  • All parts of country becoming active participants in economic growth
  • DBT has led to savings of ₹2.7 lakh crore
  • 25 crore people moved out of Multidimensional poverty
  • Credit assistance to 78 lakh street vendors under PM-SVANidhi

Empowering the Youth

  • 1.4 crore youth trained under Skill India Mission
  • Fostering entrepreneurial aspirations of Youth-43 crore loans sanctioned under PM Mudra Yojana
  • Increase in PM-SHRI Budget Allocation 4000 Rs crore (2023-24) to 6050 Rs crore (2024-25)

Welfare of Farmers-Annadata

Direct financial assistance to 11.8 crore farmers under PM-KISAN

  • Crop Insurance to 4 crore farmers under PM Fasal Bima Yojana
  • Integration 1,361 mandis under eNAM, supporting trading volume of ₹3 lakh crore

Nari Shakti

  • 30 crore Mudra Yojana loans disbursed to women entrepreneurs
  • Increased female enrolment in higher education by 28 per cent in 10 years
  • 43 per cent of female enrolment in STEM courses
  • 1 crore women assisted by 83 lakh SHGs to become Lakhpati Didis

Sustainable Development

  • Commitment to meet ‘Net Zero’ by 2070
  • Viability gap funding for wind energy
  • Setting up of coal gasification and liquefaction capacity
  • Phased mandatory blending of CNG, PNG and compressed biogas
  • Financial assistance for procurement of biomass aggregation machinery
  • Rooftop solarization-1 crore households will be enabled to obtain up to 300 units of free electricity per month
  • Adoption of e-buses for public transport network
  • Strengthening e-vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging
  • New scheme of biomanufacturing and bio-foundry to be launched to support environment friendly alternatives>10 crore LPG connections released under PMUY
  • 36.9 crore LED bulbs, 72.2 lakh LED Tube lights, and 23.6 lakh Energy efficient fans distributed under UJALA
  • 1.3 crore LED Street Lights installed under SNLP

Infrastructure and Investment

  • Implementation of 3 major railway corridor programmes under PM Gati Shakti-to improve logistics efficiency and reduce cost
  • Promotion of foreign investment via bilateral investment treaties to be negotiated
  • Expansion of existing airports and comprehensive development of new airports under UDAN scheme
  • Promotion of urban transformation via Metro rail and NaMo Bharat

Health

  • Encourage Cervical Cancer Vaccination for girls (9-14 years)
  • Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 to be expedited for improved nutrition delivery, early childhood care and development
  • U-WIN platform for immunisation efforts of Mission Indradhanush to be rolled out Health cover under Ayushman Bharat scheme to be extended to all ASHA, Angawadi workers and helpers

Inclusive Development

  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Grameen) close to achieving target of 3 crore houses, additional 2 crore targeted for next 5 years
  • Housing for Middle Class scheme to be launched to promote middle class to buy/built their own houses

Tourism

  • States will be encouraged to undertake development of iconic tourist centres to attract business and promote opportunities for local entrepreneurship
  • Long-term interest free loans to be provided to States to encourage development
  • G20 meetings in 60 places presented diversity of India to global audience
  • Projects for port connectivity, tourism infrastructure, and amenities will be taken up in islands, including Lakshadweep

Agriculture and Food Processing

  • Government will promote private and public investment in post-harvest activities
  • Application of Nano-DAP to be expanded in all agro-climatic zones
  • Atmanirbhar Oilseeds Abhiyaan-Strategy to be formulated to achieve atmanirbharta for oilseeds
  • Comprehensive programme for dairy development to be formulated
  • Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsaya Sampada Yojana to be stepped up to enhance aquaculture productivity, double exports and generate more employment opportunities
  • 2352 Rs crore allocation for Blue Revolution
  • 880 Rs crore allocation for PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme

Achievements of Taxation Reforms

  • Direct Tax Collections more than trebled in last 10 years

Number of return filers swelled to 2.4 times

  • Faster refunds: Reduction in average processing time of returns from 93 days (2013-14) to 10 days (2023-24)
  • Increase in tax buoyancy of State revenue from 0.72 (2012-16) to 1.22 in the post-GST period (2017-23)

Positive sentiment about GST

  • 94% industry leasers view transition to GST as largely positive
  • 80% of respondents feel GST has led to supply-ch ain optimisation (As per a survey conducted by a leading consulting firm)
  • Decline in import release time since 2019 by: –
  • 47 per cent at Inland Container Depots
  • 28 per cent at Air Cargo complexes
  • 27 per cent at Sea Ports

Tax Proposals

  • Continuity in taxation: Certain tax benefits to Start-ups and investments made by sovereign wealth funds/pension funds, tax exemption of some IFSC units earlier expiring on 31.03.2024 extended up to 31.03.2025
  • Withdrawal of outstanding direct tax demand: –
  • Up to 25,000 pertaining up to FY10
  • Up to 10,000 for FY11-FY15Retention of same tax rates:-
  • For direct and indirect taxes, including import duties
  • For Corporate Taxes-22% for existing domestic companies, 15% for certain new manufacturing companies
  • No tax liability for taxpayers with income up to 7 lakh under the new tax regime

 

 CARE MCQ  UPSC PYQ
Q1. Consider the following statements with reference to Interim Union Budget 2024 -25–

1. Interim Union Budget 2024-25 is the 78th Union Budget of India.

2. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana has benefitted 38 lakh farmers and generated 10 lakh employment.

3. The work of building 3 crore houses under PM Awas Yojana (Rural) has been completed.

 

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2

B. 2 and 3

C. Only 2

D. 1 and 3

Q. With reference to Union Budget, which of the following is/are covered under Non-Plan Expenditure? (UPSC Prelims 2013)

  1. Defense -expenditure
  2. Interest payments
  3. Salaries and pensions
  4. Subsidies

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  4. None

Answer- C

 

                                                                                                                                                                                        

Answer 1-B

Explanation –

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the interim budget in Parliament recently. Union Budget 2024 is the 76th Union Budget of India. So, statement 1 is incorrect.
  • The Union Budget 2024-25 session will run from January 31 to February 9, 2024. This time the Finance Minister presented the sixth budget in the House.
  • As per the interim budget, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana has benefitted 38 lakh farmers and generated 10 lakh employment.
  • The Central Sector Scheme – SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) was approved by the cabinet in May 2017 for the period of 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th Finance Commission cycle.
  • The scheme has now been renamed as the “Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)”.
  • The continuation of the Central Sector Scheme with an allocation of Rs. 4600 crore is approved till 31.03.2026.
  • It is an umbrella scheme incorporating ongoing schemes of the Ministry like Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure, etc. and also new schemes like Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters, Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages, Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities. So, statement 2 is correct.
  • Under the PM Awas Yojana (Rural) scheme, financial assistance worth ₹120,000 in plain areas and ₹130,000 in difficult areas (high land area) is provided for construction of houses.
  • In the interim budget 2024-25, Finance Minister said that the work of building 3 crore houses under PM Awas Yojana (Rural) has been completed. Another 2 crore houses will be built in the next 5 years. So, statement 3 is correct.

 

 

 Blue Economy 2.0

Source: The Indian Express

Context: Interim Budget Emphasizes Blue Economy 2.0

 UPSC Syllabus Relevance:  GS –III (Indian budgeting and impact of economy)

Why in News

  • The recently presented Interim Budget by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has underscored the importance of promoting environment-friendly development through the concept of ‘blue economy’.

About Blue Economy

  • With a focus on sustainable utilization of ocean resources, the budget aims to foster economic growth while safeguarding the health of marine ecosystems.
  • Blue economy encompasses all economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coasts, with an emphasis on sustainability.
  • As per the European Commission, it covers a wide array of established and emerging sectors, while the World Bank defines it as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and job creation, while preserving ocean health.
  • The concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in his 2010 book– “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs”.
  • It is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.
  • It advocates the greening of ocean development strategies for higher productivity and conservation of ocean’s health.
  • Blue Economy emphasizes on integration of development of the ocean economy with social inclusion, environmental sustainability, combined with innovative business models.

Significance for India

  • Given India’s extensive coastline, rich biodiversity of marine life, and abundant tourism opportunities, blue economy holds immense significance for the country’s economic development and environmental preservation.

Budgetary Measures

  • The Interim Budget proposes a comprehensive scheme aimed at restoration and adaptation measures, along with the promotion of coastal aquaculture and mariculture through an integrated and multi-sectoral approach. These initiatives seek to ensure sustainable economic activities while protecting ocean health.

Key Announcements

  • Finance Minister Sitharaman announced the establishment of five integrated aquaparks and pledged to enhance productivity under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
  • The objective is to double aquaculture exports to Rs 1 lakh crore and create 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future.

Policy Framework

  • The Budget references ‘blue economy 2.0’, building upon the draft policy framework released in July 2022.
  • This framework outlined key recommendations spanning various sectors including national accounting, ocean governance, fisheries, aquaculture, manufacturing, technology, and international engagement.

Global Recognition

  • India’s focus on blue economy gained recognition during its presidency of the G20 summit, with blue economy being a key agenda item.
  • The Comptroller & Auditor General of India chaired discussions on blue economy and responsible Artificial Intelligence, further highlighting its importance on the global stage.

Other Steps taken to Promote Blue Economy

  • Deep Ocean Mission: It was launched with an intention to develop technologies to harness the living and non-living resources from the deep-oceans.
  • India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy for Sustainable Development: It was inaugurated jointly by both the countries in 2020 to develop and follow up joint initiatives between the two countries.
  • Sagarmala Project: The Sagarmala project is the strategic initiative for port-led development through the extensive use of IT enabled services for modernization of ports.
  • O-SMART: India has an umbrella scheme by the name of O-SMART which aims at regulated use of oceans, marine resources for sustainable development.
  • Integrated Coastal Zone Management: It focuses on conservation of coastal and marine resources, and improving livelihood opportunities for coastal communities etc.
  • National Fisheries Policy: India has a National Fisheries policy for promoting ‘Blue Growth Initiative’ which focuses on sustainable utilization of fisheries wealth from marine and other aquatic resources.

Conclusion

  • The Interim Budget’s emphasis on blue economy underscores India’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
  • By integrating economic growth with conservation efforts, the country aims to harness the potential of its vast coastline while ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems.

 

 

 CARE MCQ  UPSC PYQ
Q2. Blue Economy 2.0 was mentioned in the interim budget, in its context consider the following statements –

1. The concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in his 2010 book.

2. The objective of the Blue Economy 2.0 is to promote sustainable development and climate-resilient activities in the coastal sector.

3. Blue Economy 2.0 is not related with advocating strategies for higher productivity.

 

Which of the above statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 1 and 3 only

D. All of the above

Q. What is blue carbon? (UPSC Prelims 2021)

A. Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems

B. Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils

C. Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas

D. Carbon present in atmosphere

 

Answer: A

 

 

 

Answer 2 -A

Explanation –

  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has mentioned Blue Economy 2.0 in her budget speech.
  • The concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in his 2010 book- “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs”. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • Blue economy is a kind of economic opportunity.
  • According to the World Bank, ocean resources have to be used sustainably to preserve the marine ecosystem, economic development and better livelihoods.
  • The objective of Blue Economy 2.0 scheme is to promote sustainable economy and climate-resilient activities in the coastal sector. So, statement 2 is correct.
  • Blue Economy emphasizes on integration of development of the ocean economy with social inclusion, environmental sustainability, combined with innovative business models.
  • It advocates the greening of ocean development strategies for higher productivity and conservation of ocean’s health. So, statement 3 is incorrect.
  • Every year, a major contribution of about 1.5 trillion dollars to the world economy or global economy is made through the ocean-based economy i.e. blue economy.

 

 

 

Panel to Examine Challenges of ‘Fast Population Growth’

Source: The Hindu

Context: Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Panel to Examine Challenges of ‘Fast Population Growth’ Despite Lack of Data

UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS-I (Poverty and Development issue )

GS III (Economic development)

Why in news

  • In her Interim Budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman disclosed plans to establish a high-powered committee to address the challenges arising from ‘fast population growth and demographic changes’.

Key highlights

  • This move aims to align with the vision of Viksit Bharat, or a developed India.
  • However, the absence of recent census data and contradictory fertility rate statistics raise questions about the urgency and necessity of such measures.
  • The announcement of the committee coincides with the indefinite postponement of the Census, leaving policymakers with limited empirical evidence to support claims of rapid population growth.
  • While concerns over demographic shifts, particularly in border areas, have been raised, the lack of comprehensive data undermines the accuracy of these assertions.

Fertility Rate in India

  • Contrary to assertions of ‘fast’ population growth, recent data indicates a decline in India’s fertility rate.
  • The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report for 2020 reveals a decrease in the total fertility rate (TFR) to 2, below the replacement level of 2.1.
  • Similarly, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 reports a decline in TFR from 2.2 to 2 nationally, with only five states exhibiting rates above replacement level.

Population Growth

  • As per the United Nations (UN) estimate from April 2023,  India overtook China as the world’s most populous country.
  • The report indicated that India’s population is 1.4286 billion while China’s stands at 1.4257 billion, making a difference of 2.9 million.
  • It is the first time since 1950 when the UN started to collect population data that India’s population has overtaken China’s.
  • The SOWP report noted that the population doubling time or the amount of time it takes for a population to double in size stood at 75 years for India.
  • Further, it added that 25 percent of the population in India is aged 0–14 years, 18 percent population is aged 10–19 years, 26 percent population is aged 10-24 years, and 68 percent population falls in the 15-64 years of age.

Population Growth in India: Background

  • Globalization in the 1990s saw India as a vast market with untapped potential, shifting the perception of population as an advantage.
  • India currently has 17.5% of the world’s population.
  • This is four times the population India had at the time of Independence in 1947 (34 crore)

Period of Slow Growth Rate of Population (1891-1921): Between 1891 and 1921, the rate of population growth in India was low.

  • In these 30 years, the population increased by 1.26 crore.
  • It was so because in these years, calamities and epidemics, like famines, plague, malaria etc. took a heavy toll on human lives.

 

Period of High Growth of Population (1921-51): Since 1921, the population has been increasing at a rapid rate.

  • The Census Commissioner has referred to the year 1921 as the Year of Great Divide.

Period of Population Explosion (1951-1981):   Between 1951-1961 the population increased rapidly. It is called the ‘period of population explosion.

  • Period of High Growth with definite Signs of slowing down from 1981 onwards:
  • The decadal growth rate during 1981-91 was recorded 23.87 percent as against 24.66 percent during the previous decade (1971-81).
  • UN estimates India’s population to reach 1.67 billion in 2050 before settling at 1.53 billion in 2100.

Data Deficiency

  • The absence of recent census data hampers informed decision-making and undermines the credibility of population-related policies.
  • Delays in conducting the Census and publishing vital statistics pose challenges for effective demographic research and socio-economic planning, as highlighted by activists petitioning for timely data release.

 

 

 CARE MCQ  UPSC PYQ
Q3. Consider the following statements –

  1. The Union government will constitute a high-powered committee to address the challenges arising from population growth and demographic change.
  2. The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report for 2020 reveals an increase in the total fertility rate (TFR) above the replacement level.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. 1 and 2 both
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

 

Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2016)

1. The rate of population growth is increasing in the country.

2. The death rate is declining faster in the country compared to birth rate.

3. The birth rate is declining faster in the country compared to death rate.

4. Rural-urban migration is taking place regularly in the country.

 

Which one of the following conclusions may be true in the light of the above facts?

A. The rate of population growth is increasing due to rural-urban migration.

B. The rate of population growth is increasing due to a decline in the death rate only.

C. The rate of population growth is increasing due to increase in the birth rate only.

D. The rate of population growth is increasing due to a faster decline in the death rate than in the birth rate.

Answer- D

 

 

Answer 3– A

Explanation –

  • The Union government will constitute a high-powered committee to address the challenges arising from population growth and demographic change.
  • The government is making this proposal keeping in mind the social changes. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • UN estimates, India’s population to reach 1.67 billion in 2050 before settling at 1.53 billion in 2100.
  • Contrary to assertions of ‘fast’ population growth, recent data indicates a decline in India’s fertility rate.
  • The latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report for 2020 reveals a decrease in the total fertility rate (TFR) to 2, below the replacement level of 2.1.
  • Similarly, the National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5 reports a decline in TFR from 2.2 to 2 nationally, with only five states exhibiting rates above replacement level. So, statement 2 is incorrect.

 

India expects fiscal deficit for 2025 to narrow to 5.1%

Source: CNBC

 

UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS-III (Government Budgeting)

Context: Context: India expects fiscal deficit for 2025 to narrow to 5.1% even as it boosts infra spending

Why in news

  • Recently the government’s aim to restrict the fiscal deficit to 5.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as against 5.9% budgeted earlier for the financial year and the push to restrict the fiscal deficit target to below 4.5% by 2025-26 rides on the back of a strong buoyancy in tax revenues.

Key highlights

  • Direct tax revenues have shown a sharp surge, with income tax seen overshooting the Budget estimate for this financial year by 13.5% and Securities Transaction Tax (STT) revenue seen exceeding budget estimate by 15.8%.
  • For the next financial year, direct tax collections, which include income tax and corporate tax, are estimated to rise 13.1% to ₹ 21.99 lakh crore.
  • Direct tax revenues are estimated to grow 17.2% year-on-year to ₹ 19.45 lakh crore in the current financial year 2023-24.
  • The income tax collections in 2023-24 have shown a sharp pickup and are expected to exceed the Budget estimate by ₹ 1.2 lakh crore.
  • Corporate tax collections have been maintained at the Budget estimate level of ₹ 9.23 lakh crore.
  • With this, income tax revenues are seen exceeding corporate tax collections, even though they had been budgeted at a lower level than corporate tax revenue in the Budget estimates for 2023-24.
  • The government’s gross tax revenue is estimated to grow 11.5 per cent to Rs 38.31 lakh crore in the next financial year.
  • The Centre’s net tax revenues are estimated to grow by nearly 12 per cent to Rs 26.02 lakh crore in 2024-25.
  • This compares with a rise of 10.8 per cent in the revised estimates for the ongoing financial year 2023-24 over the actual revenue in 2022-23.
  • The strong growth in tax revenues reflects the high tax buoyancy, which works out to be 1.2 in the revised estimates for financial year 2023-24 as against 1.0 in FY23. For 2024-25, the tax buoyancy is seen at 1.1.

About Tax buoyancy

  • It explains relationship between the changes in government’s tax revenue growth and the changes in GDP.
  • It refers to the responsiveness of tax revenue growth to changes in GDP.
  • When a tax is buoyant, its revenue increases without increasing the tax rate.
  • A similar looking concept is tax elasticity. It refers to changes in tax revenue in response to changes in tax rate.

Tax buoyancy depends mainly on

  • Size of the tax base.
  • Tax administration regime.
  • Reasonableness and simplicity of the tax rates.
  • Wealth creation.

 

 CARE MCQ  UPSC PYQ
Q4. What is the Union government’s revised aim regarding the fiscal deficit for the current financial year 2024-25, and its target for 2025-26?

A. 5.9% and below 5.8% respectively

B. 5.8% and below 4.5% respectively

C. 6.0% and below 5.0% respectively

D. 5.7% and below 4.8% respectively

 

 

Q. Which one of the following is likely to be the most inflationary in its effect? (UPSC Prelims 2021)

A. Repayment of public debt

B. Borrowing from the public to finance a budget deficit

C. Borrowing from the banks to finance a budget deficit

D. Creation of new money to finance a budget deficit

Answer: D

 

 

 

Answer 4: B

Explanation:

·         Fiscal deficit is a result of the government’s total expenditures exceeding the revenue that it generates, excluding money from borrowings.

·         The Union government aims to restrict the fiscal deficit to 5.8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the current financial year, down from the previously budgeted 5.9%.

·         A significant fiscal deficit can lead to a higher national debt and increased costs related to debt servicing. This can adversely affect the economy, potentially devaluing the national currency and hindering private sector investments.

·         Union government aims to further reduce the fiscal deficit target to below 4.5% by the fiscal year 2025-26.

·         This shift is supported by strong buoyancy in tax revenues.

 

 

 Five more wetlands of India included in the list of Ramsar sites

 Source: The Hindu

UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS-III (Environment and Function )

GS III (Science and technology- Health issues)

Context: Number of Ramsar sites in India has increased to 80.

Why in news

  • Recently five more wetlands were added to the list of Ramsar sites, located in states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Key highlights

  • Five sites have been included in Ramsar sites (wetlands of international importance)
  • The three sites Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, Aghanashini Estuary and Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve are located in Karnataka.
  • While two others, Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest are in Tamil Nadu.

About Ramsar Convention

  • The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed by 172 countries to protect and conserve wetlands.
  • It was named after the city in Iran where it was signed, and began in 1971 with 18 countries.
  • There are more than 2,400 Ramsar sites around the world, and the first site was designated in 1974 on the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia.
  • The largest sites are Rio Negro in Brazil (120,000 km²).

Ramsar Convention and India

  • India is also among the countries that have signed the contracting Ramsar Convention and India
  • India ratified this treaty on 1 February 1982.
  • The purpose of the Ramsar List is to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands.
  • In India, the Sundarbans in West Bengal is the largest Ramsar site.

World wetland day

  • World Wetland Day is celebrated every year on 2 February.
  • The theme for 2024 is “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”.

 

 CARE MCQ  UPSC PYQ
Q 5. Recently, 5 more wetlands were given the status of Ramsar sites in India. Which of the following are not located in Karnataka?

1. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve

2. Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve

3. Aghanashini Estuary

4. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary

5. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

 

         Code –

A. 1, 3 and 4

B. 2, 4 and 5

C. 4 and 5

D. 2 and 5

 

Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2019)

1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.

2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based in the recommendation of Ramsar Convention.

3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

B. 2 and 3 only

C. 3 only

D. 1, 2 and 3

 

Answer C

 

 

 

Answer 5– C

Explanation

·         According to Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav, five more Indian wetlands have been added to the global list of wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.

·         Karnataka: Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve, and Aghanashini Estuary

·         Tamil Nadu: Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary and Longwood Shola Reserve Forest

·         With the addition of 5 more sites, Indian Ramsar sites increased to 80.

·         New addition has made India the fourth largest country in terms of number of sites in the

·         list after the UK (175), Mexico (144), China (82).

·         In India, Tamil Nadu continues to have the maximum number of Ramsar sites (16)

·         followed by Uttar Pradesh (10).

·         The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed by 172 countries to protect and conserve wetlands.

 

 

India-Oman military cooperation

Source : Financial Express

 

UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS -II ( Bilateral grouping and Agreement)

Context: Union Defence Secretary Co-Chairs 12th India-Oman Joint Military Cooperation Committee Meeting at Muscat.

Why in the News

  • Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane recently co-chaired the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting with Dr. Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi, Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Oman, in Muscat recently.

 

Key Highlights

  • During the meeting, both sides lauded the robust defence cooperation existing between India and Oman.
  • They explored avenues for enhanced collaboration in various domains, including training, joint exercises, information sharing, oceanography, and shipbuilding.
  • These discussions aimed to foster mutual trust and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations while addressing regional and global issues of common interest.

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

  • In line with the India-Oman Joint Vision Document titled ‘A Partnership for the Future’, adopted during Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik’s visit to India in December 2023, the Defence Secretary and the Secretary General signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the procurement of Defence Material and Equipment.
  • This MoU sets the framework for a new phase of defence collaboration between the two countries.

 

Strengthening Strategic Partnership

  • Oman stands as one of India’s closest defence partners in the Gulf region, with defence cooperation serving as a cornerstone of their strategic partnership.
  • Both countries remain committed to working collaboratively under the vision of a strong strategic partnership, further enhancing mutual security and regional stability.

India-Oman Relationships so Far

  • The two countries across the Arabian Sea are linked by geography, history and culture and enjoy warm and cordial relations, which are attributed to historical maritime trade linkages.
  • The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Arab League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) fora.
  • Gandhi Peace Prize 2019 was conferred on Late HM Sultan Qaboos in recognition of his leadership in strengthening the ties between India & Oman and his efforts to promote peace in the Gulf region.

Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC):

  • The JMCC is the highest forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence.
  • The JMCC is expected to meet annually, but could not be organised since 2018 when the meeting of the 9th JMCC was held in Oman.

Oman’s Strategic Significance for India

  • Oman is at the gateway of Strait of Hormuz through which India imports one-fifth of its oil imports.
  • Defence cooperation has emerged as a key pillar for the robust India-Oman strategic partnership.
  • Defence exchanges are guided by a Framework MOU which was recently renewed in 2021.
  • Oman is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks, enabling close cooperation and trust at the professional level.
  • Oman also actively participates in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).
  • In a strategic move to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean region, India has secured access to the key Port of Duqm in Oman for military use and logistical support. This is part of India’s maritime strategy to counter Chinese influence and activities in the region.

 

 CARE MCQ  UPSC PYQ
Q6. Consider the following statements in the context of the India-Oman relations:

1. Oman is at the gateway of Strait of Hormuz through which India imports one-fifth of its oil imports.

2. Oman is not a member of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS).

 

Which of the statements given above is/are incorrect?

A. 1 only

B. 2 only

C. Both 1 and 2

D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q. Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (UPSC Prelims 2016)

 

A. Iran

B. Saudi Arabia

C. Oman

D. Kuwait

 

Answer: A

 

 

 

Answer 6- B

Explanation:

  • Oman is at the gateway of Strait of Hormuz through which India imports one-fifth of its oil imports.
  • Oman is the only country in the Gulf region with which all three services of the Indian armed forces conduct regular bilateral exercises and staff talks, enabling close cooperation and trust at the professional level. So, statement 1 is correct.
  • The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) is a series of biennial meetings between the littoral states of the Indian Ocean region.
  • It provides a forum to increase maritime security cooperation, discuss regional maritime issues, and promote friendly relationships among the member states.
  • Oman and India are members of IONS. So, statement 2 is incorrect.

Military Exercises:

  • Military Exercise: Al Nagah
  • Air Force Exercise: Eastern Bridge
  • Naval Exercise: Naseem Al Bahr

 

 

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