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Governance, Environmental Sustainability, and Scientific Breakthroughs: India's Path Forward – November 27, 2023

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    Current Affairs Wala
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Introduction

Welcome to our in-depth exploration of pivotal developments in Indian governance, environmental policy, and scientific innovation as of November 27, 2023. In this edition, we dissect the nuances of Special Category States in India, shedding light on their developmental and strategic importance. We also scrutinize the environmental impact of the Char Dham project amidst the fragile Himalayan terrain, and address the critical need for electrifying fleets to mitigate urban pollution. The fascinating realm of plant biology is explored, revealing how plants defend themselves without pesticides. Furthermore, we delve into the potential of piezoelectric materials in generating electricity. Join us as we navigate these vital issues, offering a comprehensive perspective on India's ongoing efforts in governance, environmental conservation, and scientific advancement.

POLITY

WHAT IS A SPECIAL CATEGORY STATES

A special category status is actually granted by the Centre to assist the development of a state that faces geographical or socio economic disadvantages. The special category status was introduced in 1969 on the recommendation of the 5th finance commission.

5 FACTORS

  • Hilly or difficult terrain
  • Low population density orisable share of tribal population
  • Strategic location around the international borders.
  • Economic and infrastructure backwardness.
  • Non viable nature of state finances are considered before granting special category status.

STATES THAT ARE UNDER THIS CATEGORY

In 1969 3 states named Jammu and Kashmir Assam and Nagaland the special category state status. After that 8 more States including Arunachal Pradesh Manipur Meghalaya Mizoram Sikkim Tripura Himachal Pradesh Uttarakhand this status was given by the east while National level council.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

  • The special category states used to receive grants based on the Gadgil Mukherjee formula which provided nearly 30% of the central assistance for the states to these special category states.
  • After the evolution of the planning commission and the recommendation of the 14th and 15 finance commission this assistance to States has been subsumed in an increase of funds to 41% from 32%percent.
  • The centre state funding of Central sponsored schemes is divided in the ratio of 90:10, far more favorable than 60:40 or 80:20 splits for general category states.

THE PROPOSED BHARATIYA SAKSHYA BILL BARS THE COURT FROM ENQUIRING INTO ANY PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN MINISTERS AND PRESIDENT OF INDIA

The proposed Bhartiya sakshya Bill which replaces the Indian evidence act 1872 bars the quote from enquiry communication between ministers and the president of India. Article 74 of the constitution states that the union government is fixed to give it legal backing by making it part of the evidence poke the government however has not clearly defined what constitutes privileged communication leaving the provision open to integration.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CHAR DHAM PROJECT AND STABILITY OF THE HIMALAYAS

The char dham project being constructed by the national highway authority of India in Uttarakhand which is linking the four religious pilgrimages of Gangotri yamunotri Badrinath and Kedarnath has brought into focus different angles and major issues in the Indian Himalayan region.
  • The first one is about the development model itself and in concrete terms what should be the carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan region
  • One of the major problems in this project is accepting the fact that Himalayas are the youngest range of mountains and still in the building stage.
  • This particular belt is extremely sensitive to earthquakes and frictional forces and disasters.
  • Any types of construction is or can be dangerous now the national highway authority has said it is going to conduct a detailed inspection of 29 tunnels in the country for father safety and avoiding accidents.
  • The carrying capacity cannot just be limited to the number of people and the ecosystem can sustain but it is also to recognise the total carrying capacity of the Indian Himalayan region from the infrastructureless pet and biological aspect and humanitarian aspect.

There are special and temporal changes that could be on the scope and spaces of the Himalayan aesthetic culture and building typology. A new legislative and valid architecture purely based on the need and requirement by this Himalayan region that allows people to monitor these projects and ensure that geological experts are a part of every move is required. Likewise the local authority, the civil security groups and the community given organization should also be included in execution and proper handling of the project which will deal with the best outcome and less tension.

Char Dham Project

FLEET ELECTRIFICATION TO TACKLE URBAN POLLUTION

About 9 lacs new tracks are added to Indian roads every year to an already running amount of 70 lakhs trucks. India carries over 2 trillion tons of freight on tracks annually. These trucks consume over one fourth of Indian oil and imports and contribute to 90% of root transport carbon dioxide emission. If all these new tracks were powered by diesel fire internal combustion engine vehicles as in the case of today our cities will face a greater onslaught of PM 2.5 pollution. It is commendable that the government is a aggressive electrification the bus but that electrification of drugs are not up to the target mark due to several obligation such as power stations affordability etc

THE DEFENSE MECHANISM OF PLANTS IN FIELD WITHOUT PESTICIDES

A study in nature states that plants could help unlock standing questions in the field of plant defense and pay the way to protect crops without pesticides. THE DEFENSE MECHANISM RELEASES GLVs WHEN ATTACK ON DAMAGES USING THIS DEFENSE RESPONSE PLANTS CAN MAKE THEMSELVES PALATABLE OR EVEN IN DIGEST TABLE TO INSECT ATTACKERS.

NOW THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS GLV OR GREEN LEAF VOLATILES?

  • Green leaf volatiles are organic compounds released by plants, some of these chemical functions as signals in compounds between either plants of the same species or some other dishes or even the different life forms like insects.
  • Green leaf volatiles are involved in patterns of attack and protection between species they have found increases the attractive effect of PHEROMONES cohabiting insects that protect plants from attacking insect species.
Green Leaf Volatiles

PIEZOELECTRICITY

It is a remarkable phenomena where some materials including quoted ceramics such as lead zirconate Titanate and even started biological substances like own and tendons can generate electric charge in response to mechanical stress; this for property is the result of their unusual crystal structure. They charge on atoms in the molecules that make them up asymmetric on two sides of an Axis when the same stresses applied the molecule becomes distorted and asymmetry of charge give rise to small electric current. Piezoelectricity
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