SUMMARY OF

DOWN TO EARTH
[16–31 October, 2024]

DEBT RELIEF FOR CLIMATE-HIT NATIONS 1

PANCHAYATS IN INDIA AND UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS) 2
EUTHANASIA 5
FUTURE PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE 7
‘PANDEMIC PREVENTION, PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE ACCORD’ AKA PANDEMIC TREATY 11
NO BOOST TO FARMER INCOME 12
Prelims
SILICOSIS 13
MULTIPLE DISEASE OUTBREAKS IN AFRICA 14
EU'S DEFORESTATION REGULATION 15
AVIAN INFLUENZA 15
INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION 16
PRADHAN MANTRI RASHTRIYA KRISHI VIKAS YOJANA & KRISHONNATI YOJANA 17
MANKIDIA COMMUNITY OF ODISHA 19
ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ) 19
KOLKATA’S TRAMS 20
INVASIVE THREAT OF KAPPAPHYCUS ALVAREZI 21
MELANISTIC TIGER (BLACK TIGER) IN ODISHA 22
Subjective Questions
MCQs
DEBT RELIEF FOR CLIMATE-HIT NATIONS allow countries to reduce their debt in
exchange for commitments to
Context
environmental conservation and
● Recently, Australia has announced that climate adaptation projects.
it would start offering Pacific nations
○ For example, Ecuador’s landmark
hit by climate change-induced disasters
deal to protect the Galapagos
that would include climate-resilient
Islands through a blue bond sale is
debt clauses in sovereign loan deals by
a notable success.
the end of 2025.
● Debt Cancellation and Restructuring:
About the Debt Relief for Climate-hit Nations Large-scale debt cancellation and
● Climate change is an escalating crisis restructuring can provide immediate
that disproportionately affects relief to climate-hit nations.
developing nations. These countries
○ It involves renegotiating the terms
often face severe weather events,
of debt to make it more
rising sea levels, and other climate-
manageable, often including
related challenges that strain their
extended repayment periods,
economies.
reduced interest rates, or partial
● Compounding these issues is the debt forgiveness.
burden of debt, which limits their
○ The Climate and Community
ability to invest in climate resilience
Project advocates for such
and sustainable development.
measures as part of broader
Climate-Debt Trap climate reparations.
● Developing countries are caught in a ● Special Drawing Rights (SDRs):
vicious cycle known as the ‘climate- Enhanced access to SDRs, a type of
debt trap’. international reserve asset created by
● Frequent and severe climate disasters the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
exacerbate economic hardships, can provide additional liquidity to
reducing tax revenues and productivity, countries facing climate-induced
which in turn diminishes long-term financial stress.
growth prospects. ○ It can help stabilise economies and
● As these nations struggle to repay their support investments in climate
debts, their sovereign credit ratings fall, resilience.
leading to higher borrowing costs and Case Studies and Success Stories
further limiting their ability to invest in
● Belize: Belize has successfully
climate action.
negotiated debt-for-nature swaps that
Innovative Debt Relief Solutions have allowed it to invest in marine
● Debt-for-Nature and Debt-for-Climate conservation while reducing its debt
Swaps: These financial instruments burden.
 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

○ These initiatives have not only About

protected biodiversity but also ● Panchayats, the cornerstone of India’s
boosted tourism and local rural governance, play a pivotal role in
economies. achieving the United Nations’ SDGs.
● Ecuador: As mentioned earlier, ● These local self-government
Ecuador’s innovative use of blue bonds institutions are instrumental in
to protect the Galapagos Islands serves implementing policies and programs
as a model for other nations. that align with the SDGs, ensuring
sustainable development at the
○ It has garnered international
grassroots level.
attention and support,
demonstrating the potential of Role of Panchayats in Sustainable
debt-for-climate swaps. Development
● The Panchayati Raj system, established
Challenges and the Way Forward
under the 73rd Constitutional
● While these solutions offer hope, they Amendment Act of 1992, aims to
are not without challenges. decentralise power and promote local
Implementing debt relief measures self-governance.
requires international cooperation and
● Panchayats are responsible for the
political will.
planning and execution of various
● Additionally, ensuring that funds freed development programs, which directly
up by debt relief are effectively used contribute to the SDGs.
for climate action is crucial. ● The 17 SDGs, adopted by all United
● Transparent governance and robust Nations Member States in 2015,
monitoring mechanisms are essential provide a shared blueprint for peace
to ensure that these resources achieve and prosperity for people and the
their intended impact. planet, now and into the future.

Thematic Integration

PANCHAYATS IN INDIA AND UN’S ● The government has asked all villages
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS to focus on one of the nine themes for
(SDGS) Localisation of Sustainable
Development Goals (LSDGs) that
Context
reflect UN’s 17 SDGs
● Panchayats have potential to make a
significant contribution to ● LSDGs are aligned to UN’s 17 SDGs and
developmental goals, particularly those the 29 subjects under panchayats
related to poverty alleviation and listed in the XIth Schedule of
education. Constitution of India;

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

● Subjects Under Panchayat’s Key Areas of Contribution

Jurisdiction: Poverty alleviation ● Poverty Alleviation (SDG 1):
programme; Agriculture including Panchayats implement schemes like
agricultural extension; Animal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
husbandry, dairying and poultry; Employment Guarantee Act
Fisheries; Public distribution system; (MGNREGA), which provides
Technical training and vocational employment opportunities and helps
education; Markets and fairs; Khadi, reduce poverty in rural areas.
village and cottage industries; Minor
● Zero Hunger (SDG 2): Through
forest produce; Small scale industries,
initiatives like the Public Distribution
including food processing industries;
System (PDS) and various agricultural
Rural housing; Health and sanitation,
schemes, Panchayats ensure food
including hospitals, primary health
security and promote sustainable
centres and dispensaries; Family
agriculture.
welfare; Adult and non-formal
education; Education, including primary ● Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3):
and secondary schools; Women and Panchayats facilitate access to
child development; Minor irrigation, healthcare services, sanitation, and
water management and watershed clean drinking water, contributing to
development; Drinking water; Non- improved health outcomes in rural
conventional energy sources; Fuel and communities.
fodder; Social forestry and farm ● Quality Education (SDG 4): By
forestry; Land improvement, managing local schools and promoting
implementation of land reforms, land educational programs, Panchayats help
consolidation and soil conservation; ensure inclusive and equitable quality
Roads, culverts, bridges, ferries, education for all.
waterways and other means of ● Gender Equality (SDG 5): Panchayats
communication; Rural electrification, work towards empowering women
including distribution of electricity; through various schemes and ensuring
Maintenance of community assets; their participation in local governance.
Libraries; Social welfare, including
● Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6):
welfare of the handicapped and
Initiatives like the Swachh Bharat
mentally retarded; Welfare of the
Mission are implemented at the
weaker sections, and in particular, of
Panchayat level to ensure access to
the Scheduled Castes and the
clean water and sanitation facilities.
Scheduled Tribes; Cultural activities;
and Women and child development. ● Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7):
Panchayats promote the use of
renewable energy sources and energy-
efficient practices in rural areas.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

● Decent Work and Economic Growth building strong, transparent, and

(SDG 8): By fostering local industries accountable local institutions.
and creating job opportunities, ● Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17):
Panchayats contribute to sustained Panchayats collaborate with various
economic growth. stakeholders, including government
● Industry, Innovation, and agencies, NGOs, and the private sector,
Infrastructure (SDG 9): Panchayats play to achieve the SDGs.
a role in developing rural
Challenges and Opportunities
infrastructure, including roads, schools,
and healthcare facilities. ● While Panchayats have made
significant strides in contributing to the
● Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10):
SDGs, they face several challenges,
Panchayats work towards reducing
including limited financial resources,
inequalities by ensuring that
capacity constraints, and governance
marginalised communities have access
issues.
to resources and opportunities.
● However, with proper support and
● Sustainable Cities and Communities
capacity-building initiatives, Panchayats
(SDG 11): Panchayats are involved in
can overcome these challenges and
planning and developing sustainable
play a more effective role in
rural communities.
sustainable development.
● Responsible Consumption and
Conclusion
Production (SDG 12): Panchayats
promote sustainable agricultural ● Panchayats are crucial in translating
practices and waste management. the global vision of the SDGs into local
realities. By leveraging their unique
● Climate Action (SDG 13): Panchayats
position at the grassroots level,
implement programs aimed at
Panchayats can ensure that
mitigating the effects of climate change
development is inclusive, sustainable,
and promoting environmental
and leaves no one behind.
sustainability.
● Strengthening Panchayats and
● Life Below Water (SDG 14): Coastal
enhancing their capacity to implement
Panchayats are involved in the
SDG-related initiatives will be key to
conservation of marine resources.
achieving sustainable development in
● Life on Land (SDG 15): Panchayats India.
engage in activities that protect
terrestrial ecosystems and promote EUTHANASIA
biodiversity.
Context
● Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
(SDG 16): Panchayats work towards ● Recently, a letter to the Union Health
Minister demanded the ‘Draft

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

Guidelines on Passive Euthanasia’ Guidelines and Implementation

exclude the interests of terminally ill ● The implementation of passive
patients euthanasia involves a detailed and
cautious process.
About the Euthanasia
● It, often referred to as ‘mercy killing’, is ● According to the guidelines issued by
a deeply complex and controversial the Ministry of Health and Family
issue that touches on ethical, legal, and Welfare, a primary medical board must
emotional aspects of human life. be constituted to evaluate the patient’s
condition and certify the need for
● In India, the debate around euthanasia
passive euthanasia.
has evolved significantly over the years,
particularly with landmark judgments ● This board’s decision must be endorsed
and evolving societal perspectives. by a secondary medical board, ensuring
multiple layers of scrutiny to prevent
Legal Framework in India misuse.
● In India, euthanasia is categorised into ● In 2023, the Supreme Court further
two types: active and passive. simplified the procedure for registering
● Active euthanasia, which involves the advance directives, making it more
direct intervention to end a patient’s accessible for patients and their
life, remains illegal in India. However, families.
Passive euthanasia, which entails ● The new guidelines allow for the
withdrawing life support to allow a attestation of advance directives by a
patient to die naturally, has been notary or a gazetted officer, rather
legally recognised under stringent than requiring a judicial magistrate’s
conditions. countersignature.
● The Supreme Court of India, in a
Ethical Considerations
historic decision in 2018, upheld the
right to passive euthanasia and allowed ● The ethical debate around euthanasia
individuals to create advance is multifaceted. Proponents argue that
directives, also known as living wills. it allows individuals to die with dignity,
free from prolonged suffering and pain.
○ It was seen as a significant step
towards recognising the autonomy ● They emphasise the importance of
and dignity of terminally ill personal autonomy and the right to
patients. make decisions about one’s own body
and life.
○ The court emphasised that the
right to life under Article 21 of the ● On the other hand, opponents raise
Constitution includes the right to concerns about the potential for abuse
die with dignity. and the moral implications of ending a
human life, even with consent.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

Social Considerations Conclusion

● It challenges traditional views on life ● Euthanasia remains a contentious issue
and death and raises questions about in India, balancing the fine line
the role of medical professionals in between ethical considerations, legal
end-of-life care. frameworks, and human compassion.
● The Indian Society of Critical Care ● While the legal recognition of passive
Medicine has highlighted the need for euthanasia marks a significant step
comprehensive guidelines to ensure forward, ongoing dialogue and
that the interests of terminally ill legislative efforts are essential to
patients are prioritised. address the complexities and ensure
that the rights and dignity of terminally
Case Studies and Real-Life Implications
ill patients are upheld.
● The case of Aruna Shanbaug, a nurse
● As India continues to grapple with this
who remained in a vegetative state for
sensitive issue, it is crucial to foster a
42 years following a brutal assault,
compassionate and informed approach
brought the issue of euthanasia to the
that respects individual autonomy
forefront in India.
while safeguarding against potential
○ Her case led to the 2011 Supreme abuses.
Court judgement that first
recognized passive euthanasia
FUTURE PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS
under specific conditions. AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
○ This landmark case underscored
Context
the need for legal clarity and
compassionate care for patients in ● Recently, NITI Aayog released the
similar conditions. ‘Future Pandemic Preparedness and
Emergency Response—a Framework
● Another poignant example is the story
for Action’ focusing on public health
of Ritika Sinha, a young woman
emergencies or pandemics.
suffering from muscular dystrophy,
who has repeatedly appealed for the Background: Blueprint for Preparedness
right to end her life due to her ● The expert group behind the ‘Future
debilitating condition. Pandemic Preparedness and
○ Her case highlights the ongoing Emergency Response (PPER) — A
struggles faced by patients and Framework for Action’ recognised that
their families in navigating the COVID-19 wouldn’t be the last
legal and medical systems to seek pandemic we face.
relief from unbearable suffering.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

● Given the ever-changing planetary ● Data Management, Surveillance and

dynamics—ecology, climate, and Early Predictive Warning, Forecasting
interactions between humans, and Modelling: Timely data collection,
animals, and plants—there is a need to surveillance systems, and predictive
be ready for new infectious threats. models allow us to detect outbreaks
● In fact, the World Health Organization early. This information is vital for swift
(WHO) has warned that 75% of future decision-making.
public health threats are likely to be ● Research and Innovation,
zoonotic (originating from animals). Manufacturing, Infrastructure,
Capacity building/Skilling: Investing in
Key Objectives of Report
research, innovation, and domestic
● NITI Aayog formed an Expert Group manufacturing capacities is essential.
with a clear mission: create a robust We need to develop diagnostic tools,
framework for future pandemic treatments, and vaccines swiftly.
preparedness and emergency
● Partnership, Community engagement
response, to address the above
including risk communication, Private
emergencies.
sector partnerships, and international
● Their task was to examine how COVID- collaborations: Strengthening
19 was managed both nationally and healthcare capacity, training healthcare
globally, learn from successes and workers, and engaging communities
challenges, and identify key gaps to are vital. International collaboration
enhance our readiness for any health ensures knowledge sharing and
crisis. resource pooling.
Key Recommendations (Four Pillars of Other Recommendations
Preparedness)
● A separate Public Health Emergency
● Governance, Legislation, Finance and
Management Act (PHEMA) is proposed
Management: Effective governance
to facilitate the management of any
structures, legal frameworks, financial
public health crisis beyond epidemics,
mechanisms, and management
including non-communicable diseases,
strategies are crucial.
disasters, and bioterrorism, and should
○ A well-defined SOP manual for be in place for a developed country.
rapid response to be prepared
● Indian Regulatory System: There is a
Setting up of a special PPER Fund
need for global harmonisation of
for all activities of surveillance,
regulatory norms to allow acceptance
data management, forecasting and
of regulatory data across the world’s
modelling, research, innovation
recognised regulatory authorities and a
and manufacture, development of
common framework for innovative
countermeasures, infrastructure
technologies and accelerated response
and capacity building.
for emergency approval.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

● The regulatory authority in India During this window, there is a need to

(CDSCO) needs special powers through have strategies and countermeasures
legislation and requires technical ready.
competence strengthening and ● The report provides a detailed
autonomy in functioning to meet these roadmap for preparedness, including
requirements. how to track, test, treat, and manage
100-Day Action Plan outbreaks effectively.
● The report emphasises that the first
100 days of an outbreak are critical.

● Global Collaborations: Partnerships

with other countries and organisations.
India’s Efforts and Lessons Learned
● India’s response to the SARS-CoV-2 EVENT/OUTBREAK AND THEIR
pandemic involved several key LEARNING
initiatives, like:
SARS in 2003
● Novel Counter-Measures: Funding for ● Need for International legally binding
industry and researchers, shared rules/ regulations.
resources, and policy guidelines.
● Detection of infection among exposed
● Digital Tools: Investments in pandemic persons is a challenge during the initial
response tools and vaccination data phase.
management.
● Need for core capacities for screening,

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

sample collection and quarantine health education, including use of PPEs.

facilities at international airports. ● Public health efforts were much more
Avian Flu (H5N1) effective, limiting entry into the
country.
● An effective strategy of surveillance of
at-risk populations and culling sick birds MERS-CoV
was developed as a coordinated ● Zoonotic diseases, particularly highly
surveillance and response plan for both infectious diseases that spread via
human and animal sectors. respiratory/ droplets route could be
● A standing committee on zoonosis was challenging to prevent.
established following avian influenza ● Most of the threats leading to
H1N1 Pandemic (pandemic declared as Public pandemics were due to novel viruses of
Health Emergency of International Concern) zoonotic origin, possibly transmitted
● Countries were developing core through the human animal interface.
capacities as per International Health ● Infectious diseases having a respiratory
Regulations (IHR) 2005 at points of mode of transmission are dangerous.
entry and inside the country for
Zika Virus Disease
surveillance and response.
● It is a disease with over 80%
○ IHR (2005), a legally binding
asymptomatic cases and mild clinical
regulation, was in place.
symptoms with full recovery cannot be
● Countries adopted public health prevented using public health
measures like screening at POEs, early measures directed towards travellers.
detection of suspects, quarantine,
● Effective vector surveillance and
contact tracing of suspect surveillance
control is essential to prevent entry
and management of cases in isolation
and transmission of vector-transmitted
in dedicated wards.
diseases.
○ Public health measures were
● Need for multi-sectoral collaborative
helpful in mitigating and delaying
surveillance
the entry of infection.
● Need for coordinated surveillance Conclusion
between Points of entry and in country ● In a world where pandemics are no
surveillance systems. longer rare events, ‘Future Pandemic
Ebola Outbreaks (2014-16) and (2018-21) Preparedness and Emergency Response
(PPER) — A Framework for Action’
● Efforts to control these outbreaks
serves as a beacon—a roadmap to
involved screening, surveillance of
navigate the challenges ahead.
exposed, contact tracing, data
management, laboratory testing, and

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

● It’s a reminder that preparedness isn’t ● Equity as a Core Principle: One of the
just about reacting; it’s about proactive treaty’s fundamental objectives is to
planning, collaboration, and resilience. rectify the inequities witnessed during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘PANDEMIC PREVENTION, ○ It includes ensuring equitable
PREPAREDNESS, AND RESPONSE access to vaccines, diagnostics, and
ACCORD’ AKA PANDEMIC TREATY treatments, particularly for low-
Context and middle-income countries.
● In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ● Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing
the World Health Organization (WHO) (PABS): Article 12 of the treaty, often
has been working towards a seen as its ‘heart,’ focuses on the
groundbreaking Pandemic Treaty, a equitable sharing of benefits arising
comprehensive agreement aimed at from the use of pathogens.
strengthening global defences against ○ It aims to ensure that all countries,
pandemics. regardless of their economic
About the Pandemic Treaty status, can access critical medical
resources during a pandemic.
● Background and Development: The
call for a pandemic treaty was first ● Technology Transfer and Intellectual
issued in 2021 by 25 heads of Property: The treaty emphasises the
government and international agencies importance of technology transfer and
that marked a pivotal moment in global local production of medical products.
health governance, emphasising the ○ It seeks to facilitate the sharing of
necessity for a unified approach to knowledge and technology to
pandemic preparedness and response. support the production of vaccines
● The ninth meeting of the and treatments globally.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Body ● One Health Approach: Recognizing the
(INB) in early 2024 was a critical step in interconnectedness of human, animal,
finalising the 30-page WHO Pandemic and environmental health, the treaty
Agreement. promotes coordinated public health
measures across these domains to
Key Features of the Pandemic Treaty
prevent and respond to pandemics.
● Strengthening Pandemic Prevention,
Preparedness, and Response: The Challenges and Controversies
treaty seeks to enhance global ● Despite its ambitious goals, the
surveillance for pathogens with Pandemic Treaty faces significant
pandemic potential, improve health- challenges. Geopolitical discord and
care workforce capacity, and ensure competing interests between higher-
robust supply chains for medical and lower-income countries have
products. stalled progress on key provisions, such

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

as the PABS mechanism and controlling inflation to protect

technology transfer. consumers.
● Additionally, the treaty’s emphasis on ● However, the assumption that higher
equity has sparked debates over consumer spending translates to higher
intellectual property rights and the farmer incomes does not hold true.
distribution of medical resources. ● The IFPRI study, published in Nature in
Road Ahead 2023, examined the correlation
between food prices and poverty rates
● The 77th World Health Assembly
across 33 middle-income countries
(WHA) in May 2024 extended the
from 2000 to 2019.
mandate of the INB, stipulating that
the proposed WHO Pandemic ○ In a study published in Nature in
Agreement must be completed as soon 2023, researchers from the IFPRI,
as possible. Colombo, Sri Lanka found a
correlation: ‘year-on-year
● The final draft is expected to be
increases in the real price of food
presented at the 78th WHA in May
predict reductions in the US
2025, or earlier if possible, at a Special
$3.20-per-day poverty headcount,
Session of the WHA.
except in more urban or non-
agrarian countries’.
NO BOOST TO FARMER INCOME
● The findings suggest that while food
Context
price increases can reduce poverty in
● Despite high food inflation, poultry some contexts, this does not
meat and vegetable farmers do not get necessarily apply to Indian farmers.
a decent share of consumers' spending.
Sector-Specific Insights
About
● The RBI’s recent working papers on
● Despite the rising food prices in India, inflation in livestock, poultry,
farmers are not experiencing a vegetables, and pulses provide a
corresponding increase in their detailed look at how much of the
incomes. consumer’s spending actually reaches
● A recent study by the International the farmers.
Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) ● For instance, in the livestock segment,
and insights from the Reserve Bank of dairy and egg farmers receive 70-75%
India (RBI) highlight the disparity of the consumer price, while poultry
between consumer spending and meat farmers get only 56%.
farmer earnings.
● In the vegetable segment, farmers
High Prices, Low Returns receive 33-37% of the consumer price
● High food prices often lead to for tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.
government interventions aimed at

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

For pulses, the share ranges from 65- ● It primarily affects workers in industries
75% depending on the type. such as mining, construction, and stone
cutting, where silica dust is prevalent.
Challenges Faced by Farmers
● When inhaled, these fine particles
● Despite significant consumer demand,
lodge in the lungs, causing
farmers in the poultry and vegetable
inflammation and scarring, which
sectors are not seeing adequate
impairs the lungs’ ability to function.
returns.
● Its symptoms are similar to those of
● The costs of production often exceed
tuberculosis (TB)—persistent cough,
the earnings, leaving farmers in a
fever and fatigue.
precarious financial situation. It is
particularly concerning given the high ● Despite being preventable, it remains a
inflation rates in these segments. significant occupational health issue,
particularly in developing countries like
Conclusion
India.
● The disparity between high food prices
and farmer incomes underscores the Causes and Risk Factors

need for more equitable distribution ● The primary cause of silicosis is

mechanisms within the agricultural prolonged exposure to respirable
value chain. crystalline silica dust.
● Ensuring that farmers receive a fair ● Mining and Quarrying: Extraction
share of consumer spending is crucial processes release large amounts of
for their financial stability and the silica dust.
overall health of the agricultural sector. ● Construction: Activities like drilling,
Prelims cutting, and grinding concrete and
masonry materials.
SILICOSIS ● Stone Cutting and Sandblasting: These
processes generate significant silica
Context
dust.
● Working at diamond mines and
sandstone quarries in Panna district of Health Impact
Madhya Pradesh exposes the workers ● Chronic Silicosis: Develops after 10-20
to excess levels of silica dust, which years of low to moderate exposure.
leads to a debilitating and potentially Symptoms include shortness of breath,
fatal lung disease called silicosis. cough, and fatigue.

About the Silicosis ● Accelerated Silicosis: Occurs within 5-

10 years of high exposure. Symptoms
● Silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis, a
are similar but progress more rapidly.
group of lung diseases caused by
inhaling certain dusts. ● Acute Silicosis: Develops within weeks
to a few years of extremely high

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

exposure. It leads to severe respiratory ● The natural reservoir of the Marburg

issues and is often fatal. virus is the African fruit bat (Rousettus
Aegyptiacus), which can transmit the
Government and Policy Response
virus to humans through direct contact
● National Policy on Safety, Health, and with bat excreta or saliva.
Environment at Workplace: Aims to
● Human-to-human transmission occurs
improve occupational health standards.
through direct contact with the blood,
● Compensation Schemes: Some states secretions, organs, or other bodily
offer compensation to affected fluids of infected individuals, as well as
workers, but implementation is through contaminated surfaces and
inconsistent. materials.

MULTIPLE DISEASE OUTBREAKS IN Symptoms and Progression

AFRICA ● The incubation period for Marburg
disease ranges from 2 to 21 days.
Context
● Symptoms typically begin abruptly with
● Reeling under the impacts of extreme
high fever, severe headache, and
weather events, conflicts and a
muscle pain, followed by severe watery
weakened healthcare infrastructure,
diarrhoea, abdominal pain, cramping,
African countries see a rise in disease
nausea, and vomiting.
outbreaks.
● Many patients develop severe
Marburg Disease
hemorrhagic manifestations, including
● Rwanda reported its first-ever bleeding from the gums, nose, and
outbreak of Marburg disease, a severe gastrointestinal tract.
and highly fatal viral zoonotic infection
that causes hemorrhagic fever and Prevention and Control Measures
bleeding. ● Avoiding Contact with Bats: Limiting
exposure to fruit bats and their
● It is caused by the Marburg virus, a
habitats.
member of the Filoviridae family,
which also includes the Ebola virus. ● Safe Burial Practices: Ensuring safe and
dignified burial practices to prevent the
Origins and Transmission
spread of the virus from deceased
● Marburg disease was first identified in individuals.
1967 when outbreaks occurred
● Protective Equipment: Using personal
simultaneously in Marburg and
protective equipment (PPE) for
Frankfurt, Germany, and in Belgrade,
healthcare workers and caregivers.
Serbia.
● Community Engagement: Educating
● The outbreaks were linked to
communities about the risks and
laboratory work using African green
monkeys imported from Uganda.

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prevention methods to reduce Objectives

transmission. ● Preventing Deforestation: Ensuring
that products placed on the EU market
EU'S DEFORESTATION REGULATION or exported from it do not originate
from recently deforested land.
Context
● Recently, the European Commission ● Reducing Carbon Emissions: Aiming to
said it intends to propose a one-year cut carbon emissions caused by EU
delay in implementing the consumption and production of
Deforestation Regulation that would relevant commodities by at least 32
ban imports of commodities linked to million metric tonnes annually.
deforestation. ● Protecting Biodiversity: Addressing all
deforestation driven by agricultural
About
expansion and forest degradation.
● The European Union (EU) has taken a
significant step in combating global Broader Impact and Future Prospects
deforestation and forest degradation ● The Regulation on Deforestation-free
with the introduction of the Regulation Products is part of a broader EU
on Deforestation-free Products. strategy to protect and restore the
● It aims to ensure that products world’s forests, as outlined in the 2019
consumed within the EU do not Commission Communication and
contribute to deforestation or forest reinforced by the European Green
degradation worldwide. Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for
2030, and the Farm to Fork Strategy.
Background and Objectives
● By promoting the consumption of
● The primary driver of deforestation is deforestation-free products, the EU
the expansion of agricultural land for aims to set a global standard and
commodities such as cattle, wood, encourage other regions to adopt
cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, and similar measures.
rubber.
● These commodities, and their derived AVIAN INFLUENZA
products like leather, chocolate, and
Context
furniture, are integral to global trade
and consumption. ● Recently, some 47 captive tigers in
Vietnam have died because of an
● As a major consumer of these
outbreak of avian influenza.
commodities, the EU recognises its role
in contributing to deforestation and About The Avian Influenza
seeks to lead by example in addressing ● It is caused by influenza viruses that
this issue. primarily infect birds. These viruses are

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

divided into various subtypes, such as Impact on Humans

H5N1, H5N3, and H5N8. ● While avian influenza primarily affects
● The genetic characteristics of these birds, sporadic cases in humans have
viruses evolve rapidly, making them a been identified.
complex and ever-changing threat. ● When avian influenza viruses circulate
● Avian influenza occurs worldwide, but in poultry, there’s a risk of transmission
the prevalence of different subtypes to humans.
varies across regions. ● However, human infections are
relatively rare and often associated
Severity in Poultry
with close contact with infected birds.
● Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
(LPAI): This subtype typically causes Economic Consequences
little or no clinical signs in birds. ● Outbreaks of avian influenza have
● High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza devastating consequences for the
(HPAI): HPAI can lead to severe clinical poultry industry. When outbreaks
signs and high mortality rates in occur in domestic birds, the policy
infected poultry. often involves culling all poultry—
whether infected or healthy—to
Transmission and Spread
contain the spread.
● Movement of Infected Birds: Birds
● Unfortunately, this results in heavy
shed the virus in their faeces and
economic losses for farmers and long-
respiratory secretions. Direct contact
lasting impacts on their livelihoods.
with these secretions, contaminated
feed, or water can lead to transmission.
INTERNATIONAL WHALING
● Live Bird Markets: Farming and sale of COMMISSION
live birds in markets can facilitate virus
Context
transmission.
● Recently, the International Whaling
● Wild Birds and Migratory Routes:
Commission has rejected proposals to
Migratory waterfowl, in particular,
overturn a four-decade-old
serve as natural reservoirs for avian
moratorium on commercial whaling
influenza viruses.
and declare the practice a source of
○ Changes in ecology and food security as it provides access to
epidemiology have led to meat.
infections in various wild bird
species, which then spread the About the International Whaling Commission
(IWC)
virus along established migratory
routes. ● It was established in 1946 under the
International Convention for the
Regulation of Whaling, with the

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

primary goal of ensuring the proper PRADHAN MANTRI RASHTRIYA KRISHI

conservation of whale stocks and thus VIKAS YOJANA & KRISHONNATI YOJANA
making possible the orderly
Context
development of the whaling industry.
● Recently, the Union Cabinet merged all
● It has evolved to address a myriad of
centrally sponsored schemes for the
conservation challenges, reflecting the
agriculture sector into two umbrella
changing dynamics of marine
schemes — the Pradhan Mantri
ecosystems and human impacts on
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and the
them.
Krishonnati Yojana.
● Initially, the focus was on managing
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas
whaling to prevent over-exploitation.
Yojana (PM-RKVY)
However, as whale populations
● It is a flagship initiative, launched under
declined and public awareness of
the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
environmental issues grew, the IWC’s
Welfare, aimed at promoting
role expanded significantly.
sustainable agriculture and ensuring
Conservation Efforts and Achievements food security.
● It has undergone several iterations and
● Conservation initiatives and efforts are
enhancements to address the evolving
not limited to regulating whaling but
needs of the agricultural sector.
also encompass addressing threats
such as bycatch, entanglement, ship Historical Context and Evolution
strikes, ocean noise, pollution, and ● Initially launched in 2007 as the
debris. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY),
the scheme was designed to incentivise
● The IWC promotes sustainable whale states to increase public investment in
watching as an alternative to whaling, agriculture and allied sectors.
highlighting the economic and
● Over the years, it has evolved to
ecological benefits of preserving these
include various components aimed at
majestic creatures.
making farming a remunerative
economic activity.
● One of the IWC’s notable achievements
is the implementation of Conservation ● In 2017, it was rebranded as RKVY-
Management Plans (CMPs) for RAFTAAR (Remunerative Approaches
critically endangered whale for Agriculture and Allied Sector
populations. Rejuvenation), focusing on risk
mitigation, strengthening farmers’
● These plans are tailored to specific efforts, and promoting agri-business
species and regions, aiming to mitigate entrepreneurship.
threats and promote recovery.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

Objectives and Components Krishonnati Yojana

● Promote sustainable agriculture: ● It is also known as the Green
Encourage practices that ensure long- Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana, is an
term agricultural productivity and umbrella scheme aimed to enhance
environmental health. agricultural productivity and ensure
● Enhance food security: Achieve self- sustainable development in the
sufficiency in food production. agriculture sector.

● Support state-specific needs: Provide ● It integrates multiple schemes to

flexibility to states to tailor the scheme address various aspects of agricultural
according to their unique agricultural growth.
challenges and opportunities. Objectives and Scope
Key Components ● Increase agricultural productivity:
● National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Enhance the production and
Palm (NMEO-OP) and National productivity of crops through scientific
Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Seeds and sustainable practices.
(NMEO-OS): Focus on increasing the ● Improve farmers’ income: Ensure
production of edible oils to reduce better returns on agricultural produce
dependency on imports. by improving market access and value
● Digital Agriculture: Leverage addition.
technology for efficient and effective ● Promote sustainable agriculture:
implementation of agricultural Encourage practices that are
practices. environmentally sustainable and
● Mission Organic Value Chain economically viable.
Development for North Eastern Key Components
Region (MOVCDNER): Promote organic
● Krishonnati Yojana comprises several
farming in the North Eastern states.
sub-schemes and missions, each
Implementation and Funding targeting specific areas of agricultural
● The scheme is implemented through development.
state governments, which are given the ● Mission for Integrated Development
flexibility to reallocate funds based on of Horticulture (MIDH): Focuses on the
their specific requirements. holistic growth of the horticulture
● This approach ensures that the scheme sector, including fruits, vegetables, and
addresses the diverse agricultural spices.
landscapes and challenges across India. ● National Food Security Mission
● The total proposed expenditure for (NFSM): Aims to increase the
PM-RKVY and its components is production of rice, wheat, pulses,
₹1,01,321.61 crore. coarse cereals, and commercial crops.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

● National Mission for Sustainable deeply intertwined with the forests of

Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes Odisha.
sustainable agricultural practices, ● It is the second PVTG in Odisha to be
including soil health management and formally accorded these rights, after
rainfed area development. the Paudi Bhuyan PVTG of Deogarh
● Sub-Mission on Agricultural district.
Mechanization (SMAM): Enhances the ○ Other PVTG in Odisha are Juang,
reach of farm mechanisation to small Saora, Chuktia Bhunjia, and Hill
and marginal farmers. Khadia.
● Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting ● Traditionally, they are known for their
Material (SMSP): Ensures the skills in rope making, trapping, and
availability of quality seeds and consuming monkeys.
planting materials to farmers.
● Their livelihood has always been
Implementation and Funding dependent on the forest, which
● The scheme is implemented through a provides them with essential resources
combination of central and state like Siali fibre and wild honey.
government efforts, with funding
Struggle for Rights
shared between the central and state
● Despite their historical connection to
governments.
the land, the Mankidia community
● This collaborative approach ensures faced numerous challenges in securing
that the scheme addresses the diverse legal recognition of their habitat rights.
agricultural needs across different ● It aims to correct historical injustices
regions of India. faced by forest-dwelling communities.
● For years, they were officially
MANKIDIA COMMUNITY OF ODISHA prevented from accessing forest land
Context or using forest produce, which severely
impacted their traditional way of life.
● Recently, Mankidia community of
● The core area of the Similipal Tiger
Odisha received habitat rights over
Reserve, where many Mankidia reside,
forested areas under the Scheduled
became a contentious issue, with the
Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
forest department reluctant to grant
Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights)
land rights due to concerns over
Act, 2006.
wildlife safety.
About the Mankidia Community of Odisha
● The Mankidia community, classified as ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ)
a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group
Context
(PVTG), has a rich cultural heritage
● Recently, the Union government
declared 184,000 hectares surrounding

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

the Gir protected area — the natural ● Protecting the environment from
abode of Asiatic lions — an Eco degradation due to anthropogenic
Sensitive Zone (ESZ), Gujarat. activities.

About the Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) ● Acting as a transition zone from areas
of higher protection to areas with
● These are designated areas
lesser protection.
surrounding protected regions like
national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. ● Regulating developmental activities in
a sustainable manner, considering the
● These zones act as buffers, mitigating
needs and aspirations of local
the impact of human activities on the
communities.
fragile ecosystems within the protected
areas.
KOLKATA’S TRAMS
● The concept of ESZs was introduced to
ensure that development activities do Context
not adversely affect the ecological ● Recently West Bengal moves to
balance and biodiversity of these discontinue Kolkata’s Trams despite
regions. calls to revive the city’s oldest and
cleanest mode of transport.
Do You Know?
● The idea of ESZs was first proposed in About the Kolkata’s Trams
2002. ● Established in 1873, Kolkata’s tram
● The National Wildlife Action Plan network is the oldest in Asia and one of
(2002-2016) emphasised the need to the few remaining in the world.
protect areas outside the protected ● Kolkata’s trams began as horse-drawn
area network to prevent the isolation carriages in the late 19th century,
of biodiversity fragments. transitioning to electric trams by the
● The Ministry of Environment, Forest early 20th century.
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has ● The trams were not just a means of
since been responsible for declaring commuting; they were an integral part
and managing these zones. of Kolkata’s cultural and social fabric.

Purpose and Objectives Decline

● The primary purpose of declaring an
area as an ESZ is to create a ‘shock
absorber’ for the protected areas,
ensuring that the ecological integrity of
these regions is maintained. These
include:

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

● Despite their historical significance and this seaweed has now become a threat
environmental benefits, Kolkata’s to biodiversity, particularly in regions
trams have been steadily declining. like the Gulf of Mannar and Goa.
● From 52 routes in the 1970s, the ● India has cultivated Kappaphycus
network has shrunk to just a few Alvarezii seaweed, either
operational routes today. experimentally or commercially, at
● The reasons for this decline include more than 48 sites across 9 coastal
urban congestion, the rise of private states and 1 Union Territory.
vehicles, and a lack of investment in ○ Many of these locations are near
tram infrastructure have all coral reefs.
contributed to the trams’ diminishing
Commercial Value vs. Ecological Threat
presence.
● Kappaphycus Alvarezii is valued for its
Environmental and Social Impact ability to produce carrageenan, an
● The decline of the tram system is emulsifier used in various industries,
particularly troubling given Kolkata’s including food, beverages, and
severe pollution and congestion issues. pharmaceuticals.
● Trams are a zero-emission mode of ● Additionally, it is used to create
transport, making them an ideal biostimulants that enhance crop yields.
solution for a city grappling with high ● Despite these benefits, the seaweed’s
levels of air pollution. rapid growth and invasive
characteristics pose severe risks to
● Moreover, trams can carry a large
local ecosystems.
number of passengers, reducing the
need for private vehicles and thereby Impact on Coral Reefs
alleviating traffic congestion. ● In the Gulf of Mannar, Kappaphycus
Alvarezii has smothered and killed coral
INVASIVE THREAT OF KAPPAPHYCUS colonies.
ALVAREZII
● The International Union for
Context Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists this
● India is set to expand seaweed seaweed as one of the world’s 100
cultivation along its coastline by most invasive species.
promoting Kappaphycus Alvarezii, a ● The seaweed’s ability to double its size
known invasive species that has in just 15-30 days allows it to
smothered coral reefs in the Gulf of outcompete native species and
Mannar over the past two decades. dominate the marine environment.

About the Kappaphycus Alvarezii Case Study: Goa

● It is a red seaweed species, originally ● In Goa, fishermen have reported the
introduced for commercial purposes, presence of Kappaphycus Alvarezii in

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

their nets, raising concerns about its

potential impact on local livelihoods.
● The seaweed was introduced in Goa for
trial cultivation, but it has since started
growing independently, indicating its
invasive potential.
● These tigers are not a separate species
● Local fisherfolk are worried about the but a unique genetic anomaly within
long-term effects on native seaweed the Bengal tiger population.
species and the overall marine
ecosystem. Similipal Tiger Reserve
● It is located in the Mayurbhanj district
MELANISTIC TIGER (BLACK TIGER) IN of Odisha, is the only known habitat for
ODISHA wild melanistic tigers.

Context ● This reserve, sprawling over 2,750

square kilometres, is a biodiversity
● Recently, Odisha aimed to introduce
hotspot, home to a variety of flora and
two female tigers to Similipal forests to
fauna.
improve genetic diversity of its
melanistic tiger population. ● The presence of melanistic tigers in
Similipal has been confirmed through
About
camera traps and sightings, making it a
● Melanistic tigers, often referred to as significant location for wildlife
black tigers, are primarily found in the enthusiasts and researchers alike.
Similipal Tiger Reserve.
Subjective Questions
● The state government has announced
plans to establish the world’s first 1. To what extent do you believe that
melanistic tiger safari, further debt relief for climate-hit nations is a
highlighting Odisha’s commitment to morally imperative response to the
wildlife conservation and tourism. disproportionate impacts of climate
change on developing countries?
What are Melanistic Tigers?
2. How can Panchayats in India effectively
● Melanistic tigers are a rare genetic contribute to achieving the United
variant of the Bengal tiger, Nations' Sustainable Development
characterised by an excess of dark Goals (SDGs), given their unique role in
pigmentation, giving them a striking local governance and community
black appearance. This condition, development?
known as pseudo-melanism, results in
3. How ethical is it to legalise euthanasia
tigers with thick black stripes that
in India, considering the country's
merge together, covering much of their
cultural, religious, and social values?
orange fur.

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 Summary of Down to Earth [16 – 31 October, 2024]

4. How can we most effectively balance (c) Madhya Pradesh

individual liberties with public health (d) Jharkhand
measures in future pandemic
Q.4 Kappaphycus Alvarezii is an invasive
preparedness and response plans to
species, frequently appeared in the
ensure both the protection of society
news, primarily affects the:
and the preservation of essential
freedoms? (a) Cheetah

MCQs (b) Coral Reef

(c) Cow
Q.1 Which one of the following
organisations released the ‘Pandemic (d) Fish
Prevention, Preparedness, and Q.5 ‘Melanistic tigers’, sometimes
Response Accord’? appeared in the news, are primarily
(a) Doctors Without Borders found in?
(b) World Bank (a) Sariska Tiger Reserve
(c) World Health Organization (WHO) (b) Tadobha Andhari Tiger Reserve
(d) NITI Aayog (c) Satkoshia Tiger Reserve
Q.2 With reference to the Marburg disease, (d) Similipal Tiger Reserve
consider the following: Q.6 With reference to the ‘Silicosis is a form
1. It is a viral zoonotic infection that of pneumoconiosis’, consider the
causes hemorrhagic fever and following statements:
bleeding. 1. It primarily affects workers in
2. The natural reservoir of the industries such as mining,
Marburg virus is the African fruit construction, and stone cutting,
bat. where silica dust is prevalent.
Which of the statements given above 2. Its symptoms are similar to those
is/are not correct? of tuberculosis (TB).
(a) 1 only Which of the statements given above
is/are correct?
(b) 2 only
(a) 1 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
(c) Both 1 and 2
Q.3 ‘Mankidia Community’, sometimes
appeared in the news, belongs to (d) Neither 1 nor 2
which of the following Indian states?
(a) Odisha Answer Keys: ____________________
(b) Maharashtra 1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (c)

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