Hybrid Warfare: An Evolving Threat
Hybrid warfare refers to the use of diverse and unconventional tactics, combining military force with non-military tools like espionage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and political interference. The recent accusation against Russia for employing hybrid warfare tactics since its invasion of Ukraine has brought renewed attention to this evolving form of conflict.
Hybrid warfare broadens military operations to encompass non-traditional strategies:
Espionage: Intelligence gathering to disrupt enemy operations.
Sabotage: Disrupting infrastructure or resources to weaken the enemy.
Cyberattacks: Targeting digital infrastructures, such as power grids or communications systems.
Election Interference: Manipulating elections to create instability or install favorable governments.
Propaganda/Disinformation: Spreading false information to confuse, destabilize, or manipulate the enemy's public opinion and decision-making.
The ultimate aim is to create confusion, disrupt decision-making, and exploit vulnerabilities without engaging in full-scale traditional warfare.
Hybrid Warfare involves a combination of traditional military tactics (kinetic warfare) and modern non-kinetic methods, making it a multifaceted approach to conflict. This evolving strategy integrates cyber warfare, disinformation, economic disruption, psychological operations, and advanced technologies. It allows adversaries to engage in a conflict without resorting to full-scale conventional warfare, which can be both costly and risky, particularly in a nuclear age.
Kinetic Warfare (Traditional Military Tactics):
This includes conventional combat operations involving armed forces, tanks, aircraft, and artillery. It is the direct use of force to achieve military objectives.
Non-Kinetic Warfare (Modern Tactics):
Cyber Warfare: Attacks on digital infrastructure, such as hacking into military, government, or civilian networks to disrupt critical services or steal sensitive information.
Information Manipulation: The use of disinformation campaigns to influence public opinion, spread propaganda, or create confusion among enemy forces and populations.
Economic Disruption: Engaging in actions like sanctions, trade blockades, or cyber-attacks targeting financial institutions to weaken the adversary economically.
Psychological Operations (PsyOps): Tactics used to influence the emotions, motives, and objective reasoning of individuals or groups, often through media or strategic communication.
Electronic Warfare: Includes techniques like jamming, laser weapons, or electromagnetic waves to disrupt or neutralize enemy technologies such as drones, communications, and radar systems.
Example:
Lebanon's 2006 Hezbollah conflict showed how non-kinetic methods, like the use of remote-controlled devices for pager blasts, caused significant destruction and psychological impact without traditional kinetic warfare tactics.
Non-Kinetic Methods and Their Impact:
Non-kinetic methods can be deadlier than traditional kinetic warfare in some cases. For example, using jamming or laser weapons to disable drones can render an adversary’s advanced technologies ineffective without firing a single bullet or missile. These methods are especially effective in targeting high-tech assets while maintaining plausible deniability.
Tri-Services “Future Warfare” Course:
This course, designed to train officers (ranging from Major Generals to Majors and their equivalents) in modern warfare techniques, focuses on both kinetic and non-kinetic warfare strategies. The course helps in adapting to new-age tactics, including cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and information operations.
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff recently conducted this course to ensure Indian military personnel are prepared for future threats, which may not always involve traditional battlefield engagement.
Year of Technology Absorption (2024):
The Indian Army has declared 2024 as the Year of Technology Absorption. The focus is on integrating disruptive technologies into existing systems:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for enhanced decision-making and automation in defense operations.
Hypersonic Weapons to counter emerging threats at unmatched speeds.
Biotechnology to enhance soldier health, performance, and defensive capabilities.
Quantum Technologies to develop secure communications and advanced cryptography, enhancing national security.
These technologies are part of a broader effort to modernize India's defense capabilities and align with the challenges posed by hybrid warfare.
PSCoD (Public Services Committee on Defence):
PSCoD is a Departmentally-Related Standing Committee (DRSCs) functioning under the Lok Sabha. It plays a crucial role in overseeing defense-related matters and ensuring effective defense policies.
Composition: It consists of 31 members, with 21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha. Members from Lok Sabha are nominated by the Speaker, while those from Rajya Sabha are nominated by the Chairman. This committee contributes to scrutinizing defense policies, resources, and strategies, ensuring alignment with national security needs.
Cold War: Both the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in hybrid warfare through covert operations, sabotage, and propaganda campaigns.
Russia (Post-2013): Russia’s military chief Valery Gerasimov formalized hybrid warfare strategies in 2013, arguing that the rules of war had changed, with non-traditional tools becoming central to military strategy.
China: Adopting the “Three Warfares” doctrine, which includes psychological operations, media manipulation, and legal warfare to achieve strategic objectives.
Avoidance of Direct Confrontation: After the Cold War, the rise of nuclear powers led to an increased desire to avoid direct military confrontation. Hybrid warfare offers an alternative.
Diminished Military Might: Post-Soviet Russia, with a reduced military budget, resorted to hybrid strategies to achieve strategic goals without the cost of large-scale conventional warfare.
Inexpensive War: Conventional warfare is costly, especially in the nuclear age. Hybrid warfare offers an affordable means of influence.
Cyber Networks: The proliferation of digital infrastructure offers new opportunities for conflict, including cyberattacks to cripple critical infrastructure.
Social Media: The rise of social media has made it easier for adversaries to spread disinformation, influence public opinion, and destabilize governments.
Given the evolving nature of threats, India must enhance its preparedness to counter hybrid warfare.
Evolving Threat Landscape: With growing cyber threats and information warfare tactics, India must adapt its defense strategy to stay ahead of potential adversaries.
Deterrence: Demonstrating the ability to counter hybrid warfare strategies can deter aggressors and reduce the likelihood of conflict.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Hybrid warfare often targets vital systems like power grids, communication networks, and financial systems. A well-prepared defense ensures resilience.
India is already taking significant steps to prepare for hybrid threats:
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Theaterisation: The creation of the CDS in 2019 was a reform aimed at integrating the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This integration helps India respond more efficiently to multi-domain threats, including hybrid warfare.
Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs): India has reorganized its military into IBGs, fast-response units capable of addressing both conventional and hybrid threats.
Defence Cyber Agency: Operational since 2021, the Defence Cyber Agency is tasked with tackling cyber threats, especially in national security contexts.
Make in India: The ‘Make in India’ initiative promotes the domestic production of defense equipment, which strengthens self-sufficiency and reduces dependence on foreign supplies.
Intelligence Agencies: Agencies like RAW, IB, and NTRO play a critical role in detecting and countering hybrid warfare activities.
Countering Financing of Terrorism: Stricter laws on anti-money laundering and international cooperation with entities like FATF help combat financing related to hybrid warfare tactics.
International Cooperation: India collaborates with nations like the United States, Australia, and Japan through the Quad framework, addressing cybersecurity, maritime security, and counterterrorism efforts.
To effectively combat hybrid warfare, India should focus on the following areas:
Cybersecurity: Invest in advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, and train specialized personnel capable of responding to evolving cyber threats.
Cyber Retaliation and Offensive Operations: Develop offensive cyber capabilities to retaliate against adversaries who use cyberattacks as a tool of hybrid warfare.
Strategic Communication: Promote public diplomacy and strategic communication to counter external narratives and disinformation campaigns.
Training Programs: Develop training programs for military and intelligence personnel in hybrid warfare tactics, ensuring they are prepared for the diverse nature of modern threats.
Collaboration: Increase intelligence-sharing with like-minded nations to improve detection and counteraction of hybrid threats.
Hybrid warfare, blending traditional military tactics with non-conventional methods like cyberattacks and disinformation, is an increasing threat in the modern geopolitical landscape. India’s military reforms, such as the establishment of the CDS, IBGs, and Defence Cyber Agency, along with its focus on international cooperation, put the country in a strong position to defend against these complex threats. However, as technology evolves, India must continue to innovate and adapt its defense strategies to safeguard national security effectively.
Context:
India has made significant progress in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, climbing 11 positions to secure the 49th rank globally, up from 60th in 2023. This improvement reflects India's efforts to bolster its digital infrastructure and technological capabilities, marking a strong performance across various digital metrics and innovations.
The Network Readiness Index (NRI) is published by the Portulans Institute, and it evaluates 133 economies using 54 variables spread across four key pillars:
Technology
People
Governance
Impact
These pillars assess how well nations are prepared for the digital age in terms of infrastructure, human capital, policy frameworks, and the broader societal impact of digital advancements.
India has made remarkable strides in the digital and technological domains. Its NRI score improved from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024, signaling substantial growth.
Here are some of India’s top global rankings across various sectors:
1st Rank Globally:
AI Scientific Publications
AI Talent Concentration
ICT Services Exports
2nd Rank Globally:
Fiber to the Premises (FTTH) Internet Subscriptions
Mobile Broadband Traffic
International Internet Bandwidth
3rd Rank Globally:
Domestic Market Scale
4th Rank Globally:
Annual Telecom Investments
These achievements highlight India's leadership in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, ICT services, and telecom infrastructure, underscoring its growing role in the global digital landscape.
India's telecom sector has experienced significant growth, playing a pivotal role in improving its NRI ranking. Key statistics include:
Tele-density: 84.69%
Wireless Connections: 119 crore
Internet Subscribers: Increased from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore
The launch of 5G services in 2022 has further enhanced the country’s mobile broadband capabilities, boosting India’s ranking from 118th to 15th globally in terms of mobile broadband speed. Additionally, India’s vision for Bharat 6G is positioning the country as a future leader in telecommunications.
India's NRI improvement signals a concerted push towards digital transformation.
AI, telecom, and ICT sectors have been significant drivers of this rise.
The Bharat 6G Vision and 5G rollout place India on track to becoming a global leader in telecommunications and digital infrastructure.
India’s progress in the Network Readiness Index 2024 reflects its commitment to fostering a robust digital economy and becoming a major player in the global digital landscape.
Context:
World AIDS Day is observed annually on 1st December to raise awareness about HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). The day serves as a platform to reflect on the global progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS, as well as the challenges that remain. It highlights ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease and emphasizes the importance of education, prevention, and access to treatment.
“Take the rights path: My health, my right!”
The theme for World AIDS Day 2024 underscores the importance of human rights, advocating for access to healthcare and treatment for all people living with HIV. It calls for everyone to exercise their right to health, emphasizing empowerment and equality in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
AIDS is a chronic, life-threatening condition caused by HIV, which weakens the immune system by attacking CD4 cells, which are vital for immune function. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, significantly increasing the risk of infections and certain cancers.
Transmission: HIV is spread primarily through:
Unprotected sexual contact
Sharing of needles or contaminated blood
From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
Treatment: Although there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral therapy (ART) can significantly reduce the virus' replication, help restore CD4 cells, and improve the quality of life for individuals living with HIV.
Global Update: According to the Global AIDS Update 2023, there has been significant progress in reducing new HIV infections worldwide. The goal is to eliminate AIDS by 2030, with substantial improvements in access to prevention, care, and treatment.
India’s Progress:
Current Situation: In India, over 2.5 million people live with HIV.
New Infections: India has seen a 44% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010, a testament to the effectiveness of public health initiatives and awareness programs.
Challenges: Despite progress, India still faces challenges such as stigma, limited access to healthcare in certain regions, and the need for continued efforts to address the epidemic.
India’s response to the HIV/AIDS crisis is spearheaded by the National AIDS Control Programme (NACP), which has been implemented in multiple phases since its launch in 1992.
The NACP Phase-V focuses on achieving significant goals by 2026, including:
80% reduction in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths (compared to the 2010 baseline).
Elimination of vertical transmission (prevention of mother-to-child transmission).
Combating stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and promoting inclusion.
ART Rollout: The government has expanded access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), making it available to millions of people living with HIV.
Prevention and Awareness Programs: Awareness campaigns and education programs are crucial in reducing stigma and promoting safe practices to prevent transmission.
Targeted Interventions: Focused on high-risk populations, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and intravenous drug users, to reduce HIV transmission within these groups.
Global Goal: The global target is to eliminate AIDS by 2030, with nations, including India, making significant progress in reducing HIV infections and improving the quality of life for those living with HIV.
India's Vision: India's NACP Phase-V sets ambitious goals, aiming to reduce new infections, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and combat the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.
ART Treatment: Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains the cornerstone of treatment for HIV, allowing those affected to live longer and healthier lives.
The 2024 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, titled "The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads," presents a critical overview of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, offering insights into the global progress and challenges in tackling the disease. The report emphasizes the urgency of addressing inequalities, expanding access to prevention and treatment, and ensuring sustainable resources to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
39% Reduction in New HIV Infections: There has been a 39% reduction in new HIV infections globally since 2010. Sub-Saharan Africa achieved the steepest decline, with a 56% decrease.
Decrease in AIDS-Related Deaths: AIDS-related deaths have dropped to their lowest levels since the peak in 2004, due to wider access to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Access to ART: In 2023, approximately 31 million people globally were receiving ART.
Regional Disparities: While Sub-Saharan Africa has seen significant progress, regions such as Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East & North Africa have witnessed rising HIV infections. For the first time, more new HIV infections were reported outside Sub-Saharan Africa than within it.
High-Risk Groups: Key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, transgender people, and people in prisons, continue to face elevated risks due to inadequate prevention programs, stigma, and discrimination.
Community-Led Interventions: While community-led responses are crucial in addressing the needs of these populations, they are often underfunded and unrecognized.
Prevention Deficiencies: HIV prevention efforts, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and harm reduction strategies for people who inject drugs, are lacking in many regions.
Access to ART: Approximately 9.3 million people living with HIV are not receiving ART, with children and adolescents being particularly affected.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, particularly the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight infections. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), the final and most severe stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is severely weakened.
Transmission: HIV is transmitted through infected bodily fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. It can be spread through:
Unprotected sexual contact
Sharing needles or syringes
From mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding
Symptoms of AIDS: Symptoms include rapid weight loss, unexplained fever, night sweats, extreme tiredness, and persistent infections. Early stages may not show symptoms, or they may be mild.
India has implemented several programs and policies to curb the spread of HIV:
HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017: This act mandates prevention, treatment, and care, and protects individuals from discrimination based on their HIV status.
Access to ART: India has made significant strides in providing free ART to those living with HIV. Over 1 million people in India are receiving ART.
Launched in 2016, Project Sunrise focuses on tackling the rise of HIV in the northeastern states, particularly among people who inject drugs. The project aims to reduce HIV prevalence and increase access to treatment and prevention services.
India has set ambitious targets in line with the global UNAIDS 90-90-90 goal:
90% of HIV-positive individuals diagnosed
90% of diagnosed individuals on ART
90% of those on ART achieving sustained viral suppression
India's government is aiming to achieve these goals and end AIDS by 2030.
UNAIDS: Since 1996, UNAIDS has been at the forefront of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, leading efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. UNAIDS advocates for zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.
WHO’s “Treat All” Guidance (2015): The World Health Organization recommended universal ART for all HIV-positive individuals, regardless of CD4 count. The aim is to reduce viral loads to undetectable levels, preventing transmission.
Expand Access to Prevention: Special focus on key populations like sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.
Condom Programs: Reinstating and funding condom programs for safe sex, particularly in regions where their use has declined.
Increase PrEP Access: Aim for 21.2 million people on PrEP by 2025 to reduce HIV transmission risk.
Improve ART Access: Ensure 95% of people living with HIV are on ART by 2025.
Focus on Children and Adolescents: Only 48% of children living with HIV are on ART. This gap needs to be addressed to ensure equitable treatment access.
Remove Harmful Laws: Eliminate laws that criminalize HIV transmission and exposure and those targeting key populations.
Stigma Reduction: Strengthen programs to reduce stigma and discrimination in healthcare and community settings.
Support Community Organizations: Empower community-led organizations to deliver more testing, treatment, and prevention services, especially for high-risk populations.
Increase Funding: There is a USD 9.5 billion shortfall in funding for HIV programs. New funding mechanisms are needed, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
To achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, there is an urgent need for:
Enhanced prevention efforts, especially for key populations.
Wider access to treatment, ensuring no one is left behind.
Increased funding and sustainable financing for global HIV programs.
India’s continued commitment, along with international cooperation, is essential in addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic and moving towards the global vision of Zero New HIV Infections, Zero Discrimination, and Zero AIDS-related Deaths.
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched the Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat Abhiyan (Child Marriage Free India Campaign) as part of a national effort to eliminate child marriage in India. This campaign is aligned with India’s broader vision of achieving gender equality and becoming a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047.
Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal:
The online platform allows citizens to report incidents of child marriage, file complaints, and access information about Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs).
This portal aims to facilitate the enforcement of child marriage laws and raise awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence:
The launch of the campaign coincides with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global movement running from 25th November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to 10th December (Human Rights Day).
Role of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs):
CMPOs will play a central role in preventing child marriages by:
Collecting evidence for prosecution
Counseling families against child marriages
Raising awareness about the legal and social consequences of child marriage
Sensitizing communities to the issue
Pledge Against Child Marriage:
The campaign encourages citizens to take a pledge against child marriage, reflecting its significance in empowering every daughter in India and fostering a fair and just society.
Target States:
The campaign will particularly focus on states with higher-than-average child marriage rates, such as:
West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam, and Andhra Pradesh.
Acknowledging Achievements:
The campaign launch highlighted positive developments such as:
Improvement in the sex ratio at birth: From 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.
Efforts toward women's empowerment through various initiatives.
The Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006 is being actively enforced through this campaign.
Empowerment of Girls:
The campaign ties into India's broader gender equality goals, aligning with initiatives like:
National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on girls' education.
Government programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which aim to empower girls and raise awareness about their rights.
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006:
This act prohibits the marriage of girls under 18 years and boys under 21 years.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA) provides the legal framework to prevent child marriages and includes penalties for offenders.
Role of CMPOs:
Section 16 of the PCMA empowers State Governments to appoint Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs), who are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the law.
Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021:
The bill aimed to raise the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years to bring it in line with the legal age for men.
This bill, however, lapsed with the dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha.
POCSO Act:
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act:
Men who marry girls below the age of 14 years are prosecuted under the POCSO Act, a stricter law related to sexual offenses against children.
For marriages involving girls between the age of 14 and 18 years, perpetrators are charged under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA).
Eradicating Child Marriage:
The campaign is a part of the government's larger commitment to gender equality, promoting girls' education, and empowering women.
By preventing child marriages, the campaign aims to create a society where girls and women can lead healthy, fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
Awareness and Enforcement:
The Child Marriage Free Bharat Portal will make it easier for individuals to report incidents of child marriage, while also providing support through CMPOs and legal avenues.
Holistic Approach:
The campaign complements other government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which work toward girls' empowerment and gender equity.
The Bal Vivah Mukht Bharat Abhiyan represents a critical step in India’s efforts to combat child marriage, a practice that undermines the future of young girls and women. Through legislation, community participation, and active enforcement, the government aims to achieve a child marriage-free India by raising awareness, promoting girls' education, and fostering gender equality at all levels of society.
The 16th session of the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP16) is being held from December 2-13, 2024, marking the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). The theme of COP16 is “Our Land and Our Future”, focusing on the urgent need to address land degradation, desertification, and the broader impacts of climate change.
The UNCCD was established in 1994 and currently has 196 countries and the European Union as signatories.
It is one of the three “Rio Conventions”, alongside the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), all originating from the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
The COP is the decision-making body of the UNCCD, where governments, businesses, and civil society meet to discuss solutions for land degradation and sustainability.
Desertification is a form of land degradation where dryland areas become increasingly arid, leading to the degradation of soil, loss of vegetation cover, water bodies, and biodiversity.
Dryland ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to desertification, exacerbated by climate change and human activities like deforestation, over-farming, and poor land management.
Climate Change:
Extreme weather events such as droughts and floods are exacerbating desertification by degrading land further.
Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are causing desert areas to expand.
Human Activities:
Over-farming, deforestation, and overgrazing contribute significantly to desertification.
Agriculture is a major contributor, responsible for 23% of greenhouse gas emissions, 80% of deforestation, and 70% of freshwater consumption.
Land Management Practices:
Poor land management practices, such as unsustainable farming, excessive irrigation, and improper grazing, further exacerbate desertification.
Groundwater depletion due to inefficient irrigation and deforestation worsens the situation.
Global Reach:
40% of the world’s land is degraded, affecting approximately 3.2 billion people.
Desertification has resulted in $11 trillion in losses, affecting agriculture, economies, and livelihoods.
Agricultural Impact:
Degraded land reduces agricultural productivity, which threatens food security.
Water scarcity, caused by poor rainfall and degraded soil, is forcing farmers to migrate to urban areas, escalating food security risks.
Social and Economic Displacement:
Desertification and droughts are a major driver of forced migration. By 2050, 216 million people could be displaced due to climate change and droughts.
Land degradation exacerbates other planetary boundaries like climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity, increasing environmental pressures.
Impact on Global Stability:
Deforestation, degraded soils, and water scarcity contribute to hunger, conflict, and migration, further destabilizing affected regions.
Desertification hinders the Earth’s ability to support life, threatening future generations’ capacity to sustain livelihoods and economies.
India has committed to combating desertification through its National Action Plan to Combat Desertification, 2023.
Target: Restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Focus Areas: The plan focuses on South-South Cooperation for sustainable land management and aims to create additional carbon sinks by improving forest and tree cover to absorb 2.5-3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.
Preventive Measures: The plan outlines models for preventing land degradation and promoting sustainable land management practices.
96 million hectares (29% of India’s area) are undergoing land degradation.
Between 2005 and 2015, India lost 31% of its grassland area, totaling 5.65 million hectares.
More than 105 million hectares of land (around 32% of India’s area) is currently degraded.
Desertification has increased in 26 of 29 states between 2003-2005 and 2011-2013.
Over 80% of degraded land in India is concentrated in just 9 states.
Command Area Development (1974):
Focuses on efficient water management and improving agricultural productivity in irrigation areas.
Integrated Watershed Management Programme (1989-90):
Aims to restore ecological balance by conserving natural resources, creating rural employment. Subsidiary of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (2015-16).
Desert Development Programme (1995):
Targets desert areas in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh to combat droughts and restore natural resources.
National Afforestation Programme (2000):
Focuses on afforestation of degraded forest lands.
National Action Programme to Combat Desertification (2001):
Aims to tackle desertification issues and improve land conditions.
Soil Conservation Projects:
Aims at improving soil conditions in river valleys and flood-prone areas for optimum crop production.
Fodder and Feed Development Scheme:
Targets improvement of degraded grasslands and vegetation cover for problematic soils (saline, acidic).
National Mission on Green India (2014):
Part of the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), focusing on forest restoration.
Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas:
Released by ISRO, focusing on desertification and land degradation as a key environmental issue.
The Bonn Challenge:
An initiative to restore 150 million hectares of deforested land by 2020, with a long-term goal of restoring 350 million hectares by 2030.
Goal 15 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
Aims to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable land management and production practices.
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):
A legally binding agreement linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The UNCCD has set land restoration goals and promotes international collaboration.
Great Green Wall Initiative:
A Global Environment Facility (GEF) initiative focused on combating land degradation in Sahel-Saharan Africa by creating a green belt of native plant life.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought:
Observed every year on June 17, it aims to raise awareness about the importance of addressing desertification.
Sustainable Land Use:
Protect vegetative cover and promote soil conservation techniques to prevent erosion.
Alternative Farming Techniques:
Encourage sustainable agriculture practices and eco-forestry methods.
Economic Diversification:
Establish economic opportunities outside drylands to reduce pressure on the land.
Recycling and Resource Management:
Promote the use of recycled materials such as paper to reduce land resource depletion.
Raising Awareness:
Launch education campaigns to raise public awareness about desertification, its causes, and its impacts.
Global Solutions for Desertification
Land Restoration:
UNCCD's 2030 Goal: Restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030, with successful efforts already underway in countries like Burkina Faso and the Philippines.
The UNCCD promotes the adoption of sustainable land management practices, emphasizing the need for urgent action to prevent further degradation.
Strengthening Resilience:
Build resilience to environmental challenges like droughts, sandstorms, and soil degradation.
Restore soil health and promote nature-positive food production systems.
Land Rights and Equity:
Ensuring secure land rights for marginalized communities, particularly women, and promoting equitable land stewardship to address inequality.
Economic Opportunities:
The COP16 will focus on unlocking economic opportunities related to land restoration, including creating decent land-based jobs for youth.
Accelerate Land Restoration:
The main goal of COP16 is to accelerate efforts to restore degraded lands by 2030.
Build Resilience:
Improve resilience to droughts, sandstorms, and dust storms.
Soil Health and Food Production:
Restore soil health and encourage nature-positive food production, which contributes to sustainability and climate mitigation.
Promote Land Rights:
Secure land rights and promote equitable stewardship in the management of degraded lands.
Economic Opportunities:
Foster economic opportunities through land restoration, particularly for the youth, to ensure job creation in rural areas.
Desertification remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with far-reaching effects on the environment, economy, and society. The COP16 conference serves as a critical platform for accelerating global efforts to combat desertification and restore degraded lands, thereby ensuring food security, resilience to climate change, and sustainable development for future generations. India’s initiatives, combined with international cooperation through the UNCCD, offer hope for reversing the damaging impacts of desertification, while creating more sustainable and equitable land management practices.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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