Green GDP

Chhattisgarh's initiative to link forest ecosystem services with Green GDP marks a significant step toward sustainable development. By becoming the first state in India to adopt such an approach, it sets an example for integrating environmental well-being into economic metrics.

What is Green GDP?

Green GDP is an alternative economic indicator that considers the environmental costs and benefits of economic activities.
It is calculated by:

• Subtracting environmental degradation costs (e.g., pollution, resource depletion).

• Adding the economic value of ecosystem services like clean air, water conservation, and biodiversity.

Key Features of Chhattisgarh's Initiative

1. Valuing Forest Ecosystem Services:

   • CO₂ absorption and oxygen production: Quantifying the value of clean air.

   • Water conservation: Economic impact of natural water sources like rivers and springs.

   • Biodiversity: Contribution to ecological balance and farming.

2. Economic and Cultural Integration:

   • Recognizes forests’ cultural and spiritual significance, especially for tribal communities.

   • Promotes eco-tourism through activities like jungle safaris and camping, creating employment.

3. Scientific Assessment:

   • Employs scientists to measure and monetize ecosystem services, ensuring accurate Green GDP calculations.

Benefits of Green GDP

1. Recognizing Forests' Non-Tangible Benefits:

   • Acknowledges climate regulation, soil enrichment, and water purification—benefits traditionally ignored.

2. Balancing Growth with Sustainability:

   • Highlights the trade-offs between economic development and environmental health.

3. Informed Policymaking:

   • Encourages policies that minimize environmental damage and promote sustainable resource use.

4. Targeted Interventions:

   • Identifies high-impact sectors for focused environmental protection efforts.

Challenges in Implementing Green GDP

1. Valuation Complexity:

   • Assigning monetary value to non-market benefits (e.g., biodiversity) remains difficult.

2. Data Gaps:

   • Lack of reliable data on environmental degradation and ecosystem services.

3. Accounting Adjustments:

   • Requires restructuring existing national and state accounting systems.

Global Initiatives on Green GDP

1. United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA):

   • Provides a framework for integrating environmental data into national accounts.

   • Tracks natural resource usage, environmental degradation, and ecosystem services.

2. Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES):

   • A World Bank-led global partnership.

   • Supports nations in incorporating natural capital into economic accounts.

Implications for India

1. Setting a National Example:

   • Chhattisgarh's approach could inspire other states to adopt Green GDP practices.

2. Enhancing Policy Design:

   • Facilitates environmentally conscious decision-making in sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.

3. Strengthening Global Commitments:

   • Aligns with India's sustainability goals and commitments under international agreements like the Paris Accord.

Way Forward

1. Capacity Building:

   • Train policymakers and local authorities in ecosystem valuation techniques.

2. Developing Reliable Data Systems:

   • Invest in data collection mechanisms to track environmental and economic interactions.

3. Public Awareness:

   • Educate stakeholders, including communities and industries, on the value of ecosystem services.

By embedding ecosystem values into Green GDP, Chhattisgarh has taken a vital step toward harmonizing development and sustainability. This initiative could play a pivotal role in reshaping India's approach to economic and environmental planning.

nuclear power

The Indian government's recent move to involve private players in the nuclear power sector marks a transformative shift, aiming to boost efficiency, innovation, and investment. The introduction of Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs) represents a significant step toward achieving India’s decarbonization and energy security goals.

Key Features of the Initiative

1. Bharat Small Reactors (BSRs):

   • 220 MW Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) with proven safety and performance.

   • Designed for captive use, catering to industries with high energy demands while aiding decarbonization.

2. Private Sector Participation:

   • Private entities are responsible for land acquisition, capital expenditure (capex), and operational expenditure (opex).

   • After plant completion, assets will be transferred to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for operation.

   • The generated power can be used by private stakeholders or sold to other users.

3. Policy Backing:

   • Supported by the Union Budget 2024-25, which encourages private sector collaboration for developing BSRs and Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs).

4. Decarbonization Goals:

   • Aligns with India's commitment to reduce emission intensity by 44% (from 2005 levels) by 2030.

   • Contributes to India’s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy capacity by 2030.

Nuclear Energy: An Overview

• Why Nuclear Energy?

  • A zero-emission clean energy source, nuclear energy generates power through uranium fission, producing no greenhouse gases.

  • Offers a sustainable alternative for hard-to-abate industries where renewables alone are insufficient or cost-prohibitive.

• India’s Ambitions:

  • Expand nuclear power capacity from 8,180 MW (current) to 22,480 MW by 2031-32, and eventually to 100 GW by 2047.

  • Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower energy costs associated with exclusive reliance on renewables.

Advantages of Private Sector Participation

1. Enhanced Efficiency and Innovation:

   • Private entities bring technological advancements, operational efficiency, and innovative approaches, improving cost-effectiveness and safety standards.

2. Increased Investment:

   • Attracts additional capital, reducing financial strain on government resources.

3. Faster Project Completion:

   • Private players, motivated by competition and profit, often complete projects more swiftly than government bodies.

4. Global Best Practices:

   • Collaboration with international companies can integrate cutting-edge technology and expertise into India’s nuclear industry.

5. Job Creation:

   • Drives employment across sectors, from plant construction to operations and maintenance.

Concerns About Private Sector Involvement

1. Safety Risks:

   • Cost-cutting measures by private companies may compromise safety, raising the risk of accidents.

2. Transparency and Accountability:

   • Private entities might lack the transparency of public institutions, leading to reduced public trust.

3. National Security:

   • Potential foreign ownership or influence over sensitive nuclear infrastructure could pose security threats.

4. Regulatory Challenges:

   • Ensuring strict oversight and compliance with nuclear safety and environmental standards can be difficult with private operators.

5. Profit Over Welfare:

   • Profit-driven motives could deprioritize long-term sustainability and environmental protections.

Way Forward

1. Robust Regulatory Framework:

   • Develop stringent safety and compliance standards to ensure accountability and mitigate risks.

2. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):

   • Create models where the government oversees operations while private entities contribute to investment, innovation, and efficiency.

3. Gradual Implementation:

   • Begin with pilot projects to evaluate private sector involvement, minimizing risks before scaling up.

4. Capacity Building:

   • Train personnel to manage nuclear projects efficiently while ensuring adherence to safety protocols.

5. Stakeholder Awareness:

   • Foster transparency and public trust through regular updates and stakeholder engagement.

Conclusion

Private sector participation in India's nuclear power sector is a promising step toward addressing energy challenges and meeting decarbonization goals. While this initiative has immense potential, its success hinges on a well-defined regulatory framework, stringent oversight, and a balanced approach to mitigate risks. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, India can pave the way for a secure, sustainable, and efficient energy future.

Maratha Military Landscapes

Why in News?

• Maratha Military Landscapes have been selected as India’s nomination for the UNESCO World Heritage List for 2024-25.

• The landscapes were included in the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2021.

About Maratha Military Landscapes

• Significance:

  • Represent exceptional fortification systems envisioned by the Maratha rulers.

  • Reflect the military ingenuity of the Marathas in integrating the natural landscape with military architecture.

• Cultural Criteria: Nominated under the Cultural Heritage category.

• Geographic Scope: Includes forts spread across:

  • Sahyadri mountain ranges.

  • Konkan Coast.

  • Deccan Plateau.

  • Eastern Ghats.

Historical Context

• Inception:

  • The military ideology originated during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century.

  • Continued under the Peshwa rule till 1818 CE.

• Key Contributions:

  • Emphasis on tactical positioning of forts for defense and administration.

  • Utilization of natural terrains for fort construction.

Key Features of Forts in Maratha Military Landscapes

Hill Forts

• Salher: Site of the 1672 battle between Marathas and Mughals.

• Shivneri: Birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

• Lohgad: Located near Bhaje Buddhist caves.

• Raigad: Permanent capital of Shivaji.

• Rajgad:

  • Formerly known as Murumdev.

  • Recognized as the first political base of Hindavi Swarajya.

  • One of 17 forts retained by Shivaji under the Treaty of Purandar (1665).

Island Forts

• Sindhudurg: Built on an islet in the Arabian Sea.

• Suvarnadurg: Presumed to be constructed by Bijapur rulers.

• Khanderi: Built by Shivaji in 1679 CE to monitor Siddis at Murud-Janjira.

Hill-Forest Forts

• Pratapgad: Scene of the famous battle with Afzal Khan.

Hill-Plateau Forts

• Panhala Fort: Capital of the Maratha state under Tarabai.

Coastal Forts

• Vijay Durg:

  • Captured by Shivaji from Adil Shah of Bijapur.

  • Known as the Eastern Gibraltar for its strategic position.

Maratha Empire at a Glance

• Foundation: Began with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1674.

• Dominance: Spanned large parts of India in the 17th and 18th centuries.

• Capitals: Raigad, Gingee, Satara, Pune.

• Administrative System:

  • Ashtapradhan Council: A council of eight ministers, including Peshwa (Prime Minister), Amatya (Finance), and Senapati (Commander-in-Chief).

• Revenue Policies:

  • Sardeshmukhi: A 10% levy on revenue.

  • Chauth: 25% of total revenue from neighboring territories.

Other World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra

Cultural:

• Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves.

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai.

Natural:

• Western Ghats (spanning Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, and Gujarat).

About UNESCO World Heritage Sites

• Definition: Areas or objects with outstanding universal value inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the World Heritage Convention, 1972.

• Categories:

  • Cultural: Sites with historical, artistic, or scientific significance.

  • Natural: Sites with exceptional natural beauty or ecological importance.

  • Mixed: Combining both cultural and natural significance.

• India’s Contribution:

  • 42 World Heritage Sites:

    • 34 Cultural, 7 Natural, 1 Mixed.

Conclusion

The nomination of Maratha Military Landscapes for UNESCO World Heritage status underscores the historical, architectural, and cultural importance of Maratha forts. Inclusion in the list will aid in the preservation and promotion of these monumental sites, showcasing India's rich heritage on a global stage

Subika Painting

• Cultural Significance: An ancient painting style deeply rooted in the Meitei community's cultural history of Manipur.

• Historical Context:

  • Associated with Puyas (archaic Manipuri manuscripts).

  • Evidence suggests its origins in the 18th or 19th century.

  • Likely existed since the introduction of writing in Manipur.

Manuscripts

• Six surviving manuscripts:

  1. Subika

  2. Subika Achouba

  3. Subika Laishaba

  4. Subika Choudit

  5. Subika Cheithil

  6. Theng rakhel Subika

Subika Laishaba

• Visual Language: Illustrations emphasize lines, shapes, colors, and patterns, creating motifs and conveying cultural meanings.

• Medium: Painted on handmade paper or tree bark, using indigenous materials.

• Cultural Continuity: Reflects authentic Meitei traditions through visual storytelling.

Current Status

• Challenges:

  • Awareness of Subika art is waning, pushing it toward near extinction.

  • Manipur, despite its prominence in Raas Leela and Nat Sangkritan, lags in visual arts preservation.

• Efforts: Active steps are being taken to safeguard this ancient art form.