11 July 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. National Gopal Ratna Award -2024

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2032146 )

Topic: GS2 – Governance

Context

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is promoting sustainable livelihoods through the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, emphasising the conservation of indigenous bovine breeds. It annually awards the National Gopal Ratna Award to recognize excellence among dairy farmers, cooperative societies, and Artificial Insemination Technicians, with a special focus on enhancing dairy development in the North Eastern Region.

Analysis of the news:

• Objective: The National Gopal Ratna Award (NGRA) aims to recognize and encourage excellence in the dairy sector, focusing on indigenous cattle and buffalo breeds.
• Initiative: Launched under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the award is administered by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Categories: Awards are given annually in three categories:
  • Best Dairy Farmer rearing indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds.
  • Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
• Special Focus: From 2021 onwards, a special award is included for the North Eastern Region (NER) states to promote dairy development in the region.
• Recognition: Winners receive:
  • Cash prizes: Rs. 5,00,000 (1st rank), Rs. 3,00,000 (2nd rank), Rs. 2,00,000 (3rd rank), and Rs. 2,00,000 (Special Award for NER).
  • Certificate of merit and a memento.

2. Floral Waste is boosting circularity in economy

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2032112 )

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy

Context

India is promoting sustainability through initiatives like implementing composting pits in temples and involving Temple trusts and SHGs in recycling efforts. Outreach programs educate about not dumping floral waste in rivers, encouraging waste reduction.This aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s focus on waste-to-wealth and circular economy principles.

What is Circular Economy?

Circular Economy is an economic model aimed at minimising waste and making the most of resources. It involves designing products with longer life cycles, using renewable or recyclable materials, and promoting reuse and repair. The goal is to create a closed-loop system where resources are used efficiently, waste is minimised, and environmental impact is reduced, fostering sustainable growth.

Circular Economy for India:

Need:

• Resource Efficiency: Minimise resource use and waste generation.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduce carbon footprint and pollution.
• Economic Growth: Foster innovation, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness.
• Sustainability: Ensure long-term viability of resources and industries.

Challenges:

• Awareness and Mindset: Lack of awareness and reluctance to change traditional practices.
• Infrastructure: Insufficient facilities for recycling and waste management.
• Policy and Regulation: Inconsistent policies and regulatory frameworks.
• Financing: Limited investment in circular economy projects.
• Behavioural Change: Resistance to adopting sustainable practices.

Way Forward:

• Policy Support: Develop comprehensive policies promoting circular practices.
• Education and Awareness: Educate public and businesses on benefits and practices.
• Infrastructure Development: Invest in recycling facilities and waste management infrastructure.
• Innovation: Support research and development for circular solutions.
• Collaboration: Foster partnerships between government, industry, and communities.
• Incentives: Provide incentives for businesses adopting circular practices.

Some notable case studies:

HolyWaste (Hyderabad):

• Process: ‘Florjuvination’ converts floral waste into eco-friendly products like fertilisers, incense sticks, scented cones, and soaps.
• Collection: Partners with 40 temples, 2 flower vendors, and a market area, preventing 1,000 kgs/week from landfills or water bodies.

Phool (Kanpur):

• Activity: Collects 21 MT of floral waste weekly (3 TPD) from temples in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Kanpur, and Badrinath.
• Focus: Addresses temple-waste problem through daily collection, transforming waste into incense sticks and organic products.

Adiv Pure Nature (Mumbai):

• Initiative: Transforms temple floral waste into natural dyes for textiles like fabric, garments, scarves, and tote bags.
• Collection: Handles 1,000-1,500 kg/week of floral waste, utilising flowers and coconut husks for sustainable dye production.

Tirupati Municipal Corporation:

• Activity: Manages 6 tons/day of floral waste from temples.
• Impact: Employs 150 women from self-help groups, upcycling waste at a 15-ton capacity manufacturing plant to produce reusable products.

PYQ: Define the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2019)

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of implementing a circular economy model in India’s sustainable development agenda. How can policies promoting resource efficiency and waste reduction contribute to economic growth and environmental sustainability?  (250 Words /15 marks)