Improving Energy Efficiency

Energy is one of the most sought after things in the present scenario and the same is true for India too. Nationally as well as internationally, keeping in mind the growing energy needs not only there is a need for resource augmentation but also concerted step needs to be taken to conserve energy. Energy conservation is also being encouraged at governmental levels as India is part of the consortium of nations trying to act against the threat of climate change and reducing the carbon footprint.  As a step towards this end, the Government of India has enacted the Energy Conservation Act in 2001. Over the past one decade, energy efficiency in India has been increasing at a good pace and energy intensity declined by about 20-25%. Yet, there are places where energy efficiency opportunities exist and hence can be implemented.

The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 is the most important multi-sectoral legislation in India and is intended to promote efficient use of energy in India. The Act specifies energy consumption standards for equipment and appliances, prescribes energy consumption norms and standards for consumers, prescribes energy conservation building codes for commercial buildings and establishes a compliance mechanism for energy consumption norms and standards.

In order to implement the various provisions of the EC Act, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) was operationalised with effect from 1^st March, 2002. The EC Act provides a legal framework for energy efficiency initiatives in the country.  The Act has mandatory as well as promotional initiatives. The Bureau is spearheading the task of improving the energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy through regulatory and promotional mechanism. The primary objective of BEE is to reduce energy intensity in the Indian economy. This is to be demonstrated by providing policy framework as well as through public-private partnership.

During the 11^th Plan Period, the Government of India initiated a number of programmes to promote energy efficiency. This has resulted in avoided generation capacity of 10,000 MW in the last five years. Some of the principal programmes launched included Standards and Labeling of Equipment and Appliances, Energy Conservation Building Code, Energy Efficiency in Industry and Residential Lighting.

Standards and Labeling of Equipment and Appliances

Labeling has been introduced for 16 major energy consuming appliances, providing users with information on the energy use of a model and its relative efficiency. Labeling has been mandatory for 4 products- air conditioners, refrigerators, distribution transformers and tube lights. This programme in 2010-11 has led to saving of 3718 million units of electricity equivalent to avoided capacity generation of 2162MW. With the market for star-rated labeled products growing, there is now a move towards making appliances super efficient i.e. appliances that save as much as 30-50% energy than the most energy efficient versions available in the market. To accelerate this shift and make such appliances affordable, BEE is in the process of launching the Super Energy Efficient Program (SEEP) that would provide manufacturers incentives to produce super efficient appliances. It forms a part of Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE) initiative, one of the four initiatives of the National Mission on Enhanced Energy Efficiency. Super efficient appliances have a high cost of production as well as uncertainty of demand. The program envisions that incremental cost can be compensated by incentives on one hand and cost reduction due to economy of scale on the other.

Energy Conservation Building Code

A National Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) has been prepared for the design of new commercial buildings. Over 700 ECBC compliant buildings are at various stages of construction. In addition, performance contracting through Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) is being promoted to enable the retrofit of existing buildings so as to reduce their energy consumption. It has resulted in electricity saving of 22.45 million units in 2010-11 which is equivalent to avoided capacity generation of 4.27 MW.

Energy Efficiency in Industry

The Government has notified the energy efficieny improvement targets for the 478 most energy intensive industrial units in 8 sectors. Together, they account for about one third of the total energy consumption in India. Issued under the Energy Conservation Act, 2011 the targets are  to be achieved by 2014-15. Overall, industrial units used 166 million tonnes of oil equivalent energy in 2009-10, which has to be reduced by 6.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent in the target year. The targets, however, are not defined in terms of absolute energy use reduction, but in terms of the amount of energy used to produce a unit of the product. The sectors covered by the notification are iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminum, pulp and paper, chlor-alkali, textiles and thermal power stations. Within each sector, only plants using more than a specified amount of energy are included in the targeted list. An interesting feature of the programme is that these units which are able to achieve greater energy efficiency improvements within the specified targets can capture the excess savings through the issuance of Energy Saving Certificates. These certificates can be traded and bought by other units covered by the programme who may find it expensive to meet their targets through their own actions. Units which are unable to meet their target, either through their own action or through purchase of certificates will be liable for repayment of penalty. The penalty will be related to shortfall in target achievement. A penalty of Rs.10,154 will be levied for shortfall of 1 tonne of oil equivalent in the achievement of the target.

Residential Lighting

The Bachat Lamp Yojana (BLY) provides energy-efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) to households at the cost of incandescent bulbs as the former are expensive and hence not able to penetrate in the domestic sector. Over 20 million CFLs have already been distributed under the BLY programme. The scheme targets to replace 400 million bulbs leading to a possible reduction of 6000MW and about 24 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Besides, the Government is also promoting innovative schemes like Energy Conservation Awards etc. In order to accelerate Demand Side Management measures in agricultural sector, BEE has initiated an Ag DSM programme in which pump set efficiency upgradation would be carried out through Public-Private Partnership mode. The BEE has also registered a country-wide Programme of Activities (POA) under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) which enables quick registration of each investor led project as a CDM project under the POAs.

Environment, biodiversity and Gandhiji

The world is preparing to celebrate yet another milestone in 2012 through the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD). This marks the 40th anniversary of the Stockholm Summit (1972) on human development and environment, and the 20th anniversary of the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, or the Earth Summit 1992). There cannot be a more important event in this decade to define sustainable development and what it means for the common man, as we constantly define and re-define living standards and poverty indicators at the local, national and global levels.

India should take pride in being one of the few countries in the world that genuinely engages in debates related to environment and development. This engagement comes from both its challenges and opportunities. With a current economy that is resilient and an ecology that is fragile, India is still looking for ways to achieve sustainable development as it was defined at the Stockholm Summit — development that is economically sound, socially relevant and environment-friendly. Recent debates on whether development should be at the cost of environmental degradation or environmental protection at the cost of development are still fresh in memory. Hopefully, these will continue for years to come since India's development story is still to mature to give any definitive answers. The only caution here is not to learn the lessons too late.

India's interest in leading the global agenda on environment in general and biodiversity (the variety of life on earth that ranges from all the plants, animals, microbes and other living systems) in particular is globally recognised. Being a mega-biodiverse country, India is sitting on a much larger treasure trove than any other country. This treasure is genuine, and will be perpetual if we invest in its safe-keep and ensure that it is held by the resource-poor rather than the rich. The country is yet to wake up to understand the potential of this natural capital and invest in safeguarding it so that biological resources could transform the country's economic equations completely. With such an opportunity, India's response to leading the global agenda on this particular issue has to be recognised.

Major event

This is perhaps why it is going to host one of the largest environment/biodiversity events in the history of humankind: the 11th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD-COP 11) in October 2012. With almost near-global membership, the Convention on Biological Diversity is hailed as the most progressive multilateral environmental agreement that offers a unique opportunity to operationalise the principles of sustainable development. India will influence the global agenda on this issue to a significant degree from 2012 until 2014. Preparations are in full swing to live up to the expectations of the world with regard to India's role and relevance in the conservation of natural resources, their sustainable use and the equitable sharing of the benefits of such use. But is this role something that India took upon itself recently? Perhaps not.

The Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, perhaps foresaw as early as in the 1920s the developments in the context of sustainable development in 2012. As writers and philosophers, and admirers and critics of Gandhi admit, here is a man whose vision was so forward-looking and inclusive that almost all of what we intend to define and re-define, and at the same time struggle to realise, was noted, analysed, linked and suggested by this great human being decades before.

As a countdown to CBD COP 11 (October 2012) and an insight into the relevance of what Gandhiji said and practised in relation to managing the environment and natural resources, this article attempts to find better meanings to what was said by him, and relate his vision to today's realities and challenges as well as opportunities that exist for India.

John Arden said: “To not to think of dying is not to think of living.” Environmentalism is perhaps a good example to relate this to. Environmentalism is facing a huge challenge of not only being relevant but also being influential. Global assessments indicate that though biodiversity provides for almost all the goods and services for our living, it has not found its way into the lexicon of the common man yet. It is a resource that is given, under-valued and over-utilised. Biological diversity underpins the very survival of humans on earth, and is the basis for development and peace. However, natural resources and biodiversity are exploited to such an extent that resources are lost forever, unlike elements of climate change that can be reversed through mitigation and adaptation action.

Gandhiji's famous quote, “the earth provides enough to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed,” is such a perfect summation of the principles of ethics and justice, as elaborated under justice in exchange, distributive justice, corrective justice and retributive justice. India is perhaps one of the first countries to enact a national legislation that considers these principles through the Biological Diversity Act of 2002.

Distinguishing between the needs and wants of human society, the Gandhian vision and philosophy are finding new breath in today's discourses related to reducing consumerism, respect for nature and ensuring equitable development. CBD COP 11 will focus on biological resources and their role in livelihood security. The agenda for a ministerial discussion during the CBD COP 11 meeting will focus on conserving natural resources that underpin securing lives for the local people. Gandhiji's focus on sustainable development came decades before we understood the meaning of such development. Sanitation, maternal health, primary education, gender balance, reduction of hunger, and ensuring partnerships for development formed the basis for Gandhi's life and practice long before the Millennium Development Goals were designed. His antyodaya approach is something that will remain the basis for sustainable development not just in 2012 but many decades and centuries to come.

The issue of inter-generational equity that forms the basis of our discourse on sustainable development was aptly captured by Gandhi thus: “The earth, the air, the land and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan from our children. So we have to hand over to them at least as it was handed over to us.” The practice today is exactly the opposite for many. Enjoy what you have as tomorrow is not certain. How do we reconcile such change of attitudes?

Time to commemorate

On his 142nd birth anniversary, let us commemorate his ideals and principles by reflecting on the following in the context of our preparations to tell the world that India is proud to have a profound philosopher whose vision about conservation and development will shape our world for the coming centuries. Let us move our environmental management and conservation action to the rural villages where it means and matters to people, practise reducing multiplicity of wants, balance rural development with urban growth, ensure democracy and governance to manage our natural resources, act in a decentralised manner, and practise the economy of permanence.

We do have a great tool in hand to achieve this. The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 that deals with decentralised governance and management of biological resources, attempts to work at the level of the panchayat to make rural livelihoods secure, suggests balancing of conservation with sustainable use, applies the principles of ethics and equity, and promotes the economics of permanence through varied partnerships. Where we tend to fail is in ignoring such tools and frameworks that we have in hand and continuing to search for the perfect solution outside such a framework.

Arctic Region Controversy

1.Territorial Disagreement Among the Five Arctic Countries:

 Under the 1982 International Convention on the Law of the Sea, the five Arctic Countries - Russia, the US,Canada, Denmark and Norway - control an economic zone within 200 nautical miles of theircoastline. However, frontiers among the five Arctic countries are disputed but the countries didnot attempt to resolve the disagreements due to the frozen Arctic sea. Global warming is shrinking the ice to record low levels bringing previously unattainable oil and gas fields withinreach leading to territorial claims by different countries of the region.

2. Significance of the Arctic Region:
Arctic's Rich Energy Resources: The Arctic region is believed to hold about 25 per cent of the world's undiscovered reserves of oil and gas which would be of immense value once the oil reserves of the Middle East and other places are exhausted.
Arctic's Mineral Resources and Fish Stocks: The Arctic region is also known to be rich in deposits of diamonds, silver, copper, zinc and uranium. It also has rich fish stocks.
Arctic Region Plays a Significant Role in Slowing the Pace of Global Warming: The Arctic region plays an important role in reflecting the sun rays and slowing the pace of global warming.

3. Main Contentious Issues:

 
Lomonosov Ridge:

 

An undersea mountain chain that stretches 1800 km from Greenland near Norway to the Siberian coast.

Commercial Shipping - North-West Passage:

Another area of dispute is the North-WestPassage which could shorten the maritime trade route from Europe to Asia by 2,150nautical miles from the current navigation through Panama Canal. Canada has claimed theNorth-West Passage as its own by virtue of its sovereignty over the archipelago.

4. Territorial Claims by the Arctic Countries:

A. Extension of the Continental Shelf to the Disputed Spots is the Key Issue:

The key issue in the territorial claims by the Arctic countries is whether the continental shelf of the countries claiming the Arctic seabed extends up to the disputed spots. The determination ofthe extension of the continental shelf of the countries involved is difficult as mapping of theseabed beneath the icecap is challenging.

B. Russia:

a. Russia Claims 1.2 Million Sq Km of the Arctic Seabed:
Russia claims 1.2 sq km of the Arctic seabed. In 2001, Russia laid claim to the Arctic seabed, but the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf ruled that the claim was not backed by sufficient scientific evidence. Under the International Convention on the Law of the Sea, a coastal country is entitled to a200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which a country has sovereign drillingrights for hydrocarbons and other resources. The EEZ can be extended if it is proved thatthe sea floor beyond it is geologically linked to the country's continental shelf.SAKSHI UAI’s STUDY MATERIAL 2008 238.

b. Russia Sends Two Scientific Expeditions to the North Pole to Gather Data to Support Its Claim:
In 2007, Russia send two scientific expeditions to the North Pole to gather data to supportits claim that Russia's northern Arctic region is directly linked to the North Pole viathe underwater Lomonosov Ridge. The scientific expedition has reportedly found evidence that the Arctic Ocean's floor to thenorth of Russia's shores is a continuation of the Siberian continental shelf. This would enable Russia to legally claim the Arctic shelf as its economic zone, according to Russian scientists. In August 2007, the Russian scientific expedition planted a rust-proof titanium Russian flag on the seafloor about 5 km beneath the North Pole.

c. Russia Holds War Games in the Arctic:

In August 2007, Russia held war games in theArctic region, including cruise missile tests and a flight over the North Pole by strategicbombers. The military exercises followed the scientific expeditions to the Arctic region.

 

d. Russia Wants the UN to Decide the Arctic Claim:

Russian scientists have opined that aUN Commission must decide on Russia's claim to the Arctic seabed.

 

 

e. Russia's Claim Disputed by Other Arctic Countries:

Russia's claim to the Arctic seabedis disputed by the other Arctic nations including the US, Canada, Norway and Denmark. Most of the Arctic countries have their own territorial claims to the Arctic seabed.

C. Canada:

a. Canada Claims Sovereignty Over the Arctic:

Analysts point out that Canada has beenclaiming sovereignty over the Arctic lands and waterways since the last 50 years. In August 2007, the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper restaked his country's claim over the Arcticregion by going on an "Arctic sovereignty tour".

b. Canada to Build New Patrol Ships:

In July 2007, the Canadian Government announced that it would build up to eight patrol ships designed to operate in the frozen region.

c. Announced the Construction of the First Arctic Port to Underpin Its Sovereignty:

TheCanadian Prime Minister announced the construction of the first Arctic port on the north side ofBaffin Island to underpin his country's sovereignty in the North Pole.

 

d. Canada Holds Military Exercises in the Arctic:

Canada held military exercises in theArctic territory near the Baffin Island in August 2007.

e. Canada Claims the North-West Passage:

Canada has been claiming the North-WestPassage - which runs below the North Pole from the Atlantic to the Pacific through the Arctic archipelago - as its own by virtue of its sovereignty over the archipelago.

D. The US Pushing for Internationalisation of the Arctic Ocean:

The United States has been blocking Russia's claim to the Arctic seabed. The US has been pushing for the internationalisation of the Arctic Ocean - that is, secure free access to its seabed resources and trade routes. The US has so far not ratified the 1982 UN Convention of the Law of the Seas.

E. Denmark Sends Scientific Expedition to the Arctic to Stake Its Claim:

In August 2007, Denmark sent a scientific expedition to the Arctic to seek evidence that the Lomonsov Ridge is SAKSHI UAI’s STUDY MATERIAL 2008 239
attached to the Danish territory of Greenland, making it a geological extension of the Arcticisland.

5. Conclusion:

 

A. Scramble for Arctic Resources Could Lead to an Environment Disaster:
Scientists feel that opening of the North-West Passage would ignite an "ecological time bomb" as there is no way to clear the oil spills in icy waters. Scientists also warn that a scramble for Arctic resources would threaten its unique wildlife and the Inuit communities that depend on it. This could lead to an environmental disaster.

B. A Treaty Similar to the Antarctic Treaty System Can Protect the Arctic Region from Environmental Disaster:
Analysts opine that there is an urgent need to build an international consensus on adopting a Treaty similar to the Antarctic Treaty system to protect the Arctic region from environmental disaster.
The Antarctic Treaty System recognises the region on the South Pole as an area solely intended for scientific cooperation, keeps territorial claims in abeyance, and does not allow any military activity in the larger interest of humanity.

6. First-Ever Indian Scientific Expedition to the Arctic:

 

Expedition to be an Annual Event: In 2007, Indian Scientists launched the first-ever Indian scientific expedition to the Arctic region. The expedition would be an annual event one in summer and the other in winter, according to the Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal. India has sent 26 missions to Antarctica.

Conduct Studies on Climate Change: The Arctic region and the surrounding areas were one of the most important regions which governed the earth's climate. Studies have shown that a tele-connection between the northern polar region and the intensity of Indian monsoon. The Indian scientific expedition would conduct studies on the mechanism of the tele-connection and other climate changes. Under the new Indian Arctic research programme, scientists would conduct studies on use of arctic microbes in biotechnology, glaciology, geology and palaeoclimatology studies.

Experiments to be Conducted at Ny-Alesund in Svalbard Archipelago of Norway:
The Indian scientific expedition would conduct experiments at the Ny-Alesund, located in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway. This is the place where international arctic research facilities are located. Norway, Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Japan, South Korea and China have their own research stations in Ny-Alesund.

India to Consider Having a Permanent Research Station in the Arctic:

 The Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal said that India may consider having a permanent research station in the Arctic. India is a signatory to the Svalbard Treaty signed in 1920 which allows signatories to set up base as long as it meets the Norwegian rules.

RIC: Russia-India-China

Introduction:

1. Requirements of a Trilateral Relationship:
Any trilateral formation must look at strengthening of mutual relations of the constituents.
The areas of mutual concerns must be identified and long-term strategies devised to strengthen cooperation.

Incremental Approach:
Instead of an alliance framework aimed at countering the US influence, an incremental approach which has been adopted by India i.e. cooperation on counter-terrorism and jointly developing the energy resources of Central Asian republics is a more feasible approach, according to analysts.

2. Need for a Trilateral Relationship between India, China and Russia:
The US presence in Central Asia and Pakistan has renewed the debate on the need for a multi-polar international system in the post-Cold War era. India, Russia and China are concerned about the strategic implications of the US presence in the region for their respective interests in Central and South Asia. A trilateral relationship between the three sides is seen from this angle by analysts.

3. Factors Favouring the Formation of a Trilateral Relationship between India, China and Russia:

A. Cooperation Against Terrorism and Development of Energy Resources:
India and Russia have agreed on the need to include China in a discussion on the Joint development of energy resources and combating terrorism. All three countries are facing threats from Islamic extremists- China in the Xinjiang province, Russia in Chechnya and India in Jammu and Kashmir.

B. Need for a Multi-Polar International System:
India, Russia and China prefer a multi-polar international system to counter the growing influence of the US and the role of NATO after the collapse of the Soviet Union, according to analysts. This is possible if the complementary poles pursue political and strategic policies that are not at variance.

C. Converging Strategic Interests of India and Russia:
Analysts point out that India and Russia have converging strategic interests and have a long-standing military relationship. Russia endorses India’s position on cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. There is no mutual threat perception on the nuclear issue.

D. Economic Cooperation:
Analysts point out that both India and China are keen on economic development and modernisation. Therefore trilateral cooperation between India, Russia and China could yield economic benefits as well.

4. Factors Impinging the Formation of a Trilateral Relationship between India, China and Russia:

A. Problems in Sino-Indian Relations:
China’s special relationship with Pakistan and its supply of nuclear and missile technology to Pakistan. Mutual distrust generated by the unresolved boundary question. China looks towards the growing Indo-US relationship with apprehension and perceives it in terms of an encirclement of China. India feels that by arming Pakistan, China is threatening its security. Sino-Indian bilateral relations have improved recently.
India and China have a declared policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons which could be transformed into a formal understanding on a mutually non-threatening nuclear posture.

B. Bilateral Relationships with the US:
Analysts point out that the bilateral relations of India, Russia and China with the US is also a factor that impinges the formation of a trilateral understanding between these countries.

5. India's Views on Trilateral Cooperation:
Trilateral Cooperation would Contribute to Peace and Development in the Region and the World Trilateral cooperation is not a grouping directed at any nation or bloc.

6. China's Views on Trilateral Cooperation:
The three countries can join hands in fields like trade, energy, science and technology to broaden strategic relations.
The forum of the Foreign Ministers of the three countries could be useful to chalk out a concrete roadmap.

7. Russia's Views on Trilateral Cooperation:
The three countries uphold the concept of multipolarity.
The synergy between the three countries could be utilised to promote their domestic economic development.

8. First Trilateral Stand-Alone Meeting:
The Foreign Ministers of India, Russia and China held their first stand-alone trilateral meeting in Vladivostok (Russia) on June 2, 2005. The three Foreign Ministers had been meeting informally on the sidelines of various international forums.

II. RIC Foreign Ministers Meeting (Yekaterinburg (Russia) May 15, 2008):

1. Fourth Standalone Meeting of RIC Preceded BRIC Meeting:
On May 15, 2008 a trilateral meeting of Russia, India, China (RIC) was held in Yekaterinburg (Russia). The RIC meeting preceded the Brazil, Russia, India, China (BRIC) meeting at the same place on May 16, 2008. This was the fourth standalone meeting of RIC at the Foreign Ministers Level.

2. Joint Communiqué:
Reaffirmed Commonality of Views on the Global Situation:
The Joint Communiqué adopted at the trilateral meeting of the RIC Foreign Ministers reaffirmed the commonality in their views on the global situation. For the first time coordinated positions were set out on Kosovo, Iran, Afghanistan and the Asia-Pacific region. India displayed a greater readiness to go along with other RIC partners on these issues.

Call for Settling Kosovo's Independence in Accordance with Norms of International Law:
India, for the first time joined Russia and China is stating in the RIC Communiqué that the unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo was contrary to the UN Security Council Resolution 1244. The Communiqué called for settling the Kosovo issue in accordance with the norms of international law and on the basis of an agreement and through negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo.

Call for a Political and Diplomatic Settlement of Iran's Nuclear Problem Through Negotiations:
The RIC Communiqué called for a political and diplomatic settlement of Iran's nuclear programme problem through negotiations. India's External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee stated that India supported Iran's right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy provided it fulfilled its international obligations that all outstanding issues should be resolved through the IAEA and that confrontation and destabilisation in the region had adverse effects on the situation.

Russia and China Welcomed India's Aspirations for Playing an Enhanced role as an Observer in SCO:
Russia and China welcomed India's aspirations for playing an enhanced role as an observer in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). India's revived interest in the regional security body, which unites Russia, China and four Central Asian States, was also indicated.

Common Desire to Expand Multilateral Cooperation with the Central Asian States:
The RIC Communiqué reaffirmed a common desire to expand multilateral cooperation with the Central Asian States. The three countries agreed to identify various forms of trilateral interaction in the region.

Deepening Dialogue and Cooperation between the RIC Countries:
The Communiqué vowed to actively deepen dialogue and interaction between the three countries.

Call for Expeditious Finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism:
Russia and China supported India in calling for expeditious finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism, submitted at the UN by India.

Commitment to Further Strengthen Cooperation to Combat Terrorism:
The three Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen cooperation among their countries to combat terrorism.

3. India would host the next meeting of the RIC.

 

4. Significance of the RIC Meeting:

Display of Enhanced Solidarity on International Issues Indicates the Trilateral Dialogue Acquiring Strategic Dimension:
Analysts point out that at the RIC Foreign Ministers meeting, Russia, India and China displayed enhanced solidarity on a range of international issues indicating that their trilateral dialogue may be acquiring a strategic dimension.

RIC Format a Unique Mechanism for Strengthening Cooperation:
India’s External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee described the RIC format as a unique mechanism for strengthening cooperation. He pointed out that the RIC sent a message to the world that the three leading economies having common views on regional and global issue was of utmost importance and has its impact on the overall international situation.

India Praised RIC for Extending Its Practical Cooperation to Trade, Technology and Disaster Management:
India’s External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee praised RIC for extending its practical cooperation to trade, technology, disaster management, relief, health and medicine, which would be highly beneficial to large sections of their populations.

New Start to Global Nuclear Arms Reduction

A.Arms Control Regimes:

• The arms control regimes which assured strategic stability during the Cold War started with the SALT (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) and ended with the START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty).
  
• During the Cold War there were numerous Summits between the US and the former Soviet Union wherein arms experts came up with a large number of agreements and verification protocols.
  
• The US Senate rejected the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
  
• The US has withdrawn from the ABM.
  
• The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been a failure as it has failed to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons as well move towards the ultimate goal of elimination of nuclear weapons.
  
  B.2002 - US Withdrawal from the ABM Treaty:
  
• On June 13, 2002, the US formally withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty.
  
• The ABM Treaty, signed by the US and Russia in 1972, forbade the two sides from acquiring the capability to defend against incoming nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles. This led to the doctrine of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) which assured strategic stability during the Cold War.
  
• The ABM was seen as the key to global strategic stability before the US declared in mid 1990s to acquire the National Missile Defence (NMD) capability that could violate the ABM treaty.
  
  C.Russia’s Reaction - No Longer Bound by the Strictures of START-II:
  
• On June 14, 2002, Russia announced that it was no longer bound by the strictures of START-II nuclear arms reduction treaty signed in 1993.
  
• This implies that if the US is determined to acquire credible NMD, then Russia is free from a START-II ban on having landbased strategic missiles with multiple warheads.
  
  1.Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START):
  
  Nuclear Accords Between Russia and the US:
  The nuclear accords signed between Russia and the US since the early 1970s meticulously outlined the make up of each country’s nuclear forces as negotiators on each side fought to reduce the threat posed by the adversary.
  
  1991 - START-I:
  The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START-I) was signed by the former US President, Mr. George Bush and the then Soviet President, Mr. Mikhail Gorbachev, in July 1991. The START-I envisaged the reduction of their nuclear warheads to 14,719 (8,556 with US and 6,613 with the former Soviet Union). Before the arms reduction started, the US and the former Soviet Union together had an all time high nuclear arsenal of 23, 658 warheads in 1990. The START-I expires in December 2009.
  
  1993 - START-II:
  The START-II was signed in Moscow, on January 3, 1993 by the former US President, Mr. George Bush and the former President of Russia, Mr. Boris Yeltsin. START-II banned Russia from deploying land-based missiles with multiple warheads which formed the core of its nuclear forces. When Russia ratified START-II in 2000, it linked its implementation on the preservation of the 1972 Anti-ballistic Missile Treaty (ABM) which banned a national missile defence of the kind the US has decided to deploy. START-II was not implemented.
  
  2002 - Strategic Offensive Reductions (SORT):
  The US and Russia agreed to limit nuclear arsenal to 1,700-2,200 operationally deployed warheads. This treaty expires in 2012.
  
  2.The US and Russia Agree to Re-Open Talks to Reduce their Nuclear Arsenal:
  
  US and Russian Presidents Agree to Re-Open Talks on Reducing their Nuclear Warheads:
  
• On April 1, 2009 the US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev agreed in London to reopen talks on reducing their nuclear warheads. The meeting between the two Presidents was held on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit.
  
• This would be the first major arms control negotiations in more than a decade which could lead to the replacement of the 1991 START-I which expires in December 2009.
  
• The two Presidents said that they would be in a much stronger position to strengthen the nuclear non-proliferation regime if they led the world be example by reducing their own nuclear arsenal.
  
• The Negotiators were directed to report first results in July 2009 when the two leaders would meet for a Summit in Russia.
  
• The talks could lead to each country reducing its nuclear stockpile by 80 per cent, according to US officials.
  
• On May 18, 2009 the US and Russia started the first round of talks aimed at replacing the START-I that expires in December 2009.
  
• The Arms Reduction talks are central to US President Barack Obama’s desire to “reset” strained relations with Russia and their results would have far-reaching implications for global security.
  
• For Russia the talks are also seen as a matter of prestige as they imply strategic parity with the US, which is significant to Russia as it seeks to play a larger role on the global stage.
  
• The UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon hailed the new momentum for disarmament and offered his best wishes for the talks.
  
  3.US President Obama’s Goal of a World Without Nuclear Weapons:
  
• US President Barack Obama said that he wanted to rid the world of nuclear weapons. He was addressing French and German students in France (Strasbourg) on April 3, 2009. • The world’s estimated arsenal of 24,000 nuclear warheads - all but 1,000 in the US and Russian armouries - was the worst legacy of the Cold War, according to the US President. If the risk of all-out nuclear war had faded, the danger of nuclear attack had increased.
  
• Mr. Obama pledged a drive on nuclear disarmament, possibly bigger than any ever attempted.
  
• The US would accelerate Arms Control Agreements with Russia. The current talks with Russia resulting in reduction of nuclear stockpiles by about a third was a beginning, setting the stage for further cuts.
  
• Building on the momentum of a new agreement on Arms Reduction with Russia, Mr. Obama pointed out that he wanted to cajole other nuclear powers into agreeing international arms cuts.
  
• Mr. Obama said that he would reduce the role of nuclear weapons in US national security strategy.
  
• Mr. Obama would pursue immediately and aggressively the Senate ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) as the first step towards pushing the CTBT’s entry into force.
  
• A verifiable ban on the dedicated production of fissile material for the manufacture of nuclear weapons would be a top priority of the Obama Administration.
  
• The US President also pledged to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
  
• He specified two ways of reinforcing the NPT regime - banning the production of fissile material used for nuclear warheads and establishing an international fuel bank which would supply and keep tabs on low-enriched uranium for peaceful nuclear purposes in electricity generations for countries that need it.
  
• Mr. Obama stressed on greater resources and authority for international inspections - and real and immediate consequences for countries that violate the treaty.
  
• The US President wanted to re-energise the campaign to get all vulnerable nuclear materials in secure storage within four years. He would also convene a world summit on nuclear security in the US within a year.
  
• The risk of terrorists being able to obtain a nuclear device was the most immediate and extreme threat to global security, according to Mr. Obama.
  
  4.Significance of the US President’s Initiatives on Nuclear Disarmament:
  
• President Obama’s initiatives on nuclear disarmament represent a move forward from the unilateral approach of the previous administration, according to analysts.
  
• Reaching out to a resurgent Russia to re-open talks on nuclear arms reduction was very significant as it has positive implications for global security. The START-I provided the legal and technical framework for large-scale verifiable disarmament. It helped in the reduction of the nuclear warheads in the world from a total of 60,000 during the Cold War to less than 20,000.
  
• The ratification of the CTBT by the US would be a step forward, according to analysts. However, this step would be meaningful if the US were to end all work on design and refinement of new nuclear weapons.
  
• Mr. Obama has reversed the previous administration’s policy on the Fissile Materials Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) and declared that the US would seek a treaty that verifiably ends the production of fissile materials. This would help in the forward movement of the FMCT negotiations in Geneva.
  
• The Obama-Medvedev proposal of ridding the world of nuclear weapons altogether is very significant. For the first time both the countries have jointly declared the goal of total disarmament. However, achieving this goal requires the US-Russian nuclear arsenal to be cut below 1,000 each and the establishment of the CTBT, FMCT and other disarmament treaties.
  
  5.Implications for India:
  
• If the US ratifies the CTBT, India would be under pressure to follow suit. Analysts suggest that India needs to be proactive in emphasising the crucial importance of nuclear disarmament. India has not signed the CTBT, but it has been observing a moratorium on nuclear tests since 1998.
  
• The reversal of the US policy on FMCT under the Obama Administration has serious implications for India, according to analysts.
  
  India's Stand on FMCT:
  
• India wants a universal, non-discriminatory and internationally and effectively verifiable FMCT.
  
• India would not block the compromise that would allow the CD to draft the FMCT.
  
• Actively working with the US on the FMCT is one of the conditions of the July 2005 Indo-US civil nuclear agreement.

Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on India

I. Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on India:

1. Indian Stock Markets Crashed:
In October 2008, Indian Stock markets crashed along with the global stock markets on fears of US financial crisis. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex lost over 2,000 points in the second week of October 2008. The value of Indian stocks listed on the US bourses sharply reduced causing losses of billions of dollars.

 

2. GDP Growth Expected to Moderate between 7% to 8%:
In the wake of the global financial crisis, a report released by the Finance Ministry in November 2008 identifies sectors of the Indian economy that are likely to be adversely impacted in varying intensities while segregating those that may not be affected at all and others which may have a positive impact. India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is expected to moderate, yet look fairly robust. A GDP growth between 7 per cent and 8 per cent would still be one of the best under these circumstances, according to the report.

 

3. Positive Impact of the Global Economic Crisis due to Meltdown in Global Commodity Prices Especially Decline in Crude Oil Prices:

The report noted that owing to the meltdown in global commodity prices especially the decline in crude oil prices, the positive impact may get reflected through Moderation in inflation Improving the corporate profitability through input cost reduction and increasing their internal accruals. The sharp reduction in crude oil prices have moderated the prices of products which use crude oil and its derivatives as inputs such as fertilizers, chemicals and others. Community and Services - Relating to Defence and Social Sector Services would witness a positive impact. The Growth was also likely to improve on account of the Positive Impact of the Sixth Pay Commission and other wage increases.

 

4. Sectors of Indian Economy Experiencing a Moderate Impact of the Global Financial Crisis:
The Finance Ministry report pointed out that many sectors of the Indian economy would experience a moderate .

 

5.impact of the global financial crisis coupled with domestic factors:
Manufacturing, exports, construction, transport, insurance and banking, business services and real estate. Sectors of the Indian Economy Experiencing Neutral Impact - Agriculture, Electricity, Communication, Trade and Recreation.

 

6. Sectors of the Indian Economy Experiencing Negative Impact of the Global Financial Crisis:
Lower inflow of portfolio capital despite India being ranked the second most preferred destination in the latest World Investment Report.

 

7. Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on India Stronger than Expected:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor D. Subbarao, said that the impact of the global financial crisis on India was stronger than expected. He pointed out that though India is not directly impacted, the country has not weathered the indirect knock-on effect of the global economic crisis. As the global economic crisis was turning out to be deeper and longer than expected, the impact on India was also turning out to be stronger.

 

8. Loss of Jobs:
The global economic crisis resulted in the loss of thousands of jobs in India. Recruitment was very low and temporary contract workers were the worst sufferers.

 

9. India has Several Strengths that can help Mitigate the Adverse Effects of the Global Economic Crisis:
The Centre’s Mid-Year Review 2008-09 presented to the Parliament in December 2008 pointed out that compared to other emerging economies, India has several strengths that can help mitigate the adverse effects of the global financial crisis: Having run a tight monetary policy during the first half of 2008-09, there is considerable scope for monetary policy easing over the next 6-12 months to offset the global increase in demand for money that is being transmitted to India. A pro-active monetary policy may be necessary if the global economic depression continued to adversely affect manufacturing India has relatively high share of services in GDP that tend to be less affected by cyclical downturns Five years of nearly four per cent growth in the Agricultural sector High domestic savings rate of 36 per cent which led to nine per cent growth in past years. India retained its position as a preferred destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

 

10. India can Turn the Global Financial Crisis into in an Opportunity to Review and Revisit Pending Reforms:
The then Finance Minister P. Chidambaram pointed out that India can turn the global financial crisis into an opportunity to review and revisit pending reforms. Introduction of reforms particularly in the financial sector would make the economy more competitive and economic regulatory and oversight system more efficient, quick and responsive to global developments. Aggressive easing of interest rates and fast-tracking of pending reforms was needed to mitigate the adverse impact of the global economic crisis on the Indian economy, according to the Mid-Year Review 2008-09 presented by the Centre to the Parliament in December 2008.

 

II. Steps Taken by the Government to Tackle the Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the Indian Economy:

1. Monetary Policy:
The tool of macroeconomics policy which involves the regulation of money supply, credit and interest rates in order to control the level of spending in the economy. Focus on measures to increase liquidity in the banking system. Reduce interest rates Ease regulatory management.

 

Decreasing the CRR:
The Credit Reserve Ratio (CRR) is one of the tools of the monetary policy. When the CRR (the amount of money banks need to keep with the RBI) is decreased, there is more money in the banks to lend, which increases the liquidity.

 

2. Fiscal Policy:
An instrument of demand management which seeks to influence the level of economic activity in an economy through the control of taxation and Government expenditure. Primarily refers to the Government’s spending patterns. When inflation is falling the Government can increase expenditure, thereby increase demand. Fiscal Deficit Allowed to Expand beyond the Originally Targeted Level: In recognition of the need for a fiscal stimulus the Government had consciously allowed the fiscal deficit to expand beyond the originally targeted level. The fiscal deficit would be over 6 per cent in 2008-09 more than 3 percentage points of the GDP above what was originally targeted.

 

3. Monetary Measures Taken by the RBI:
The RBI cut the CRR from 9 per cent to 5 per cent. The repo rate (When RBI conducts a repo it lends to banks by purchasing securities and selling them back at a predetermined price) was reduced from 9 per cent to 5.5 per cent. The reverse repo rate (When RBI does a reverse repo it borrows from banks by selling them securities and buying them back at a future date) was reduced from 6 per cent to 4 per cent. These measures taken by the RBI released Rs.3,20,000 crore for the banking system to lend to the industry. The monetary measures undertaken by the RBI have made consumer loans cheaper. This would inevitably create demand. The industry including automobiles, white goods and consumer electronics would recover faster. With the Central Government mandated reduction in interest rates for affordable housing, the real estate sector has also been positively impacted.

 

4. Centre’s First Fiscal Stimulus Package to Shore up Various Sectors of the Economy from the Global Economic Meltdown (December 07, 2008):
The stimulus package aimed to revive crucial sectors affected by slowdown such as housing, exports, automobile, textiles and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through additional funding. Across-the-board 4 per cent cut in Cenvat (Value Added Tax) to bring down the prices of most manufactured goods including cars, cement, textiles and other products. Additional Rs.20,000 crore earmarked for infrastructure, industry and export sectors for the current fiscal. Permitted India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd. to raise Rs. 10,000 crore through tax-free bonds by March 2009 as part of the exercise to support the Rs.1,00,000 crore highways development programme.

 

5. Centre’s Second Stimulus Package (January 02, 2009):
The second stimulus package aimed at reversing the economic slowdown through higher public spending, providing additional liquidity for onward lending at lower interest rates, boosting sagging sale of commercial vehicles and making easier credit availability for the export sector, housing and small industries. India Infrastructure Finance Company would access Rs.30,000 crore to fund infrastructure projects. States to be allowed to borrow Rs.30,000 crore from market to finance their expenditure. Package allows Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to be recapitalised by Rs.20,0000 crore. Government asked the PSB’s to increase their credit targets for the fiscal to ensure optimal disbursal of funds at least cost.

 

6. Third Stimulus Package (February 24, 2009):
A reduction of 2 percentage points in the rates of excise duty and service tax, were announced by the Centre on February 24, 2009. The excise duty was reduced from 10 to 8 per cent while the service tax was reduced from 12 to 10 per cent. The Government was keen on restoring business confidence in the services sector. The Government’s objective was that the dispersal between the CENVAT rate and the service tax rate be reduced with a view to moving towards the Uniform Goods and Service Tax, according to the External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee who was holding charge of Finance.

 

7. Significance of the Fiscal Stimulus Packages:
The fiscal stimulus packages focus on spurring growth in a grim scenario of a crumbling financial system and recession in the West in order to minimise the slowdown impact. The Government’s fiscal stimulus packages to deal with the economic slowdown were far more than just spending packages, according to the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia. The Government allayed fears that the stimulus packages were inadequate by pointing out that the packages would contribute to the widening of the fiscal deficit in 2008-09. Including the Central and State deficits, the fiscal deficit is expected to rise to 10 per cent of the GDP, according to Mr. Ahluwalia. Stimulus packages focused on infrastructure to bring the economy out of the current situation, according to Mr. Ahluwalia. Both public-private partnerships and government investment would be encouraged. The public expenditure in the packages was focussed on irrigation, housing for the poor, rural roads and urban infrastructure. Packages Provide Relief to All Sectors and Boost the Growth of the Economy: The Indian industry welcomed the stimulus packages describing them as a set of positive measures aimed at providing relief to all sectors and help give boost to the growth of the economy. By combining monetary and fiscal measures, the packages sought to address a number of concerns and restoring business confidence, according to the industry. The reduction in rates of excise duty and service tax were much needed fiscal measures which would go a long way in stimulating demand, according to the CII.

 

III. Conclusion:

1. RBI’s Views on the Current Economic Situation:
The global financial situation described as the worst since the Great depression, continues to be uncertain and unsettled. Some impact of the global financial crisis on India was felt through the credit, equity and the foreign exchange markets. The global financial crisis had reinforced the importance of putting special emphasis on preserving financial stability. The adverse global developments had led to moderate growth in the industrial and services sectors in the first-half of 2008-09. Later the impact on liquidity and credit was also felt. The financial sector in India is sound and healthy. Indian banks do not have financial exposure to the US sub-prime assets. The fundamentals of Indian economy continue to be strong.

 

2. India’s Financial Sector Mostly Insulated from the Risks of International Markets due to a Strong Regulatory Framework:
Economists point out that India’s financial sector has mostly been insulated from the risks of international markets due to a strong regulatory framework. Although India has a largely free market-based banking system, it has ensured that its regulatory checks and balances prevent any undue exposure to global risk and the financial sector is prepared to cushion adverse situations.

 

3. The Current Global Financial Crisis Calls for Governments to Focus on Employment Creation:
Analysts point out that the current global financial crisis can be used by Governments around the world to reshape policies, and put in place structures to help in increasing the pace of recovery. The adverse impact of the crisis has been on employment with millions likely to lose their jobs. India’s focus on urban and rural infrastructure projects linked to employment creation is commendable, according to analysts. Governments around the globe need to focus on employment creation to minimise the adverse impact of the current global financial crisis.

Disaster Management

Introduction:

1. India's Vulnerability to Natural Disasters:

A.Unique Geo-Climatic Conditions:
Experts point out that the unique geo-climatic conditions have made the Indian sub-continent most vulnerable to natural disasters. Droughts, floods, cyclones, landslides and earthquakes have been recurrent phenomena.

B.Major Part of India|s Landmass Vulnerable to Natural Disasters:
About 54 per cent of India|s landmass was vulnerable to earthquakes, 40 million hectares to floods, 8,000 km of the country|s coastline to cyclones and 68 per cent of its geographic area was vulnerable to drought.

C.Highest Recorded Rainfall in Mumbai and other Cities:
In July/August 2005, Mumbai received the highest recorded rainfall in 95 years. The deluge led to the total collapse of almost all essential services. Much of the damage was due to the failure of the drainage system and the flooding of areas. Similarly, unprecedented heavy rainfall was recorded in the southern parts of India in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, cities like Bangalore and Chennai also came to a standstill.

D.Indiscriminate Construction of Buildings Cause for Flooding of Cities:
Experts feel that the main reason behind the flooding of cities is due to the indiscriminate construction of buildings blocking the water channels.

E.Each Year 2 Per Cent of the GDP is Lost in Disaster Management:
India|s Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee pointed out that each year the Government is losing 2 per cent of the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in disaster management in the form of relief and rehabilitation package. In order to overcome this loss, the new Disaster Management and Mitigation Policy of the Government will lay stress on how the future disasters can be prevented from happening through proper warning systems.

2. Natural Disasters Responsible for Displacing More People Than Wars:
According to a study conducted by the Institute of Environment and Human Security, natural disasters displace more people than wars. More than 10 million people are displaced each year by natural disasters. Victims of natural disasters migrate to other parts of the same country or to other countries. It is estimated that by the year 2015, the world could have up to 50 million environmental refugees.

3. Disaster Management:
Experts point out that disaster management is like a military operation where speed, accuracy, technological sophistication, communication and motivation of the people involved are very important. Therefore combat preparedness has to be there.

4. Requirements for Coping with Disasters:

A.Commitment by Administrative Members at All Levels:
Human and functional commitments by administration members at all levels to meet public requirements.

B.Advance Warning Systems:
Competent and technically effective advance warning systems.

C.Permanent Institutions to Deal with Disaster Management:
Permanent institutions and mechanisms to deal with disaster management.

D.Comprehensive Operational Procedures:
Comprehensive procedures and operational steps to deal with natural disasters similar to the operational procedures to deal with war, conflict or insurgency situations.

5. Armed Forces are Central to Disaster Management:

A.Prime Agency for Disaster Relief:
Analysts point out that the Armed Forces are central to any disaster management organisation. The Armed Forces serve as the primary agency for disaster relief in the form of men, material and specialist equipment. Apart from a cadre of disciplined personnel, the Army has the organisation, the geographical spread and the equipment to handle natural disasters.

B.Assistance by the Armed Forces Should be Requisitioned Only for Special Purposes:
Military analysts, however, point out that assistance by the Armed Forces should be requisitioned only when it becomes absolutely necessary, and even then only for such special purposes which cannot be handled by the State Government.

6. Need for a Disaster Management System:

A.Basics of Disaster Management:
a. prevention b. damage limitation c. relief and rehabilitation.

B.Well Structured Disaster Management Organisation:
There is need to tackle the natural disasters on a long term as well as short term basis, according to experts. In order to make disaster management effective the Centre and the States have to coordinate meaningfully. A well structured Disaster Management Organisation with clearly defined responsibilities is needed.

II. National Disaster Management Bill 2005:

1. Bill Passed by the Parliament:
On December 12, 2005, the Disaster Management Bill was approved by the Parliament with the Lok Sabha unanimously passing the legislation that has been prepared after the tsunami struck peninsular India on December 26, 2004.

2. Salient Features of the Bill:
A. Aim:
Swiftly tackling natural calamities and man-made disasters. The Bill envisages institutions at Central, State and local levels, a national institute for disaster management and a national disaster response force.

B. Setting up the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
Seven-Member Body to Provide Institutional Mechanism to Deal with Natural Disasters:
In July 2005, Centre constituted the seven-member NDMA under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister to provide requisite institutional mechanism to deal with natural as well as man-made calamities, including chemical, biological or nuclear disasters. Gen. N.C. Vij, the former Chief of the Indian Army was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the NDMA.

C.Mandated to Lay Down Plans and Policies for Disaster Management:
The NDMA has been mandated to lay down plans and policies for disaster management. It will formulate guidelines to be followed by various central ministries and departments and the states.

D. State and District-Level Disaster Management Agencies:
The Bill seeks to establish state disaster authorities under the chairmanship of Chief Ministers and district disaster authorities under the chairmanship of District Magistrates. The zila parishad chairman will be the co-chairman of the district disaster management authority along with the district Collector.

E. National Disaster Response Force:
A National Disaster Response Force will be set up to tackle situations arising from different types of disasters with the state-of-the-art gadgets. The Centre had earmarked eight battalions from the Central paramilitary forces for this purpose. The States have been asked to make provision for battalions from their forces.

F. Involving 30 Lakh Representatives from Local Bodies:
The Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil pointed out that the responsibility for implementing the disaster management plan would involve 30 lakh representatives from local bodies.

G. Gives Legal Framework for Disaster Management:
Analysts point out that the Bill will change the way disaster management is handled in the country by giving the exercise a legal framework. So far, disaster management was done through an executive order. As the National Disaster Management Bill comes into effect, the various agencies do not have to wait for an executive order to act since they will have a legally laid down procedure to follow.

H. Proposes to Create two Separate Corpuses:
The Bill proposes to create two separate corpuses with two components. While one part will immediately disburse funds for relief without waiting for sanction, the second will be used to work on long-term disaster mitigation projects.

I. Provides Legal immunity to Government Officials:
The Bill provides legal immunity to government officials involved in the disaster management.

IBSA: India-Brazil-South Africa

I. India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) Dialogue Forum:

 
1. Formation of IBSA:

The Foreign Ministers of India, Brazil and South Africa met in Brasilia in June 2003 and issued the “Brasilia Declaration” announcing the formation of the India, Brazil and South Africa Dialogue Forum (IBSA).

2. First Trilateral Commission Meeting in New Delhi:

 
The first Trilateral Commission meeting was held in New Delhi on March 6, 2004. It was decided not to allow new members into IBSA. Countries like China, Russia and Egypt had shown considerable interest in entering the forum

3. Significance of IBSA:

A. South-South Forum:
IBSA is a “South-South” forum aimed at encouraging cooperation in poverty alleviation, coordination at the WTO, increase in trilateral trade and cooperation in defence matters.

B. Platform for Concrete Action:
According to leading South African journal, IBSA is a not a talking shop and is intended to be a platform for concrete action in key areas.

C. Economic Power Bloc:
In real or purchasing power parity (PPP) terms, India is the World’s fourth largest economy, with a GDP of $2.93 trillion; Brazil was ninth ($1.27 trillion) and South Africa 17th ($488 billion). The combined GDP was almost $ 4.69 trillion, not far behind China ($5.1 trillion) and the US ($9.7 trillion). In terms of Industrial output, Brazil ranks 11th, India 13th and South Africa 37th. In agriculture India and Brazil occupy the top ranks in the world. The three large economies have complementary strengths which could be utilised to mutual advantage.

D. Each Member of IBSA is the largest Democracy in its Region:
The South African Journal points out that each member of IBSA is the largest and most diversified developing country in its region. Thus, IBSA brings together the largest democracies in the three continents.

E. Support for India and Brazil for Security Council Seat:
South Africa has emphasised that it would support the entry of India and Brazil to the UN Security Council as permanent members.

F. Defence Ties:

Defence Cooperation Part of IBSA Agenda:
The defence cooperation is part of IBSA agenda, according to the “Plan of Action” issued by the Foreign Ministers after their Trilateral Commission meeting in Delhi, in March 2004.

Defence Cooperation Mutually Beneficial:
The Ministers agreed that the defence cooperation would be mutually beneficial to foster interaction amongst them. It was noted that their defence industries had developed excellence in diverse areas, which could offer a broad range of potential opportunities for cooperation in defence production, co-development, trade and joint marketing.

Promoting International Security:
The Defence Ministers of IBSA agreed that in the interest of promoting international security, the three countries would cooperate towards promoting maritime and air safety, including combating illegal weapons and narcotics traffic and maritime transit of toxic chemicals and radioactive waste across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.

G. Cooperation in Energy Security:
Analysts point out that energy security is one of the areas where the advantages of cooperation were evident. Brazil is the world leader in the use of ethanol, South Africa has developed coal gasification technology and a synthetic fuel industry and India has expertise in wind and solar energy. Thus, IBSA can effectively utilise these strengths.

II. Background:

1. First Summit of IBSA (Brasilia, September 13-14, 2006):

 

A. Historic Summit:
The first Summit of IBSA held in Brasilia on September 13-14, 2006 was attended by the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the South African President Thabo Mbeki. Dr. Singh described the Summit as "historic" and the idea of the grouping as "without precedent".

B. Focus of the Summit:

The focus of the Summit was on the following issues:
Issues of global concern including energy security Global terrorism Sustainable development

2. Second IBSA Summit (Tshwane, South Africa, October 2007):

A. Tshwane Declaration:

Comprehensive Reform of the UN Needed:
The second IBSA Summit was held in Tshwane, South Africa, in October 2007. The Tshwane Declaration issued at the end of the Summit stressed that the international system cannot be reordered meaningfully without a comprehensive reform of the UN. IBSA was committed to UN reforms with emphasis on the expansion of the Security Council. Inter-governmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council must begin forthwith, according to the Declaration. It also reaffirmed the need for concerted efforts by the member-States towards revitalisation of the General Assembly.

IBSA Committed to Achieving Balanced and Successful Results from Doha Round of WTO Talks:
The Declaration noted that the Doha Round of global trade negotiations were entering a critical stage and the developed countries must agree to substantial and effective cuts in their trade distorting subsidies. The leaders of IBSA - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and the South African President Thabo Mbeki - committed themselves to working towards securing a balanced, equitable and successful outcome of the Doha Round of Talks.

Improving Trade Ties - Need for a Free Trade Arrangement (FTA):
The leaders of the three countries felt that IBSA was yet to make substantial progress in improving trade among the tri-nation grouping. They urged the need to realise early a free trade arrangement between India, South Africa Currency Union (SACU) and Mercosur (Southern American Common Market). A trilateral Ministerial meeting would be held in this respect in 2008.
A trilateral trade target of $15 billion was set to be achieved by 2010.

The International Community Must Make Concerted and Cooperative Action to Eradicate Terrorism:
The Declaration noted that terrorism was one of the most serious threats to global peace and security. It stressed that the international community must make concerted and cooperative action to eradicate the scourge of terrorism.
The Declaration aimed at identifying commonalities in socio-economic areas and working out common approaches to mitigate deficiencies
.
B. Seven Agreements Signed to Enhance Trade and Social Development:
India Brazil and South Africa signed seven agreements during the second Summit to enhance trade and social development. The pacts would help the three countries respond to challenges of social inequity and economic deprivation among substantial sections of their populations.

III. Third Summit of the IBSA Dialogue Forum (New Delhi, October 15, 2008):

1. 50-Point Delhi Summit Declaration:

 The third Summit of the IBSA dialogue forum was held in New Delhi on October 15, 2008. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and President Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe of South Africa adopted a 50-point Delhi Summit Declaration expressing views on issues of global governance and regional issues.
2. Agreement to Collaborate on the Global Financial Crisis:

India, Brazil and South Africa agreed to collaborate closely on the international financial crisis and rise in energy and food prices. They also decided to instruct their Finance Ministers and Governors of Central Banks to convene a meeting in order to establish a coordinated mechanism.

3. Stress on Renewed Efforts to Reform Institutes of International Governance:

India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasised on a renewed effort to reform institutes of international governance like the UN and the G-8. He also stressed on the need to work purposefully towards the successful conclusion of the Doha round of WTO trade talks promoting development and inclusive growth.

4. India Circulated Paper on Cooperation in Agriculture within IBSA:

India circulated a paper on possibilities in cooperation in agriculture within IBSA. The paper also included suggestions on dealing with the food security. IBSA has Working Groups on Energy and Agriculture which would carry forward the discussions the leaders had at the IBSA summit.

5. India Thanks Brazil and South Africa for their Support to India's Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
The Summit discussed the role of clean energy in dealing with the energy requirements. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh thanked Brazil and South Africa for their support to opening up civil nuclear cooperation for India.

6. IBSA Welcomes the Approval of the IAEA India Specific Nuclear Safeguards and the NSG Waiver:
The IBSA summit welcomed the consensus decision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approving the India-specific nuclear safeguards and the waiver by the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to enable full civil nuclear cooperation between India and other countries.

7. Trade and Investment Linkages Growing in IBSA:

Dr. Singh stated that trade and investment linkages among the three countries of IBSA were growing. He stressed that the current international financial crisis had made it much more important for the three countries to explore each other's markets for mutually beneficial opportunities.

8. Trilateral Trade Target of $25 Billion by 2015:

The IBSA leaders agreed to set up a trilateral trade target of US $25 billion by 2015. It was also stated that the 2010 target of $15 billion was expected to be achieved. The appropriate financial authorities in each country would be instructed to explore new mechanisms to facilitate and increase trade.

9. Significance of the Third IBSA Summit:

Completed the First Cycle of IBSA Annual Summits:
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh pointed out that the third summit in New Delhi completed the first cycle of IBSA annual summits. He also emphasised that the IBSA dialogue forum had covered considerable distance since its inception in 2003.
The Leaders expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the third IBSA summit.

Genetically Modified (GM) Foods

The Term "Genetically Modified (GM) foods" refers to crops produced for human or animal consumption using the recombinant DNA techniques. The world population is growing in a fast pace such that it is expected to double in the next 50 years. Supplying food to this growing population is a major challenge. GM foods can be considered as the major solution for the food security. These foods are produced by the modification of crop plants in the laboratory to enhance desired traits, mainly biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, improved nutritional content, etc. These traits were earlier carried out through conventional plant breeding, but these breeding methods are very time-consuming and often not very accurate. However, with recombinant DNA technology, plants with the desired traits can be produced, very rapidly and with greater accuracy.

Process
Recombinant DNA technology begins with the identification and isolation of a gene which expresses a desirable trait, with the aid of restriction enzymes. Then a recipient plant or animal is selected, and the gene is inserted and incorporated into its genome through a vector such as agrobacterium, through a gene gun shooting an elemental particle covered in plasmid DNA, electro oration, or a virus. Once part of the recipient, the newly inserted gene becomes part of the genome of the recipient and is regulated in the same way as its other genes.

For example, we can isolate a gene responsible for conferring drought tolerance, introduce that gene into a plant, and make it drought tolerant. Crops can also be transformed using non-plant genes such as the use of Bt genes, in cotton and many other crops. Bt, or Bacillus thuringiensis, is a naturally occurring bacterium that produces crystal proteins that are lethal only to insect larvae. Bt crystal protein genes have been transferred into cotton, soya, corn, brinjal, enabling the plants to produce its own pesticides against insects such as the American bollworm, European corn borer. Bt genes are lethal only in the acidic medium, insect gut environment and do not get activated in an alkaline environment, prevalent in humans and other animals that feed on these plants.

BENEFITS OF GM FOODS

Drought tolerance/salinity tolerance:

As the world population grows and more land is converted for housing instead of food production, farmers need to grow crops in non-arable land, previously unsuited for plant cultivation. Creating plants that can withstand long periods of drought or high salinity in soil and groundwater will help people to grow crops in large, barren wetlands/dry lands in our country.

Pest resistance:
Insect Pests are causing devastating financial loss for farmers, sometimes starvation. Indiscriminate use of pesticides is also a potential health hazard, and the run-off of agricultural wastes from excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers poisons the water supply and harms the environment.

Ex: Growing GM foods such as Bt brinjal helps reduce the application of pesticides substantially, as 80 per cent of brinjal crop are infested with pests.

Disease resistance:
There are many viruses, fungi and bacteria that cause plant diseases and thereby contribute to yield loss. Plant biologists are working to create genetically engineered plants with resistance to these diseases.

Ex: Developing sheath blight resistance in rice.

Cold/heat tolerance:

Farmers are facing the vagaries of weather, like unexpected frost or excess heat due to climate change. Researchers have identified an antifreeze gene from cold-water fish and introduced it into plants such as tobacco and potato to study the efficacy of the plant to withstand extreme temperatures. Also, research is on to identify plants that can survive excess heat, submergence tolerance etc.

Nutrition:

People in our country suffer from various nutrient deficiency diseases due to malnutrition. Most of the people rely on rice as a major staple food. But rice does not contain adequate amounts of all necessary micro and macronutrients. If rice could be genetically engineered to contain additional vitamins, iron and/or minerals, nutrient deficiencies could be alleviated. For example, MSSRF (M.S.Swaminathan Research Foundation) are working on improving the iron content.

Phytoremediation:

Soil and groundwater pollution continues to be a problem in many parts of the world.Plants such as poplar trees, brassica spp are being genetically engineered to clean up heavy metal pollution from soil contaminated with metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium.

Concerns

Most concerns about GM foods fall into three categories

Environmental hazards:

Unintended harm to other organisms; reduced effectiveness of pesticides; gene transfer to non-target species are some of the concerns of the environmental concerns of GM crops.

Human health risks:

Allergenecity, unknown effects on human health are some of the main health concerns.
For example, Pioneer Hi-Bred tested the allergenicity of a transgenic soybean that expressed a Brazil nut seed storage protein in hope that the seeds would have increased levels of the amino acid methionine. The tests (radio allergosorbent testing, immunoblotting, and skin-prick testing) showed that individuals allergic to Brazil nuts were also allergic to the new GM soybean.

Economic concerns
Environmental activists, religious organizations, non-governmental organizations have criticized agribusiness for concentrating on profits through GM Foods without concern for potential hazards. They also criticized the government for failing to start a regulatory body. All GM crops should be subjected to thorough regulatory processes and toxicology and allergenicity tests data needs to be shared with the regulatory authorities prior to commercialization.

Government Role
Many new plant genetic engineering technologies and GM plants have been patented, and patent infringement is a big concern of agribusiness. So, bringing GM food to market is a lengthy and costly process. This is a genuine concern and therefore it is important for the government to fund and support public sector research in reputed universities or agriculture institutes to ensure quality research and also keep prices under check.

Conclusion
Government should check all the hazards, environmental, health and economic concerns and then decisions should be taken to commercialize a GM product. Though ambiguity during the process, once they get regulatory approve, it implies that they have been subjected to stringent scrutiny and are safe for commercial release. So, the governments around the world are hard at work to establish an effective regulatory process to monitor the effects of and approve new varieties of GM plants.

According to M S Swaminathan, the chairman of the National Commission on Farmers, GM foods have the potential to solve many of the world's hunger and malnutrition problems, and can protect and preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides. Yet there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labeling.