• Greenwashing is a deceptive marketing or public relations strategy used by companies and organizations to create a false impression of being environmentally friendly or sustainable.
• It involves presenting misleading or exaggerated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or the company as a whole.
• The term "greenwashing" is a play on the words "green" (associated with environmental friendliness) and "whitewashing" (referring to covering up flaws or negative aspects).
• The purpose of greenwashing is to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, create a positive public image, and potentially gain a competitive advantage over competitors without making substantial efforts to be genuinely eco-friendly.

Greenwashing can take various forms, including:

• Misleading Labels: Companies may use misleading labels or certifications that imply a product is environmentally friendly, but the claims are not backed by credible evidence or certifications.
• Vague Claims: Using vague language or buzzwords like "eco-friendly," "natural," or "green" without providing specific details or evidence to support the claims.
• Selective Information: Highlighting one minor positive aspect of a product or operation while ignoring its overall negative impact on the environment.
• Irrelevant Information: Emphasizing a small, insignificant green effort to distract from more significant environmental issues related to the company's practices.
• Green Packaging: Focusing on eco-friendly packaging while the product itself or the company's overall practices are harmful to the environment.
• Distraction from Other Issues: Using environmental initiatives to divert attention from other problems the company may be facing, such as labor abuses or ethical controversies.

Greenwashing can be harmful as it misleads consumers, making them believe they are supporting environmentally responsible companies when, in reality, their actions may have little to no positive impact on the environment. This practice also undermines the efforts of genuinely eco-friendly businesses, as it creates skepticism and cynicism among consumers.

3. How Greenwashing Works?

• Greenwashing works by manipulating public perception and creating a false image of environmental responsibility without making substantial efforts to be truly eco-friendly.
• It involves various strategies and tactics that are designed to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, improve the company's reputation, and potentially increase sales or market share.

Here's how greenwashing typically works:

• Misleading Claims: Companies make unsubstantiated or vague claims about their products, services, or practices being environmentally friendly without providing evidence or data to support these assertions.
• Cherry-Picking Information: Greenwashing often involves highlighting a minor environmental initiative while downplaying or ignoring other aspects of the company's operations that may have a more significant negative impact on the environment.
• Using Ambiguous Language: Companies may use green buzzwords like "eco-friendly," "sustainable," "natural," or "green" without providing specific details on how these claims are justified.
• False Certifications and Labels: Greenwashing may involve using misleading certifications or labels that imply a product is eco-friendly when, in reality, the certification lacks credibility or is not related to the product's environmental impact.
• Irrelevant Emphasis: Companies might focus on environmentally friendly packaging or insignificant changes while overlooking the overall environmental impact of the product or the company's practices.

4. What are the examples of Greenwashing?

• Fast Fashion: Clothing brands may claim to be environmentally friendly or sustainable but continue to produce low-quality, cheaply made clothes that contribute to excessive waste and pollution.
• Bottled Water: Some bottled water companies market their products as "eco-friendly" due to their lightweight packaging or use of recycled materials, but the environmental impact of single-use plastic bottles remains significant.
• Oil and Gas Companies: Fossil fuel companies may promote their investments in renewable energy projects while downplaying their core business's contribution to climate change and environmental degradation.
• Deforestation Initiatives: Companies involved in deforestation may launch token tree-planting campaigns to create a perception of environmental responsibility while ignoring the far-reaching impact of deforestation on ecosystems.
• Transportation: Automobile manufacturers may advertise their electric or hybrid vehicles as environmentally friendly, but the overall environmental impact of vehicle production and disposal is often not fully disclosed.

5. Why Greenwashing is a Problem?

Greenwashing is a significant problem for several reasons:

• Misleads Consumers: Greenwashing deceives consumers into believing that products or services are more environmentally friendly than they actually are. As a result, consumers may make purchasing decisions based on false information, leading to unintended environmental consequences.
• Undermines Trust: Greenwashing erodes trust between companies and consumers. When companies make false or exaggerated claims, it creates skepticism and cynicism among consumers, making it challenging for genuinely sustainable businesses to gain credibility.
• Diverts Attention: Greenwashing can distract consumers, policymakers, and stakeholders from addressing real environmental issues. Instead of focusing on real solutions and efforts towards sustainability, attention, and resources may be directed towards superficial or ineffective green initiatives.
• Slows Down Progress: By promoting greenwashing, companies may delay or avoid making genuine efforts towards sustainability. This hinders progress in creating a more environmentally responsible business environment and addressing pressing environmental challenges.
• Discourages Genuine Sustainability: Companies that engage in greenwashing may undermine the efforts of genuinely sustainable businesses. When consumers feel deceived, they might become less willing to support and pay a premium for truly eco-friendly products or services.
• Neglects Social Responsibility: Greenwashing often diverts attention from other important corporate social responsibility issues, such as fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, or community engagement, leading to an incomplete approach to responsible business conduct.

6. Way Forward

To address the problem of greenwashing, increased consumer awareness, transparent reporting, credible third-party certifications, and stringent regulations are necessary. Consumers should critically evaluate claims made by companies, and companies should strive for authenticity and transparency in their environmental efforts to build trust and contribute genuinely to sustainability goals.

 

For Prelims: Greenwashing, Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023, Eco-Friendly, The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. For Mains: 1. Assess the concept of greenwashing in the context of business practices and its implications on environmental sustainability. Discuss how misleading environmental claims by companies affect consumer choices and influence the perception of corporate responsibility. (250 words).

 

Previous year Questions 1. Which one of the following best describes the term "greenwashing"? (UPSC 2022) A. Conveying a false impression that a company's products are eco-friendly and environmentally sound B. Non-inclusion of ecological/environmental costs in the Annual Financial Statements of a country C. Ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development D. Making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project/programme Answer: A   2. Regarding "carbon credits", which one of the following statements is not correct? (UPSC 2011) (a)The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol (b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota. (c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emissions. (d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environmental Programme. Answer: d

 Source: PIB 

COMMUNALISM

1. Context

Recently, the violence that erupted in Nuh in Haryana’s Mewat region during a procession led by the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad spread to neighbouring Gurgaon where some shops and a mosque were torched and the mosque naib imam killed, taking the death toll to five.

2. About communalism

• Communalism is a form of groupism that is based on religious or ethnic identity.
• It is characterized by intolerance and division between different groups.
• An example of communalism would be a situation where members of one religious community exhibit hostility or prejudice towards another religious community, based on their religious beliefs or identities.
• This can manifest in various forms, such as religiously motivated violence, discrimination, or the promotion of religious exclusivity. Some examples of communalism include:
• The partition of India in 1947, which was a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
• The Gujarat riots in 2002, were a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.
• The Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013, were a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims.

3. Main Features of Communalism

Divisiveness: Communalism promotes divisions and tensions between different religious communities.

Identity-based Politics: It exploits religious identities to gain political mileage or create vote banks.

Prejudice and Stereotyping: Communalism fosters negative stereotypes and prejudices about other religious groups.

Propagation of Hatred: It encourages the spread of hate speech and animosity towards other communities.

Violence: In extreme cases, communalism can lead to communal violence and clashes.

4. Religious Communalism 

• Communal violence refers to violent conflicts and clashes between different religious communities.
• It involves acts of aggression, rioting, destruction of property, and sometimes loss of life, driven by religious differences and animosity.
• The most common form of communalism is religious communalism.
• This is the belief that one's own religion is superior to other religions.
• It can lead to intolerance and violence against people of other religious faiths.
• Communalism and communal violence are interconnected in several ways.
• Communalism can create an atmosphere of intolerance and division that makes communal violence more likely.
• Communal violence, in turn, can reinforce communalist beliefs and further divide society.
• The rise of communalism in India can be traced back to the colonial period.
• The British Raj divided Indian society into religious communities for administration.
• This created a sense of separateness between different religious groups, which laid the foundation for communalism.

5. Main Causes of Communalism in India

Historical Grievances: Past conflicts and grievances between religious communities have left lingering tensions.

Political Exploitation: Some politicians use religious identity for their electoral gains, leading to communal polarization.

Socio-economic Factors: Unequal distribution of resources and opportunities can create competition and tension between communities.

Religious Fundamentalism: The rise of religious fundamentalism can fuel communalism.

Lack of Intercommunity Understanding: Lack of communication and understanding between communities can breed suspicion and hostility.

 

6. Significant Instances of Communalism in India

Communalism has been a major problem in India for centuries. Here are some of the most significant instances of communalism in India:

The Partition of India in 1947: The partition of India was a result of communal violence between Hindus and Muslims. Millions of people were killed or displaced in the violence, and the partition led to the creation of two separate countries, India and Pakistan.

The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992: The Babri Masjid demolition was the destruction of a 16th-century mosque in Ayodhya, by a Hindu mob in 1992. The demolition sparked widespread communal violence across India, leaving hundreds of people dead.

The Gujarat Riots in 2002: The Gujarat riots were a series of communal riots that took place in Gujarat, in 2002. The riots were triggered by the burning of a train carrying Hindu pilgrims in Godhra, Gujarat. Over 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the riots.

The Muzaffarnagar Riots in 2013: The Muzaffarnagar riots were a series of communal riots that took place in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, in 2013. The riots were triggered by a minor dispute between two groups of people, but they quickly escalated into violence. Over 60 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in the riots.

The Dadri lynching in 2015: The Dadri lynching was the killing of a Muslim man, Mohammad Akhlaq, by a mob in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, in 2015. Akhlaq was accused of storing beef in his house, which is considered taboo in Hindu culture. The lynching sparked outrage across India and highlighted the growing problem of communal violence in the country.

7. Difference between Communalism and Secularism

Communalism: It is the promotion of religious identities and divisions, leading to hostility and prejudice between religious communities.

Secularism: It advocates the separation of religion and state, treating all religions equally and ensuring religious freedom for all citizens without discrimination. It promotes harmony and tolerance among different religious groups.

 

 

For Prelims: Communalism, Secularism, Riots, the partition of India, the Gujarat riots, the Babri Masjid demolition, Bajrang Dal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, The Muzaffarnagar riots, religious communalism,  For Mains:  1. What are the main causes of communalism in India? Discuss the socio-economic factors and religious fundamentalism contributing to communal tensions in the Country. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. The Deccan Riots Commission was concerned with: (UPSC CAPF 2014)  A. indebtedness of the peasant B. lack of law and order in the Deccan C. problems with the Ryotwari system D. communal riots in the Deccan   Answer: A   2. Librehan Commission was appointed by the Union Government to enquire into: (Kerala SET 2017) A. Indira Gandhi Assassination case B. Babri Masjid Demolition case C. Educational Reforms D. Centre-State Relations   Answer: B   3. Who is the present President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad? (HSSC Police SI 2021) A. Vishnu Sadashiv        B. Kokje Alok Kumar    C. Pravin Togadia     D. None of them   Answer: D

 

Source: The Indian Express

CHEETAH PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE

 

1. Context

The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has constituted a Cheetah Project Steering Committee as per the decision taken in a meeting with the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Govt. of Madhya Pradesh, chaired by the DG, Forest &SS, in supersession of O.M of even number dated 22^nd September 2022 on the Cheetah Task Force.

2. Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India

• The Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India formally commenced on September 17, 2022, with the objective of restoring the population of cheetahs, which were declared extinct in the country in 1952.
• The project involves the translocation of cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.
• 20 radio-collared cheetahs were translocated from South Africa (12 cheetahs) and Namibia (8 cheetahs) to Kuno National Park.
• In March 2023, India announced the birth of 4 cubs to one of the eight cheetahs relocated from Namibia.
• The cheetahs underwent quarantine and were then shifted to larger acclimatization enclosures.
• Currently, there are 11 cheetahs in free-ranging condition and 5 animals, including a cub, in quarantine enclosures.
• Dedicated monitoring teams ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the free-ranging cheetahs.

3. Significance of Cheetah Reintroduction

• India as historical Cheetah habitat: The Cheetah habitat in India historically is from Jammu to Tamil Nadu, very widespread and they were found in any habitat dry forests, grasslands, scrub forests, etc.
• Pray base: Experts believe that as long as there is enough food and there is protection they will regenerate on their own. A‘prey base’ that can sustain the population and that has already been prepared at the Kuno-Palpur sanctuary.
• Cheetahs will help restore open forest and grassland ecosystems in India. 
• The cheetah is a flagship grassland species; whose conservation also helps in preserving other grassland species in the predator food chain. 
• This will help conserve biodiversity and enhance the ecosystem services like water security, carbon sequestration, and soil moisture conservation, benefiting society at large.
• It will also lead to enhanced livelihood opportunities for the local community through eco-development and ecotourism activities.

4. About Cheetah Project Steering Committee

Mandate:

• To monitor the progress of the Cheetah reintroduction programme and advise the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
• To decide on opening up the cheetah habitat for eco-tourism and, 
• Suggest regulations and ways to involve the local community in the project activities.

Members and head:

• The 11-member Cheetah Project Steering Committee comprises national and international experts. 
• Several international experts have been involved in the cheetah translocation project from Namibia and South Africa.
• It will be led by Rajesh Gopal, secretary general, of Global Tiger Forum and closely associated with Project Tiger.

Duration: The committee will be in force for two years and will convene at least one meeting every month, besides conducting field visits to Kuno National Park.

5.  About Kuno National Park

• Kuno National Park is a national park in the Sheopur district of Madhya Pradesh (MP).
• It was established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary. In 2018, it was given the status of a national park.
• It is a part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests.
• Kuno River, a tributary of the Chambal River flows through the National Park.
• Eight cheetahs from Namibia and 12 from South Africa were transported to India and introduced at Kuno National Park (KNP).

6. Why is Kuno National Park (KNP) unsuitable

• The lack of sufficient prey in Kuno National Park (KNP) was a "concerning" situation.
• In KNP, chital is the most abundant prey for carnivorous species. At present, there is about 20 chital-the cheetah's main prey-per square kilometer available at the KNP, a sharp decline from the nearly 60 chitals per square km that could be found in the park in 2014.
• This amount of chitals would sustain a maximum of 15 cheetahs and the other 5 should have been shifted elsewhere.

For Prelims: Project Cheetah, Kuno National Park, Cheetah Reintroduction Project, and NationalTiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). For Mains: 1. Discuss the objectives and scope of Project Cheetah, a proposed reintroduction project aimed at restoring cheetah populations in a specific region. Examine the potential benefits and challenges associated with such an initiative. (250 words).

 

Previous year Questions 1. Recently there was a proposal to translocate some of the lions from their natural habitat in Gujarat to which one of the following sites? (UPSC 2017) A. Corbett National Park B. Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary C. Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary D. Sariska National Park Answer: B

Source: PIB

SUPERCONDUCTIVITY

 

 

 

1. Context

Two South Korean researchers posted two related papers on the internet, not yet peer-reviewed, claiming that a lead-based compound they had developed had shown superconducting properties at room temperature, under normal pressure conditions

 

 

2. SuperConductivity

• Superconductivity refers to a state in which a material offers zero, or near-zero, resistance to electric current.
• A current is nothing but the movement of charged particles, electrons in most cases, in a particular direction.
• When the electrons move, they collide, and interact, with other atoms in the material
• Elimination of this resistance can result in super-efficient electrical appliances, removal of transmission losses in power cables, and massive gains in energy
• Superconducting materials show very interesting behaviour under magnetic field which allows the functioning of systems like the MRI scan machine and the superfast Maglev trains that float above the tracks.
• Superconductors have very critical uses in a wide variety of other scenarios as well

3. Temperature vs Superconductivity

• As of now, superconductivity can be achieved only at very low temperatures, more than 250 degree Celsius below zero, very close to absolute zero which is – 273 degree Celsius.
• The first material to have been discovered to show super conductive properties was Mercury, which becomes a superconductor at close to 270 degree Celsius below zero
• Most of the other materials commonly used as superconductors – Lead, Aluminum, Tin, Niobium, and several others – also become superconducting at comparable temperatures, called critical temperature
• In some cases, materials can exhibit superconductivity at slightly higher temperatures as well, but under increased pressure conditions
• It is all about creating the right kind of conditions for the electrons in the material to move without resistance, and a variety of tweaks are experimented with depending upon the internal atomic structure of the material.
• Even the materials that are classified as ‘high-temperature’ superconductors, as of now, show superconductive properties only well below -150 degrees Celsius
• There have been claims for superconductivity at much higher temperatures, in some cases, above zero degree Celsius as well, but these are either contested or require extreme pressure conditions

4. Advantages of Superconducters

Superconductors are materials that conduct electricity with zero resistance. This means that no energy is lost when electricity flows through a superconductor, which has a number of potential advantages.

4.1.Efficiency: Superconductors can be used to create more efficient electrical devices. For example, superconducting wires can be used to transmit electricity over long distances with little loss of power. This could lead to lower energy bills for consumers and businesses

4.2.Speed: Superconductors can also be used to create faster electronic devices. This is because superconductors can carry more current than traditional conductors, which allows them to operate at higher frequencies. This could lead to faster computers, telecommunications devices, and other electronic equipment

4.3.Sensitivity: Superconductors can also be used to create more sensitive devices. This is because superconductors can detect very small changes in magnetic fields. This could lead to new medical imaging devices, navigation systems, and other sensitive equipment

4.4.Magnetic fields: Superconductors can be used to create powerful magnetic fields. This is because superconducting magnets can carry more current than traditional magnets, which allows them to generate stronger fields. This could lead to new applications in medical imaging, particle accelerators, and other fields.

 

5. Way forward

he potential advantages of superconductors are significant, but there are also some challenges that need to be addressed before they can be widely used. One challenge is the need to cool superconductors to very low temperatures. This can be expensive and complex. Another challenge is that superconductors are often brittle and difficult to work with

 

 

 

For Prelims: Conductors, Insulators, Conductivity, Electrons For Mains: 1.Discuss the significance of superconductors in modern technology and their potential applications in various sectors like energy, transportation, and medicine. What challenges need to be overcome to realize their full potential? 2.Explain the principles of superconductivity and the factors that influence the critical temperature of superconducting materials. Discuss the different types of superconductors and their unique properties

 

 

 

Source: indianexpress

OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES

1. Context

Recently,  the Centre extended the tenure of The Commission to Examine Sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) headed by Justice G Rohini, former Chief Justice of Delhi High Court.

The Commission constituted nearly five years ago, has received 10 extensions so far and is now required to submit its report by January 31 next year.

2. About the sub-categorization of OBCs

• The concept of sub-categorization of OBCs involves creating sub-groups within the larger OBC category for reservation purposes.
• Currently, OBCs are granted 27% reservation in jobs and education under the central government.
• However, there has been a debate over the equitable distribution of these benefits among the various OBC communities.
• Some argue that a few affluent communities within the Central List of OBCs have disproportionately secured the majority of the reservation benefits.
• Creating sub-categories aims to ensure a fairer distribution of representation among all OBC communities.

3. The Rohini Commission's Brief

1. To examine the extent of inequitable distribution of reservation benefits among the OBC castes or communities included in the Central List.
2. To devise a scientific approach for sub-categorization within the OBCs, including defining the mechanism, criteria, norms, and parameters.
3. To identify respective castes, communities, sub-castes, or synonyms in the Central List of OBCs and classify them into their respective sub-categories.
4. To study the Central List of OBCs and rectify any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies, and errors.

• The Commission's progress has faced various challenges, including the absence of data on the population of different communities to compare their representation in jobs and education.
• Initially, the Commission had requested an all-India survey to estimate the caste-wise population of OBCs but later decided against it.
• Additionally, the government has remained silent on the collection of OBC data in the Census, despite demands from OBC groups.

4. The Extent of OBC Recruitment in Central Jobs

• As part of its findings, the Commission analyzed data from the preceding five years on OBC quota-based central jobs and admissions to central higher education institutions.
• It revealed that a disproportionate number of jobs and educational seats went to a small fraction of OBC sub-castes, with 37% of the total OBC communities having no representation in jobs and educational institutions.
• Regarding OBC representation in central jobs, as of March 17, the data showed that 20.26% of Group A to Group C employees were OBCs.
• However, the representation drops to 16.88% in Group A, where the reservation for OBCs is 27%.

Image Source: The Indian Express

5. The Way Forward

• Despite the challenges faced, the Commission has made significant progress, including drafting a report on sub-categorization.
• However, the final report is yet to be submitted. The extended tenure will provide the Commission with additional time to address the complexities of OBC sub-categorization and propose measures to achieve equitable distribution of reservation benefits among all OBC communities.

For Prelims: Rohini Commission, OBCs, Central List For Mains:  1. Discuss the role of the government in addressing the demand for the enumeration of OBCs in the Census and its potential impact on OBC representation and welfare." (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. Who was appointed as the head of the OBC Sub-categorisation Commission? (Maharashtra Talathi 2019)  A. Justice Geeta Mittal B. Justice Manjula Chellur C. Justice Tahilramani D. Justice G. Rohini   Answer: D   2. Which of the following pairs of list and contents is/are correctly matched? (UPSC CAPF 2019)  1. State list                     Public health and sanitation 2. Union list                  Citizenship, naturalisation and aliens 3. Concurrent list          Legal, medical and other Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 only             B. 1, 2 and 3          C.  2 and 3 only            D.  3 only   Answer: B

 

Source: The Indian Express