The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) is a statutory body of the Government of India, established in 2005 to oversee the implementation of the Project Tiger initiative and ensure the conservation and protection of tigers and their habitats across the country.  The NTCA operates under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and its organizational structure includes a Governing Body, a Standing Committee, and a small Secretariat to facilitate day-to-day operations.

Key Objectives

• The primary objective of NTCA is to formulate policies and implement programs for the conservation of tigers, their prey species, and the ecosystems they inhabit.
• NTCA plays a central role in the implementation of Project Tiger, which was launched in 1973 to conserve India's national animal and its habitats.
• NTCA is responsible for monitoring and assessing the status of tigers in India, including conducting tiger censuses, assessing the effectiveness of conservation measures, and collecting data on tiger populations.
• NTCA ensures compliance with the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and other relevant laws to combat wildlife crimes, including poaching and illegal trade of tiger parts.

Key Functions

• NTCA oversees the management of tiger reserves across the country, coordinating with state governments and relevant authorities to ensure effective conservation practices.
• NTCA provides financial and technical support to tiger reserves for habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, community involvement, and other conservation initiatives.
• While the primary focus is on tigers, NTCA also contributes to the conservation of biodiversity within tiger reserves, recognizing the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.
• NTCA promotes research activities related to tiger conservation and wildlife ecology. It also emphasizes capacity building for forest officials, field staff, and local communities involved in tiger conservation efforts.

Challenges and Initiatives

• NTCA addresses challenges related to human-wildlife conflict by developing strategies for coexistence, compensating affected communities, and implementing mitigation measures.
• Conservation initiatives involve addressing habitat degradation issues, afforestation programs, and sustainable development practices to maintain viable tiger habitats.
• NTCA works on strengthening anti-poaching measures and collaborating with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal wildlife trade and activities threatening tiger populations.

Dandeli Wildlife Reserve, located in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka, India, stands as a testament to the region's rich biodiversity and ecological significance. Nestled along the Western Ghats, this sanctuary is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, pristine landscapes, and the Kali River that meanders through its expanse.

• Geographical Features: Situated in the Western Ghats, Dandeli Wildlife Reserve is part of the larger Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve and spans an area of approximately 834.16 square kilometres. The reserve is traversed by the Kali River, enhancing its ecological diversity and serving as a lifeline for numerous species of flora and fauna.
• Flora: The reserve boasts a lush and varied vegetation cover, including dense deciduous and evergreen forests. The diverse plant life supports a range of wildlife habitats, contributing to the overall ecological balance.
• Fauna: Dandeli Wildlife Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, tigers, leopards, black panthers, deer species like sambar and spotted deer, Indian bison, and various species of primates. The sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 200 avian species, including the Malabar pied hornbill, great hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, and several species of eagles, making it an ornithologist's paradise.
• Activities: The reserve offers visitors an opportunity to explore its natural beauty through wildlife safaris, providing a chance to observe the resident fauna in their natural habitats. The Kali River also offers thrilling opportunities for river rafting, attracting adventure enthusiasts. Nature trails and trekking routes lead visitors through the heart of the reserve, offering a more immersive experience amid the wilderness.
• Conservation Efforts: Dandeli Wildlife Reserve plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, contributing to the protection of endangered species and maintaining the ecological balance of the Western Ghats. The reserve is part of the Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, reflecting its commitment to preserving the region's flagship species.
• Challenges and Conservation Initiatives: While the reserve thrives with biodiversity, it faces challenges such as habitat degradation and human-wildlife conflicts. Conservation initiatives, including community involvement, habitat restoration, and sustainable tourism practices, are crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring the long-term health of the ecosystem.

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE (ICJ)

• South Africa brought a case against Israel to the ICJ on December 29, under UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention. In its application, South Africa argued that Israel, in its ongoing Gaza assault, has transgressed from the provisions of Article 2 of the Convention. This article defines the term “genocide” to mean “acts committed with intent to destroy, wholly or partly, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group”.
• The ICJ will eventually decide whether Israel is committing genocide or not — this may take years. But first, it will decide whether it has jurisdiction on this matter, and whether the alleged acts fall under the 1948 Convention.
• South Africa has also sought interim relief for the Palestinians, and asked the ICJ to order Israel to immediately suspend all military operations in Gaza, as an interim measure.
• The court is likely to rule on this in a matter of weeks. While the court’s rulings are legally binding, it has no way to enforce them. Nonetheless, its opinions carry weight with the UN and other international institutions

Aspect	International Criminal Court (ICC)	International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Establishment	Established in 2002 by the Rome Statute	Established in 1945 by the United Nations Charter
Nature	Criminal court with jurisdiction over individuals for serious crimes	Principal judicial organ of the United Nations, handles state disputes
Jurisdiction	Primarily focuses on individuals for crimes like genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression	Resolves legal disputes between states, gives advisory opinions
Membership	States become members by ratifying the Rome Statute	Open to UN member states; states must accept ICJ's jurisdiction
Prosecutorial Authority	Independent Prosecutor appointed by the Assembly of States Parties	No prosecuting authority; relies on disputing states to present cases
Adjudication	Adjudicates cases against individuals for criminal responsibility	Adjudicates disputes between states; provides advisory opinions
Composition	Judges elected by the Assembly of States Parties	15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council
Location	The Hague, Netherlands	The Hague, Netherlands
Focus	Individual criminal responsibility	State-to-state disputes, advisory opinions
Binding Decisions	Decisions are binding on individuals and states	Judgments and opinions are binding only on the parties involved
Role in International Law	Enforces and develops international criminal law	Contributes to the development of general principles of international law
Relationship with the UN	Independent organization but cooperates with the UN	Principal judicial organ of the UN

 

 

6. Way forward

 

The ICJ will eventually decide whether Israel is committing genocide or not — this may take years. But first, it will decide whether it has jurisdiction on this matter, and whether the alleged acts fall under the 1948 Convention. South Africa has also sought interim relief for the Palestinians, and asked the ICJ to order Israel to immediately suspend all military operations in Gaza, as an interim measure. The court is likely to rule on this in a matter of weeks. While the court’s rulings are legally binding, it has no way to enforce them. Nonetheless, its opinions carry weight with the UN and other international institutions

 

 

 

 

 

For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance. For Mains: General Studies II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

 

SMALL NUCLEAR MODULAR REACTORS

 

1. Context

In one of the biggest moves to expand nuclear energy sector, the government in Union Budget 2025 announced a Nuclear Energy Mission for research & development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and set a target of operationalising at least five such reactors in the next eight years.

2. Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are a type of nuclear reactor design that offers a more compact and scalable alternative to traditional large-scale nuclear power plants. These reactors are characterized by their smaller size, enhanced safety features, and potential for more flexible deployment. Here are some key features and aspects of Small Modular Reactors:

• Size and Scalability: SMRs are designed to be much smaller in size compared to conventional nuclear reactors. Their compact nature allows for easier manufacturing, transport, and installation. Additionally, SMRs can be built in a modular fashion, with multiple units deployed together, which offers flexibility in capacity planning and expansion.
• Enhanced Safety: Many SMR designs incorporate advanced safety features that reduce the likelihood of accidents and mitigate potential consequences. Passive safety systems and inherent design characteristics can make SMRs more resilient in the face of unexpected events.
• Reduced Environmental Footprint: The smaller size and modular construction of SMRs can lead to a reduced environmental impact in terms of land use, resource consumption, and waste generation. This can be particularly advantageous in regions with limited space or where environmental concerns are paramount.
• Flexible Deployment: SMRs can be deployed in a wider range of locations compared to traditional large reactors. They can serve diverse purposes, including providing power to remote communities, supporting industrial processes, and complementing renewable energy sources.
• Standardization and Mass Production: SMR designs often emphasize standardization and simplified manufacturing processes, which could potentially lead to cost savings through mass production and economies of scale.

Image Source: The Hindu

3. Decarbonisation Challenges

• Transition Challenges: Moving from coal-fired power to clean energy has hurdles. Policymakers agree solar/wind alone won't suffice for affordable energy.
• Role of Firm Power: Clean energy grids benefit from a stable power source. Adding one firm power tech cuts costs and boosts reliability.
• Critical Minerals Demand: Clean energy tech needs minerals like lithium, cobalt, etc. Demand might rise 3.5x by 2030, per IEA.
• Global Challenges: Meeting mineral demand means new mines, especially in China, Indonesia, Africa, and South America. The rapid expansion raises environmental and social concerns.
• Concentrated Production: Few nations control most mineral production/processing. Geopolitical risks and supply control emerge.

Image Source: The Hindu

4. Nuclear Power's Role in Net-Zero Goals:

• NPPs contribute 10% of global electricity, curbing 180 billion cubic meters of natural gas demand and 1.5 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
• Ensuring Net-Zero Transition: Reduced nuclear power may hinder cost-effective progress towards net-zero emissions.

5. Advantages of Nuclear Power:

• Reliable Power Generation: NPPs provide constant power, outperforming variable renewable sources like solar and wind.
• Efficient Land Use: NPPs need less land and offer lower grid integration costs compared to renewables.
• Co-Benefits: Nuclear power creates high-skill jobs in technology, manufacturing, and operations.

6. Advantages of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):

• Enhanced Safety: SMRs have lower core damage frequency and radioactive contamination risk compared to conventional NPPs. Passive safety features reduce the potential for uncontrolled radioactive releases.
• Seismic Isolation: SMRs incorporate improved seismic isolation for heightened safety during accidents.
• Spent Fuel Management: SMRs generate less spent nuclear fuel, reducing storage needs.
• Brownfield Sites: SMRs can be safely placed on brownfield sites with less stringent zoning requirements.
• Community Engagement: Power-plant organizations can engage communities, as seen in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.
• Coal-to-Nuclear Transition: Deploying SMRs at existing thermal plant sites advances net-zero goals and energy security.

7. Supply and Manufacturing:

• Low-Enriched Uranium: SMRs typically use low-enriched uranium, available from countries with uranium mines and enrichment facilities adhering to international standards.
• Factory Manufacturing: SMRs are factory-built and assembled on-site, lowering risks of time and cost overruns.
• Cost Efficiency: Serial manufacturing reduces costs, streamlines regulatory approvals, and fosters experiential learning.

8. Economic Viability:

• Long-Term Operation: SMRs operate for over 40 years, offering cost-effective electricity. Costs are projected to decrease significantly after 2035.
• U.S.-India Collaboration: SMRs included in the U.S.-India statement for potential benefits, with cost reduction anticipated through reputed manufacturers.

9. Efficient Regulatory Regime:

• Regulaorty Efficiency Needed: Like civil aviation, stringent and efficient regulations are vital for SMR's role in decarbonization.
• Global Cooperation: Countries embracing nuclear energy should collaborate with regulators and the IAEA to harmonize and expedite approvals for standard SMR designs.

10. Integration with National Grid:

• Energy Capacity Targets: India's projection: Coal-based power 259,000 MW, VRE 486,000 MW by 2032.
• Energy Storage Needs: Integrating VRE requires 47,000 MW/236 GWh from batteries and 27,000 MW from hydro facilities.
• Nuclear Expansion: Nuclear power pivotal for India's net-zero by 2070; private sector investment essential.

11. Legal and Regulatory Changes:

• Amending Atomic Energy Act: Allow private sector SMR setup while ensuring nuclear fuel and waste control by the government.
• Establish an Independent Regulatory Board: Law required for a capable regulatory body overseeing nuclear power stages.
• Security and Ownership: Government control over SMR security; private operation under government oversight.
• Public Perception: Department of Atomic Energy should enhance public awareness through transparent environmental and health data dissemination.

For Prelims: Nuclear Energy, Small Modular Reactors (SMR), Decarbonisation, International Energy Agency (IEA), lithium, cobalt, National Grid, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and Co2 emissions. For Mains: 1. Discuss the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in India's journey towards decarbonizing its energy sector. Examine their advantages over conventional nuclear power plants and other renewable sources. (250 Words).

 

Previous year Question 1. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under "IAEA Safeguards" while others are not? (UPSC 2020) A. Some use uranium and others use thorium B. Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies C. Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises D. Some are State-owned and others are privately-owned Answer: B

Source: The Hindu