Dams on Chenab River
Syllabus: Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India
Context: The Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project, a 1.8-GW scheme on the Chenab River, gains geopolitical significance following India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam terror attack.
More in News:
- The Sawalkote project is part of a series of hydropower developments on the Chenab, with cumulative environmental impacts that include sediment build-up and slope instability due to existing projects like Dulhasti, Baglihar, and Salal.
Sawalkote Hydropower Project Overview
- It is a 1,856 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Chenab River in Ramban, J&K.
- Initiated in 1984, it has faced multiple delays but is now declared a project of national importance.
- It involves the construction of a concrete gravity dam and a reservoir.
- Once operational, it will generate over 7,000 million units of electricity annually, making it one of India’s largest hydroelectric projects.
- Existing Hydroelectric Projects on the Chenab River
- Dulhasti (390 MW) in Kishtwar,
- Baglihar (890 MW) in Ramban,
- Salal (690 MW) in Reasi.
Retail Inflation
Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Context: Retail inflation in India fell to 1.54% in September, an 8-year low, driven by lower food and fuel prices. This is below the RBI’s lower comfort level of 2%. Food inflation contracted by 1.4%, and experts predict its continuity due to a favorable base and good monsoon.
What is Retail Inflation?
- Retail inflation, also known as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, tracks the change in retail prices of goods and services purchased by households for daily consumption.
- CPI measures the cost of living, purchasing power, and the value of the Indian rupee.
How is CPI Calculated?
- CPI is calculated as a percentage comparing the price level in the current period with that of a base year (currently 2012).
- The National Statistical Office (NSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) compiles CPI data for Rural, Urban, and Combined sectors monthly.
Key Interpretations of CPI:
- Cost of living: Indicates the average change in the cost of goods and services.
- Purchasing power: Measures how much goods and services the currency can buy.
- Price stability: Evaluates how stable prices are over time.
- Value of the rupee: Highlights the currency’s strength relative to inflation.
Difference between Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI)
| Criteria | Wholesale Price Index (WPI) | Consumer Price Index (CPI) |
| Level | Measures inflation at the wholesale level | Measures inflation at the retail level |
| Who Calculates? | Office of Economic Advisor, Ministry of Commerce and Industry | National Statistical Office, MoSPI |
| Base Year | 2011-12 | 2012 |
| Number of Items Covered | 697 | 299 |
| Categories and Weightages | – Primary Articles: 22.6%- Manufactured Products: 64.2%- Fuel and Power: 13.2% | – Food & Beverages: 45.86%- Miscellaneous: 28.32%- Fuel and Light: 6.84% |
| Weightage of Fuel and Power | 13.2% (Separate category) | ~8% (Categorized under Fuel & Light and Transportation) |
| Highest Weightage | Manufactured products (64.2%) | Food and Beverages (45.9%) |
| Services Included? | No | Yes |
| Indirect Taxes Included? | No | Yes |
| Targeted by RBI? | No | Yes, with an inflation target of 4% ± 2% |
Nobel Economics Prize 2025 Awarded for Innovation-Driven Economic Growth
Syllabus: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.
Context: The 2025 Nobel Economics Prize was awarded to Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt for their groundbreaking work on innovation-driven economic growth.
Contribution and Their Insights on Economic Growth
- Joel Mokyr utilised historical observations to identify the key factors necessary for sustained growth driven by technological innovations.
- Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt introduced the concept of creative destruction, a continuous cycle where new and better products replace older ones, driving economic growth and innovation.
- The laureates emphasise that sustained economic growth is not guaranteed, as economic stagnation has been more common throughout history. They argue that it is crucial to recognise and counteract threats to continuous growth.
Maitri II Research Station
Syllabus: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Context:
- The Union Finance Ministry has approved Maitri II, a new research station in Eastern Antarctica. It will be India’s 4th research base, operational by January 2029.
- The station will be a green base powered by renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, and will feature automated instruments.
India’s Research Initiatives in Antarctica
- Operational Stations: India currently operates two stations in Antarctica: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).
- Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first station, operational from 1983-90.
- Institution: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), based in Goa, organizes and operates polar missions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Importance of Antarctica
- World’s Natural Laboratory: Antarctica is the 5th largest continent, crucial for studying Earth’s climate and ocean systems. It acts as a natural tracker of global climate change.
- Natural Resources: Antarctica holds 75% of the world’s freshwater and abundant resources, including edible algae, fish species, and the discovery of iron and copper.
- Geopolitical Significance: The region has overlapping territorial claims, and China’s expansion with dual-use critical infrastructure raises global concerns.
Legal Framework and Global Commitment
- Indian Antarctic Act 2022: Aims to protect the Antarctic environment and ecosystem.
- Antarctic Treaty (1959): India has been a Consultative Party since 1983, ensuring peaceful use and scientific investigation in Antarctica.
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Overview
- The IUCN World Heritage Outlook 4 was launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 2025).
- It assesses the conservation status of natural and mixed UNESCO World Heritage Sites every 3–5 years.
- The report is published by IUCN through its World Heritage Programme and the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA).
Key Findings and Global Trends
- 65% of World Heritage sites show stable or improving conservation outlook due to better governance and restoration efforts.
- Climate Risks: Over 80% of sites face climate threats like coral bleaching, glacier melt, and wildfires.
- Biodiversity Pressure: 60% of sites are stressed by invasive species, habitat loss, and overexploitation.
- Technological Innovations: AI-based monitoring and satellite mapping improve conservation forecasting.
- Socio-Economic Contributions: Well-managed heritage sites contribute to livelihoods, disaster mitigation, and carbon sequestration.
India’s Heritage Sites and Challenges
- India’s Sites: India has 7 natural and mixed World Heritage sites, covering over 1.5% of global natural heritage.
- Improved Sites: Kaziranga and Manas show enhanced health due to anti-poaching and eco-tourism efforts.
- At-Risk Sites: Sundarbans faces mangrove degradation, and the Western Ghats confront mining and land-use conflicts.
- Emerging Concerns: Nanda Devi and Great Himalayan National Park are affected by glacial retreat and invasive species.
Key Challenges
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures impact coral reefs, glaciers, and desertification.
- Unsustainable Development: Expansion of mining, tourism, and hydropower threatens habitats.
- Funding Deficits: 40% of heritage sites lack adequate resources for effective management.
- Weak Governance: Poor coordination and overlapping mandates hinder site management.
Recommendations for Conservation
- Climate-Resilient Planning: Integrate heritage protection into national climate adaptation strategies.
- Green Financing: Develop public-private funds, carbon credits, and eco-investment mechanisms.
- Community Partnerships: Involve Indigenous communities in decision-making and monitoring.
- Technology Integration: Use AI, satellite imaging, and drones for accurate conservation tracking.
- Global Collaboration: Promote transboundary conservation and joint research for better regional cooperation.
Global Land Outlook Thematic Report
Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Context: The Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Ecological Connectivity and Land Restoration was launched at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.
Ecological Connectivity
- It refers to the unimpeded movement of species, the connection of habitats, and the flow of natural processes that sustain life.
- Processes involved: Includes the movement of organisms, energy, nutrients, water, sediments, information, culture, and more.
- Successful Models:
- European Green Belt spanning 24 countries from Northern Europe to the Balkans.
- Costa Rica’s wildlife corridors for species like jaguars.
Major Threats to Ecological Connectivity
- Altered Habitats: Over 60% of the world’s rivers are diverted or dammed, disrupting fish migrations (e.g., the Mekong River).
- Infrastructure Development: Linear infrastructures (railways, roads) cause land degradation and fragmentation, often attracting settlements and secondary road development, creating a fishbone effect.
Recommendations for Promoting Ecological Connectivity
- Sustainable Agriculture: Practices like Regenerative Agriculture, Vertical Agriculture, Hydroponics, and Water Harvesting.
- Forest Management: Assisted Natural Regeneration and active restoration practices.
- Water Management: Incorporating Bioretention Areas, River Floodplains, and Natural Wetlands.
- Enhancing Ecological Connectivity: Establishing Ecological Corridors and managing Invasive Species.
- Greening Urban Spaces: Development of Urban Forests and Green Corridors in cities and buildings.
