Month: November 2022

Are Electric Vehicles more harmful to the Environment?

Article

November 4, 2022
/ Leave a Comment on Are Electric Vehicles more harmful to the Environment?

4 min
1 year
698 words

Tagged alternative, diesel, Electric Vehicles, Environment, fuel vehicles

Are Electric Vehicles more harmful to the Environment?

Electronic vehicles are an essential strategy in the immediate term to reduce local emissions and help improve local air quality.

Keywords:- Electric Vehicles, environment, maintenance, greenhouse, government, global warming, petrol, diesel, alternative, fuel vehicles

With the depletion of the earth’s ozone layer and the shortage of our oil supply becoming an issue, researchers developed electronic cars as an alternative to fuel vehicles.
As the growing pollution has become a serious concern, electric cars are quite a relief. And, according to the research, electric cars are better for the environment. Whereas, the fuel vehicle emits harmful gases like carbon due to petrol or diesel. But, electric vehicles produce fewer greenhouse gases and air pollution than petrol.

Introduction

All-electric vehicles, also referred to as battery electrical vehicles (BEVs), have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine.
The vehicle uses a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

Why One Should Use Electric Vehicles?

Environment Friendly: Its environmental friendliness as compared to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles.
Lower Running Costs: The running cost of an electric vehicle is much lower than an equivalent petrol or diesel vehicle. Electric vehicles use electricity to charge their batteries instead of using fossil fuels like petrol or diesel.
Low Maintenance Cost: Electric vehicles have very low maintenance costs because they don’t have as many moving parts as an internal combustion vehicle.
Zero Tailpipe Emissions: Driving an electric vehicle can help you reduce your carbon footprint because there will be zero tailpipe emissions.
Tax and Financial Benefits: Registration fees and road tax on purchasing electric vehicles are lesser than petrol or diesel vehicles. There are multiple policies and incentives offered by the government.
No Noise Pollution: Electric vehicles have the silent functioning capability as there is no engine under the hood. No engine means no noise.

Electrical Vehicle Incentives By Government

Purchase Incentives: Direct discount provided to the user on the cost of the electric vehicle
Coupons: Financial incentive where the amount is reimbursed later
Interest Subventions: Discount offered on the interest rate while availing loan
Road Tax Exemption: Road tax at the time of purchase is waived off
Registration Fee Exemption: One-time registration fee applicable on new vehicle purchase is waived off
Income Tax Benefit: Provided as a deduction on the tax amount payable by an individual to the government.
Scrapping Incentives: Provided upon de-registering old Petrol and Diesel Vehicles
Others: Incentives such as interest-free loans, top-up subsidies, special incentives on electric three-wheelers, etc. can also be availed Companies producing electric vehicles-
- Tesla
- Lucid Motor
- Zoox
- Aptiv
- Rivian
- NIO
- Nissan
- Volvo

But here is something new. The companies are not marketing electric cars as economically friendly as the batteries that are used to electric power vehicles are not really eco-friendly.
The disposal of these batteries also damages the environment to a great extent. This is because these batteries contain a large amount of plastic which is not really biodegradable. According to new research, Electric cars might pollute much more than petrol or diesel-powered cars.

Harmful Effects Of Electric Vehicles

Production Phase: The production phase of electric vehicles proved substantially more environmentally intensive, comparing it to how petrol and diesel cars are made.
Global Warming: The raw materials for making the car have to be mined, and the process of mining creates a lot of greenhouse gases. Then the raw materials have to be refined before they can be used, which again emits more greenhouse gas. The more greenhouse gas is emitted in the manufacturing process. The global warming potential from electric vehicle production is about twice that of conventional vehicles.
Toxic Minerals: Producing batteries and electric motors requires a lot of toxic minerals such as nickel, copper and aluminium.
Working: Electric vehicles consistently perform worse or on par with modern internal combustion engine vehicles, despite virtually zero direct emissions during operation.

Conclusion

Electronic vehicles are an essential strategy in the immediate term to reduce local emissions and help improve local air quality.
BUT Electric cars are coal-powered cars. Their carbon emissions can be worse than gasoline-powered cars. Electric cars aren’t pollution-free; they have to get their energy from somewhere.

Author: Tanishka Ranjan

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Mail us at edumoundofficial@gmail.com

Tourism Raised Problems in the Corbett National Park

Article

November 2, 2022
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5 min
1 year
820 words

Tagged Corbett National Park, endangered species, Environment, habitat, Pollution

Tourism Raised Problems in the Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park is the symbol of a protective area of wildlife, especially endangered species. Definitely tourism in Jim Corbett is a very important source of income for our government but unfortunately, it harms the park as well.

Keywords: Tourism, Corbett National Park, wildlife, environment, endangered species, revenue, habitat, pollution, tourists

Abstract

In the last 10 years, the number of tourists has been increasing very fast. As the number of tourists is increasing in the Corbett National Park revenue is also increasing. Tourists and their activities create pressure on Corbett National Park. Corbett National Park is facing many problems like littering, soil pollution, noise pollution, garbage problem, habitat loss, etc.

History of Corbett National Park

In 1936, Corbett National Park, the first national park, was established in our country. Corbett National Park is our oldest national park and is rich in biodiversity. National parks are protected areas that are known for conserving and protecting wildlife. Corbett National Park is very rich in faunal and floral diversity all over the world, especially for tigers, Leopards, and Elephants.

Due to its rich biodiversity, the National Park is home to flora like Sal, Shisham, Khair, Bamboo etc. Every year several tourists come to Jim Corbett to view wildlife and play an important role in the Indian economy. As tourism is the most important source of income for our government on one hand, and on the other hand it creates many problems for wildlife, especially the endangered animals of Corbett National Park.

Problems caused in Corbett National Park

The National Park is a haven of different types of flora and fauna. Its biodiversity always attracts tourists. Every year several tourists come here to enjoy its beauty.

Crowding affects animals’ health and behaviour as well.
When some tourists come to the Park for visitation, they change this peaceful environment and create a crowded environment.
The presence of humans as tourists causes a littering problem.
Corbett National Park provides two visits in a day, so the number of vehicles entering the park is increasing, which causes noise pollution and soil pollution.
Trampling by tourists in the park also causes the loss of biodiversity.
For the tourists, several resorts and hotels are also constructed surrounding the parks. These hotels and resorts also negatively impact the environment of parks. These hotels and resorts provide many facilities to tourists but create many problems for the wildlife of the national park.
Tourists damage the vegetation of the park and also create soil-related problems such as soil pollution.
Crowding by the tourists causes distress to the wildlife.
It is a peaceful area for wildlife but tourism crowding causes stress and anger in wildlife and changes natural behaviour.
Hiking, vehicle use, camping etc. activities damage the vegetation.

Tourism’s impact (negative) on national parks is growing as a very big problem all over the world.

Balance Between Visitor Needs and Conservation Objectives

National parks and other protected areas are popular tourist destinations. Managers of these sites need to balance visitor needs with conservation objectives.

While tourism provides business opportunities for both site managers and local entrepreneurs. On the one hand, it might also negatively impact the local environment.

A large number of visitors drive to or through the nature area and this traffic might negatively affect both natural and recreational values.
If visitation is uncontrolled or visitors overuse the land, landscapes, and historic sites can degrade.
Crowding can also produce large amounts of stress, annoyance, anger and other attitudes that will lessen the peaceful experience that tourists seek in national parks.
Crowding can minimize the ability to enjoy scenic areas and also lessens the quality of the park’s natural resources.
Nesting patterns of birds change, the numbers of animals begin to reduce and in worst-case scenarios, species can become extinct.
Vegetation is being trampled, the soil is being compacted, and ecosystems are being destroyed because of the growing amounts of tourists coming into these areas.
Direct impacts on wildlife include disruption of behaviour such as feeding, breeding, and mother-offspring interaction; poaching; killing (usually accidentally); and the disruption of predator-prey relationships.
Indirect impacts on wildlife include changed habitats and feeding patterns, due for example to the attraction of wildlife to litter.
The anthropogenic disturbance may reduce the use of some habitats by limiting animal movement or because animals avoid areas with high human activities (such as roads or trails)

CONCLUSION

Tourism is a big cause of disturbance in the National Park. Corbett National Park is a protected area for wildlife, especially endangered species, but unfortunately, this park is facing many problems due to humans, and tourism is an important cause of it.

To conserve the biodiversity of the National Park it is important to start some awareness programs for tourists. These programs, with the help of stick rules and regulations, are important to minimize the disturbance by tourism in Corbett National Park.

Author: Tanishka Ranjan

For any Query

Mail us at edumoundofficial@gmail.com

Increasing Corruption: A threat to Indian Politics

Article

November 1, 2022
/ Leave a Comment on Increasing Corruption: A threat to Indian Politics

6 min
1 year
1,086 word

Tagged Benami, Bribery, Corruption, Economic, Judicial

Increasing Corruption: A threat to Indian Politics

Corruption in simple terms can be described as “an act of corruption”. It is defined as the use of public service for private gain in a manner that constitutes a violation of the law or a deviation from the norms of society.

Keywords: Corruption, politics, judicial, economic, society, economic, Benami, transparency, bribery

Corruption has not only become a ubiquitous aspect of Indian politics but has also become an increasingly important factor in Indian elections. It is a term that is heard in the news every day, and cases of corruption have become a common occurrence.

The Corruption Perception Index (CPI) which ranks 180 countries awards India a score of 40, rendering it the 81st most corrupt country in the world.

INTRODUCTION

Corruption poses itself as one of the easiest ways to make money. This act compromises the rights and privileges of others. Corruption primarily includes activities like bribery or embezzlement. However, Corruption can take place in many ways. Also, most people in positions of authority are susceptible to Corruption. It certainly reflects greedy and selfish behaviour.

Causes of Corruption

Legacy Issues: Pre-liberalization license permit raj catered by Monopolies and restrictive trade practices facilitated the corruption. The lack of economic freedom led to abuse of the system.
Political System: Use of black money in elections to win at any cost (breaching statutory spending limits) creates the need for the recovery of that cost through malpractices.
Economic Structure: Stringent compliance rules for entry and exit for businesses result in bribery.
Judicial Delays: Delays and dying away from the corruption cases at the judicial level due to lack of evidence or faulty investigation. It also showcases the politician-public servant-judicial (lower levels) nexus.
Social Problems: Illiteracy, poverty, and inability to understand complex procedures. Increasing consumerism in the new middle class that is ready to bribe to get things done. Failure of social morality, and education system to teach the values.

Methods of Corruption

Bribery: It is the most common method of Corruption. Bribery involves the improper use of favours and gifts in exchange for personal gain.
Embezzlement: It refers to the act of withholding assets for theft.
Graft: It is a global form of Corruption. It refers to the illegal use of a politician’s authority for personal gain.
Extortion: It means to obtain property, money or services illegally.
Favouritism and Nepotism: This refers to a person favouring one’s relatives and friends.
Abuse: It refers to a person misusing one’s power and authority. An example can be a judge unjustly dismissing a criminal’s case.
Influence Peddling: This refers to illegally using one’s influence with the government or other authorized individuals. Also, it takes place to obtain preferential treatment or favour.

Effects of Corruption on Society

Hindrances to Developmental Process: loss of wealth due to corruption and siphoning away of taxpayers’ money leave little to spend in the social sector.
Economic Loss: Undermines ease of doing business. Corruption in the public services sector carries high risks for conducting good business. Companies will likely receive unwanted red tape, petty corruption, and bribes for finalising procedures or deals.
Harmful to National Security: Corruption in the border security establishment creates problems of terrorist infiltration. Illegal migration has caused the issue of NRC implementation.
Social Sector Losses: Corruption in government projects targeting poor and vulnerable sections of society increases the economic gap between the rich and the poor.
Loss of Faith in the System: It leads to the loss of legitimacy of the political systems and gives free hand to non-state actors. E.g. Left-wing extremism.

Solutions to Stop Corruption

Electoral Reforms: Barring the criminals from even participating in the elections as suggested by the election commission. Imposing limits on the overall expenditure of the political parties. Empowering ECI by giving legal force to MCC and making paid news a criminal offence.
Strengthening of Autonomous Institutions: Protecting the autonomy of CIC-giving him a constitutional status. Provision of required manpower, infrastructure, and training of vigilance agencies. Eliminate overlapping of jurisdiction- e.g. Lokpal and CBI.
Economic Reforms: Negating legal lacunae in banking, stock market legislations. Improving corporate governance by implementing corporate governance committee reports.
Administrative Reforms: Establishing the Civil Service Board to curb the excessive political control over the administration. Reducing the hierarchy levels in the governments. Conducting periodic sensitivity training for civil servants. Simplifying the disciplinary proceedings and strengthening preventive vigilance within the departments to ensure corrupt civil servants do not occupy sensitive positions.
Social Sector Improvements: Awareness of citizenry by training them in the RTI act, Citizens charter, and social audits. Increasing democratization of the masses. Curriculum reforms to inculcate values even in higher education by which youngsters acquire high standards of ethical mindset.

Rules and Punishments for Cases of Corruption in India

Corruption is a serious offence and the consequences are quite risky. In India, those who indulge in corruption can be punished under the following laws:

According to Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code 1860, any public servant (government employees, officers in the navy, military or air force; police, judges, officers of the Court of Justice, and any local authority established by a central or state Act) about a criminal breach of trust is liable to undergo life imprisonment or imprisonment up to ten years with fine.
The Benami Transactions Prohibition Act of 1988 prohibits Benami transactions and will be punished with imprisonment of up to three years and/or with a fine. Also all properties would be acquired by the prescribed authority.
If charged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the guilty will be penalised with a minimum of six years and a maximum of five years and a fine.
The Money Laundering Act of 2002 puts the individual who is charged for committing the offence with a rigorous imprisonment of three to seven years and a fine of up to five lakhs.

Conclusion

Integrity, transparency, as well as fighting against corruption have to be part of the culture. They must be thought of as fundamental values of the society we live in. corruption should not be seen as cancer to be eliminated root and branch.

An incremental approach to the problem will lead to an achievable target-setting and faster completion. People should be aware that they can change the system. India against corruption movement of 2011 was not the last fight. There have to be continuous checks and balances in the system. Corruption can be tackled effectively.

Author: Tanishka Ranjan

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Mail us at edumoundofficial@gmail.com

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