February 4, 2025 1:08 am
Daily Current affairs for UPSC – 18th November 2024
1. Supreme Court Declares Electoral Bonds Scheme Unconstitutional
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Polity and Governance
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (Governance, Transparency, and Accountability)
Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing concerns over lack of transparency and violation of the citizen’s right to know.
Source: The Hindu
About Electoral Bonds Scheme
Definition/Description:
The electoral bonds scheme, introduced in 2018, allowed individuals and corporates to donate anonymously to political parties. These bonds could be purchased from designated banks and redeemed by political parties within 15 days.
Background:
- The scheme was introduced under the Finance Act, 2017, aiming to reform political funding by reducing cash donations.
- It allowed donors to remain anonymous to protect them from political retaliation, sparking debates about transparency and accountability.
Key Aspects:
- Mechanism of the Scheme:
- Bonds were issued in denominations ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1 crore by designated banks like the State Bank of India.
- Citizens and entities could purchase these bonds and donate them to registered political parties.
- Concerns Over Anonymity:
- Neither the public nor the Election Commission could access information on donors and amounts.
- Critics argued this encouraged illicit funding and weakened electoral accountability.
- Provisions That Facilitated the Scheme:
- Amendments to the Companies Act allowed unlimited corporate donations.
- Changes in the Representation of People Act removed the requirement for political parties to disclose the source of donations above ₹20,000.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Lack of transparency in political funding.
- Possibility of misuse by shell companies or foreign entities.
- Weak oversight by regulatory bodies like the Election Commission.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Standards: In most democracies, political funding transparency is prioritized to ensure accountability.
- Indian Perspective: Electoral reforms are essential for enhancing voter confidence and maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions.
Future Prospects:
- Introducing alternatives like digital donations with full disclosure.
- Strengthening the oversight role of the Election Commission and audit mechanisms.
- Comprehensive electoral reforms to balance transparency and donor protection.
Source: The Hindu
2. Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to Hazardous Levels
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Environment
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Environmental Conservation)
Why in News?
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the “hazardous” category, prompting authorities to impose restrictions on construction activities, vehicle movement, and industrial operations.
Source: The Indian Express
About Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis
Definition/Description:
Air pollution in Delhi has become a recurrent crisis, especially during winter months, due to a combination of anthropogenic and meteorological factors. The primary pollutants include PM2.5 and PM10, which are harmful to respiratory health.
Background:
- Seasonal Trends:
- During winter, calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants near the ground, creating a toxic smog layer.
- Stubble burning in neighboring states contributes significantly to pollution levels.
- Sources of Pollution:
- Vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial activity, and open burning of waste.
Key Aspects:
- Impact on Health:
- Prolonged exposure to hazardous AQI levels can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and reduced immunity.
- Vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, face heightened risks.
- Economic Costs:
- Productivity losses due to poor air quality are estimated at over ₹2 lakh crore annually.
- The healthcare burden has also increased significantly.
- Government Interventions:
- Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
- Ban on diesel vehicles and restrictions on industrial activity during high pollution episodes.
- Use of water sprinklers and anti-smog guns in public areas.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Weak enforcement of pollution control measures.
- Lack of regional cooperation to address stubble burning.
- Limited public awareness about air quality indices and preventive measures.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Comparisons: Cities like Beijing have successfully implemented measures such as clean energy transitions and stricter vehicular norms to combat pollution.
- Indian Scenario: Despite stringent policies, weak implementation undermines their effectiveness.
Future Prospects:
- Transition to cleaner energy sources, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.
- Regional coordination to address stubble burning through incentives and alternative farming practices.
- Expanding public transport and adopting green urban planning practices.
Source: The Indian Express
3. ISRO Successfully Launches INSAT-3DS Meteorological Satellite
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Science and Technology
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Space Technology, Weather Forecasting)
Why in News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the INSAT-3DS satellite, enhancing India’s weather forecasting, disaster management, and climate monitoring capabilities.
Source: The Hindu
About INSAT-3DS Satellite
Definition/Description:
INSAT-3DS is an advanced meteorological satellite equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and data relay capabilities. It provides real-time data on weather systems, ocean conditions, and atmospheric changes.
Background:
- Part of the INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) series, which began in 1983 to support communication, broadcasting, and meteorology.
- INSAT-3DS is an upgrade over INSAT-3D, launched in 2013, with enhanced payloads and imaging resolutions.
Key Aspects:
- Technical Features:
- Imaging Payload: Captures high-resolution images of the Earth in visible, infrared, and water vapor bands.
- Sounder Payload: Monitors temperature and humidity at various atmospheric levels.
- Search and Rescue Transponder: Supports maritime and aviation distress alert systems.
- Applications:
- Weather Forecasting: Provides accurate predictions of monsoons, cyclones, and extreme weather events.
- Disaster Management: Supports early warning systems for floods, cyclones, and droughts.
- Climate Monitoring: Tracks long-term atmospheric changes critical for climate studies.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Limited ground infrastructure for data analysis and dissemination.
- Dependence on foreign satellite systems for certain advanced meteorological needs.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: Satellites like GOES (USA) and Himawari (Japan) provide similar capabilities for their regions.
- Indian Context: INSAT-3DS strengthens India’s self-reliance in meteorological and disaster management technologies.
Future Prospects:
- Integration of AI for more precise forecasting models.
- Expanding applications to agriculture and urban planning.
- Collaboration with other countries for data sharing to enhance global weather prediction models.
Source: The Hindu
4. India Achieves 200 GW Renewable Energy Capacity Milestone
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Environment and Energy
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Energy, Environmental Conservation)
Why in News?
India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed the 200 GW mark, with solar energy contributing 90 GW. This milestone aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
Source: Mint
About India’s Renewable Energy Milestone
Definition/Description:
Renewable energy refers to energy generated from sustainable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. Achieving 200 GW capacity is a significant step toward meeting India’s energy transition goals.
Background:
- India committed to achieving 50% of its energy requirements from renewables by 2030 at COP26 in Glasgow.
- The government launched the National Solar Mission in 2010 to promote solar power.
Key Aspects:
- Breakdown of Capacity:
- Solar Energy: 90 GW
- Wind Energy: 45 GW
- Hydropower: 55 GW
- Biomass and Others: 10 GW
- Significant Initiatives:
- National Solar Mission: Aims to achieve 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
- Green Hydrogen Mission: Focuses on developing hydrogen as a clean energy alternative.
- Renewable Energy Parks: Development of ultra-mega parks in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
- Economic Implications:
- Creation of over 1 million green jobs.
- Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in renewable sectors.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Land acquisition and delays in project execution.
- Limited domestic manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines.
- Grid integration and energy storage remain technical challenges.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: Countries like China and the US have achieved similar milestones, but India’s progress is notable given its developmental constraints.
- Indian Context: This milestone solidifies India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.
Future Prospects:
- Enhancing domestic manufacturing under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
- Expanding research and development in energy storage technologies.
- Promoting decentralized renewable energy solutions for rural electrification.
Source: Mint
5. Cyclone ‘Vayu’ Intensifies, Coastal States on High Alert
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Geography and Disaster Management
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS1 (Geography), GS3 (Disaster Management)
Why in News?
Cyclone ‘Vayu’ in the Arabian Sea has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, prompting high alerts in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala. Authorities have initiated evacuation measures and disaster preparedness plans.
Source: The Hindu
About Cyclone Vayu
Definition/Description:
Cyclones are intense circular storms that originate over warm ocean waters. They are categorized based on wind speeds and atmospheric pressure. Cyclone Vayu is classified as a severe cyclonic storm with sustained wind speeds of 89-117 km/h.
Background:
- Cyclone Vayu is the latest in a series of cyclonic storms in the Arabian Sea, attributed to rising sea surface temperatures due to climate change.
- India’s western coast has seen an increasing frequency of cyclones, disrupting coastal ecosystems and infrastructure.
Key Aspects:
- Formation and Path:
- Cyclone Vayu formed due to low-pressure conditions over the Arabian Sea.
- It is expected to move north-northwestward, brushing past Gujarat’s coastline.
- Impact Areas:
- Gujarat: Risk of storm surges and flooding in low-lying areas.
- Maharashtra and Kerala: Heavy rainfall and coastal erosion expected.
- Preparedness Measures:
- Evacuation of over 50,000 people from vulnerable areas.
- Deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
- Suspension of fishing and port activities in affected regions.
Regulatory or Legal Framework:
- Disaster Management Act, 2005: Provides a framework for disaster preparedness and response.
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules, 2019: Regulates coastal development to mitigate cyclone impact.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Vulnerability of coastal populations due to unregulated construction.
- Lack of awareness and preparedness in rural coastal areas.
- Climate change exacerbates the intensity and frequency of cyclones.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: Cyclones like Hurricane Katrina and Typhoon Haiyan highlight the global vulnerability to such disasters.
- Indian Context: The Arabian Sea has become a hotspot for cyclones, necessitating stronger adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Future Prospects:
- Strengthening early warning systems and disaster response frameworks.
- Investing in resilient coastal infrastructure to minimize economic losses.
- Enhancing community-based preparedness programs to reduce human and ecological vulnerabilities.
Source: The Hindu
6. Archaeologists Unearth Ancient Buddhist Monastery in Odisha
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: History and Culture
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS1 (Indian Heritage and Culture)
Why in News?
Archaeologists have discovered a 2,000-year-old Buddhist monastery in Odisha’s Jajpur district, believed to date back to the early Gupta period. This find sheds light on the spread of Buddhism in eastern India.
Source: The Indian Express
About the Buddhist Monastery Discovery
Definition/Description:
The newly discovered site includes remnants of a monastery, stupas, and inscriptions, offering insights into Buddhist architecture and practices during the Gupta period.
Background:
- Buddhism in Odisha: The region was a major center of Buddhist learning and activity, with famous sites like Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri.
- Historical Context: The Gupta period (circa 320–550 CE) saw significant patronage of Buddhism alongside Hinduism.
Key Aspects:
- Details of the Discovery:
- Monastery remains suggest a large structure with meditation cells and a central prayer hall.
- Inscriptions in Brahmi script provide information about the monastic community and their patrons.
- Significance:
- Confirms Odisha’s prominence in the Buddhist world, linked to the Mahayana tradition.
- Highlights the role of monasteries as centers of education, spirituality, and cultural exchange.
- Findings at the Site:
- Artefacts including terracotta figurines, pottery, and tools.
- Evidence of trade linkages with Southeast Asia, indicated by imported ceramics.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Lack of preservation measures for historical sites in Odisha.
- Encroachment and unregulated tourism threaten archaeological integrity.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: Similar discoveries in Southeast Asia underscore India’s historical role in spreading Buddhism.
- Indian Context: Aligns with government initiatives to promote Buddhist tourism under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
Future Prospects:
- Preservation and development of the site as a cultural heritage destination.
- Integration into the Buddhist Circuit Tourism Plan to attract global visitors.
- Further research to uncover additional connections to ancient trade and cultural exchanges.
Source: The Indian Express
7. Prime Minister Modi to Attend G20 Summit in Brazil
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: International Relations
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (India and the World)
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, focusing on global challenges like economic recovery, climate change, and geopolitical tensions. This is India’s follow-up after hosting the G20 Summit in 2023.
Source: The Hindu
About the G20 Summit
Definition/Description:
The G20, or Group of Twenty, is an international forum comprising the world’s largest economies. It addresses major global issues, including economic growth, international trade, and climate change.
Background:
- Established: 1999, in the wake of financial crises to bring together finance ministers and central bank governors.
- Members: 19 countries and the European Union, representing 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.
- India’s Role: Hosted the 2023 Summit under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
Key Aspects of the 2024 Summit:
- Main Themes:
- Sustainable economic recovery post-pandemic.
- Mitigating the effects of climate change through collaborative global efforts.
- Strengthening multilateral institutions amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
- India’s Focus Areas:
- Advocating for reforms in multilateral development banks like the World Bank.
- Promoting digital public infrastructure as a tool for global economic growth.
- Pushing for consensus on global climate financing mechanisms.
- Geopolitical Significance:
- Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to dominate discussions.
- Global South issues like food security and energy equity are central to India’s agenda.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Polarization between Western nations and the Russia-China bloc complicates consensus-building.
- Economic slowdown and inflationary pressures are key global concerns.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: The G20 remains vital for fostering international cooperation on pressing issues.
- Indian Context: A successful summit enhances India’s diplomatic profile and leadership in the Global South.
Future Prospects:
- Strengthening India’s position as a leader of the Global South.
- Leveraging the G20 platform to shape global climate and trade policies.
- Building alliances to reform international financial institutions for equitable growth.
Source: The Hindu
8. Government Announces Initiative to Combat Plastic Pollution
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Environment and Governance
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Environmental Conservation, Pollution Control)
Why in News?
The Indian government launched a national initiative to tackle plastic pollution, focusing on reducing single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives. This aligns with India’s commitment under the Global Plastics Pact.
Source: The Indian Express
About India’s Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution
Definition/Description:
Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, causing harm to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Single-use plastics (SUPs) are a major contributor, accounting for over 40% of plastic waste.
Background:
- India generates over 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with less than 60% recycled.
- In 2022, India banned certain SUP items, including plastic straws, plates, and cutlery, under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
Key Aspects:
- Highlights of the New Initiative:
- Strengthening enforcement of the SUP ban.
- Promoting alternatives like biodegradable materials and reusable products.
- Awareness campaigns targeting industries and consumers.
- Economic and Social Impacts:
- Supports green industries and startups producing eco-friendly alternatives.
- Provides employment opportunities in waste management and recycling sectors.
- Collaborative Approach:
- Partnership with industries for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance.
- Engagement with local governments for efficient waste segregation and collection.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Non-compliance by small-scale industries and informal sectors.
- Lack of robust infrastructure for recycling and waste management in urban areas.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: India’s efforts align with global initiatives like the UNEP’s Clean Seas Campaign and the Global Plastics Pact.
- Indian Context: Tackling plastic pollution is critical for achieving SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).
Future Prospects:
- Scaling up biodegradable material production through incentives and subsidies.
- Strengthening urban waste management infrastructure, particularly in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
- Expanding public-private partnerships to fund large-scale recycling projects.
Source: The Indian Express
9. RBI Revises GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5% for FY 2024-25
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Indian Economy
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Economic Development)
Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its GDP growth forecast for FY 2024-25 from 6.7% to 6.5%. This adjustment reflects global economic uncertainties, geopolitical challenges, and domestic inflationary pressures that have weighed on economic growth.
Source: Mint
About GDP Growth Forecast Revision
Definition/Description:
The GDP growth forecast is an estimate of the economic growth rate for a specific period. It is derived from indicators like consumer spending, investment, government expenditure, and external trade. A lower forecast often reflects economic challenges such as inflation, weak demand, or geopolitical instability.
Background:
- India’s Previous Growth: GDP grew at 7.2% in FY 2023-24, driven by strong domestic demand, government capital expenditure, and a revival in exports.
- RBI’s Role: The RBI assesses economic trends to provide growth forecasts, guiding monetary and fiscal policy.
Key Aspects:
- Factors Leading to the Revision:
- Global Slowdown: Key economies, including the US and China, are witnessing slower growth, reducing external demand for Indian exports.
- Inflationary Pressures: Elevated food and fuel prices are squeezing household budgets, weakening consumption growth.
- Geopolitical Tensions: Disruptions caused by conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war have impacted global trade and supply chains.
- Sectoral Analysis:
- Agriculture: Below-average monsoon rainfall has affected rural demand and agricultural output, leading to lower income levels in rural areas.
- Manufacturing: Rising input costs and subdued exports have stalled the recovery in manufacturing.
- Services: While IT and financial services continue to perform well, sectors like tourism and retail have slowed due to inflation.
- RBI’s Response:
- The central bank is expected to maintain its current interest rates to balance growth and inflation.
- Policy measures are being focused on stimulating investment in infrastructure and industries.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Fiscal Deficit Concerns: Rising subsidies and welfare spending, coupled with lower revenue collections, may strain the fiscal deficit.
- Private Investment Weakness: Despite government-led capital expenditure, private sector investments remain sluggish.
- Global Headwinds: Persistent uncertainty in global markets affects investor sentiment and trade flows.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently downgraded global growth projections to 2.9% for 2024, highlighting synchronized slowdowns across major economies.
- Indian Context: India remains a bright spot among emerging economies but faces challenges in sustaining growth amid external shocks.
Future Prospects:
- Reforms to Boost Private Investment:
- Streamlining regulations and enhancing ease of doing business to attract more domestic and foreign investment.
- Focus on Green and Digital Infrastructure:
- Investments in renewable energy and digital transformation are expected to drive long-term growth.
- Strengthening Trade Partnerships:
- Diversifying trade routes and enhancing ties with regions like Africa and ASEAN to mitigate risks from traditional markets.
Source: Mint
10. Government Launches National Mission on Rare Earths
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Science and Technology, Economy
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Science and Technology, Economic Development)
Why in News?
The government of India has launched the National Mission on Rare Earths to reduce dependency on imports, primarily from China, and to build domestic capabilities in mining, processing, and utilizing rare earth elements (REEs).
Source: The Hindu
About Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Definition/Description:
Rare Earth Elements are a group of 17 metals essential for the production of high-tech devices such as smartphones, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and defense equipment. These metals include lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium, among others, and are crucial for the global shift toward clean energy technologies.
Background:
- India has significant reserves of rare earth elements, primarily in states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
- Despite its reserves, India’s contribution to global REE production is minimal, with China dominating over 70% of the market.
- The dependence on imports raises strategic concerns, especially in sectors like defense and renewable energy.
Key Aspects:
- Objectives of the Mission:
- Develop a sustainable rare earth supply chain for domestic industries.
- Promote advanced R&D for efficient extraction and processing of rare earth elements.
- Encourage private sector participation through public-private partnerships.
- Applications of Rare Earths:
- Electronics: Essential for semiconductors, LEDs, and rechargeable batteries.
- Defense: Used in advanced missile systems, radars, and stealth technologies.
- Renewable Energy: Key components in wind turbines, solar panels, and EV motors.
- Geopolitical and Economic Significance:
- China’s near-monopoly in REE production poses risks of supply chain disruptions.
- Countries like the US, Japan, and Australia are diversifying their supply chains to reduce dependency on China.
- Implementation Framework:
- Collaboration with private industries to scale up mining and processing capabilities.
- Focus on eco-friendly mining practices to mitigate environmental risks.
- Building a comprehensive regulatory framework to attract investments while ensuring environmental compliance.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Environmental Impact: Rare earth mining is associated with significant ecological damage, including water and soil contamination.
- Technological Gaps: Lack of advanced extraction and refining technologies limits India’s production capacity.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Ambiguity in policies discourages private sector participation.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: Rare earths are critical to the global energy transition and are at the center of geopolitical rivalries.
- Indian Context: Enhancing domestic production will strengthen India’s energy and defense security while reducing dependency on imports.
Future Prospects:
- Exploring Untapped Reserves: Expanding exploration activities to identify new rare earth deposits.
- International Collaboration: Partnering with countries like Australia and Japan for technology transfer and expertise sharing.
- Sustainability Focus: Developing green mining technologies to balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
Source: The Hindu
11. India and Japan Conduct Joint Naval Exercise in Bay of Bengal
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: International Relations, Security
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (International Relations), GS3 (Security)
Why in News?
The Indian Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) are conducting a joint naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two nations. This exercise underscores the strategic partnership and shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Source: The Hindu
About India-Japan Naval Cooperation
Definition/Description:
India and Japan have been strengthening their maritime collaboration through regular joint exercises, focusing on enhancing operational coordination, sharing best practices, and ensuring maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Background:
- Historical Ties: India and Japan share a history of cultural and economic interactions, with recent years witnessing a deepening of defense and security cooperation.
- Strategic Partnership: Both nations have elevated their relationship to a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” emphasizing defense collaboration.
Key Aspects:
- Exercise Details:
- Participants: Advanced warships, submarines, and maritime patrol aircraft from both navies.
- Activities: Anti-submarine warfare drills, surface warfare tactics, and search and rescue operations.
- Objectives:
- Enhance Interoperability: Improve coordination and communication between the two navies.
- Maritime Security: Address common challenges such as piracy, terrorism, and unregulated fishing.
- Regional Stability: Promote a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific region.
- Significance:
- Strategic Alignment: Reflects shared concerns over regional security dynamics, including China’s maritime assertiveness.
- Capacity Building: Strengthens India’s naval capabilities through exposure to advanced Japanese maritime technologies and practices.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Regional Tensions: Ongoing disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea pose challenges to regional stability.
- Resource Constraints: Both nations face budgetary limitations affecting defense modernization efforts.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: The exercise aligns with broader efforts by like-minded nations to ensure freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters.
- Indian Context: Enhances India’s Act East Policy and its role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.
Future Prospects:
- Expanded Exercises: Inclusion of other regional partners in future drills to bolster multilateral cooperation.
- Technology Sharing: Collaboration on defense technologies, including unmanned systems and cybersecurity.
- Institutional Frameworks: Establishment of joint working groups to address specific maritime security challenges.
Source: The Hindu
12. Government Launches National Clean Air Programme 2.0
Subject and UPSC Paper:
- Subject: Environment
- UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Environmental Conservation)
Why in News?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) 2.0, aiming to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) concentrations by 40% by 2026 in 132 identified cities. This initiative builds upon the original NCAP launched in 2019.
Source: The Indian Express
About National Clean Air Programme 2.0
Definition/Description:
NCAP 2.0 is a comprehensive strategy to combat air pollution across India, focusing on source-specific interventions, public awareness, and robust monitoring mechanisms to achieve targeted reductions in air pollutant levels.
Background:
- NCAP 2019: Aimed for a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentrations by 2024, covering 102 cities.
- Air Quality Concerns: India has several cities with air quality levels exceeding national and international standards, leading to health and environmental issues.
Key Aspects:
- Expanded Scope:
- Increased Coverage: Now includes 132 cities, incorporating additional non-attainment cities identified based on recent air quality data.
- Extended Timeline: Targets set for 2026, providing a longer horizon for implementation and assessment.
- Strategic Interventions:
- Sectoral Measures: Addressing emissions from industries, transportation, construction, and residential sources.
- Technology Adoption: Promoting cleaner technologies and fuels, including electric vehicles and renewable energy sources.
- Public Engagement: Enhancing community participation through awareness campaigns and citizen monitoring initiatives.
- Monitoring and Accountability:
- Air Quality Monitoring: Expansion of monitoring networks with real-time data dissemination.
- Performance Evaluation: Regular assessment of city-specific action plans with accountability mechanisms for non-compliance.
Current Challenges/Issues:
- Implementation Gaps: Variability in the capacity of local bodies to execute action plans effectively.
- Funding Constraints: Limited financial resources for comprehensive pollution control measures.
- Data Reliability: Inconsistencies in air quality data due to inadequate monitoring infrastructure.
Global or Indian Context:
- Global Context: Aligns with international commitments under the Paris Agreement to mitigate environmental pollution.
- Indian Context: Addresses the pressing public health crisis posed by air pollution, which contributes to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Future Prospects:
- Policy Integration: Incorporating air quality considerations into urban planning, transportation, and industrial policies.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening institutional frameworks and human resources at the municipal level for effective implementation.
- Innovation and Research: Encouraging research into low-cost pollution control technologies and sustainable practices.
Source: The Indian Express
