💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (August Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

GS Paper: GS3

  • Olive Ridley Turtles

    Why in the News?

    Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles have been found along the Visakhapatnam coast during their breeding season, raising concerns about their conservation.

    About Olive Ridley Turtles:

    Details
    • Olive Ridley turtles are sea turtles known for their olive-colored carapace.
    • They are carnivorous, primarily feeding on jellyfish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
    • Unique mass nesting behavior (Arribada), where thousands of females lay eggs in synchronized waves on the same beach.
    Their Habitat and Protection Status
    • Found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans.
    • Largest rookery (breeding colony) is at Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Odisha, India.
    • Other major nesting sites include Devi River mouth (discovered in 1981) and Rushikulya river mouth (discovered in 1994).
    • Protection Status:
    1. IUCN Status: Vulnerable
    2. CITES: Appendix I (No international trade)
    3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (Highest level of protection)
    Conservation Efforts
    • Project Olivia by Indian Coastguard to protect the Olive Ridley turtles, especially after the Gahirmatha rookery recognition.
    • Legal protections and environmental regulations safeguard nesting sites and prevent poaching.
    • Olive Ridley Protection Program ensures the safety of nests and hatchlings.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?

    (a) Saltwater crocodile

    (b) Olive ridley turtle

    (c) Gangetic dolphin

    (d) Gharial

  • [pib] Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) Program

    Why in the News?

    The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) has facilitated a collaboration between the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Trois Infotech on the development of “Face Recognition Using Drone” technology.

    About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF):

    Details
    • Launched on October 1, 2022 under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF), Ministry of Telecommunications.
    • Supports indigenous telecom technologies, especially for rural communication needs.

    About USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) 

    • USOF was established in April 2002 under the Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Act 2003.
    • Objective: To provide financial support for telecom services in rural and remote areas that are commercially unviable.
    • A non-lapsable fund, with the levy amount credited for continuous use.
    • Operates as an attached office of the Department of Telecom, headed by an administrator appointed by the Central Government.
    • Initially focused on providing basic telecom services in rural areas at affordable prices.
    • Expanded scope to include mobile services, broadband connectivity, and infrastructure development in rural and remote areas.
    Aims and Objectives
    • Encourage Innovation: Create synergies across stakeholders (startups, R&D, academia) and focus on rural-specific telecom solutions.
    • Bridge the Digital Divide: Provide affordable telecom solutions for rural areas and enhance connectivity.
    • Intellectual Property Creation: Support R&D projects contributing to patentable technologies.
    Key Features and Structural Mandate Funding Mechanism:

    • Grants for Indian startups, research institutes, academia, and telecom companies for R&D on rural telecom solutions.
    • Managed by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) with USOF as the administering body.

    Features:

    • Incentives for Startups: Provides financial incentives for telecom R&D projects from prototype to commercialization.
    • Collaborative Framework: Promotes collaboration between stakeholders such as startups, telecom companies, universities, and R&D centers.
    • PoC and Pilot Support: Encourages proof of concept testing and pilots to validate technological solutions.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?

    1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
    2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
    3. Finance Commission
    4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
    5. NITI Aayog

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 1, 3 and 4
    (c) 3, 4 and 5
    (d) 2 and 5

  • [pib] Import of Hazardous Waste

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has provided details of the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 to the Lok Sabha.

    About Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016:

    Details Notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

    Objective: Ensure safe storage, treatment, and disposal of hazardous wastes, minimizing harm to the environment and human health.
    Features of the Rules Import Regulations:

    1. Import of hazardous waste listed in Part A of Schedule III is permitted for recycling, recovery, reuse, and co-processing.
    2. Import for disposal is strictly prohibited in India.
    3. Import is allowed only for actual users (industries) with permission from MoEF&CC and a license from DGFT.

    Illegal Imports:

    1. Any import of hazardous waste without prior permission from MoEF&CC is illegal.
    2. Legal action can be taken under the Indian Ports Act, 1908 or the Customs Act, 1962.
    3. Ports and Customs Authorities are responsible for monitoring and taking action against illegal imports.

    Import/Export of Waste:

    1. No hazardous waste can be imported for final disposal into India.
    2. The rules specify procedures for importing and exporting hazardous waste.
    3. Exemptions are made for the export of silk waste and defective electrical/electronic components.

    Wastes Prohibited for Import:

    1. Waste edible fats and oils (animal/vegetable origin)
    2. Household waste
    3. Critical care medical equipment
    4. Tyres for direct re-use
    5. Plastic waste, including PET bottles
    6. Electrical and electronic scrap
    7. Other chemical wastes, especially in solvent form

    Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities:

    1. The rules provide clear directions on how treatment, storage, and disposal facilities should be established.
    2. SPCBs must approve layout of these facilities.
    Powers and Functions of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)
    • Duties Assigned to State Governments: Allocate space for recycling and pre-processing of hazardous waste, and implement skill development activities for worker safety.
    • Annual Reports: State governments must submit reports on hazardous waste management to MoEFCC. SPCBs must submit an annual inventory of hazardous waste management activities to ensure compliance
    • Monitoring and Compliance: SPCBs monitor adherence to rules and take action against violations.
    • Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities: SPCBs approve and monitor facilities for hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? 

    (a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories.

    (b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only.

    (c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities.

    (d) It is mandatory on the part of the waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.

  • [pib] Green Cover around Coalfields

    Why in the News?

    Coal & Lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have implemented various innovative plantation techniques in addition to traditional methods to increase green cover in and around coalfields.

    Achievements in Green Cover Creation:

    • Coal & Lignite PSUs have successfully created green cover on 10,942 hectares of land as part of their plantation and bio-reclamation efforts over the last 5 years.
    • The efforts are primarily focused on coal and lignite mining areas and surrounding regions.

    Guidelines and EC Conditions

    • The MoEF&CC sets out specific and general conditions for plantation in the Environmental Clearance (EC) of coal mining projects.
    • Plantations are carried out on:
      • Reclaimed degraded forest areas
      • Non-forest lands and overburden dumps to ensure proper reclamation and regeneration of green cover.
    • Under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal, 16 Eco-parks/Mine Tourism sites have been established over the last 5 years.
    • These sites aim to:
      • Promote environmental regeneration
      • Encourage tourism and recreational activities in coal mining areas, boosting local economies and raising environmental awareness.

    Innovative techniques for enhancing Green Cover around Coalfields

    • Three-tier plantation: A method involving planting different species at varying heights to create a layered canopy for enhanced biodiversity.
    • Seed ball plantation: Seeds are encased in soil and compost balls and thrown in barren or degraded areas to promote natural growth.
    • Miyawaki plantation: A high-density plantation technique aimed at creating a dense, self-sustaining forest in a shorter period.
    • High-tech cultivation: Utilizing modern agricultural techniques for efficient plantation and maintenance.
    • Bamboo plantation: Focusing on bamboo as a fast-growing and environmentally beneficial plant for reclamation.
    • Drip irrigation on overburden dumps: Use of efficient water management systems to promote plantation on areas like overburden dumps.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. As per law, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority exists at both National and State levels.
    2. People’s participation is mandatory in the compensatory afforestation programmes carried out under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

    Why in the News?

    The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour has recommended increasing the minimum pension of ₹1,000 paid by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).

    About the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS):

    Details
    • Introduced in 1995 by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    • Provides pension benefits to employees in the organized sector.
    Aims and Objectives
    • To provide pension benefits to employees in the organized sector.
    • Ensures financial security for employees post-retirement or in case of disability or death.
    Features and Significance
    • Employee and Employer Contribution: Both contribute 12% of the salary towards the EPF.
    • Employer’s Contribution: 8.33% of the employer’s contribution goes towards the pension fund.
    • Union Government Contribution: 1.16% of the employee’s basic salary is contributed to the pension fund.
    • Pension Fund Setup: The fund is created by allocating 8.33% of the employer’s contribution from the EPF corpus.
    Structural Mandate and Implementation Supreme Court in November 2022, the court upheld the Employees’ Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014, extending the deadline for opting for the new scheme by 4 months.

    • Pre-Amendment Scheme: Pensionable salary was based on the average salary of the last 12 months prior to exiting the pension fund.
    • Post-Amendment Scheme (2014): Pensionable salary based on average salary of the last 60 months (5 years).
    Eligibility Criteria
    • Applies to employees whose basic salary exceeds ₹15,000 per month.
    • Employees who are members of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and meet the contribution requirements are eligible for the scheme.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage.

    2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment.

    3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account.

    Which of the above statements are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

    Why in the News?

    James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has identified a rare galaxy, Firefly Sparkle, offering a unique look into early galaxy formation.

    Firefly Sparkle Galaxy

    About Galaxy Firefly Sparkle:

    Details
    • Discovered by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), dating back to 600 million years after Big Bang.
      • It is one of the earliest low-mass galaxies discovered, providing rare insights into early galaxy formation.
    • It is named so because its star clusters shine brightly, resembling fireflies in JWST’s images.
    • It is part of a group of galaxies from the early universe, offering clues about how galaxies like the Milky Way may have formed.
    Features of the Galaxy
    • Mass equal to 10 million suns, making it a relatively low-mass galaxy.
    • Visible portion spans just 1,000 light-years, much smaller than the Milky Way’s 100,000 light-years.
    • Contains 10 distinct star clusters, each representing different stages of star formation.
      • Accompanied by 2 smaller galaxies, Firefly-Best Friend and Firefly-New Best Friend.
    • Elongated raindrop shape, indicating it is still forming.
    Observational Studies by JWST
    • Used gravitational lensing to magnify the galaxy’s light by 16-26 times, providing detailed observations.
    • JWST observed varied stages of star formation, with younger stars appearing blue and older stars red.
      • It is forming piece by piece, with each star cluster representing a phase of formation.
    • These observations help refine theories on galaxy formation and star cluster dynamics in the young universe.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

    [2012] Which of the following is/are cited by the scientists as evidence/evidences for the continued expansion of universe?

    1. Detection of microwaves in space
    2. Observation of redshift phenomenon in space
    3. Movement of asteroids in space
    4. Occurrence of supernova explosions in space

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 1, 3 and 4
    (d) None of the above can be cited as evidence

  • In news: Bharatmala Pariyojana

    Why in the News?

    • Bharatmala Pariyojana is a comprehensive road development project initiated by the Government of India to improve connectivity and reduce logistics costs across the country.
      • The total length covered under the scheme is 34,800 km, with an estimated cost of Rs. 5.35 lakh crore.

    About Bharatmala Pariyojana

    Details
    • Launched to improve road connectivity, enhance freight/passenger movement, and reduce logistics costs.
    • First-phase launched in 2017, covering 34,800 km of roads, with an estimated cost of Rs. 5.35 lakh crore.
      • Long-term goals to be completed in phases over several years.

    Key Components:

    • Economic Corridors & Efficiency: Focus on developing 26,000 km of roads and improving the Golden Quadrilateral and North-South/East-West Corridors.
    • Inter-State & Feeder Routes: 8,000 km of interstate corridors and 7,500 km feeder routes.
    • Border & International Roads: 2,000 km of roads for trade and security.
    • Coastal & Port Connectivity: 2,000 km of roads for better port connectivity.
    • Green-Field Expressways: New expressways to reduce congestion.
    Aims and Objectives
    • 50 national corridors to be constructed, reducing freight traffic congestion and facilitating movement on national highways.
    • 550 districts to be connected nationwide, up from the current 300 districts linked with national highways.
    • Logistic Performance Index (LPI) to be introduced, helping identify trade and logistics challenges and opportunities.
    • Expected to increase employment opportunities for people.
    Funding and Implementation
    • Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRF): Created under the Central Road Fund Act, 2000, this non-lapsable fund is used for building and upgrading national highways and other infrastructure, funded through cess on petrol and diesel.
    • Monetization of National Highways: The monetization of existing infrastructure assets is used as a source of funding.
    • Private Sector Investment: Bharatmala invites participation from the private sector for funding and execution of certain projects.
    • Additional Budgetary Support: Funds from additional budgetary allocations by the central government also support the project.

     

    Do you know?

    1. Sagarmala Programme approved in 2015, focuses on port infrastructure development along the 7,516-km coastline through modernisation, mechanisation, and computerisation.
    2. Parvatmala (National Ropeways Development Programme) announced in Union Budget 2022-23 to improve connectivity in hilly areas, under MORTH.
      • Implemented in PPP mode as an ecologically sustainable alternative to conventional roads in challenging terrains.
      • Initial regions: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir, and North Eastern states.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.
    2. It has a corpus of Rs 4,00,000 crore at present.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) Both 1 and 2
    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • First Ice-Free day in the Arctic could come by 2030: Study

    Why in the News?

    A recent study suggests that the Arctic Ocean may experience its first ice-free day—where sea ice falls below one million square kilometres—by 2030, or even sooner.

    Key Highlights of the Study

    • First Ice-Free Day Prediction: The study predicts that the Arctic Ocean could experience its first ice-free day (less than one million square kilometres of sea ice) by 2030, or even sooner, depending on climatic conditions.
    • Simulations and Models:
      • 11 different climate models were used to run 366 simulations from 2023 to 2100 to assess the future of Arctic sea ice.
      • Most simulations predict the ice-free day within 7 to 20 years, with some models suggesting it could happen as early as September 2027.
    • Conditions for Ice-Free Day: The occurrence of an ice-free day will depend on a combination of unusually warm seasons and stormy weather, which accelerates the melting of the sea ice.
    • Impact on Sea Ice: Once the first ice-free day occurs, it could be followed by an ice-free period lasting between 11 to 53 days, potentially leading to the first ice-free month.

    How does the Arctic Tundra store Carbon?

    • The Arctic tundra stores carbon primarily through a process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
      • This carbon gets trapped in the soil and organic matter (plants and animals) that accumulate over time.
    • The cold Arctic climate slows the decomposition of plant and animal remains, meaning that organic materials, including carbon, remain locked in the permafrost.
      • This permafrost acts as a natural storage system, preventing CO2 from being released back into the atmosphere.
    • Scientists estimate that the Arctic tundra holds about 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, which is roughly double the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Why is the Arctic Tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it?

    • Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the permafrost to thaw at an accelerated rate.
      • When permafrost thaws, microbes in the soil become active, breaking down the organic material trapped in the frozen ground, which results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases.
      • The Arctic has been warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
      • 2024 was the second-warmest year on record for the region, contributing significantly to the thawing of the permafrost.
    • Wildfires in the Arctic have become more frequent and intense, further accelerating the thawing of permafrost. Wildfire smoke also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
    • Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it absorbed, marking a significant shift in its role from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

    Why does it matter?

    • Climate Change Acceleration: The loss of sea ice will amplify the Albedo effect, causing the Arctic region to absorb more sunlight and heat, which will accelerate global warming and trigger extreme weather events in mid-latitudes.
    • Rising Sea Levels: The loss of Arctic ice contributes to sea level rise, with potential long-term impacts on coastal populations and ecosystems, particularly if the Greenland ice sheet melts completely, which could raise sea levels by 6 meters.
    • Ecosystem and Species Impact: The melting of sea ice will threaten species that rely on the ice for habitat, such as polar bears, walruses, and reindeer, disrupting the Arctic food chain.
    • Human and Infrastructure Threats: Arctic communities and their infrastructure are at risk as the region warms at four times the global average, threatening the livelihoods of people living in these areas.

    Back2Basics: Albedo Effect

    arctic albedo

    • It refers to the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface.
    • It is expressed as a percentage; a surface with a high albedo reflects more sunlight, while a surface with a low albedo absorbs more.
    • Light-colored surfaces like ice and snow have high albedo, reflecting most of the sunlight, whereas dark surfaces like oceans and forests have low albedo, absorbing more heat.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

    [2012] The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere because it absorbs:

    (a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
    (b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
    (c) all the solar radiations
    (d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

  • India launched the World’s first Green Steel Taxonomy

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Steel unveiled the world’s first Taxonomy of Green Steel, setting a benchmark for decarbonizing the steel industry.

    About the Green Steel Taxonomy:

    What is it?
    • A formal framework introduced by India to define and promote the production of steel with reduced carbon emissions.
    • It sets clear standards for what constitutes green steel, aiming to help the Indian steel sector transition to low-carbon production methods.
    • The taxonomy defines greenness percentages based on the steel plant’s carbon emission intensity.
    • Seeks to ensure that production aligns with India’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2070.
    Key Features
    • Emissions Threshold: Green Steel is defined based on emissions intensity, with steel plants needing to keep emissions below 2.2 tCO2 per tonne of finished steel (tfs) to be classified as green.
    • Star Rating System:
      1. Five-star: Emission intensity lower than 1.6 t-CO2e/tfs.
      2. Four-star: Emission intensity between 1.6 and 2.0 t-CO2e/tfs.
      3. Three-star: Emission intensity between 2.0 and 2.2 t-CO2e/tfs.
    • Steel exceeding 2.2 t-CO2e/tfs does not qualify as green steel.
    • Emissions Scope: Includes Scope 1, Scope 2, and limited Scope 3 emissions, covering production, agglomeration, beneficiation, and emissions from raw materials and intermediates.
    • Certification: NISST will oversee Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), issuing greenness certificates and star ratings annually.
    • Review Period: The thresholds for green ratings will be reviewed every 3 years.
    Significance
    • Environmental Sustainability: Aims to reduce carbon footprint in line with national climate goals.
    • Market Creation: Promotes innovation in low-carbon steel products.
    • Global Competitiveness: Ensures Indian steel meets international sustainability standards.
    • Guidance for Industry: Encourages adoption of greener practices.
    Other Key Initiatives
    • National Mission on Green Steel (NMGS): Policy support, funding, and incentives for low-carbon technologies.
    • Electrification of Steelmaking: Use of electric arc furnaces (EAF) to reduce reliance on coal.
    • Hydrogen-based Steelmaking: Exploring hydrogen as a clean fuel.
    • Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Technologies to capture CO2 emissions.
    • Public Procurement Policies: Promotes green steel use in public infrastructure.
    • Research and Development: Investments in low-carbon technologies and materials.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Steel slag can be the material for which of the following

    1. Construction of base road

    2. Improvement of agricultural soil

    3. Production of cement

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 only

  • Beijing’s War Against Air Pollution

    Why in the News?

    In 2015, Beijing had an annual average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144, comparable to Delhi’s current average of 155 in 2024. However, Beijing has since achieved a one-third reduction in its pollution levels, with the most notable decline occurring between 2013 and 2017.

    Why discuss Beijing in the context of Delhi?

    The comparison between Beijing and Delhi is significant due to their shared status as capitals of emerging economies facing severe air pollution challenges.  

    • Similar Pollution Levels: In 2015, Beijing had an average AQI of 144, comparable to Delhi’s current average of 155 for 2024. This similarity highlights the potential for improvement in Delhi, as Beijing has successfully reduced its pollution levels significantly since then.

    • Common Sources of Pollution: Both cities experience high pollution from similar sources, including vehicular emissions, coal combustion, and industrial activities. The regional contributions to air quality issues are also significant in both cases, particularly during winter months.
    • Need for Collective Action: Just as Beijing required a coordinated effort across its region to combat pollution, Delhi must engage neighboring areas in a collective strategy to effectively address its air quality crisis.

    What did Beijing do and how did it achieve it?

    • Phased and Strategic Planning: Implemented a 20-year anti-pollution programme in three phases (1998-2017) with local government autonomy and public participation to ensure gradual and sustainable progress.
      • 1998-2008: Initial groundwork.
      • 2009-2012: Strengthening regulations.
      • 2013-2017: Aggressive measures termed the “war against air pollution.
    • Energy Sector Transition: Shifted from coal to cleaner energy by renovating power plants, eliminating coal boilers, and replacing residential coal heating, reducing major emissions.
    • Transportation Reforms: Upgraded public transport infrastructure, introduced emission controls in vehicles, and phased out polluting vehicles with subsidies, reducing transportation-based pollutants.
    • Regional Collaboration and Investment: Partnered with five neighboring provinces for coordinated pollution control and increased financial investment sixfold to implement targeted measures effectively.

    • Financial Investment: A sixfold increase in investment over four years supported these initiatives, allowing for significant infrastructure improvements and regulatory enforcement.

    As a result of these efforts, major pollutants like sulfur dioxide and PM2.5 saw significant reductions (e.g., PM2.5 decreased by 59% between 2013-2017).

     

    What can Delhi learn from the Beijing experience?

    • Integrated Public Transport System: Establishing an efficient bus-metro system to reduce reliance on private vehicles is essential. Upgrading the bus fleet and enhancing last-mile connectivity can significantly improve public transport accessibility.
    • Energy Transition: Similar to Beijing’s shift away from coal, Delhi should diversify its energy sources by promoting renewable energy options like solar power while reducing dependence on coal-fired plants.
    • Regional Coordination: Pollution control efforts should extend beyond city limits to include neighboring regions, fostering collaboration similar to Beijing’s regional initiatives.
    • Public Advocacy for Clean Air: Encouraging citizen engagement in demanding accountability from the government can build political will for implementing necessary changes.
    • Political Will and Consistency: Addressing air pollution requires sustained political commitment and a long-term action plan rather than ad hoc measures that fail to tackle root causes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Policy Implementation and Regional Collaboration: Formulate and enforce a comprehensive, long-term pollution control policy with coordinated efforts involving Delhi and its neighboring states to address regional pollution sources effectively.
    • Promote Sustainable Infrastructure and Public Engagement: Invest in renewable energy, green public transport, and urban planning while fostering public participation and advocacy for clean air to ensure accountability and sustained progress.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious probelm in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (UPSC IAS/2015)