Lahore was declared the world’s most polluted city by air quality monitor IQAir, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394, considered hazardous by global standards.
Delhiranks 2nd, recording an AQI of 204, also classified as “very unhealthy.”
Lahore’s AQI value exceeds the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline by over 55.6 times.
Primary Causes of Lahore’s Severe Air Pollution:
Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab (India and Pakistan) burn crop residue, especially after rice harvesting, during winter to prepare fields for wheat cultivation.
Vehicular Emissions: The rise in the number of vehicles in Lahore, along with the use of low-quality fuel, results in high levels of PM2.5 emissions, a major contributor to air pollution.
Industrial Pollution: Factories and brick kilns in and around Lahore emit harmful pollutants, including particulate matter, adding to the city’s poor air quality.
Geography and Weather Conditions: Lahore’s location in a low-lying region and its geography, surrounded by hills, leads to temperature inversion during the winter, trapping pollutants near the surface and preventing their natural dispersal.
Coal-Fired Power Plants: Large power plants, such as the 1320MW Sahiwal coal-fired power plant in Punjab, part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emit sulphur and other pollutants, significantly contributing to smog and air pollution.
Who Ranks the Most Polluted Cities of the World and How?
IQAir, a Swiss air quality monitoring company, ranks the most polluted cities based on real-time air quality data.
The rankings focus on the concentration of PM2.5 particles, which are small enough to penetrate the lungs and pose serious health risks.
Cities are ranked using the AQI scale (0-500), with AQI above 300 indicating hazardous pollution levels.
IQAir uses data from government agencies, monitoring stations, and low-cost sensors across various regions.
Real-time monitoring allows IQAir to provide up-to-date information about air pollution levels in cities around the world.
The data is compared with WHO standards, which recommend PM2.5 levels below 5 micrograms per cubic meter for healthy air quality.
PYQ:
[2021] Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards?
[2015] 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?
Certain variants of the Boeing 737, equipped with a rollout guidance actuator, are being investigated due to concerns about a potential jammed or restricted rudder control system.
The rudder is like the steering tool for an airplane.
It’s part of the tail and helps the plane move left or right, similar to how a boat’s rudder steers on water.
It’s important for making turns, landing in windy conditions, and keeping the plane going straight, especially if one of the engines fails.
What does a Rudder Rollout Guidance Actuator do?
It is a special device that helps the plane control its direction during landings when the plane is flying automatically with the autopilot.
It’s especially useful during landings in bad weather with poor visibility, making sure the plane stays on the correct path on its own.
Why are certain Boeing 737 Planes being checked?
Some Boeing 737 planes are being inspected because of a possible problem with their rudder system, which helps steer the plane during landing.
An issue came up after a United Airlines flight in February 2024 had a situation where the rudder got stuck during landing, and the pilots had to work harder to control the plane.
Investigators found that a part called the rudder rollout guidance actuator might have moisture and corrosion problems, which can cause the rudder to jam.
This problem might affect a small number of Boeing 737 planes that use this system for automatic landings in bad weather.
Bihar has inaugurated the state’s first dry port in Bihta, a town near Patna to boost the export of goods produced in Bihar.
The first export consignment from the Bihta ICD was leather shoes sent to Russia.
What is it?
A dry port, also known as an inland container depot (ICD), is a logistics facility located away from a seaport or airport.
It provides facilities for cargo handling, storage, and transportation of goods, making it easier to manage exports and imports.
The first dry port in India was opened in Varanasi in 2018.
The dry port also acts as a bridge between the inland regions and international shipping routes through major gateway ports.
About Bihta ICD
The Bihta Inland Container Depot (ICD), also known as Bihta dry port, is located in Bihta, a town near Patna, the capital of Bihar.
It operates under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
It is fully commissioned and approved by the Department of Revenue, under the Union Ministry of Finance.
It is managed by Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Private Limited in collaboration with the Bihar state industry department.
The Bihta ICD is well connected by railways to gateway ports across India, including:
Kolkata and Haldia in West Bengal.
Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh.
Nhava Sheva in Maharashtra.
Mundra in Gujarat.
It supports transportation of goods to and from eastern India, benefitting not just Bihar but also neighboring states like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following pairs:
Port
Well known as
1. Kamarajar Port:
First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port:
Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam Port:
Largest container port in India
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
The urgent global issue of ecosystem degradation affects India significantly, with nearly 30% of its land degraded. India’s need for a comprehensive nature restoration law is critical, drawing inspiration from the EU’s NRL
Why does India need a Nature Restoration Law?
High Land Degradation: Nearly 30% of India’s land is degraded, with areas like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan severely affected.
Rising Desertification: The extent of desertification in India has increased significantly, impacting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
Biodiversity Loss: The degradation of natural habitats threatens India’s rich biodiversity and contributes to the global biodiversity crisis.
Climate Change Mitigation: Degraded ecosystems lose their ability to act as carbon sinks, worsening climate change impacts.
Economic Implications: Land degradation affects agriculture, water security, and livelihoods, necessitating legal intervention for sustainable management.
What should the Nature Restoration Law in India include?
Legally Binding Restoration Targets: Similar to the EU’s NRL, set mandates to restore a specific percentage of land and water bodies by 2030 and 2050.
Multi-Ecosystem Approach: Include provisions for forests, agricultural lands, rivers, wetlands, and urban areas to ensure comprehensive ecosystem restoration.
Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Establish a framework for monitoring progress, conducting periodic reviews, and reporting on restoration outcomes.
Funding and Incentive Mechanisms: Provide financial support and incentives for states, communities, and private entities engaging in restoration projects.
Integration with Existing Programs: Align with ongoing initiatives like the Green India Mission and watershed programs for enhanced effectiveness.
What are the potential benefits of implementing such a law?
Environmental: Restoring degraded lands can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase carbon sequestration, aiding climate resilience.
Economic: Could generate economic returns through improved agricultural productivity, job creation, and enhanced water security.
Social: Restoration projects can create rural employment opportunities and support sustainable livelihoods, especially in degraded areas.
Alignment with International Commitments: Helps India achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15, and meet Paris Agreement targets.
Way forward:
Adopt a Comprehensive Restoration Framework: India should enact a Nature Restoration Law with legally binding targets, integrating multi-ecosystem restoration approaches and aligning with existing environmental programs.
Strengthen Monitoring and Funding Mechanisms: Establish robust monitoring frameworks for progress evaluation and provide financial incentives for restoration efforts, ensuring effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) Programme.
About Moonlight Programme
Details
Agency
European Space Agency (ESA)
Purpose
To establish a communications and navigation infrastructure around the Moon to support future lunar missions by space agencies and private companies.
Planned Missions
Supports over 400 moon missions planned over the next 20 years.
Satellite Constellation
Deployment of 5 lunar satellites to provide communication and navigation services.
Data Transfer Range
Enables data transfer between Earth and the Moon over a distance of 400,000 km.
First Satellite
Lunar Pathfinder, a communications relay satellite built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, is set to launch in 2026.
Operational Timeline
Initial services expected to begin by 2028, with full operational capability by 2030.
Primary Focus Area
Coverage around the Moon’s South Pole, an area of high interest due to favorable lighting conditions and potential water ice presence in permanently shadowed craters.
Global Collaboration
Collaboration with NASA and JAXA (Japanese Space Agency) as part of LunaNet for standardizing lunar mission communications and navigation.
Significance
– Enables over 400 lunar missions
– Supports NASA’s Artemis programme
– Provides continuous all-weather connectivity for lunar missions
– Focuses on the South Pole for ice deposits
– Reduces costs by sharing infrastructure
– Technological advancements for Mars missions (MARCONI)
Strategic Advantage
Enhances ESA’s role in global lunar exploration and contributes to the future of commercial lunar activities.
Some militants attacked workers building the Z-Morh tunnel on the Srinagar-Sonamarg highway, killing seven people.
What is the Z-Morh Tunnel?
The Z-Morh tunnel is a 6.4-kilometer tunnel located near Gagangir village, connecting the Sonamarg health resort to Kangan town in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir.
It is part of the larger Zojila tunnel project, which aims to provide year-round road connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
It is part of the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Leh highway.
It is being constructed at an altitude of over 8,500 feet.
It derives its name from the Z-shaped road stretch where it is being built.
The project was originally conceived by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012.
A soft opening of the tunnel was held in February 2024, although the full inauguration has been delayed.
Significance of the Z-Morh Tunnel
The tunnel provides all-weather road connectivity to the Sonamarg health resort, ensuring that the popular tourist destination remains accessible year-round.
It is essential for maintaining all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, a region of strategic importance for India, particularly due to the military presence along the border with Pakistan and China.
The tunnel is strategically important for the Indian Army, as it provides quick and safe access to forward areas in Ladakh, reducing the dependence on air transport for the movement of troops and supplies.
It will also reduce expenditure on air maintenance of forward locations, thereby increasing the lifespan of Indian Air Force aircraft.
The tunnel will boost economic growth by improving accessibility to Sonamarg, thereby supporting tourism in the region.
PYQ:
[2016] Border management is a complex task due to difficult terrain and hostile relations with some countries. Elucidate the challenges and strategies for effective border management.
Q) Naxalism is a social, economic and developmental issue manifesting as a violent internal security threat. In this context, discuss the emerging issues and suggest a multilayered strategy to tackle the menace of Naxalism. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Q) What are the determinants of left-wing extremism in Eastern part of India? What strategy should the Government of India, civil administration and security forces adopt to counter the threat in the affected areas? (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) Effective utilization of public funds is crucial to meet development goals. Critically examine the reasons for under-utilization and mis-utilization of public funds and their implications. (UPSC CSE 2019)
Q) Left Wing Extremism (LWE) is showing a downward trend, but still affects many parts of the country. Briefly explain the Government of India’s approach to counter the challenges posed by LWE. (UPSC CSE 2018)
Mentor’s Comment: Data indicates a decline in Naxal-related violence over the past decade, with a reported 76% decrease in incidents by 2022 compared to 2010. Yet, the ‘Naxalite’ issue in India represents a significant challenge to internal security, rooted in socio-economic disparities and historical grievances.
Bastar (Chattisgarh) has been a focal point of conflict due to ongoing violence between Security forces and Maoist insurgents. This conflict has led to numerous civilian casualties and widespread trauma among the local population. Without proper victims’ data/registry, many individuals suffer in silence, lacking access to necessary support and recognition.
Today’s editorial addresses the pressing need for a comprehensive victims’ register in the Bastar region, an area that is significantly affected by left-wing extremism (LWE). Today, we will study the significance of recognizing and documenting the experiences of victims to facilitate justice and rehabilitation.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Union Home Minister has set a deadline of March 31, 2026, for the complete eradication of Naxalism in India, emphasizing the four districts of the Bastar region.
He also announced plans for a welfare scheme to support those affected by Naxal violence, aiming to assist in jobs and healthcare.
What is the purpose of the victims’ register in Bastar?
The purpose of the victims’ register in Bastar is to document and recognize individuals affected by violence, particularly those impacted by Maoist activities and state responses. This initiative aims to:
To provide formal recognition of the experiences of victims.
To enable victims and their families to receive reparations and government support inclusively ensuring no one is overlooked.
Serve as a foundation for dialogue and peace-building efforts in the region. (E.g., in Colombia).
How does the initiative draw from international examples, particularly Colombia?
The Colombian model has successfully aided in providing reparations and integrating victims (over 9 million) back into society.
The Bastar initiative seeks to establish similar mechanisms for compensating victims through financial aid, land, jobs, and healthcare support.
Mirroring Colombia’s inclusive approach that does not differentiate between types of victimization, register aims to include diverse narratives from various groups
The process in Bastar involves community participation, allowing victims to share their testimonies in local languages, akin to Colombia’s efforts to ensure that victims’ voices are heard and validated.
Colombia’s experience has been successful where such measures contributed to National unity post-conflict.
How can the government support the ‘New Peace Process’ initiative in Bastar?
Facilitating Dialogue: The government needs to actively engage in negotiations with both tribal leaders and Maoist representatives to foster an environment conducive to peace talks. For example, ‘Bastar Dialogues’ to bridge gaps between conflicting parties.
Collaborate with local organizations and community groups like the ‘Sarva Adiwasi Samaj’ to amplify grassroots efforts for peace.
Implement the Victims’ Register: Establish and maintain a comprehensive victims’ register that aligns with successful models from other countries, such as Colombia.
Enhance Rehabilitation Programs: Develop robust rehabilitation policies for both victims and surrendered like job training, education, and healthcare services tailored to their needs, ensuring they can reintegrate into society effectively.
By Monitoring the Progress: Establish mechanisms to monitor the progress of peace initiatives and community sentiments regarding the peace process, allowing for adjustments based on feedback from affected populations.
On October 16, 2024, the FAO said that poor households around the world lose 5% of their income each year due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods.
About FAO:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is indeed a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established to lead international efforts aimed at combating hunger and improving food security and nutrition globally.
It founded on October 16, 1945, FAO operates from its headquarters in Rome, Italy, and comprises 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union.
Key Objectives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
Eradicate Hunger and Malnutrition: The FAO aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition worldwide by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing food availability.
Promote Sustainable Agriculture: The organization encourages sustainable management of natural resources and resilient agricultural systems to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity.
Reduce Rural Poverty: FAO works to improve the livelihoods of rural populations through economic development, social protection measures, and improved access to markets.
Enhance Food Systems: It focuses on improving food production, distribution, and consumption to ensure the global population has access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.
Respond to Crises: The FAO assists countries in addressing food-related emergencies and building resilience against future shocks, such as natural disasters and conflicts.
Key Highlights of the Present Report by FAO:
Economic Losses from Climate Stress: The report highlighted that poor households globally lose 5% of their income due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods annually, compared to better-off households.
Impact on Rural Poor in India: It found that rural poor households in India are affected by climate stress differently, with reduced off-farm employment opportunities during droughts, forcing them to allocate more resources to agriculture.
Structural Inequalities: The report noted that poor households’ vulnerability to climate stressors is rooted in structural inequalities, calling for policy measures such as expanding social security.
Recommendations for Livelihood Support: Suggested scaling up anticipatory social protection programs and improving off-farm employment opportunities to reduce reliance on negative coping strategies.
Gender and Employment Barriers: The report urged addressing gender disparities in non-farm employment through gender-transformative approaches to tackle discriminatory norms.
What is NITI Aayog’s Response?
Efforts to Combat Climate Change: NITI Aayog highlighted India’s proactive measures, such as the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, which supports farmers’ adaptation to severe climate conditions.
Social Safety Nets: Emphasized India’s implementation of a nationwide employment guarantee scheme and extensive food distribution efforts during the pandemic as evidence of social protection measures.
Women’s Workforce Participation: Cited data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys showing increased female participation in the workforce, indicating progress in addressing gender issues.
Open to FAO Suggestions: Acknowledged the value of considering the FAO’s recommendations for further policy improvement while emphasizing India’s existing initiatives.
Way forward:
Strengthen Social Protection: Expand anticipatory social protection programs and climate-resilient agricultural practices to support vulnerable households, reducing income losses from climate stress.
Address Structural Inequalities: Enhance off-farm employment opportunities, tackle gender disparities, and implement policies targeting the root causes of vulnerability to climate-related risks.
Ukraine is currently dealing with a serious outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV), with health officials raising alarms as the death toll rises.
About West Nile Virus
Details
Virus Type
Member of the flavivirus genus, family Flaviviridae
First Isolated
1937 in a woman in the West Nile district of Uganda
Geographical Distribution
Commonly found in Africa, Europe, Middle East, North America, and West Asia
Transmission
Primarily transmitted through infected mosquito bites; mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected birds. Can also spread through infected animal tissues.
Symptoms
– Asymptomatic: ~80% of infected individuals show no symptoms
– West Nile Fever: ~20% develop symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and occasional skin rash.
Peak Infection Period
Typically spikes between June and September (summer to autumn)
Reported Outbreaks
19 countries have reported outbreaks, including Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye, and Kosovo.
Treatment
No vaccine available; supportive treatments provided for neuroinvasive WNV patients
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following statements:
1. In tropical regions, Zika virus disease is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits dengue.
2. Sexual transmission of Zika virus disease is possible.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the highest statutory body on technical drug-related matters in India, has recommended including all antibiotics under the definition of ‘New Drugs’ in the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019.
What are ‘New Drugs’?
According to Rule 122 E of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, a new drug is one that:
Has not been used in the country.
Has not been recognized as effective and safe by the licensing authority.
May also be an already approved drug with modified claims such as new indications, dosages, or routes of administration.
Implications of Including Antibiotics in the New Drug Category:
If antibiotics are classified as new drugs:
Their manufacturing, marketing, and sale will be documented.
Clearance for manufacturing and marketing will need to be obtained from the Central government instead of State drug administrations.
Antibiotics will only be sold to patients on prescription.
Additional Recommendations:
The board is considering amending the labelling rules under the Drugs Rules, 1945, by adding a blue strip or box for antimicrobial products.
It has recommended that antimicrobials should not be sold to non-pharmaceutical industries unless they have the necessary licences.
About the Drugs Technical Advisory Board:
Details
Authority
Highest statutory decision-making body on technical matters related to drugs in India
Establishment
Constituted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Affiliation
Part of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
Nodal Ministry
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Functions
– Advises the Central and State Governments on technical matters related to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
– Carries out functions assigned by the Act
Role of CDSCO
– Approval of drugs
– Conduct of clinical trials
– Establishing standards for drugs
– Quality control of imported drugs
– Coordination with State Drug Control Organizations
Specialized Licenses
Responsible for granting licenses for critical categories of drugs, including blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and sera
Decision-Making
Provides expert advice and technical recommendations to ensure drug safety, efficacy, and quality
PYQ:
[2019] Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India?
Genetic predisposition of some people
Taking incorrect doses of antibiotics to cure diseases
Using antibiotics in livestock farming
Multiple chronic diseases in some people
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 1 and 2
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4
(d) 2, 3 and 4
