The Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated on October 4th in Hanle, Ladakh.
About MACE Telescope:
Details
Details and Working
• World’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, located in Hanle, Ladakh, at 4.3 km above sea level.
• It has a 21-meter-wide mirror-dish, the largest in Asia.
• Developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. (ECIL), and Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Cherenkov radiation is captured using mirrors and analyzed with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs). Cherenkov radiation is the blue glow emitted when charged particles travel faster than light in a medium.
• Equipped with a high-resolution camera and movable base.
Aims and Objectives of MACE
• Detects high-energy gamma rays (greater than 20 giga-electron volts) emitted by cosmic phenomena.
• Detect Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) for dark matter research.
• Contribute to multi-messenger astronomy by complementing data from other telescopes.
How Do Gamma Rays Work in DNA Mutation?
• Cause ionization, which can break chemical bonds in DNA, leading to mutations.
• Mutations may result in cancers or genetic disorders if not repaired.
• DNA damage from gamma rays can lead to chromosomal aberrations and contribute to carcinogenesis.
PYQ:
[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter.
It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission.(UPSC CSE 2024)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on Urbanization with various dimensions across ‘Population and Pollution challenges’ (in 2024), and degradation in standard of living due to ‘Unavailability of Infrastructure’ (2016-18).
A recent World Bank report estimates that India will need approximately ₹70 lakh crore by 2036 to address its urban infrastructure demands. However, current government investment in this sector is only about ₹1.3 lakh crore annually, which is just over one-fourth of the required ₹4.6 lakh crore per year.
Today’s editorial focuses on the critical state of India’s urban infrastructure financing landscape. This content can be used while giving recommendations for ‘innovative financing strategies and strengthen ULBs’ capacities’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India is experiencing rapid urbanization, with projections indicating that approximately 600 million people will reside in cities by 2036. This surge places immense pressure on urban infrastructure, necessitating substantial investments to meet the demands of this growing population.
What are the current financing gaps in urban infrastructure in India?
• India’s urban infrastructure requires an estimated $840 billion over the next 15 years, averaging $55 billion annually. • Present Scenario: ○ Basic Municipal Services: Approximately $450 billion is needed for essential services such as water supply, sewerage, solid waste management, and urban roads. ○ Current Funding Sources: ◘ State Governments: 48% ◘ Central Government: 24% ◘ Urban Local Bodies (ULBs): 15% ◘ Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Commercial Debt: Remaining sources.
What are the key constraints hindering private investment in urban infrastructure?
Weak Financial Health of ULBs: Many urban local bodies struggle with chronic fiscal deficits and cannot raise adequate resources from internal budgets.
For example, in Kanpur and Lucknow, ULBs have reported deficits due to low revenue generation from property taxes and other local sources.
Limited Use of Commercial Financing: Although measures have been taken to enable commercial financing, its application remains minimal even in financially robust cities. Currently, commercial financing accounts for only 5% of urban infrastructure funding.
For example, Municipal bonds have been issued by some cities, such as Pune, to fund water supply projects; however, these instances are rare.
Low Service Charges: The low cost of municipal services undermines financial sustainability, making it difficult for ULBs to recover operational costs and invest in infrastructure improvements.
In many Indian cities, water supply charges are significantly lower than the actual cost of service delivery.
For instance, a study found that while the cost of providing water services in a city may be ₹50 per kiloliter, ULBs often charge only ₹10 per kiloliter.
Steps taken for Urban Funding: Urban Infrastructure Development Fund (UIDF)
Details
What is it?
• Established (budget speech for Financial Year 2023-24) to utilize priority sector lending shortfall for financing urban infrastructure projects. • Managed by the National Housing Bank (NHB). • Initial Corpus: ₹10,000 crore. • Modeled after the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), which supports rural infrastructure projects. • Focus on developing Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in India. Tier-2 Cities: Cities with populations between 50,000 and 1 lakh. Tier-3 Cities: Cities with populations below 50,000.
Aims and Objectives
• Support Urban Infrastructure: Provides funding for essential urban services such as water supply, sanitation, sewerage, and waste management. • Sewerage, water supply, sanitation, drains, and solid waste management. • Prioritizesprojects with significant improvements in urban services. • Funds are allocated to Municipal Corporations and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for infrastructure development.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
• Coverage: Supports 459 Tier-2 cities and 580 Tier-3 cities in India. • Loan Terms: Loans offered at Bank Rate minus 1.5% interest rate. • Repayment Terms: Loan repayable in five equal annual instalments over seven years. • Moratorium Period: Two years before repayment starts. • Quarterly Interest Payments: Regular payments required during the loan period.
What policies and collaborations are required?
Enhancing the Creditworthiness of ULBs: ULBs must improve their financial practices and credit ratings to attract private investments.
For example, the strong financial standing allows Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to attract PPPs and private funding more effectively than less financially stable ULBs.
Developing a Municipal Bond Market: Encouraging the issuance of municipal bonds can provide a significant source of funding for infrastructure projects.
For example, the Pune Municipal Corporation successfully raised ₹2 billion through municipal bonds to partially fund a ₹29 billion project to provide 24×7 water supply to its citizens.
Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Expanding the role of PPPs can mobilize private capital while sharing risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects.
For example, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has implemented a PPP model for constructing Public Toilet Utilities (PTUs).
Innovative Financing Structures: Implementing mixed financing approaches that combine government funding with private investments can create a more sustainable funding model for urban infrastructure. Pooled finance mechanisms have been introduced in states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Steps taken for Urban Development: Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
• It is a flagship urban development scheme launched in June 2015. • The mission is being operated as a Central Sponsored Scheme. • Aim: To provide basic urban infrastructure to improve the quality of life in cities and towns. Objectives: • Ensure that every household has access to a tap with an assured water supply and a sewerage connection. Increase the green areas in the cities. • Reduce pollution by promoting public transport and constructing facilities for non-motorized transport. • Funding: It is divided among States/UTs in an equitable formula in which 50:50 weightage. • It covers 500 cities including all cities and towns with a population of over 1 lakh with notified Municipalities.
Hence, with a projected investment need of $840 billion over the next 15 years, it is imperative for policymakers to adopt innovative financing strategies and strengthen ULBs’ capacities. By doing so, India can pave the way for resilient, inclusive cities that support economic growth and improve quality of life for its citizens.
Did you know about the new ‘AMRUT 2.0’ Policy?
Details
• Launched on 1st October 2021 as the continuation of AMRUT 1.0. • Aims to enhance urban infrastructure in 500 cities by focusing on water supply, wastewater management, and rejuvenation of water bodies. • The mission runs for five years (FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26).
Salient Features and Mission
• Universal Coverage: Ensures coverage of water supply and sewerage in 500 cities and 4,900 statutory towns. • Circular Economy: Focuses on water recycling, reuse of treated sewage, and water conservation. • Technology Integration: Adopts global technologies for better water management. • Pey Jal Survekshan: Survey to assess water distribution, wastewater reuse, and promote healthy competition among cities.
Its Implementation and Further Roadmap
• Project Approval: 8,998 projects approved with an estimated cost of ₹1,89,458.55 crore. • Funds Distribution: Funds released by MoHUA to States/UTs and then to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). • State Water Action Plan (SWAP): States/UTs must complete their SWAP and get approval within two years of the mission’s launch. • Future Plans: Focus on sustainable water management and extension of AMRUT 1.0 benefits to more towns.
Over 170 countries will meet in Busan, South Korea, starting for the fifth and final round of negotiations on a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic and marine pollution by 2024.
Why is a Global Plastic Treaty required?
Massive Increase in Plastic Production: Global plastic production has rapidly increased from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019, with expectations to reach 700 million tonnes by 2040. Asia is the largest producer, contributing nearly half of global plastic production.
Environmental and Health Impact: Plastic takes 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% is recycled. Around 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, which is expected to rise by 62% by 2050. Much of this waste enters rivers and oceans, breaking down into microplastics that harm marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Human Health Risks: Chemicals in plastics can disrupt hormones and cause diseases like cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
Contribution to Climate Change: Plastic production generates 3.6% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with most emissions coming from the production process, which relies on fossil fuels.
Global Plastic Pollution: India contributes significantly to global plastic pollution, accounting for 20% of the world’s total plastic waste, with emissions of 9.3 million tonnes.
What is on the Negotiating table?
Comprehensive Global Rules: The primary goal is to develop a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its life cycle, including its production from fossil fuels, waste management, and disposal.
Production and Waste Management Caps: Countries are debating the introduction of production caps, which have been opposed by oil-rich and plastic-producing nations, including India.
Types of Plastic and Chemical Additives: Discussions are ongoing regarding banning specific types of plastic, plastic products, and harmful chemical additives used in their production.
Recycling and Content Targets: The treaty might include legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content in consumer goods.
Just Transition for Affected Communities: There will be talks on supporting workers and communities whose livelihoods depend on plastic production and industries, ensuring a fair transition.
Financial and Technical Assistance: A key agenda item is how to mobilize private and public funding to meet the treaty’s goals, especially for developing countries.
What is India’s position?
India does not support caps on plastic production, arguing that such measures go beyond the scope of the UNEA resolutionadopted in 2022. India insists that the treaty must include provisions for financial and technical support, including technology transfer for developing countries.
India maintains that decisions regarding harmful chemicals in plastic production should be based on scientific studies and that regulation should be handled at the National level.
India has banned 19 categories of single-use plastics domestically but insists that decisions on banning other plastic products should be “pragmatic” and consider national circumstances.
India advocates for the establishment of a mechanism to assess the infrastructure needs and financial resources required for safe and scientific waste management.
It also emphasizes the need for adequate, timely, and predictable financial resources to support waste management and other treaty objectives.
Way forward:
Global Collaboration with National Flexibility: The treaty should foster global collaboration on plastic pollution while allowing flexibility for countries to implement solutions based on their unique socio-economic contexts and developmental priorities.
Enhanced Financial and Technological Support: Developed countries must provide financial and technological assistance to developing nations to ensure equitable implementation of the treaty’s provisions, especially for waste management infrastructure and transitioning away from plastic reliance.
Mains PYQ:
Q What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC IAS/2018)
Delhi has been experiencing severe air pollution for 10 days, leading the Supreme Court to criticize the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its poor response.
AboutCommission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
Details
About
A statutory body for air quality management in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas.
Established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas, Act 2021, replacing the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) (formed in 1998).
It came into effect in 2020 through an ordinance.
Structure:
Chairperson: Senior government official (Secretary or Chief Secretary)
5 ex-officio members from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh; 3 full-time technical members
3 members from NGOs
Technical support from CPCB, ISRO, and NITI Aayog
Functions
Monitor and coordinate air quality management efforts in NCR and adjoining areas
Research sources of air pollution and propose mitigation strategies
Implement air quality policies with state agencies
Raise public awareness and engage communities in air quality management
Powers
Jurisdiction: Over air quality issues in NCR, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Powers:
Issue binding directions to authorities and individuals
Restrict activities impacting air quality
Investigate and enforce environmental pollution measures
Take strict actions against non-compliance under the CAQM Act, 2021
Initiate complaints and enforce regulations
PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
PM Modi inaugurated the 100 TPD cattle dung-based Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant in Gwalior.
About the CBG Plant
The plant is located in Laltipara, Gwalior, within the largest cowshed in the region, Adarsh Gaushala, which houses over 10,000 cattle.
It spans over 5 acres.
It is India’s first self-sufficient gaushala with a modern CBG plant, where cow dung and organic waste (such as vegetable and fruit waste from mandis and households) are processed into valuable biogas.
The project, developed at a cost of ₹31 crores, is a collaboration between Gwalior Municipal Corporation and the Indian Oil Corporation.
Working features:
Bio CNG: The plant produces 2 tons of compressed Bio CNG daily from 100 tons of cattle dung, providing a cleaner, eco-friendly alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
Organic Manure: The plant also generates 10-15 tons of dry bio-manure daily, which is a valuable by-product for organic farming.
Windrow composting: The plant incorporates windrow composting, located adjacent to the main facility, which enhances organic waste processing.
What is Compressed Biogas (CBG)?
Details
About
CBG is a renewable natural gas produced from the biochemical conversion of organic waste into methane.
It is chemically similar to CNG (compressed natural gas) and can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels in transportation, cooking, and power generation.
Process of Making CBG
Collection of Organic Waste: Organic waste such as agricultural residue, animal dung, food waste, and municipal solid waste is collected from farms, industries, and households.
Anaerobic Digestion: Waste is placed in an airtight chamber, where microorganisms break it down without oxygen, producing biogas (methane, carbon dioxide, trace gases).
Purification: The raw biogas undergoes purification through methods like pressure swing adsorption, water scrubbing, or membrane separation to remove impurities like CO₂, H₂S, and water, leaving pure methane.
Compression: The purified methane is compressed to 200-250 bar pressure to form CBG, reducing volume for storage and transportation.
Storage and Distribution: It is stored in high-pressure cylinders or tanks and transported to fuel stations or industries for various applications.
Significance of CBG
Reduces fossil fuel dependence.
Mitigates landfill methane emissions.
CBG can replace CNG, reducing pollution.
Utilizes local organic waste.
Creates jobs, promotes organic farming, and provides eco-friendly fertilizers.
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)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have always focused on ‘Left Wing Extremism’ (2023), ‘Growth of Naxalism, and Radicalization’ (2022 and 2024).
The SATP report notes an increase in Maoist activities across 12 states, highlighting a rise from 10 states in 2022. Despite claims of declining violence due to the National Policy and Action Plan (NPAP), challenges remain.
But Why? What is the root cause?
Today’s editorial talks about the significance of vigilance and adaptability in combating extremist violence. This content can be used for ‘Rising Radicalization and Terrorism in India’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the key observations from the early post-independence history?
• The India-Pak partition in 1947 resulted in one of the largest mass migrations (14 to 18 million people displaced) that led to widespread communal violence, resulting in approximately one million deaths across religious communities. This continues to affect India-Pakistan relations even today. • Further, under the leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the government employed a combination of negotiations and military action to integrate these states into the Indian Union. For example, Hyderabad through Operation Polo and Junagadh’s accession following a plebiscite. • The new Indian government emphasized secularism as a foundational principle, and the Constitution adopted a framework for democracy and civil rights while promoting equality among all citizens. The practice of untouchability was abolished, and reservations were implemented for marginalized communities. o But in the immediate years, agricultural productivity was low, exacerbated by droughts and inadequate infrastructure. o The government recognized the need for economic reforms to uplift the agrarian sector and improve living conditions. • This period (1950s-1960s) also witnessed the emergence of political movements addressing regional aspirations and demands for statehood, such as the formation of Andhra Pradesh following widespread protests after the death of Potti Sriramulu during a hunger strike.
How has the nature of extremist violence evolved in the digital age?
Increased Accessibility and Propagation: The internet has made extremist content more accessible than ever before. Individuals can easily find and engage with violent extremist materials online, which contributes to normalization and desensitization to radical ideas.
Social media platforms have become critical tools for extremists to disseminate their messages and recruit new members.
Research shows that social media played a role in the radicalization processes of nearly 90% of extremists in certain datasets between 2005 and 2016. It allows individuals to radicalize without physical contact, often leading to what is termed “lone actor terrorism”.
Use of Disinformation Tactics: Extremists have increasingly created echo chambers where their ideologies are reinforced without challenge. Right-wing extremists, in particular, have been noted to benefit from such tactics more than other groups, utilizing disinformation campaigns to further their agendas.
Role of Anonymity and Encryption: Encrypted messaging apps and decentralized platforms enable them to communicate securely, share resources, and organize activities without attracting attention from law enforcement. This shift has made it more challenging for authorities to monitor and counteract.
Gaming Platforms: Emerging trends show that gaming platforms are being leveraged by extremists as new venues for recruitment and radicalization. These environments allow for interaction with potential recruits in less scrutinized settings, where extremist ideologies can be presented in a more palatable manner.
What are the reasons behind the rise of new forms of extremist violence?
Socio-Political Factors: Ongoing geopolitical issues and perceived injustices within the country and the society, fuel extremist sentiments. Economic disparities and social inequalities drive individuals towards extremist ideologies.
Recruitment and Exploitation: Extremist groups generally prefer these isolated individuals, particularly children and youth, for recruitment.
Hybridization of Extremist Ideologies: Individuals combine various ideologies and conspiracy theories, creating complex motivations for violence. Their narratives are often tailored to personal experiences and grievances faced by the Indian society.
Covert Operations: Digital Encryption allows extremists to communicate and organize without detection. For Example, increased incidents of individuals committing violence independently, often using online resources for planning.
What strategies can be implemented to effectively counteract extremist violence?
Community Engagement and Empowerment: Engage local communities through initiatives that foster trust between law enforcement and community members. Ensure that community engagement efforts are broad-based and inclusive, addressing all forms of ideologically motivated violence.
Education and Awareness Programs: Implement educational initiatives that promote respect for diversity, human rights, and critical thinking skills among youth. This can help counteract extremist narratives and reduce susceptibility to radicalization.
Countering Online Radicalization by PPP: The government can collaborate with technology companies to develop tools that can help identify and counter extremist content online while respecting privacy rights.
Socio-Economic Development: Focus on socio-economic development by offering effective alternatives to violence for at-risk groups. This includes enhancing participatory decision-making processes and strengthening local governance to address the root causes of discontent that can lead to radicalization.
Policymakers globally are addressing Big Tech’s dominance in AI by investing in sovereign cloud infrastructure, open data platforms, and supporting start-ups, yet these measures may inadvertently reinforce Big Tech’s control.
How can we ensure that AI is implemented in a way that upholds democratic values?
It promotes Open Data Initiatives: While open data can enhance AI systems, it must be safeguarded against commercial capture by larger entities. Initiatives should focus on making data accessible and usable for smaller players without allowing Big Tech to monopolize it.
It invests in Public Compute Infrastructure: Establishing public computing resources can provide alternatives to private cloud services dominated by Big Tech. However, these resources must be competitive in terms of cost and functionality to be effective.
It fosters Smaller AI Models: Shifting focus from large-scale deep learning models to smaller, theory-driven AI models can democratize development. This approach emphasizes domain expertise and lived experiences over sheer data volume, which aligns better with democratic values.
What role should public participation play?
Engagement in Policy Development: Involving diverse stakeholders, including community representatives and industry experts, can help create policies that reflect a broader range of interests and concerns regarding AI deployment.
Transparency and Accountability: Mechanisms should be established to ensure transparency in AI decision-making processes. Public oversight can help hold organizations accountable for their AI practices, particularly regarding data usage and algorithmic biases.
Community-Centric AI Solutions: Encouraging local communities to participate in the design and implementation of AI solutions can lead to more equitable outcomes. This involvement ensures that AI applications address specific community needs rather than serving corporate interests alone.
What are the risks associated with technocratic governance?
Concentration of Power: The dominance of Big Tech can lead to a concentration of power where a few entities dictate the terms of AI development and deployment. This scenario risks sidelining smaller players and reducing diversity in innovation.
Surveillance and Privacy Concerns: The use of AI for surveillance by powerful corporations can threaten individual privacy rights. Policymakers must carefully consider the implications of deploying AI technologies that could exacerbate existing inequalities or infringe on civil liberties.
Erosion of Public Trust: If the public perceives that AI governance is primarily driven by technocratic elites without adequate input from citizens, trust in these systems may erode. This distrust can hinder the effective implementation of AI technologies that could otherwise benefit society.
Way forward:
Establish Inclusive AI Governance: Create multi-stakeholder frameworks involving governments, communities, and smaller players to ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable access to AI resources, safeguarding against monopolistic practices.
Prioritize Ethical, Small-Scale AI Development: Shift focus from large-scale deep learning models to theory-driven, domain-specific AI solutions that respect privacy, foster community involvement, and address localized needs, promoting democratic values in AI deployment.
Mains PYQ:
Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
A sub-adult female tiger from Kamakhya Reserve Forest in Assam strayed near Kaziranga National Park and was attacked by locals.
All facts about Kaziranga National Park:
Details
About
• Located in the Golaghat, Sonitpur, Biswanath, and Nagaon districts of Assam, India.
• Spans 430 sq. km. (166 square miles).
• Established as a reserve forest in 1905, declared as a National park in 1974, and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site in 1985.
• Declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
Geographical Features
• The park is crisscrossed by the Brahmaputra River along with numerous small bodies of water.
• Dominated by tall elephant grass, marshland, and tropical moist broadleaf forests.
• Terrain includes sandbars, beels (flood-formed lakes), and chapories (elevated areas).
Flora and Fauna
Flora: Includes 4 main vegetation types: alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests.
Fauna: Home to 35 mammalian species(15 threatened), it also includes the world’s largest populations of Indian rhinoceros (2,613), wild water buffalo (1,666), swamp deer (468), elephants (1,940), gaur (1,300), and sambar (58).
• Important bird area with 57 species of birds, including migratory species.
• Rich biodiversity, including significant populations of chital, Indian muntjac, wild boar, and hog deer.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following pairs:
National Park River flowing through the Park
1. Corbett National Park : Ganga
2. Kaziranga National Park : Manas
3. Silent Valley National Park : Kaveri
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
Several dead fishare floating on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala due to illegal use of‘thotta’ (explosives) and ‘nanchu’ (poisons) for fishing.
About Ashtamudi Lake:
Details
About
• Brackish-water estuarine lake, located in Kerala, covering 5,700 hectares.
• Designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in 2002.
Geographical Features
• Encompasses 8 channels (arms) connecting to the lake, giving it the name “Ashtamudi.” (gateway to the backwaters of Kerala)
• Second largest lake in Kerala (first being the Vembanad Lake), drains into the sea via Neendakara estuary.
• Kallada River is the main water source for the lake.
• Historical significance as a major port city of Quilon, as recorded by Ibn Battuta.
Flora and Fauna
• Mangrove species: Avicennia officinalis, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Sonneratia caseolaris.
• Endangered species: Syzygium travancoricum and Calamus rotang.
• 57 species of avifauna, including 6 migratory species and 51 resident species.
• In 2014, the Clam Governing Council became the first Marine Stewardship Council certified fishery in India for their sustainable clam fishing.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
PYQ Relevance: Q) “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC CSE 2022)
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has recently focused on Environmental Issues (2020) and regional Environmental Challenges (2023).
According to the Emissions Gap Report 2024 from the United Nations Environment Programme, India has seen over 6% more greenhouse gas emissions than the previous year.
Today at the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. These two examples show that India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
Today’s editorial talks about the challenges around the current environmental health governance in India. This content can be used for ‘Environmental regulations and challenges’.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the end of COP 29 in Baku (Azerbaijan), India will push for ambitious climate mitigation financing from developed nations. At the same time, India is at a critical juncture in its environmental and public health journey.
What are the current gaps in India’s environmental health regulations?
Fragmented Regulatory Framework: Current environmental governance is divided among multiple ministries, such as the Ministryof Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
This fragmentation results in a disconnect between environmental monitoring and health impact assessments, leading to ineffective responses to pollution-related health issues.
Outdated Legislation: Many existing laws, such as the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, have not been updated to reflect current environmental challenges.
They do not adequately address modern pollution sources or incorporate contemporary scientific understanding of environmental health risks.
Insufficient Data Collection and Research: There is a lack of reliable, comprehensive data on the health impacts of environmental pollutants.
While organizations like the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conduct important research, there is no centralized body to synthesize this data into actionable policies. This gap hampers effective regulation and public health interventions.
Inadequate Enforcement Mechanisms: Although laws exist to regulate pollution, enforcement remains weak due to bureaucratic inertia, lack of resources, and sometimes political influence.
Compliance with pollution control measures is often not monitored effectively, allowing violations to persist without consequences.
Exemptions in New Regulations: Recent proposals, such as the Remediation of Contaminated Sites Rules, 2024, have notable exemptions that exclude certain types of contaminated sites from regulation (e.g., radioactive sites, abandoned mines).
This can leave significant areas unaddressed in terms of cleanup and remediation efforts
How would a dedicated environmental health regulatory agency improve public health outcomes?
Integrated Approach: The agency would combine environmental and public health oversight, ensuring that regulations address the interconnectedness of environmental factors and health outcomes.
Enhanced Regulation and Enforcement: It would enforce stricter regulations on pollutants and ensure compliance from industries, reducing harmful exposures to air and water quality issues.
Data Collection and Research: The agency would prioritize systematic data collection on environmental health impacts, leading to better-informed policies and timely interventions for pollution-related health issues.
Public Awareness and Education: By educating the public about environmental health risks, the agency would empower communities to advocate for cleaner environments and healthier living conditions.
What international best practices can India adopt for an effective framework?
Implementation of EHS Guidelines: India can utilize the World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines, which provide comprehensive standards for managing environmental health risks across various industries.
Framework for Environmental Public Health Functions: India can implement the EEPHF framework developed by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which outlines responsibilities for health actors and governance structures necessary for effective environmental health management.
Comprehensive Risk Management: Implementing a structured risk management framework similar to that outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would allow India to evaluate multiple contaminants and exposure pathways comprehensively.
Environmental Health Incident Management: India can adopt a coordinated incident management framework like the Australia’s system, which provides mechanisms for responding to environmental health incidents effectively. This includes preparedness measures, effective communication strategies, and collaboration across government sectors to minimize impacts on public health.
Way Forward: To improve environmental health in India, there is a need for an integrated regulatory approach that updates laws, enhances enforcement, engages communities, and ensures comprehensive monitoring of pollutants.
