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GS Paper: GS3

  • What is High-Altitude Sickness?

    Why in the News?

    The tragic death of a trekker scaling Garur Peak in Uttarakhand, underscores the dangers of high-altitude sickness in the Himalayas.

    What is High-Altitude Sickness?

    • Causes: High-altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body struggles to acclimatise to elevations above 8,000 feet (2,400 metres) due to reduced oxygen levels.
    • Symptoms: Early signs include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath. If untreated, it may escalate to:
      • High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties.
      • High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Fluid in the brain, leading to confusion, hallucinations, and coma.

    Prevention and Treatment

    • To prevent AMS, experts recommend a slow ascent with rest days every 3-4 days above 3,000 meters and avoiding sleeping elevation increases of more than 500 meters per day.
    • Medications:
      • Acetazolamide: Aids acclimatisation.
      • Dexamethasone: Reduces severe inflammation.
      • Nifedipine: Prevents HAPE in high-risk individuals.
        Note: Medications are not foolproof and are to be taken under medical guidance.

  • How India could counter the CBAM?

    Why in the News?

    India has called protectionist policies like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, and Deforestation Regulation as  “unfair” and “unjust”.

    What is CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism)?

    • CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) is a proposed policy by the European Union (EU) aimed at addressing carbon leakage, ensuring that imported goods face a similar carbon cost as those produced within the EU.
    • The mechanism requires companies that export goods to the EU from non-EU countries to purchase carbon certificates, reflecting the carbon emissions involved in the production of these goods.
    • This is intended to create a level playing field for EU industries that have to meet strict carbon emissions regulations.

    How will the CBAM impact India’s key industries and overall trade?

    • Disruption to Trade: CBAM could significantly affect India’s exports to the EU, especially sectors like iron, steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers, which account for a large portion of India’s trade with the EU.
    • Increased Export Costs: The new requirements under CBAM, such as carbon emission certificates, will likely increase production costs for industries, making them less competitive in the global market.
    • Risk to Iron and Steel Industry: As iron and steel make up 76.83% of India’s exports affected by CBAM, this sector could face the greatest challenge in terms of compliance and potential cost increases.
    • Economic Strain on Developing Economies: The additional burden of having to meet emissions standards without corresponding support or time for transition may lead to economic difficulties for India’s industries.

    What strategies can India employ to effectively challenge the CBAM?

    • Coordination with Other Developing Countries: India should align its arguments with other developing economies to present a unified stance, ensuring a coordinated response to the EU-CBAM that reflects shared concerns.
    • Arguing for Adequate Time for Adaptation: India can argue that developing nations should be given sufficient time to adapt to the CBAM, similar to the EU’s phased climate targets, to avoid disproportionate burden.
    • Revenue Sharing: India can advocate for the EU to share the revenues generated from CBAM with non-EU countries to support capacity building, technology transfer, and emission reduction initiatives in developing nations.
    • Equity-Based Accounting (EBA) Proposal: India can push for a more equitable framework for emission reductions, suggesting the adoption of an EBA that takes into account historical contributions to climate change, trade benefits, and the developmental needs of nations.
    • Highlighting the CBAM’s Discriminatory Nature: India should emphasize that CBAM imposes an unjust transfer of climate responsibilities to developing countries without considering their economic realities or historical emissions.

    What role does International cooperation play in addressing the challenges?

    • Global Coordination on Climate Action: India should work with other developing countries to demand a more inclusive global framework for addressing climate change, ensuring that the impacts of mechanisms like CBAM are shared equitably.
    • Technology and Knowledge Sharing: International cooperation can facilitate the transfer of green technologies, which would help developing nations meet emissions targets without stifling their economic growth.
    • Addressing Historical Responsibilities: Cooperation with other nations can strengthen calls for addressing historical emissions and providing the necessary financial resources to developing countries to adapt to climate policies like CBAM.
    • Leveraging Multilateral Platforms: India can use international platforms such as the UNFCCC and COP discussions to engage with other nations and challenge policies that disproportionately affect developing economies.

    Conclusion: India should actively engage with other developing countries and form a coalition to present a unified front against the discriminatory nature of CBAM. This could involve joint lobbying at international forums such as the UNFCCC and COP summits.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?  (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Telangana’s new EV policy

    Why in the News?

    The Telangana government has decided to completely waive road tax and registration fees for people buying electric vehicles.

    What are the key features of Telangana’s EV policy?

    • 100% Road Tax and Registration Fee Exemption: Electric two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and commercial vehicles (such as taxis, autorickshaws, electric light goods carriers, and buses) will be exempt from road tax and registration fees for the entire lifetime of the vehicle.
    • Exemption for Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC): The exemption will apply to electric vehicles operated by TSRTC and buses owned by industries used for employee transport (not commercial purposes).
    • Validity Period: The exemption will be valid for two years, up to December 31, 2026, regardless of the number of vehicles registered.
    • Promotion of EV Awareness: The government is focused on spreading awareness about electric vehicle usage to reduce pollution levels and make Hyderabad pollution-free.
    • Support for Charging Infrastructure: Manufacturers of electric vehicles are encouraged to take the initiative in establishing charging stations to ensure convenience for users.

    How will the government support the EV push?

    • The government will provide exemptions from road taxes and registration fees for various categories of electric vehicles to make them more affordable for consumers.
    • A meeting of the concerned departments (Transport, Home, HMDA, etc.) will be convened to ensure effective coordination and implementation of the EV policy.
    • Government representatives studied the policies of other states to come up with a policy tailored to Telangana’s needs, reflecting the best practices for EV adoption.

    India’s New Electric Vehicle Policy 2024:

    • Duty Reduction: A customs duty of 15% is now applicable on imported EVs priced at $35,000 or above, significantly lower than the previous rates of 70-100%. This reduced rate will last for five years.
    • Import Limits and Investment Requirements: The policy allows for a maximum of 8,000 imported EVs per year, contingent on manufacturers investing at least ₹4,150 crore (approximately $500 million) in local production. There is no upper limit on investment, encouraging substantial financial commitments in the sector.
    • Local Manufacturing Mandate: Companies must establish operational facilities within three years and achieve a minimum domestic value addition (DVA) of 25% by that time, increasing to 50% by the fifth year. This aims to enhance local manufacturing capabilities.
    • Increased Import Allowance for Larger Investments: If a manufacturer invests over $800 million, they can import up to 40,000 EVs, still capped at 8,000 per year, with the option to carry over unused limits.
    • Bank Guarantees: A bank guarantee is required, which will be returned only upon meeting the DVA target and investment criteria.

    Why special EV Policy is needed?

    • Environmental Goals: The EV policy is part of an effort to reduce pollution levels in Telangana, especially in Hyderabad, to prevent the city from facing pollution issues similar to those in New Delhi.
    • Lack of Implementation in the Past: Although the previous government introduced an EV policy for 2020-30, it was not implemented effectively. The new policy addresses this gap and actively promotes EV adoption.
    • Growing Need for Awareness and Infrastructure: The policy also aims to spread awareness about EVs and address infrastructure challenges, such as the availability of charging stations, which are crucial to making electric vehicles a viable alternative.
    • Encouraging Wider Adoption: The policy aims to increase the percentage of electric vehicles in the state (currently 5 out of every 100 vehicles are EVs) by offering financial incentives and creating an ecosystem that supports EV users.

    Conclusion: Expanding and improving the availability of EV charging stations across the state is crucial to ensure the seamless adoption of electric vehicles, especially in urban areas and key highways.

  • India’s 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

    India's 56th Tiger Reserve notified in Chhatisgarh

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government has notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country’s 56th Tiger Reserve, now recognized as the third-largest tiger reserve in India.

    Largest Tiger Reserves in India:

    • First: Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh
    • Second: Manas Tiger Reserve, Assam
    • Third: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh

    About the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve (TR):

    Details
    Location   • Located across Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur districts of Chhattisgarh.
    • Total area: 2,829.38 sq. km.
    • Core area: 2,049.2 sq. km (Guru Ghasidas National Park + Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary).
    • Buffer area: 780.15 sq. km.
    Regional Significance • Contiguous with Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh forming a 4,500 sq. km landscape.
    • Connected to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (west) and Palamau Tiger Reserve (east).
    Biodiversity • 753 species documented by Zoological Survey of India.
    • 230 bird species.
    • 55 mammal species, including several threatened species.
    Landscape  • Located within the Chota Nagpur Plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand Plateau.
    • Features dense forests, streams, and rivers, providing a rich habitat for tigers and diverse fauna.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Among the following Tiger Reserves, which one has the largest area under “Critical Tiger Habitat”?

    (a) Corbett

    (b) Ranthambore

    (c) Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam

    (d) Sunderbans

     

  • CAG flags 42% resource-expenditure gap, 37% staff vacancy

    Why in the News?

    The CAG found that urban local bodies in 18 states, serving 241 million people, face a 42% gap between income and spending, with just 29% used for development work.

    What are the key findings of the report?

    • Resource-Expenditure Gap: Urban local bodies (ULBs) in 18 states face a 42% gap between their income and expenditure, with only 29% of spending directed toward development work.
    • Revenue Dependence: ULBs generate only 32% of their revenue independently, relying heavily on Union and state government funds; they collect just 56% of their property tax demand.
    • Staff Shortages and Limited Recruitment Powers: ULBs operate with an average 37% staff vacancy rate, and 16 states provide them with limited or no recruitment autonomy.
    • Incomplete Implementation of the 74th Amendment: While 17 out of 18 functions have been devolved on average, compliance remains weak. Critical areas like urban planning and fire services are the least devolved.

    What are the implications of the resource-expenditure gap?

    • Reduced Development Expenditure: With only 29% of expenditure directed toward programmatic and development work, the quality and quantity of essential urban services such as sanitation, housing, and infrastructure suffer.
    • Increased Dependence on Grants: Only 32% of urban local bodies’ (ULBs) revenue comes from their own sources, making them overly reliant on state and Union government transfers. This undermines their fiscal autonomy.
    • Poor Service Delivery: Insufficient resources hinder the ability of ULBs to meet growing urban demands, exacerbating issues like inadequate housing, poor waste management, and insufficient public health services.
    • Impact on Urban Planning: The resource crunch constrains investment in urban planning and critical services like fire safety, leading to unplanned growth and vulnerabilities.

    How does the 37% staff vacancy rate impact government operations?

    • Operational Inefficiency: Vacant positions lead to delays in service delivery, poor maintenance of urban infrastructure, and inefficiencies in governance.
    • Overburdened Workforce: Existing staff must take on additional responsibilities, potentially leading to burnout and reduced productivity.
    • Limited Capacity for Resource Mobilization: Staff shortages in tax collection departments result in only 56% of property tax demand being realised, reducing revenue potential.
    • Weak Local Governance: Insufficient personnel to handle devolved functions hampers the implementation of policies and schemes meant for urban development.

    What are the Urban Local bodies?

    • The establishment and functioning of ULBs are governed by the 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India, enacted in 1992. 
    • This amendment provides a constitutional framework for urban self-governance and outlines the powers and responsibilities of ULBs, which include various functions related to public health, sanitation, urban planning, and infrastructure development.
    • ULBs are categorized into three main types: Municipal Corporations (for large cities), Municipalities (for smaller towns), and Nagar Panchayats (for transitional areas).

    What measures can be taken to improve resource mobilisation and management? (Way forward)

    • Enhancing Own Revenue Generation: ULBs should focus on improving their revenue generation capabilities, particularly in property tax collection where they currently realize only 56% of demand.
      • Implementing technology-driven solutions like GIS for property assessments could enhance collection efficiency.
    • Financial Management Training: Providing training for ULB officials on financial management could improve budgeting practices, ensuring that funds are allocated more effectively towards development projects.
    • Strengthening Autonomy: Empowering ULBs with greater autonomy over recruitment and financial decisions would enable them to respond more effectively to local needs and improve service delivery.
    • Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging partnerships with private entities can help leverage additional resources for urban development projects while sharing risks associated with large-scale investments.
    • Community Engagement Initiatives: Involving citizens in budgetary processes can increase transparency and accountability, potentially leading to better resource allocation aligned with community priorities.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Analyse the role of local bodies in providing good governance at local level and bring out the pros and cons merging the rural local bodies with the urban local bodies.  (UPSC IAS/2024)

  • COP-29 discussions flagging, no progress made on issues critical to developing countries: India

    Why in the News?

    The first week of the COP29 summit in Baku ended without major progress, as stark divisions between developed and developing nations hindered agreements on climate finance, trade measures, and equitable climate responsibilities.

    What is a COP meeting? 

    • Establishment and Early Meetings: The COP was established in 1995 following the adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The first COP (COP1) took place in Berlin, Germany, where parties began to negotiate binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
      • This initial meeting set the stage for subsequent negotiations and agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which established legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce emissions.
    • Evolving Focus and Agreements: Over the years, COP meetings have evolved to address not only mitigation strategies but also adaptation, finance, and technology transfer to developing countries.
      • The landmark Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015, establishing a global framework for climate action with commitments from all countries to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

    What is the status of climate finance commitments from developed countries?

    • Unmet Financial Pledges: Developed countries have failed to fulfill the $100 billion annual climate finance goal set in 2009, leading to growing frustration among developing nations.
    • Loans Dominate Finance: Nearly 70% of climate finance provided so far is in the form of loans, creating a debt burden for vulnerable economies.
    • Demand for $1.3 Trillion Annually: The G-77/China bloc has called for a significant increase in climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually, with a focus on grants and concessional funding instead of debt-inducing mechanisms.
    • Equity in Climate Finance: Developing nations demand accountability and emphasize that climate finance should address both mitigation and adaptation needs equitably.

    How will the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) support developing countries?

    • Capacity Building: The MWP aims to enhance the capabilities of developing countries to implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) effectively.
    • Technology Transfer: A robust technology implementation program with dedicated financial backing is proposed to ensure equitable access to climate technologies.
    • Adaptation Finance: The MWP includes provisions for scaling up financial resources to assist countries in adapting to climate impacts, especially for those most vulnerable.
    • Equity in Responsibility: The MWP aligns with the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR), ensuring that mitigation efforts consider historical emissions and current capacities.

    What measures will be taken to address unilateral trade actions impacting developing nations? (Way forward)

    • Criticism of CBAM: Developing nations, including India and Bolivia, criticized the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which they view as a discriminatory trade barrier violating equity principles.
    • Call for Equity: Developing nations argue that CBAM shifts the burden of climate action to economies with minimal historical emissions, impacting industrial growth and development.
    • Opposition to External Regulations: India emphasized that mitigation measures must align with NDCs and national sovereignty, opposing attempts to impose external climate regulations.
    • Collaboration Against Trade Barriers: The BASIC bloc, AOSIS, and the Arab Group are working together to resist measures like CBAM and push for trade policies that consider the needs of the Global South.
    • Reforms in Multilateral Financial Systems: Countries like South Africa advocate for multilateral reforms to ensure fairer financial systems and debt relief for vulnerable economies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Species in News: Oriental pied Hornbills

    Why in the News?

    The people of Mayong village in Assam have come together to protect a growing colony of oriental pied hornbills, which they view as symbols of peace and prosperity.

    Species in News: Oriental pied Hornbills

    About Oriental-pied Hornbills

    Details
    Name Scientific Name: Anthracoceros albirostris
    Common Names: Sunda Pied Hornbill, Malaysian Pied Hornbill
    Size: 600-900 grams, 55-60 cm in length.
    Habitat Found in South and Southeast Asia including India, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

    Inhabits tropical moist forests, secondary forests, and mangroves.
    Behavioural Features Diet: Omnivorous, mainly fruits (figs), insects, small reptiles.
    Role: Seed dispersers, forest regeneration agents.
    Nesting: Female seals in tree cavity, male feeds her.
    Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Least Concern; CITES: Appendix II (conditional trade permitted).
    Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, pet trade.
    Conservation: Protected in reserves, community efforts for habitat preservation.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] In which of the following regions of India, are you most likely to come across the ‘Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat?

    (a) Sand deserts of northwest India

    (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir

    (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat

    (d) Western Ghats

  • [pib] Postage Stamp released on Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047

    Why in the News?

    Madhya Pradesh marked a significant milestone in public health by unveiling a commemorative postage stamp dedicated to the Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047 initiative.

    What is the Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

    • SCD is a genetic disorder where red blood cells take a crescent shape, impairing circulation and causing complications like anaemia, organ damage, pain episodes, and a shortened lifespan.
      • It predominantly affects marginalized tribal populations.
    • Symptoms: Common symptoms include chronic anaemia, painful episodes (sickle cell crisis), and delayed growth and puberty.
    • Treatment: Treatments include blood transfusions, hydroxyurea to reduce pain episodes, and gene therapy or stem cell transplantation for long-term management.
    • India’s Mission:
      • Union Budget 2023-24 announced a mission to eradicate sickle cell anaemia by 2047, focusing on awareness and screening for individuals aged 0-40.
      • Anaemia Mukt Bharat Strategy: It provides bi weekly iron Folic acid supplementation to all under five children through ASHA workers.

    What are the key facts about the Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047 Initiative?

    Details
    Aims and Objectives • Complete eradication of sickle cell anemia by 2047.
    • Awareness and screening in tribal communities.
    • Accessible diagnosis and treatment, with tools like HPLC.
    • Genetic counseling for prevention.
    • Technology-driven monitoring via mobile app and National Sickle Cell Portal.
    Features of the Program • Newborn screening and prenatal diagnostics at AIIMS Bhopal.
    • Nationwide expansion to 17 states by 2047.
    • Advanced testing with HPLC machines.
    • Community engagement through support groups and education.
    Implementation   • Collaborations with institutions like AIIMS Bhopal, Sankalp India, and healthcare providers.
    • Phased rollout starting with high-prevalence regions in Madhya Pradesh.
    • Government funding for infrastructure and tech development.
    • Digital technology for data collection and case management.

     

    PYQ:

    [2023] Consider the following statements in the context of interventions being undertaken under the Anemia Mukt Bharat Strategy :

    1. It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
    2. It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
    3. It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
    4. It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) Only one
    (b) Only two
    (c) Only three
    (d) All four

  • India and Japan sign agreement for UNICORN masts for naval warships

    Why in the News?

    India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the co-development and co-production of the UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast for Indian Naval warships.

    What is the UNICORN Mast?

    • The UNICORN Mast is an advanced antenna system designed to enhance the stealth and operational capabilities of naval warships.
    • It was developed through collaboration between three Japanese companies: NEC Corporation, Sampa Kogyo K.K., and The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    • It will be co-developed in India by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
    • It consolidates multiple antennas, typically attached separately to a mast, into a single radar dome (radome).
    • By reducing the cross-sectional visibility of the mast, UNICORN significantly minimizes the electronic signatures of warships, making them harder to detect.
    • This technology is already in use on Mogami-class frigates in the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force.

    Objectives behind the Mission:

    • Enhance Naval Stealth: Improve stealth by reducing electronic and radar signatures.
    • Strengthen Defence Ties: Foster India-Japan collaboration in co-developing advanced defence systems.
    • Increase Operational Efficiency: Improve radar and communication for better detection and readiness.
    • Promote Indigenous Development: Support India’s self-reliance in defence tech with BEL involvement.

    Significance of this Mission:

    • Japan’s first defence tech export to India under the 2015 agreement.
    • Equips Indian Navy warships with advanced stealth technology.
    • Enhances regional maritime security and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.
    • Promotes technology sharing and innovation in India’s defence sector, boosting indigenous production.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship
    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine
    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

  • Why BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers have been banned in Delhi

    Why in the News?

    To tackle Delhi’s severe pollution and smog, the Delhi government started implementing GRAP Stage III on November 15, which bans BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers in the National Capital Region (NCR) to help improve air quality.

    What are Bharat Stage Emission Standards?

    •  Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards are regulations established by the Indian government to control the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engines in vehicles.
    •  The first standards were introduced in 1991, with subsequent updates leading to the current BS-VI standard, which came into effect on April 1, 2020. India has progressively aligned its standards with European norms, skipping BS-V altogether due to increasing pollution levels.

    What is the difference between BS-IV and BS-VI norms?

      • Sulphur Content: BS-VI fuel has a significantly lower sulphur content (10 ppm) compared to BS-IV fuel (50 ppm), resulting in reduced harmful emissions.
    • Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Emissions:
      • Diesel Vehicles: NOx emissions are limited to 80 mg/km under BS-VI, down from 250 mg/km under BS-IV.
      • Petrol Vehicles: NOx emissions are reduced from 80 mg/km in BS-IV to 60 mg/km in BS-VI.
    • Particulate Matter (PM): The permissible PM emissions for diesel vehicles have been reduced from 25 mg/km under BS-IV to 4.5 mg/km under BS-VI. Petrol vehicles are also subject to a new limit of 4.5 mg/km for PM.
    • Emission Control Technologies: BS-VI introduces advanced technologies such as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF), which were not part of the BS-IV standards. Additionally, Real Driving Emissions (RDE) testing is implemented to monitor emissions during actual driving conditions.

    Why have BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers been banned in Delhi-NCR?

    • Higher Emission Levels: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles emit significantly higher levels of pollutants like NOx, PM 2.5, and sulphur oxides compared to BS-VI vehicles. These emissions worsen Delhi-NCR’s already poor air quality, especially during high pollution periods.
    • Combatting Severe Smog and Pollution: Delhi-NCR experiences severe air quality degradation during winter due to factors like temperature inversion and low wind speeds. Banning older vehicles helps reduce pollution sources and alleviates smog conditions.
    • Alignment with GRAP Stage III: The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III mandates stricter pollution control measures during critical air quality levels, including banning more polluting vehicle categories, to protect public health and comply with environmental standards.

    Note:  The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III has been implemented in Delhi-NCR due to severe air pollution levels, specifically when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 400.

    What did the emission inventory say about Delhi NCR?

    • Current Challenges: The Delhi NCR region faces severe air quality issues, exacerbated by vehicular emissions, construction dust, and seasonal factors like stubble burning. The emission inventory indicates these pollutants contribute significantly to the city’s chronic smog problem.
    • Government Response: In response to high pollution levels, the Delhi government has implemented measures such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which includes bans on certain vehicle categories based on their emission standards.

     

    The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an average AQI of 494 (Severe plus category) for Delhi where the different scales and methods explain the gap.

    A study by the Centre for Science and Environment reveals that:

    • Vehicular emissions are the largest contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, accounting for 51.5% of the city’s pollution;
    • Neighbouring districts add 34.97 %,
    • Farm fires contribute 8.19%, and
    • Dust particles make up 3.7 % of the total air pollution in the city.

    What is the AQI Crisis in North India and What is the role of Climatic Conditions?

    • Northern India, particularly Delhi, is currently facing a severe air quality crisis, characterized by record-breaking Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. The AQI in many areas has exceeded 500, categorizing it as “severe-plus,” which poses significant health risks and limits visibility due to thick smog.
      • This year, despite a relatively pollution-free October and early November, the second week of November brought a sudden spike in toxic particulate matter, primarily PM2.5.
    • Weather Patterns: Inversions and stagnant air conditions have contributed to the accumulation of pollutants. The presence of a thick pollution blanket at around 500 meters above ground level has been linked to adverse local impacts when combined with regional emissions from stubble burning and other sources.
    • External Pollution Sources: The increase in pollution levels due to significant contributions from external sources, including emissions from nearby states like Punjab and Haryana.  

    What are the challenges in Monitoring AQI?

    • Inconsistent Data Reporting: There is confusion regarding AQI readings, with some private agencies reporting values exceeding 1,000 while official figures cap at 500. This discrepancy arises from differences in how pollutant concentrations are converted to AQI values based on less stringent national guidelines compared to WHO standards.
    • Dependence on External Data: India’s reliance on satellite data from NASA for monitoring fires and pollution limits its ability to independently assess air quality. There is a need for more localized monitoring using Indian satellites that can provide continuous coverage.
    • Lack of Comprehensive Frameworks: Current monitoring systems do not adequately account for regional cooperation or comprehensive frameworks that address transboundary pollution issues effectively. This lack of coordination complicates efforts to manage air quality across state lines.

    Way forward: 

    • Accelerate Transition to Cleaner Vehicles: Promote the adoption of electric and BS-VI vehicles through subsidies, scrappage policies, and robust charging infrastructure to phase out older, polluting vehicles effectively.
    • Strengthen Air Quality Measures: Enhance monitoring of industrial and vehicular emissions, enforce GRAP actions stringently, and increase public awareness to reduce pollution sources and improve compliance.
    • Public Health Prioritization: A health-centric approach should prioritize the well-being of citizens by implementing measures that reduce exposure to harmful pollutants, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
    • Multidisciplinary Solutions: Addressing air quality issues necessitates collaboration across various sectors, including transportation, urban planning, and public health. This multidisciplinary approach can foster innovative solutions tailored to local contexts while addressing broader climatic challenges.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the government of India? (UPSC IAS/2020)