The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) was honored with the prestigious Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), The Hague Award during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties.
Significance of the OPCW-The Hague Award
Purpose: The award recognizes contributions to advancing the goals of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), focusing on chemical safety, disarmament, and global security.
This year, the award was given to the Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the first chemical industry body to receive it, for its role in promoting chemical safety and CWC compliance.
Global Impact: The award emphasizes ICC’s work in collaboration with international bodies and advocacy for sustainable practices in chemical security.
Legacy: The OPCW, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013, continues to honor impactful organizations and individuals contributing to the global disarmament agenda.
What is theChemical Weapons Convention (CWC)?
Details
What is it?
• CWC bans the development, use, and stockpiling of chemical weapons and mandates their destruction.
• Genesis: Negotiations began in 1980.
• Established: Opened for signature on January 13, 1993, and entered into force on April 29, 1997.
• More comprehensive than the 1925 Geneva Protocol, which only banned the use of chemical weapons.
Structure and Functions
• Conference of States Parties (CSP): The main decision-making body, meeting annually.
• Executive Council: 41-member body overseeing CWC implementation.
• Technical Secretariat: Provides support for verification and compliance.
• Verification: Inspects facilities and ensures compliance with the treaty.
Membership criteria and members
• Open to all nations: Any state can join if it meets requirements.
• 193 States-Parties: Includes most nations.
• Non-Signatories: Egypt, North Korea, and South Sudan have neither signed nor ratified the CWC.
Functioning Arm
• Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) implements the CWC, headquartered in The Hague.
• Role: Oversees the destruction of chemical weapons and ensures treaty compliance.
• Inspection: Conducts inspections of chemical facilities worldwide.
• Awards: The OPCW won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its efforts in chemical weapons elimination.
PYQ:
[2016] With reference to ‘Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’, consider the following statements:
It is an organization of the European Union in working relation with NATO and WHO.
It monitors the chemical industry to prevent new weapons from emerging.
It provides assistance and protection to States (Parties) against chemical weapons threats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
The Ministry of Science and Technology, through its three key departments — Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), and Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) — is implementing various schemes to bolster the Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) ecosystem across India.
Schemes Implemented Under the Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Scheme
Objective
Key Components
Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building (2015)
Enhance human resource development and institutional capacity in science and technology.
– Fellowships at various levels (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, post-doctoral).
– Establishment of sophisticated R&D facilities.
– Capacity building for faculty.
Research and Development (R&D) (2009)
Support research in fundamental, applied, and translational sciences.
– Collaborative research with universities, government, and private sectors.
– International research cooperation.
– Focus on diverse sectors like health, energy, and IT.
Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment (2016)
Foster innovation and facilitate the development of new technologies for national development.
– Technology incubation centers.
– Technology transfer and commercialization.
– Support for startups and entrepreneurs.
National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) (2017)
Promote interdisciplinary research in Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) that integrate computational algorithms with physical processes.
– Development of CPS technologies (e.g., IoT, smart cities, advanced manufacturing).
– Setting up innovation centers and testbeds for CPS.
Advance quantum technologies for solving national challenges in energy, communications, and security.
– Research in quantum computing, quantum communications, and quantum sensing.
– Establishment of quantum technology hubs and research centers.
Schemes Implemented Under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
Scheme
Objective
Key Components
Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) (2017)
Foster innovation in biotechnology through research, industrial development, and entrepreneurship.
– Biotechnology R&D: Funding for research projects.
– Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED): Support for biotech startups and industrial innovations.
– Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry: Development of manufacturing and biotechnological production systems.
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the “National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)”, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme by the Agriculture Ministry to promote natural farming nationwide in mission mode.
What is Natural Farming?
Natural farming is defined by the Agriculture Ministry as a chemical-free agricultural system that relies solely on inputs derived from livestock and plant resources. This approach emphasizes the use of local agroecological principles and traditional knowledge, integrating crops, trees, and livestock to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
Aim: The goal is to rejuvenate soil quality while minimizing external inputs, thus reducing costs for farmers and promoting healthier food production.
How is the NMNF Different from Earlier Interventions?
The NMNF represents an evolution of previous initiatives, particularly the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP), which was launched in 2019.
Higher Budgetary Outlay: The NMNF has a total financial outlay of ₹2,481 crore, with ₹1,584 crore from the central government and ₹897 crore from states until 2025-26.
Targeting More Farmers: The mission aims to engage over one crore farmers, significantly expanding its reach compared to earlier efforts.
Establishment of Standards: It seeks to create scientifically supported standards and streamlined certification processes for naturally grown produce, along with a national brand for such products.
Why is it Necessary to Diversify the Farming Basket?
Environmental Sustainability: Reducing chemical inputs helps restore soil health and biodiversity, making agriculture more resilient to climate change.
Economic Viability: By promoting local inputs and reducing dependency on purchased fertilizers, farmers can lower their costs and increase their profitability.
Food Security: A diverse agricultural system can lead to improved food quality and nutritional security for communities.
Why a Mission on Natural Farming is Needed?
Excessive Fertilizer Use: The initiative targets districts with high fertiliser consumption, aiming to shift practices towards more sustainable methods that rejuvenate soil health and reduce environmental degradation.
Health Risks: By eliminating synthetic chemicals from farming, the mission aims to lower health risks associated with pesticide exposure for both farmers and consumers.
Climate Resilience: Natural farming practices enhance resilience against climate-related challenges such as droughts and floods by improving soil structure and water retention capabilities.
Way forward:
Policy and Infrastructure Support: Strengthen institutional frameworks by expanding Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs), offering financial incentives, and ensuring easy access to natural farming resources and certification systems.
Awareness and Capacity Building: Conduct large-scale training programs for farmers on natural farming practices, promote successful models through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and foster collaborations with agricultural universities for research and innovation.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is an Integrated Farming System? How is it helpful to small and marginal farmers in India? (UPSC IAS/2022)
A depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to further intensify into Cyclone Fengal.
The system is currently close to an area with higher sea surface temperatures (SST), contributing to its potential intensification into a cyclonic storm.
Origin of the Name ‘Fengal’
The name ‘Fengal’ was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is rooted in Arabic.
It reflects a combination of linguistic tradition and cultural identity.
Cyclone Naming Process:
Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) panel.
This panel includes 13 member countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, among others.
Each member country submits a list of potential cyclone names, and these names are used sequentially as cyclones form in the region.
This system, in place since 2004, ensures easy identification and effective communication of storms to the public.
PYQ:
[2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?
National Milk Day on November 26 commemorates the birth anniversary of ‘The Milkman of India’, Dr Verghese Kurien, who was credited with making India self-reliant in milk production.
AboutNational Milk Day:
Details
• Observed on November 26 to honor Dr. Verghese Kurien’s contributions to India’s dairy industry and the White Revolution.
• Celebrates India’s transformation into the world’s largest milk producer.
Contributions made by Varghese Kurien
• Born on November 26, 1921, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
• Played a key role in establishing Amul (1949) and transforming it into a global dairy brand.
• Inaugural chairman of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).
• Led Operation Flood, which revolutionized India’s dairy industry and made it self-sufficient in milk production.
• Received numerous awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1963).
About the White Revolution and Milk Production in India
• Initiated in 1970 through Operation Flood to increase milk production and reduce dependence on milk powder imports.
• Empowered dairy farmers by promoting a cooperative-based model for milk production.
• By the late 1990s, India became the world’s largest milk producer, surpassing the US.
• Milk production grew threefold, from 21.2 million tonnes in 1968-69 to over 55 million tonnes by 1991-92.
• Helped build the infrastructure for milk supply chains, processing plants, and storage facilities, making milk more accessible.
• Significantly improved the income and livelihood of rural farmers, boosting employment and economic development.
India is ranked 1st in milk production, contributing 24% of global milk production, reaching 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23.
The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to submit the report on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka Pennaiyar River Water Dispute.
About Pennaiyar River
Origin and Geological Composition
• Also known as Thenpennai, originates on the eastern slope of Nandi Hills in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu into the Bay of Bengal.
• Length: 497 km (2nd longest in TN); Catchment area: 3,690 km².
• 77% of the drainage basin lies in Tamil Nadu.
• Bounded by the Velikonda, Nagari, Javadu, Shevaroy, Chitteri, and Kalrayan hills of the Eastern Ghats.
• Lies in the tropical monsoon zone with monsoon (June–December) and non-monsoon (January–May) periods.
Tributaries
• Tributaries include Markandanadhi, Kambainallur, Pambar, Vaniyar, Kallar, Valayar Odai, Pambanar, Aliyar, Musukundanadhi, and Thurinjalar.
• Supported by monsoonal rains and reservoirs like Kelavarapalli, Krishnagiri, and Sathanur Dams.
Important Sites along its Basin
• Mentioned in Sangamliterature for its lush vegetation.
• Important temples include Penneswaraar Temple, Dakshina Tirupati, Veerateshwarar Temple, and Kabilar Kundru.
• Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary is a key protected area near the river.
• Used for irrigation in districts such as Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Kolar, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Viluppuram, and Cuddalore.
PYQ:
[2004] Assertion (A): West- flowing rivers of Peninsular India have no deltas:
Reason (R): These Rivers do not carry any alluvial sediments.
Both A and R are individually true and R is the correct explanation of A
Both A and R are individually true but R is not the correct explanation of A
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of the alarming rise in the number of Himalayan glacial lakes due to rising temperatures, highlighting the growing risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides.
Central Water Commission’s (CWC) report on Glacial Lakes
Glacial lakes in the Himalayas have expanded by 10.81%in 13 years due to glacier melting caused by rising temperatures.
Between 2011 and 2024, India’s glacial lakes grew by 33.7%, highlighting the escalating threat.
The NGT noted that 67 lakes in India saw a surface area increase of over 40%, marking them as high-risk for GLOFs.
Key areas of expansion include Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
AboutNational Green Tribunal (NGT):
About
Establishment:
• Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body. • Aimed at addressing environmental issues and ensuring speedy implementation of decisions.
• Known for making significant decisions, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and cancelling coal block clearances.
Composition:
• Headquartered in Delhi.
• Chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge.
• Includes Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
Benches:
• Principal bench in Delhi.
• Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Powers and Functions of NGT
• Empowered to decide on cases related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues.
• Responsible for enforcement of:
– The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
– The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
– The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and more.Exceptions:
• Not authorized to hear cases under:
– The Indian Forest Act, 1927
– The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
– State laws related to the protection of trees, forests, etc.
Governing Principles:
• Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by the Indian Evidence Act.
• Applies the principles of sustainable development, precautionary approach, and the polluter pays principle.
Review and Challenge:
• NGT orders can be reviewed under Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
• Orders can be challenged before the Supreme Court within ninety days.
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?
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)
