PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
Linkage: The shipping industry’s contribution to GHG emissions (approximately 1 billion metric tonnes annually, about 2.8% of total global emissions) and the IMO’s efforts to reduce these emissions to align with goals like the Paris Agreement. The question’s focus on international climate agreements (Kyoto Protocol) is relevant to the IMO’s regulatory efforts. |
Mentor’s Comment: The adoption of the Net Zero Framework, which is based on Market-Based Measure (MBM) by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to regulate and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping, marking a historic shift in global climate governance. It highlights the geopolitical negotiations, competing national interests, and the struggle to balance environmental effectiveness with economic fairness in formulating a global carbon levy on shipping emissions.
Today’s editorial talks about regulation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. This topic is useful for GS Paper II (International Relations and Policy Making) and GS Paper III (Environment).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
At the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-83) session of the IMO, a major step was taken by approving a new system to cut shipping emissions.
What is the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)?
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a United Nations specialized agency responsible for regulating international shipping, promoting maritime safety, environmental protection, legal matters, and technical cooperation among member states. |
Why is it a landmark step?
- First Legally Binding Global Emission Levy: Shipping is the first industry with a mandatory, global emissions levy under the MARPOL treaty—unlike aviation (ICAO) or manufacturing, which follow voluntary or regional norms.
- Equity Through CBDR-RC: The mechanism incorporates equity—ZNZ fuel users are rewarded, while underperformers bear the financial burden, aligning with developing countries’ interests.
- Clear, Time-Bound Targets: IMO sets concrete milestones: 40% cut in carbon intensity by 2030, 70% by 2040, and net-zero by 2050—unlike ICAO’s vague goals.
What were the challenges while taking this step?
- Resisted by the Oil-Exporting Nations: Countries like Saudi Arabia, which depend heavily on fossil fuel exports, opposed stringent carbon levies, fearing these would harm their economies. They resisted the transition to green fuels, advocating for minimal changes.
- Developed vs. Developing Countries: Developed nations like the EU supported aggressive emission reductions, while developing countries like China pushed for a market-driven approach to preserve competitiveness and avoid excessive financial burdens.
How is the shipping industry tackling emissions as per the IMO?
- Reduction of GHG emissions: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented measures like the Energy Efficiency Design Index and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan to reduce carbon emissions from ships.
- Targets for carbon intensity: The IMO has set a goal to reduce carbon intensity by at least 40% by 2030 (compared to 2008 levels) and 70% by 2040, with the ultimate aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Green technologies and fuel alternatives: The IMO is pushing for cleaner fuels and innovative technologies for emissions reduction, including efforts in alternative fuels such as green hydrogen.
What is the Net Zero Framework adopted by the IMO?
The Net Zero Framework is a Market-Based Measure (MBM) to reduce emissions in the shipping industry. It aims to implement a mandatory emissions levy on global shipping to ensure that the sector meets net-zero targets by 2050.
How would it work?
- Emission-Based Levy with Incentives: Ships emitting high greenhouse gases must pay a carbon levy, while those using Zero or Near-Zero (ZNZ) fuels receive financial rewards or credits. Eg: A ship using green hydrogen below the IMO’s emission threshold earns surplus credits, reducing its future levy.
- Tiered Compliance via GHG Fuel Standard (GFS): Ships are classified based on fuel efficiency and emission levels. Underperformers must purchase remedial units, while high performers gain tradable surplus units. Eg: A vessel exceeding emission targets must buy units from a cleaner ship, creating a carbon market within global shipping.
What is the limit on carbon emissions?
- As per IMO reward thresholds:
- Until 2034: The carbon limit is 19.0 g CO₂e/MJ
- From 2035 onwards: It tightens to 14.0 g CO₂e/MJ
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How will the Market-Based Measure (MBM) framework impact India’s maritime sector and trade costs by 2030 and 2050?
- Trade Costs: The MBM framework is likely to increase shipping costs due to carbon pricing and fuel surcharges, making Indian exports less competitive. Eg: Textile and agricultural exports from India to Europe may become costlier by 2030 due to EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS) expansion to maritime transport.
- Equity Concerns: Uniform carbon levies do not consider developmental disparities, placing a higher burden on countries like India with limited historical emissions. Eg: India has argued at the IMO that MBMs should reflect Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), as it is still building infrastructure and trade capacity.
- Green Shipping Transition: To comply with decarbonization norms by 2050, India must shift to alternative fuels (e.g., green hydrogen, ammonia) and upgrade port infrastructure, requiring massive investments. Eg: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust may need to install green bunkering facilities and electrified cargo handling systems.
- Technological and Financial Gaps: Lack of access to clean technology and climate finance may hinder India’s ability to transition smoothly, increasing dependence on foreign solutions. Eg: Advanced nations may dominate green shipbuilding, while Indian shipyards lag due to lack of R&D support and capital.
- Opportunity for Green Growth: If supported with international finance and technology transfer, MBMs can stimulate domestic innovation and green job creation in maritime sectors. Eg: India’s “Green Ports” initiative could align with MBM goals and boost employment in clean energy, retrofitting, and logistics.
Way forward:
- Differentiated Levy Design: IMO should adopt a flexible carbon pricing model that reflects Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), allowing developing countries like India room to grow while contributing to climate goals. Eg: Tiered levy based on national capacities and emission intensity.
- Technology Transfer & Climate Finance: Establish dedicated funding mechanisms for green shipping innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and capacity building in developing nations. Eg: An IMO-led global Green Maritime Fund supported by developed countries.
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Why in the News?
India has overhauled its e-waste governance through the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which came into force on April 1, 2023, replacing the 2016 version. These rules mark a major policy shift to tackle India’s rapidly growing e-waste crisis.
How Does the New EPR Framework Work?
- Mandatory Registration: All manufacturers, producers, refurbishers, and recyclers must register with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) through an online portal.
- EPR Targets: These entities must meet specific collection and recycling targets, as set by the CPCB.
- Liability for Non-compliance: Failure to meet targets invokes environmental compensation and penalties.
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What is the role of EPR floor pricing in e-waste management?
- Ensures Fair Returns to Formal Recyclers: EPR floor pricing guarantees minimum compensation for authorized recyclers, making formal recycling economically viable and discouraging unsafe informal practices. Eg: A certified recycler adopting advanced e-waste extraction technologies is assured stable earnings, promoting compliance and expansion.
- Reduces Informal Sector Dominance: By offsetting the cost advantage of informal recyclers, floor pricing shifts e-waste processing to the formal sector, where health and environmental standards are enforced. Eg: In India, 95% of e-waste is handled informally; floor pricing helps shift this to regulated channels.
- Boosts Circular Economy and Material Recovery: Stable pricing encourages recyclers to focus on resource recovery—such as copper, gold, and rare metals—rather than mere disposal. Eg: Proper recycling of circuit boards in formal facilities helps recover precious metals worth crores, reducing raw material imports.
What are the economic and social consequences of poor e-waste management?
- Economic loss from pollution: Over $10 billion lost annually due to pollution from toxic e-waste processing.
- Social cost: Informal processing results in $20 billion in social loss, affecting women and children, whose average lifespan is under 27 years.
- Lost revenue and metals: India forfeits ₹80,000 crore annually in metal value and $20 billion in tax revenue due to untracked, cash-based operations.
- Health impacts: Open incineration and use of cyanide and sulphuric acid cause air, water, and soil pollution, compounding public health crises.
How does stable pricing support formal recycling?
- Ensures Financial Viability for Formal Recyclers: A minimum (floor) price for EPR certificates guarantees fair compensation, encouraging recyclers to invest in safe, modern technologies. Eg: Certified recyclers can recover precious metals like gold and copper efficiently with advanced equipment, making operations economically viable.
- Discourages Hazardous Informal Practices: Stable pricing removes the informal sector’s cost advantage, shifting recycling away from unsafe, illegal methods. Eg: With assured returns, recyclers prefer compliance over risky open burning and acid-leaching methods that dominate 95% of the sector.
- Drives Compliance and Investment: Predictable prices create trust in the system, helping producers meet EPR obligations and promoting infrastructure development.
What are the challenges?
- Dominance of the Informal Sector: A large share of e-waste in India is processed by the informal sector using hazardous and unsafe methods like acid baths and open burning. Eg: In Seelampur (Delhi), a major informal e-waste hub, workers dismantle electronics without protection, exposing themselves to toxic substances like lead and mercury.
- Low Consumer Awareness and Participation: Many consumers are unaware of proper e-waste disposal methods, leading to hoarding, landfilling, or selling to unregulated recyclers. Eg: In cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai, residents often discard electronics with household waste or sell them to local kabadiwalas despite having formal collection centers.
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Way forward:
- Strengthen Awareness and Consumer Participation: Promote widespread consumer education on e-waste disposal through campaigns and incentives for responsible recycling, ensuring more e-waste is directed to formal, safe channels.
- Enhance Infrastructure and Enforcement of EPR: Develop advanced e-waste recycling infrastructure and strictly enforce EPR compliance to ensure producers meet recycling targets and transition e-waste processing to the formal sector.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.
Linkage: India’s growing e-waste problem is linked to its fast digital growth and greater use of electronic gadgets. This issue mainly relates to the economy but also highlights how digitalisation is a key reason behind the rise in e-waste.
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Why in the News?
The combination of assured government support and scientific advancements in breeding technologies has made rice and wheat the most preferred crops among Indian farmers, while other crops lag due to lack of similar incentives and innovations.
Why do farmers prefer rice and wheat?
- Assured Procurement at MSP: The government provides near-guaranteed purchases of rice and wheat at Minimum Support Prices (MSP), reducing market risk. Eg: In Punjab, rice area increased from 29.8 lakh hectares in 2015-16 to 32.4 lakh hectares in 2024-25 due to consistent MSP support.
- Lower Yield Risk Due to Irrigation and Research Support: Rice and wheat are mostly grown under irrigated conditions and benefit from superior public research, leading to more stable yields. Eg: Wheat variety HD-3385, released in 2023, offers 6 tonnes/hectare yield with resistance to rust diseases and adaptability to different sowing times.
- Continuous Breeding Innovations and Higher Returns: These crops have seen regular improvements through breeding, enhancing productivity, stress tolerance, and input efficiency. Eg: Genetically-edited rice variety Kamala yields up to 9 tonnes/hectare and matures faster, saving water and fertilizer costs.
What drives yield growth in these crops?
- Genetic Improvements and Breeding Innovations: Continuous breeding has led to development of high-yielding, stress-resistant varieties. Eg: Wheat variety HD-3385, released in 2023 by ICAR, yields an average of 6 tonnes/hectare with a potential of 7.3 tonnes, and is resistant to all three major rusts (yellow, brown, and black).
- Improved Agronomic Practices and Technology Adoption: Advanced farming practices like early sowing, use of fertiliser-responsive varieties, and direct seeding have boosted productivity. Eg: Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) technology eliminates the need for nursery and transplanting, saving water and labour, and supporting yield levels up to 10 tonnes/hectare in some hybrid varieties.
- Public Research and Extension Support: Rice and wheat receive consistent support from government research institutions, unlike many other crops. Eg: The CRISPR-Cas edited rice variety Kamala, developed by ICAR in 2024, produces 450-500 grains per panicle (vs. 200-250 in parent variety), yields up to 9 tonnes/hectare, matures 15-20 days earlier, and requires less fertiliser and water.
How has government policy influenced the cropping patterns in states?
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) and Procurement Assurances: Farmers prefer crops with assured government procurement at MSP, reducing market risk. Eg: In Punjab, rice area increased from 29.8 lakh hectares in 2015-16 to 32.4 lh in 2024-25 due to near-guaranteed MSP procurement, while cotton area declined from 3.4 lh to 1 lh.
- Skewed Research and Input Support: Rice and wheat have received consistent research and extension support, unlike pulses or oilseeds. Eg: ICAR has developed multiple improved wheat and rice varieties (e.g., HD-3385, Kamala), while no major breakthrough has happened in cotton since Bt cotton (2002-06).
- Irrigation Infrastructure Bias: Government investment in irrigation has favoured crops like rice and wheat, making them less yield-risk prone. Eg: In Madhya Pradesh, wheat area rose from 59.1 lh to 78.1 lh and rice from 20.2 lh to 38.7 lh, as irrigation expansion supported these water-reliant crops.
Which innovations improved rice varieties?
- Semi-Dwarf and High-Yielding Varieties: Introduction of semi-dwarf varieties reduced lodging and increased fertiliser response and yields. Eg: IR-8, released in 1966, was the first semi-dwarf rice variety, yielding 4.5–5 tonnes/hectare in just 130 days, compared to 1–3 tonnes in traditional varieties over 160–180 days.
- Gene Editing using CRISPR-Cas Technology: Advanced gene-editing allows precision improvements in yield and stress tolerance. Eg: Kamala, a GE mutant of Samba Mahsuri developed by ICAR in 2024, yields up to 9 tonnes/hectare, matures earlier, and has 450–500 grains per panicle (vs. 200–250 in the original).
- Abiotic Stress Tolerance Breeding: Development of varieties tolerant to drought, salinity, and heat stress for resilience in changing climates. Eg: Pusa DST Rice 1, a GE version of Cottondora Sannalu, with edited DST gene, shows improved tolerance to drought and salt stress, enabling cultivation in marginal soils.
Way forward:
- Diversify MSP and R&D Focus: Extend assured procurement and research support to pulses, oilseeds, and millets to reduce over-reliance on rice and wheat.
- Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage water-saving technologies like direct-seeded rice, crop rotation, and climate-resilient varieties to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] What are the major challenges faced by Indian irrigation system in recent times? State the measures taken by the government for efficient irrigation management.
Linkage: Farmers prefer rice and wheat partly because of access to irrigation which reduces yield risk. Challenges and management of irrigation systems directly impact this aspect of their decision-making.
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Why in the News?
Indian Grey Wolves in the Kadbanwadi Grasslands in Pune District are exposed to threats from local dog populations, such as Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), rabies, and canine parvovirus.
About the Indian Grey Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes):
- The Indian Grey Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey Wolf, found in India, Southwest Asia, and parts of the Middle East.
- It has a brownish-grey coat with black and white markings and is less vocal, living in small packs of 2 to 6 members.
- This wolf is nocturnal, meaning it hunts mainly at night, preying on small animals like chinkaras (gazelles), rodents, and sometimes livestock.
- It lives in scrublands, grasslands, and semi-arid regions, and prefers warm climates.
- As an apex predator of the grasslands, it plays a vital role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of herbivores and smaller predators.
- The species is under threat due to habitat loss, disease from stray dogs, crossbreeding, and human conflict.
- Its conservation status is critical:
- IUCN: Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I (highest international protection)
- Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum legal protection)
Do you know?
- The only protected area specifically dedicated to Indian grey wolves in India is the Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary in Latehar district, Jharkhand.
- This sanctuary was established in 1976 to protect the wolf population and is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve.
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| [UPSC 2002] Which one of the following is monogamous?
Options: (a) Wolf* (b) Walrus (c) Seal (d) Deer* (Answer is disputed) |
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Why in the News?
The Sixth Meeting of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM) was hosted by the Permanent Mission of India in Geneva.
About Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM):
- GFTM is an informal platform launched by India in May 2023 under the WHO to promote cooperation on traditional medicine.
- It is coordinated via India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva; it hosts regular meetings to explore integration of traditional systems into health strategies.
- It supports global efforts like the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034, fostering knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
- It focuses on policy development, capacity building, and scientific validation of traditional practices.
- It builds momentum for global events such as the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit and World Health Assembly sessions.
India’s Key Initiatives in Traditional Medicine:
The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy through dedicated facilities and education. Key efforts include:
- Establishment of Ayush Arogya Mandirs (wellness centres) for integrated care.
- Expansion of insurance coverage for AYUSH treatments.
- Promotion of collaborative research with DBT, DST, ICMR, and CSIR.
- Use of AI, genomics, and bioinformatics to bolster scientific credibility.
- Strengthening of global outreach via bilateral agreements, international events, and multilateral platforms.
| [UPSC 2019] How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? |
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Why in the News?
Asteroid YR4, discovered in December 2024 via Chile’s ATLAS telescope, was first thought to threaten Earth but was later ruled out. Scientists now focus on its potential Moon impact in 2032.
About Asteroid 2024 YR4:
- Asteroid 2024 YR4 was discovered in December 2024 by the ATLAS telescope located in Chile.
- It is a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) whose orbit brings it within 1.3 AU (Earth-Sun distances) of Earth.
- It is estimated to be 65 metres wide, roughly the size of a 10-storey building.
- Initially, it was suspected to have a 3.1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032, triggering NASA’s highest-ever asteroid impact alert.
- Subsequent tracking ruled out an Earth impact but indicated a 3.8% chance of hitting the Moon on December 22, 2032.
- A Moon impact would create a 500 to 2,000-metre-wide crater and release energy 340 times more powerful than the Hiroshima bomb.
- Despite being smaller than the 140m threshold for “potentially hazardous asteroids,” its unusual trajectory drew global scientific attention.
- Scientists continue to observe YR4, including during a close approach in 2028, to refine its orbital predictions.
Back2Basics: ATLAS Telescope
- ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) is a NASA-funded early warning project for detecting small near-Earth objects (NEOs).
- It is developed and operated by the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Astronomy.
- As of 2025, ATLAS operates five telescopes in Hawaii, South Africa, Chile, and the Canary Islands.
- Each telescope has a 0.5-meter Wright-Schmidt design, a 1-meter focal length, and a 110 MP CCD detector with a 7.4° field of view.
- The system scans 20,000 square degrees of sky three times per night and provides 1–3 week warnings for asteroids 45–120 meters wide.
- In addition to asteroids, ATLAS also discovers supernovae, comets, dwarf planets, and variable stars.
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| [UPSC 2011] Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only* (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
India’s briefing on Operation Sindoor was opened with lines from poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and concluded with a reference to the Ramcharitmanas (by Tulsidas) by the IAF spokesperson.
About Tulsidas:
- Tulsidas, born as Ram Bola Dubey, was a Brahmin poet-saint believed to have been born in Rajapur (present-day Banda district, Uttar Pradesh).
- He composed the Ramcharitmanas on the banks of the Ganga in Varanasi.
- Writing began on Ram Navami in 1574, and the composition was completed over the following years.
- Tulsidas lived during the time of Emperor Akbar, and some sources suggest he had contact with Abdurrahim Khan-e-Khanan, son of Akbar’s general Bairam Khan.
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About the Ramcharitmanas:
- Ramcharitmanas was written in the 16th century in the Awadhi dialect and is spoken across Lucknow, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya regions.
- It is a retelling of Valmiki’s Ramayana in a vernacular language accessible to the common people.
- It is divided into seven chapters (Kand), covering Lord Ram’s life from birth to his coronation.
- It includes the Hanuman Chalisa, one of the most widely recited devotional hymns in India.
- It is referred to simply as “Ramayan” across the Hindi heartland.
- It is regarded as the holiest text in the Indo-Gangetic region.
- Geeta Press (Gorakhpur) has reportedly sold nearly 7 crore copies.
| [UPSC 2002] Who among the following was the first Bhakti saint to use Hindi for the propagation of his message?
Options: (a) Dadu (b) Kabir (c) Ramananda* (d) Tulsidas |
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