The Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has reiterated the need to revise the “creamy layer” income ceiling for OBC reservation benefits. It called the revision the “need of the hour”, citing inflation and rising income levels, which have rendered the current ₹8 lakh per annum limit (fixed in 2017) inadequate. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), however, stated that there is currently no proposal under consideration for a revision.
Understanding the “Creamy Layer” Concept
- Introduced following the Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992) judgment of the Supreme Court, which upheld 27% OBC reservation but excluded the socially advanced among them.
- The creamy layer criterion is an economic threshold: those above the prescribed annual family income are excluded from OBC reservation benefits.
- Initially set at ₹1 lakh (1993), it has been revised periodically, ₹2.5 lakh in 2004, ₹4.5 lakh in 2008, ₹6 lakh in 2013, ₹6.5 lakh in 2014, ₹8 lakh in 2017 (last revision)
- As per DoPT norms, revision should occur every 3 years.
OBC Reservations in India: Historical Background
Constitutional Foundation
- Article 15(4): Allows the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes (SEBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- Article 16(4): Empowers the State to provide reservation in appointments or posts in favour of any backward class not adequately represented in State services.
- Article 340: Empowers the President to appoint a commission to investigate conditions of backward classes and recommend measures.
Significance of Revising the Creamy Layer Limit
- Social Justice: Ensures benefits reach those who truly need them, keeping pace with economic changes.
- Reducing Inequality: Supports more OBC families in accessing education, jobs, and government schemes.
- Compliance with Policy Guidelines: DoPT’s 1993 order mandates periodic revisions.
Challenges
- Balancing Reservation Benefits: Avoiding over-expansion that may dilute benefits for the most marginalized.
- Economic vs. Social Backwardness: Income is only one indicator; social deprivation is harder to quantify.
- Political Consensus: Reservation policy changes are politically sensitive.
Committee’s Concerns on the Current ₹8 Lakh Threshold
- Erosion by Inflation: Rising basic income levels have reduced the effectiveness of the threshold.
- Exclusion of Needy Segments: Many OBC families in need of reservation benefits are above ₹8 lakh but still economically disadvantaged in terms of education and access to resources.
- Socio-Economic Goals: Wider coverage will help raise the social and educational status of more OBC families.
Way Forward
- Periodic & Transparent Revision: Institutionalize automatic inflation-indexed adjustments.
- Comprehensive Backwardness Index: Incorporate education, occupation, and rural/urban disparities along with income.
- Targeted Scholarships: Expand pre-matric support for lower classes to improve educational pipelines.
- Better Data: Conduct regular socio-economic surveys for evidence-based policy.
The creamy layer provision is a critical filter to ensure reservation benefits reach the truly disadvantaged among OBCs. With inflation and rising income levels, the current ₹8 lakh ceiling may no longer serve its purpose effectively. The Parliamentary Committee’s push for revision aligns with constitutional principles of equality and social justice, but implementation will require careful balancing of inclusivity, efficiency, and fairness.
Value Addition
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Key Developments:
- First Backward Classes Commission (Kaka Kalelkar Commission, 1953) – recommended caste-based reservations, but not implemented due to lack of quantifiable data.
- Second Backward Classes Commission (Mandal Commission, 1979) – recommended 27% reservation for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions, implemented in 1990.
- Indra Sawhney Case (1992) – capped total reservation at 50% and introduced the creamy layer exclusion for OBCs.
Recent Trends
- The 102nd Constitutional Amendment (2018) gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC).
- The 105th Constitutional Amendment (2021) restored the power of states to identify OBCs for their own purposes.
|
Mains Practice Questions:
- “Reservation for backward classes should be based on social and educational backwardness rather than economic criteria alone.” Discuss.
- The creamy layer in OBC reservation is a safeguard for ensuring equity within equity.’ Comment.
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Industrial accidents in India are neither rare nor accidental; they are recurring human tragedies rooted in systemic negligence, regulatory apathy, and corporate cost-cutting. From chemical plant explosions in Telangana to firecracker unit disasters in Tamil Nadu, these incidents underscore a grim reality, industrial safety in India is still treated as a compliance hurdle rather than a fundamental right.
Magnitude of the Problem
- 6,500 workers have died in the last five years in factories, construction sites, and mines averaging three fatalities every day in peacetime.
- Centre for Science and Environment (2022): Over 130 major chemical accidents in 30 months post-2020, causing 218 deaths and over 300 injuries.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are disproportionately involved, often escaping robust inspections.
Root Causes of Industrial Accidents in India
- Regulatory Non-compliance:
- Factories operating without Fire Department No-Objection Certificates (NOCs).
- Missing or dysfunctional firefighting systems, alarms, and sensors.
- Unsafe Work Practices:
- Absence of permit-to-work systems for high-risk jobs.
- Migrant and contract workers without language-appropriate training or signage.
- Infrastructure Failures:
- Locked or blocked emergency exits.
- Poor maintenance of hazardous material storage.
- Weak Enforcement and Accountability:
- Safety audits treated as formalities.
- Negligible penalties and rare convictions for violations.
- Cultural Mindset:
- Safety seen as an “overhead” instead of a core operational value.
- Class bias — migrant and contract workers’ lives undervalued.
Comparative Global Perspective
- Germany, Japan: Safety is embedded into industrial design and workplace culture.
- South Korea, Singapore: Corporate manslaughter laws hold senior executives criminally liable for gross safety failures.
|
Policy and Governance Gaps in India
- Industrial safety boards are under-resourced.
- Weak whistle-blower protections discourage reporting of hazards.
- Digital risk-reporting systems are minimal or absent.
- Limited integration between labour inspection, pollution control boards, and disaster management authorities.
India-Specific Legal and Policy Framework
- Factories Act, 1948: Provides provisions on workplace safety, health, and welfare of workers, mandates fencing of machinery, safety officers, and periodic medical examinations.
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: Consolidates 13 labour laws on safety and health, Introduces provisions for free annual health check-ups, safety committees, and hazard communication.
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Framework law for protecting and improving environmental safety, including hazardous process management, Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989, Requires industries to prepare onsite and offsite emergency plans.
- Explosives Act, 1884 & Petroleum Act, 1934: Regulate storage, handling, and usage of explosive and flammable substances.
- Bhopal Gas Leak (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985: First special legislation to address industrial disaster victims’ compensation
- National Disaster Management Act, 2005: Guides chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear safety protocols through the NDMA.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Enforcement: Make industrial safety audits independent and transparent; link non-compliance to criminal liability.
- Digitisation: Use real-time IoT monitoring for hazard detection and compliance tracking.
- Worker Empowerment: Mandate safety training in local languages for all employees, especially contract labour.
- Corporate Accountability: Introduce Corporate Manslaughter Legislation for gross negligence causing worker deaths.
- Social Responsibility: Shift from post-accident compensation to pre-accident prevention culture.
Conclusion
Industrial accidents are not “acts of God” but acts of neglect. India possesses the legal framework to ensure safe workplaces, but without societal outrage, political will, and corporate responsibility, these frameworks remain on paper. For every worker who risks life and limb, industrial safety must be recognised and enforced as a right, not a privilege.
Practice Mains Question:
“Industrial accidents in India are not acts of fate but outcomes of systemic negligence.” Discuss the causes, implications, and reforms needed, with reference to recent incidents and existing legal frameworks.
(250 words, 15 marks)
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Why in the News?
The Union Cabinet has approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme for implementation in 275 technical institutions across India.
About MERITE Scheme:
- Objective: Enhance quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all States and Union Territories, aligned with National Education Policy 2020.
- Funding: Central Sector Scheme with ₹4,200 crore outlay (2025–26 to 2029–30), including ₹2,100 crore as World Bank loan.
- Beneficiaries: About 7.5 lakh students; aims to boost institutional capacity in technical education.
- Collaborations: Works with Indian Institutes of Technology, Indian Institutes of Management, All India Council for Technical Education, and National Board of Accreditation for implementation support.
Key Features:
- Institutional Coverage: Includes National Institutes of Technology, State Engineering Colleges, Polytechnics, and Affiliating Technical Universities.
- Fund Transfer: Direct funding from a Central Nodal Agency to institutions.
- Academic Focus: Multidisciplinary programs, updated curriculum, faculty training.
- Gender Inclusion: Special programs for women faculty and reducing gender disparity.
- Skill Alignment: Launch of labour market-oriented courses and blended learning models.
| [UPSC 2018] With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things, will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Why in the News?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reclassified hepatitis D virus (HDV) as carcinogenic, following the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assessment based on data from The Lancet Oncology.
About Hepatitis D:
- What is it: Hepatitis D is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis D virus (HDV).
- Cause: Hepatitis D virus (HDV), an incomplete virus needing hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication.
- Infection Types:
- Co-infection – HDV + HBV at the same time.
- Superinfection – HDV infects someone already with HBV.
- Transmission: Parenteral exposure (injections, transfusions), mother-to-child, sexual contact.
- Diagnosis: Blood tests for HDV antibodies and HDV-RNA.
- Prevention: HBV vaccination, safe blood practices, safe sex, screening, avoid needle sharing.
Why Hepatitis D is Carcinogenic?
- Causes more severe liver damage than HBV alone.
- HBV–HDV co-infection raises liver cancer risk 2–6 times compared to HBV-only cases.
- Up to 75% develop cirrhosis within 15 years.
- Can cause cancer even without cirrhosis due to HBV DNA integration + HDV-induced damage.
Back2Basics: Hepatitis
- Definition: Liver inflammation from viruses, alcohol, toxins, drugs, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic issues.
- Viral Types:
- A – Fecal-oral; acute; vaccine available.
- B – Blood/body fluids; chronic risk; vaccine available.
- C – Blood-to-blood; often chronic; no vaccine; treatable with antivirals.
- D – Discussed above.
- E – Fecal-oral; usually acute.
- Chronic B, C, D: Major drivers of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
- Prevention: Vaccination (A, B), safe injections, screened blood, safe sex, good hygiene.
|
| [UPSC 2019] Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV. (b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine. * (c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV. (d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years. |
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Why in the News?
A Ground Penetrating Radar survey in Topra Kalan, Haryana, has uncovered signs of a 1,500 BCE settlement, with painted grey ware (PGW), stamped pottery, moulded bricks, and a possible Buddhist stupa.
About Topra Kalan Excavation:
- Agencies: Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
- Method: Ground Penetrating Radar survey in January 2025 to map subsurface features without extensive digging.
- Purpose: Assess archaeological significance and preserve ancient heritage sites in Haryana.
- Location: Topra Kalan, Yamunanagar district — believed to be the original site of the Delhi-Topra Ashokan pillar moved by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in the 14th century.
- Estimated Age: ~1,500 BCE, indicating continuous habitation and possible Buddhist presence.
Key Findings:
- Structures: Buried walls, platforms, and room-like enclosures at 4–5 m depth.
- Religious Feature: Dome-like structure possibly a Buddhist stupa.
- Material Culture: Painted grey ware, black-and-red ware, black-on-red ware, black ware, stamped pottery, moulded bricks, beads.
- Discovery Sources: Both official surveys and artifacts unearthed by locals during construction.
- Historical Links: Accounts by Sir Alexander Cunningham and Hiuen Tsang identify the site as a Buddhist centre.
| [UPSC 2024] Consider the following information:
Archaeological Site :: State :: Description
1. Chandraketugarh : Odisha : Trading Port town
2. Inamgaon : Maharashtra : Chalcolithic site
3. Mangadu : Kerala : Megalithic site
4. Salihundam : Andhra Pradesh : Rock-cut cave shrines
In which of the above rows is the given information correctly matched?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only* (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on plastic pollution has opened in Geneva, Switzerland.
About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC):
- Formation: Created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in March 2022 to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution.
- Nature: UN-mandated body with equal participation of all member states.
- Output: Produces consensus-based treaties, sometimes including voluntary provisions.
- Precedents: Similar to the Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992).
- Mandate: By 2024, draft a legally binding treaty covering plastic’s full life cycle—production, design, use, and disposal.
Negotiation Process & Timeline:
- Method: Plenary sessions, technical groups, and stakeholder consultations.
- Sessions:
-
- Uruguay (Nov–Dec 2022)
- France (May–June 2023)
- Kenya (Nov 2023)
- Canada (Apr–May 2024)
- South Korea (Nov–Dec 2024, final session)
- Key Debates: Scope, binding vs. voluntary rules, financing, compliance, and differentiated responsibilities.
- Outcome: Treaty text refined until consensus or majority approval.
Goals on Plastic Pollution:
- Standards: Global production and waste management norms.
- Targets: Combination of binding goals and voluntary approaches.
- Financing: Creation of funding mechanisms for treaty implementation.
- Sustainability: Promotion of circular economy and efficient resource use.
- Participation: Inclusion of governments, industry, civil society, Indigenous groups, and waste pickers.
| [UPSC 2021] The ‘Common Carbon Metric,’ supported by UNEP, has been developed for:
(a) Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world* (b) Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading (c) Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries (d) Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time |
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Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India strengthened bilateral ties through a Strategic Partnership Agreement, focusing on defence cooperation, Indo-Pacific security, and future trade collaboration, while also serving broader strategic goals in ASEAN and Indo-Pacific diplomacy.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
- Strategic Partnership Agreement: The Philippines becomes only the fifth country (after Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and South Korea) with which India has signed such an agreement.
- Maritime and Defence Cooperation: The Indian Navy held its first joint maritime exercise with the Philippine Navy in the South China Sea. India reaffirmed its support for the 2016 UNCLOS Arbitration Award favouring the Philippines in its dispute with China. Discussions were held to expand defence exports, especially BrahMos missiles and other Indian military hardware. New agreements include exchanges between all three services and Coast Guards.
- Connectivity and People-to-People Ties: Both countries agreed to begin direct flights and ease visa restrictions to facilitate travel and business.
- Economic and Trade Dimensions:
-
- Bilateral trade remains modest at $3.3 billion (2024-25).
- Investments are growing in technology and pharmaceuticals.
- Talks to launch a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) have been initiated.
- India’s decision to revise the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) reflects renewed trade diplomacy.
India’s Broader Indo-Pacific Strategy:
- Indo-Pacific strategy beyond the spectrum of Quad: India’s engagement with the Philippines shows its intention to look beyond the Quad (India, USA, Japan, Australia) in Indo-Pacific diplomacy. India is pushing for multipolar partnerships, focused on maritime security, trade resilience, and a rules-based international order.
- ASEAN & Indo-Pacific Messaging: The Philippines is the incoming chair for ASEAN in 2026 and the coordinator for the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership. This gives India a crucial partner to enhance its engagement with the bloc.
Dimensions of India-Philippines Relations
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Historical and Cultural Links:
- Diplomatic relations were formally established on November 26, 1949, soon after both nations gained independence.
- Historical ties and shared civilizational links, though not fully documented, point to a long-standing connection.
- A Treaty of Friendship was signed in 1952.
- India’s “Look East Policy” (1992) and subsequent “Act East Policy” (2014) have been instrumental in revitalizing and intensifying the relationship.
- 2019: BrahMos missile deal initiated, the Philippines becomes the first foreign buyer
Common Issues and Contemporary Challenges:
- South China Sea Dispute: Both countries face challenges from China’s expansive territorial claims and assertive actions. India supports international law and a rules-based order, which aligns with the Philippines’ interests.
- Terrorism and Maritime Security: Both nations are susceptible to terrorism and face non-traditional security threats, making cooperation in these areas crucial.
- Economic Liberalization and Trade: Navigating the complexities of global trade, especially in the face of protectionist policies from major powers like the U.S., is a common challenge that both countries are addressing through initiatives like the potential PTA.
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The recent meeting has elevated India-Philippines ties to a new level, rooted in mutual concerns over regional security, strategic autonomy, and economic cooperation. As ASEAN dynamics evolve and geopolitical tensions rise, such partnerships provide stability and avenues for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. India’s outreach to the Philippines affirms its commitment to an inclusive regional order and diversified diplomacy.
Mains Practice Question:
- The recent elevation of India-Philippines relations to a Strategic Partnership is part of India’s larger Indo-Pacific vision. Discuss the significance of this development in the context of ASEAN, regional security, and India’s Act East Policy.
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The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, which replaced Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, marks a significant legislative reform aimed at modernizing and streamlining India’s coastal trade. It is a key component of the government’s vision for a “Viksit Bharat” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” aiming to unlock the vast potential of India’s coastline. It provides a dedicated legal framework to boost coastal trade, reduce logistics costs, and promote sustainable transportation.
Need for the new Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024:
- Repeals Part XIV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, which was outdated and limited in scope.
- Coastal cargo movement had been growing (119% increase from 2014–15 to 2023–24), yet regulatory hurdles, outdated provisions, and fragmented oversight hindered its full potential.
- Aligns with key national missions such as PM Gati Shakti, National Logistics Policy, Sagarmala Programme and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
Key Provisions of the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024
The Act’s jurisdiction extends to vessels engaged in trade within India’s coastal waters, which include territorial waters (up to 12 nautical miles) and adjoining maritime zones (up to 200 nautical miles).
- Expanded Definition of Coastal Trade:
- Earlier: Only carriage of goods and passengers.
- Now: Includes services such as exploration, research, and commercial activities, excluding fishing.
- Recognizes maritime zones up to 200 nautical miles from the Indian coast.
- Simplified Licensing Framework: Supports Indian shipbuilding, maritime employment, and reduces regulatory burden.
| Vessel Type |
Licensing Requirement |
| Indian-owned vessels |
Exempted for coastal trade |
| Foreign/chartered vessels |
License required (issued by DG Shipping) |
| OCI-chartered vessels operating outside India |
No license required |
- Mandated Strategic Planning: National Coastal and Inland Shipping Strategic Plan must be prepared within 2 years and reviewed biennially. It is to be designed by a committee with state representation, ensuring cooperative federalism.
- National Database for Coastal Shipping: Aims for real-time tracking, transparency, and data-driven policymaking. It keeps investors informed and supports infrastructure planning.
- Modernised Penalties and Decriminalisation
Strategic Vision and Long-term Impact
“This is a forward-looking, holistic framework aligned with global cabotage practices.”
— Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
- Economic Transformation:
- Aims to increase India’s coastal cargo share to 230 million metric tonnes by 2030.
- Reduces logistics cost (currently ~14% of GDP) by shifting cargo from roads/rails to coastal routes
- Coastal shipping is 80% cheaper and more energy-efficient than road transport
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Supports Net Zero by 2070
- Encourages green transport and lower-emission logistics
- Job Creation and Industry Support:
- Boosts shipbuilding, port services, and manning jobs
- Encourages Make in India in the maritime sector.
- Strengthened Maritime Security: Greater share of domestic cargo handled by Indian ships reduces reliance on foreign vessels.
- Cooperative Federalism: Includes states and UTs in decision-making, enabling inclusive and participatory governance.
The Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, represents a landmark step towards building a seamless, efficient, and globally competitive maritime ecosystem in India. By modernizing regulations, promoting domestic industry, and integrating coastal shipping with inland waterways, the Act lays the foundation for a future-ready logistics network that is central to the nation’s economic and strategic goals.
Mains Practice Question:
- Discuss the significance of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 in India’s vision for a sustainable and cost-effective transport ecosystem.
- Evaluate the role of strategic planning and digital infrastructure under the new Coastal Shipping Act in achieving India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
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India’s groundwater is increasingly getting contaminated with toxic substances. Over 85% of rural drinking water and 65% of irrigation needs are met through groundwater, yet unregulated extraction, industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and poor sanitation have turned this life source into a silent killer.
Scale of the Crisis
The 2024 Annual Groundwater Quality Report by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) reported the following:
- Nitrates: Found in 20%+ samples (due to chemical fertilisers & septic tank leakage).
- Fluoride: Detected in 9%+ samples, leading to skeletal & dental fluorosis.
- Arsenic: Found in parts of Punjab, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh causing cancers & neurological damage.
- Uranium: Detected in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan linked to kidney damage.
- Heavy metals: Iron, lead, cadmium, chromium, causing developmental & immune system issues.
Major Contaminants and Health Impacts
-
- Affects 230 districts across 20 states.
- Health impact: Skeletal fluorosis, stunted growth, joint pain.
- Rajasthan, MP, and UP report high prevalence.
- Example: Jhabua (MP) – 40% of tribal children affected
-
- Concentrated in Gangetic belt.
- Health impact: Skin lesions, respiratory illness, cancers (skin, liver, kidney, bladder).
- Example: Ballia (UP) – Arsenic 200 g/L (20× WHO limit) linked to 10,000+ cancer cases.
-
- 56% districts exceed safe limits.
- Health impact: Blue Baby Syndrome in infants, gastrointestinal distress.
- Driven by fertilisers & poor waste management.
-
- Increasing due to over-extraction & phosphate fertilisers.
- Health impact: Nephrotoxicity, chronic organ damage.
- Example: Malwa (Punjab) – 66% samples risky for children.
-
- Sources: Industrial discharge, mining.
- Health impact: Neurological issues, anaemia, developmental delays.
Groundwater Death Zones: Case Studies
- Budhpur, Baghpat (UP) – 13 deaths in 2 weeks from kidney failure linked to industrial waste.
- Jalaun (UP) – Petroleum-like fluids from hand pumps due to underground fuel leaks.
- Paikarapur (Bhubaneswar) – Sewage leakage caused illness in hundreds.
Why the Crisis Persists: Root Causes and Systemic Failures:
- Institutional Fragmentation: Various agencies like the CGWB, the CPCB, the SPCBs, and the Ministry of Jal Shakti operate in silos, leading to a lack of a unified, coordinated approach.
- Weak Legal Enforcement: The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, has inadequate provisions for groundwater. This, combined with lax enforcement and regulatory loopholes, emboldens polluters.
- Lack of Real-Time Data: Monitoring is infrequent and poorly disseminated. Without early warning systems, contamination is often discovered only after serious health consequences have emerged.
- Excessive Groundwater Extraction: Over-pumping lowers water tables and concentrates pollutants, making aquifers more vulnerable to both geogenic toxins and industrial contaminants.
- Deficient Waste Management: Inadequate industrial effluent treatment and poor sanitation infrastructure, especially in rural areas, allow pollutants to seep directly into aquifers
The Way Forward: A Multi-Dimensional Strategy
Addressing this crisis requires a bold, multi-dimensional strategy that integrates regulation, technology, health, and public participation.
- National Framework: Enact a comprehensive National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework with clear legal authority to regulate groundwater use and discharge.
- Modern Monitoring Infrastructure: Deploy real-time monitoring systems using sensors and public dashboards to create an early warning network.
- Targeted Remediation: Implement targeted interventions for specific contaminants, such as defluoridation plants in high-fluoride zones and arsenic removal technologies in affected regions.
- Waste Management Reforms: Enforce strict industrial effluent treatment norms and promote sustainable agricultural practices to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
- Citizen-Centric Governance: Empower local communities through Jal Gram Sabhas to manage local water resources, conduct community water testing, and raise public awareness.
Value Addition: Key Concepts:
- Geogenic Contamination: Naturally occurring pollutants like arsenic and fluoride mobilized by human activity.
- Anthropogenic Contamination: Human-induced pollution from industries, agriculture, and urban waste.
- Skeletal Fluorosis: A debilitating condition causing bone deformities.
- Methemoglobinemia (“Blue Baby Syndrome”): A potentially fatal condition in infants caused by nitrate-laced water.
Practice UPSC MAINS question:
“Groundwater pollution in India is no longer about scarcity—it is about safety and survival.” Discuss this statement with recent examples and suggest a multi-pronged approach to tackle this issue.
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Why in the News?
Researchers from IIT Delhi and IIT Gandhinagar have developed a District Flood Severity Index (DFSI) to aid flood planning using past data and human impact indicators.
About the District Flood Severity Index (DFSI):
- Objective: To provide a comprehensive, data-based assessment of flood severity across Indian districts.
- Focus: District-level analysis, as districts are the core units for planning and implementation of disaster management in India.
- Based on long-term data (since 1967): Collected annually by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on major flood events.
- Significance: Responds to the lack of an official national index that incorporates human impact, not just flood magnitude.
Key Parameters Used in DFSI:
The index incorporates multiple indicators to measure both the scale and impact of flooding:
- Mean duration (in days) of flood events per district.
- Percentage of district area historically affected by floods.
- Total deaths and injuries due to floods.
- Population of the district — used to assess per capita impact.
- 40-year curated dataset developed at IIT Delhi used for historical flood mapping.
Key Insights from the Index:
- Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala): Recorded the highest number of flood events (231), but does not feature in the top 30 most severely impacted districts as per DFSI.
- Patna (Bihar): Ranked #1 on the severity index due to higher population impact and flood spread.
- Assam districts like Dhemaji, Kamrup, and Nagaon consistently face high flood frequency (178+ events), but ranking depends on combined indicators.
|
| [UPSC 2014] What are the benefits of implementing the ‘Integrated Watershed Development Programme’?”
1. Prevention of soil runoff 2. Linking the country’s perennial rivers with seasonal rivers
3. Rainwater harvesting and recharge of groundwater table 4. Regeneration of natural vegetation
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
With haemophilia care evolving globally, the shift from reactive to preventive treatment has brought Prophylaxis Therapy to the forefront of modern clinical practice.
About Haemophilia:
- What is it: Rare genetic bleeding disorder due to deficiency of clotting factors, mainly Factor VIII (Haemophilia A).
- Effect: Causes prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries; can lead to internal bleeds in joints, muscles, or brain.
- Key Symptoms: Excessive bleeding, painful joint swelling, risk of disability or brain hemorrhage.
- Prevalence: Estimated 1–1.5 lakh cases in India; only ~29,000 diagnosed (~20%).
- Underdiagnosis Causes: Low awareness, poor access to diagnostics, and socio-economic challenges.
- Impact if Untreated: Each untreated bleed may reduce lifespan by ~16 days; leads to pain, disability, missed school/work, and job loss.
Prophylaxis (Regular Replacement Therapy) and its Benefits:
- What It Is: Regular infusion of clotting factors or non-factor therapies to prevent bleeds.
- Global Standard: Replaces on-demand therapy; adopted as best practice in developed countries.
- Joint Protection: Prevents recurrent bleeds, avoids deformities and long-term disability.
- Quality of Life: Reduces pain and fear, enables normal schooling, work, and social life.
- Healthcare Savings: Cuts emergency visits, hospital stays, and long-term costs.
- Global Status: ~90% of haemophilia patients in developed countries are on prophylaxis.
- India’s Progress: On-demand remains common; some states offer prophylaxis for children under 10.
| [UPSC 2021] In the context of hereditary diseases, consider the following statements:
1.Passing on mitochondrial diseases from parent to child can be prevented by mitochondrial replacement therapy either before or after in vitro fertilization of the egg.
2.A child inherits mitochondrial diseases entirely from the mother and not from the father.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
The Social Forestry Department of Vadodara rescued an Albino Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) from a freshwater lake in Chikhodra, Gujarat.
About Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys punctata):
- Type: Small, freshwater softshell turtle native to South Asia
- Unique Feature: Named for femoral flaps on the plastron that cover the limbs when retracted
- Geographic Range: Found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar
- River Systems: Occurs in the Indus, Ganges, Irrawaddy, and Salween basins
- Habitat: Prefers shallow, quiet freshwater bodies like rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, tanks, and canals with muddy or sandy bottoms for burrowing
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
- CITES Listing: Appendix II
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (maximum protection)
- Major Threats:
- Poaching for meat, blood-based potions, aphrodisiacs, and traditional medicine
- Illegal trade for fishing bait, livestock feed, leather, and exotic pets
- Habitat loss due to pollution, encroachment, and waterbody destruction
- Albino individuals especially targeted in the illegal pet market
| [UPSC 2013] Consider the following fauna of India:
1. Gharial 2. Leatherback turtle 3. Swamp deer
Which of the above is/are endangered?
Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3* (d) None |
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Why in the News?
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched “Yashoda AI”, an AI literacy program to empower women with skills in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices, promoting digital inclusion across India.
About Yashoda AI:
- Launch: Introduced in May 2025 as an Artificial Intelligence Literacy Program for women.
- Organisers: Joint initiative by the NCW and Future Shift Labs.
- Objective: To train women in cybersecurity, digital privacy, and safe online practices.
- Focus Areas: Covers AI-driven crimes, digital safety, and practical risk mitigation strategies.
- Reach: Over 2,500 women trained to date.
- Beneficiaries: Includes Self-Help Group members, local representatives (Sarpanchs, Pradhans, Mayors, Members of Legislative Assemblies), and frontline workers like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers).
Back2Basics: National Commission for Women
- Status: Statutory body established in 1992 under the NCW Act, 1990.
- Composition: Consists of a Chairperson, 5 Members, and a Member-Secretary—appointed by the Central Government.
- Term: All members serve for a term of 3 years.
- Powers: Holds civil court powers during inquiries:
- Can summon individuals and enforce attendance
- Examine witnesses under oath
- Demand records and receive affidavits
- Issue commissions for examination of witnesses or documents
|
| [UPSC 2017] What is the purpose of Vidyanjali Yojana’?
1. To enable the famous foreign campuses in India.
2. To increase the quality of education provided in government schools by taking help from the private sector and the community.
3. To encourage voluntary monetary contributions from private individuals and organizations so as to improve the infrastructure facilities for primary and secondary schools.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 2 only * (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 2 and 3 only |
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Why in the News?
The Chhattisgarh High Court acquitted a double murder convict citing legal insanity under Section 84 of the IPC (Section 22 BNS), stressing the need to distinguish it from medical insanity and improve mental health investigations.
About Legal Insanity:
- Definition: Legal insanity refers to a mental condition where the accused cannot understand the nature of the act or distinguish right from wrong at the time of the offence.
- Legal Basis: Codified under Section 22 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 84 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860); based on the Mc’Naughten Rule (1843) from English law.
- Presumption of Sanity: Law presumes every person is sane unless proven otherwise; burden of proof lies on the accused (Section 105, Indian Evidence Act).
- Timing Requirement: Insanity must be present at the time of the offence—not before or after.
- Legal vs. Medical Insanity: Legal insanity (court-recognised) is different from medical insanity (clinical diagnosis); only the former is valid for defence.
- Terminology: Section 22 BNS uses the phrase “unsoundness of mind” instead of “insanity”.
- Exclusions: Mental illness, abnormal behaviour, or psychiatric history alone do not qualify.
- Test Applied: Based on cognitive incapacity—whether the person knew the nature, consequences, or wrongfulness (legal or moral) of the act.
- Underlying Principle: Based on “Actus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea” – no crime without a guilty mind.
Important Judicial Precedents:
- Jai Lal v. Delhi Administration (1969): Insanity defence rejected—accused made rational statements and showed no mental disorder post-crime.
- Shrikant Anandrao Bhosale v. State of Maharashtra (2002): Accused had paranoid schizophrenia and was found incapable of understanding the act—acquitted under Section 84.
- Surendra Mishra v. State of Jharkhand (2011): Court held that not all mentally ill persons qualify; only proven legal insanity is valid.
- Kamala Bhuniya v. State of West Bengal (2015): Acquittal granted—prosecution failed to prove sanity; accused’s conduct supported unsoundness of mind.
| [UPSC 2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
1.When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such a prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/her right. 2.State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
Indian mathematician Dr. Rajula Srivastava has received the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize for her groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis and number theory.
About the Indian Laureate: Dr. Rajula Srivastava
- Affiliation: Hausdorff Center for Mathematics, University of Bonn and Max Planck Institute of Mathematics, Germany.
- Field of Work:
- Dr. Srivastava studied how to break down complex mathematical functions into simpler parts using advanced math tools.
- She worked on finding how close certain numbers can get to specific points on curved shapes in higher dimensions.
|
About the Maryam Mirzakhani New Frontiers Prize:
- Purpose: Recognises early-career women mathematicians (within two years of PhD completion) for outstanding research contributions.
- Named After: Maryam Mirzakhani — first woman and first Iranian to win the Fields Medal; known for her work on geometry and Riemann surfaces.
- Objective: To honour Mirzakhani’s legacy, encourage more women in mathematics, and elevate early-career contributions.
- Established: November 2019 by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
- Prize Amount: $50,000, may be shared by multiple recipients in a year.
- Eligibility: Women mathematicians who have:
- Recently completed their PhD (within 2 years)
- Shown exceptional promise and innovation in mathematical research.
Other Important Prizes in Mathematics:
- Fields Medal: Awarded every four years to mathematicians under 40, the Fields Medal is the most prestigious global mathematics award, established in 1936, and presented by the International Mathematical Union to recognize outstanding contributions to the field.
- Abel Prize: Instituted by the King of Norway in 2001, the Abel Prize is an annual international award recognizing lifetime achievement in mathematics, often considered the closest equivalent to the Nobel Prize in the discipline.
- Wolf Prize in Mathematics: Awarded annually since 1978 by the Wolf Foundation in Israel, the Wolf Prize honours exceptional achievements across all branches of mathematics and is ranked just below the Fields and Abel Prizes in prestige.
| [UPSC 2016] A recent movie titled The Man Who Knew Infinity is based on the biography of
Options: (a) S. Ramanujan* (b) S. Chandhrashekhar (c) S. N. Bose (d) C. V. Raman |
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Recent actions by China, such as the withdrawal of engineers from India, are not isolated events but a deliberate geo-economic manoeuvre. This strategy is driven by China’s apprehension of a rising India and its ambition to maintain a ‘unipolar Asia’.
Recent Actions Undertaken by China against India’s interest:
- Recalling over 300 Chinese engineers from iPhone manufacturing facilities in India.
- Restricting exports of rare earths and critical minerals to India.
- Informal trade restrictions on the export of capital equipment including high-end manufacturing equipment for electronics assembly heavy-duty boring machines and solar equipment to India.
China’s Geo-economic Manoeuvre against India:
“It is a meticulously calibrated stratagem, designed to arrest India’s burgeoning manufacturing ambitions.”
- Impending Technology Transfer: The withdrawal of the Chinese engineers reflects China’s calculated move to Disrupt technology transfer and Stall India’s capacity-building in advanced electronics manufacturing. By pulling out talent, it ensures that ‘India’s learning curve in high-precision, high-efficiency manufacturing remains steep.’
- Subtle yet potent strategy: As India positions itself in global supply chains through initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, any delay in technology adoption weakens India’s global competitiveness.
- Weaponization of Supply Chains: By restricting exports of rare earths, critical minerals, and high-end manufacturing equipment, China leverages its control over global supply chains to disrupt India’s industrial ambitions. These informal trade restrictions are non-transparent and hence are hard to contest, create uncertainty and increase costs.
- Weaponising Overcapacity: Price War as Strategy: China’s industrial overproduction is used deliberately to crash prices and drive out competition. BYD in electric vehicles is flooding global markets with ultra-cheap products. This makes it hard for nations like India to compete fairly, stalling local industries.
Difference in Manufacturing Ecosystems of India and China:
|
China
|
India
|
| Systemic Industrial Dominance:
1. Not accidental, but strategic: China’s industrial pre-eminence is not trivial, it has been built through decades of strong policies, investments, and planning.
2. Covers critical and emerging sectors:
Like, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, 6G telecommunications, Electric Vehicles (EVs)
3. Controls global supply chains:
China does not merely export goods, it orchestrates and controls global supply chains, from raw materials to finished products.
4. Weaponising overcapacity: Overproduction (a sign of weakness elsewhere) is strategically used by China to lower global prices, making it hard for other countries to compete.
5. Aggressive pricing = market capture:
This stifles new competitors and helps China maintain dominance.
6. Economic statecraft by China: China uses its manufacturing power as a geo-economic tool to stay ahead globally and protect its export-driven economy. |
Challenges Faced:
1. Nascent Manufacturing Ecosystem:
Compared to China, India is still in the early stages of becoming a global manufacturing power.
2. Facing many hurdles: Poor infrastructure infrastructure lacunae)
3. Complex government procedures (bureaucratic red tape)
4. High import dependence: India still imports many critical components like Semiconductors, Sophisticated chips, Sensors, Engines
5. Limited local capability:
Even basic assembly-level manufacturing (referred to as “screwdriver technology“) depends on external help.
6. “Make in India” needs outside support:
While the goal is self-reliance, India is still not fully capable of producing independently, especially in high-tech sectors. |
India’s Strategic Dilemma: Even as India tries to de-risk from China by aligning with the West, it faces challenges like US tariff hikes on Indian goods and Exemptions given to China despite its pro-Russia stance. This underscores the need for true strategic autonomy building resilient internal capacities rather than over-dependence on foreign goodwill.
Way Forward:
Based on China’s strategy of weaponizing its supply chains, India should adopt a multi-pronged response to enhance its own strategic and economic resilience.
- Bolster Domestic Manufacturing: India must double down on initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to reduce its import dependence on high-value electronics and components.
- Diversify Supply Chains and Sourcing: Actively seek alternative suppliers and build resilient supply chains with like-minded countries to reduce over-reliance on a single nation for critical goods. For example, India is a part of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), a trilateral framework with Japan and Australia.
- Invest in Strategic Alliances: India should utilize multilateral platforms such as the Quad and forge bilateral partnerships to secure access to critical minerals and technologies.
- Boost Domestic Critical Mineral Exploration: It is essential to intensify domestic exploration and processing of critical minerals through missions like the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) to achieve self-reliance.
- Leverage Economic Diplomacy: India should use trade agreements and international forums like the WTO to challenge informal trade restrictions and protect its emerging industries from coercive practices.
China’s aggressive external policies are a direct result of its domestic problems, such as an aging population and economic overcapacity. This forces it to rely on exports, making any competitor like India a perceived threat. As Henry Kissinger said, “Empires have no interest in operating within an international system; they aspire to be the international system.” This highlights the need for India to build its own strategic autonomy and avoid relying on fragile alliances.
Value Addition:
Quotes by Famous Scholars that can be used in the India-China Relation Topic:
1. “India lives in a tough neighbourhood. It needs to be wise, not merely strong.” — Shivshankar Menon
2. “In geopolitics, economics is not just policy — it’s a weapon.” — Henry Kissinger |
Mains Practice Questions:
GS2 (IR): “China’s geo-economic manoeuvres are a reflection of its internal compulsions and not just strategic rivalry.” Elucidate with reference to recent developments in India-China trade relations.
GS3 (Economy): “India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub faces challenges both internal and external.” Discuss the role of strategic autonomy in achieving self-reliance in electronics and high-tech sectors.
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As India gears up to launch its carbon market in 2026, biochar, a carbon-rich material made from agricultural and organic waste, is gaining attention as a sustainable solution for carbon capture and waste management. Despite its immense potential, biochar remains underutilised due to lack of policy support, market structures and awareness.
What is Biochar and Why is it Important?
- Biochar is a type of charcoal/black carbon produced by heating organic waste (like crop residue or solid municipal waste) in a low-oxygen environment.
- It locks carbon into the soil for hundreds of years, reducing greenhouse gases and improving soil quality.
- It is an effective long-term carbon sink.
Biochar Potential in India:
- India generates over 600 million tonnes of agricultural waste and 60 million tonnes of municipal waste each year, much of which is burned or dumped, contributing to pollution.
- By converting just 30–50% of this waste into biochar, India could:
- Produce 15–26 million tonnes of biochar
- Remove 0.1 gigatonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) equivalent emissions annually
- Biochar production also provides with the following:
- Syngas (20–30 million tonnes) which can generate 8–13 TWh of electricity, replacing about 0.5–0.7 million tonnes of coal
- Bio-oil (24–40 million tonnes) which can offset 12–19 million tonnes of diesel/kerosene, reducing oil imports and fossil fuel emissions by more than 2%
Applications of Biochar in Key Sectors:
- Agriculture: It improves soil health and water retention, especially in semi-arid and nutrient-poor regions. It can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 30–50%, which is vital as this gas has 273x more warming potential than CO₂. Its application leads to higher crop yields (10–25%) and reduced fertilizer needs (by 10–20%). Biochar can also enhance soil organic carbon, helping restore degraded soils.
- Construction: Adding just 2–5% biochar in concrete improves strength and heat resistance. It helps capture 115 kg of CO₂ per cubic metre of concrete, turning buildings into carbon sinks.
- Wastewater Treatment: One kg of biochar can help treat 200–500 litres of wastewater. India’s untreated wastewater (~72%) could use 2.5–6.3 million tonnes of biochar annually.
- Carbon Capture: Biochar can be modified to absorb CO₂ from industrial exhausts, though current efficiency is lower than traditional methods.
- Circular Economy: Biochar aligns with the circular economy model, waste to wealth.
Why is Biochar Still Not Widely Adopted?
- It remains underrepresented in carbon credit systems due to the absence of standardised feedstock markets and consistent carbon accounting methods, which undermine investor confidence.
- Limited policy support, low public awareness, and no coordinated action across sectors.
- No strong carbon credit mechanism to reward users and producers.
Steps that can be undertaken for Large-Scale Adoption of Biochar:
- R&D Support: Develop region-specific feedstock guidelines and technologies.
- Policy Integration: Link biochar with Crop residue management schemes, Bioenergy programs and State Action Plans on Climate Change
- Carbon Market Recognition: Allow biochar to earn carbon credits, giving financial incentives to farmers and investors.
- Village-Level Deployment: Establish small-scale biochar units that can create over 5 lakh rural jobs.
- Linkage with National Missions: Can be linked with Mission LiFE and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Biochar offers a powerful tool for India’s climate smart and sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health, improving water and nutrient retention, and bolstering climate resilience. Its integration can reduce dependency on synthetic inputs, aligning with organic farming principles. Crucially, biochar provides a significant mechanism for carbon sequestration and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, contributing to India’s climate goals. Leveraging this “black gold” through targeted policy support and research is essential for a greener, more resilient future.
Practice UPSC Mains Question
- Biochar is emerging as a multipurpose tool for sustainable development in India. Discuss its potential across sectors and the challenges in its adoption.
- What are the salient features of ‘Waste-to-Energy’ policy of India? Describe the role of waste to energy technologies in achieving energy security in India.
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Cloud Burst:
A cloudburst is an extremely intense, localized shower, defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as at least 100 mm of rain within one hour over 10 sq km. These events occur due to deep, rapid atmospheric uplift over steep terrain, typical of high-altitude Himalayan regions. They can trigger sudden flash floods and landslides, devastating communities in mountainous regions. The term does not refer to a literal bursting cloud but to rapid precipitation from cumulonimbus clouds, sometimes accompanied by thunder or hail.
Why was the recent Uttarkashi Disaster not a Cloudburst?
- Despite initial reports, Uttarkashi district did not record any cloudburst-level rainfall. Actual rainfall was only light to moderate, ranging from 8 mm to 43 mm on Aug 5, far below the 100 mm/hour threshold
- The region lacked weather radar coverage at that altitude, so precise measurements were unavailable and the “cloudburst” classification was premature.
- Uttarkashi’s steep, rugged topography, with narrow valleys and loose debris, turned the soil into unstable slopes.
- A debris-laden flood, possibly triggered by a glacial lake burst, glacier collapse, or landslide, raced downstream as mud and silt-laden water to hit Dharali village violently.
Reasons for occurrence of cloudbursts:
- Cloudbursts happen when warm, moist air quickly rises over mountains, cools down, and turns into heavy rain. This process, called orographic lift, causes the air to release a large amount of rain in a short time.
- Sudden mixing of warm and cold air
- Strong upward air movement (convection) and high moisture in the air at high altitudes
Why Do Cloudbursts Happen In The Hills?
- Topography: Mountains force moist air to rise rapidly, causing sudden cooling and condensation.
- Weather Conditions: Warm air with high moisture content meets cooler air at high altitudes. This results in intense convection and localised torrential rain.
Can cloudbursts be forecast?
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rainfall events well in advance, but it does not predict the quantum of rainfall, in fact, no meteorological agency does.
- IMD gives general rainfall forecasts (light, heavy, very heavy), but not exact amounts.
- These forecasts are for large areas like districts or states, not specific locations.
- Cloudbursts can’t be predicted exactly due to tech limitations and lack of dense instruments.
- However, warnings for very heavy rain (which may lead to cloudburst-like events) are given 6–12 hours in advance.
Impacts of cloud burst:
- Flash Floods: The most immediate and destructive impact is the rapid overflowing of rivers and streams, leading to widespread flooding of low-lying areas.
- Landslides and Mudslides: The excessive water saturates the soil on slopes, leading to the rapid downward movement of earth, rocks, and debris, causing significant destruction and posing a threat to human lives and infrastructure.
- Soil Erosion: The intense rainfall can wash away topsoil, degrading the land and negatively affecting agriculture.
- Land Subsidence: The weakening of the ground due to excessive water absorption can cause the sudden sinking or settling of the Earth’s surface
- Loss of Life: The suddenness and intensity of cloudbursts often leave little time for evacuation.
- Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, homes, and public utilities can be severely damaged or completely destroyed.
While the term “cloudburst” often evokes images of catastrophic floods and landslides, it’s crucial to adopt a nuanced approach, avoiding knee-jerk reactions and recognizing that not all instances of heavy rainfall are cloudbursts. While the unpredictable ferocity of cloudbursts remains a formidable challenge, a proactive blend of scientific innovation, infrastructure resilience, and community-centric preparedness offers the compass to navigate their escalating threat, particularly in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas.
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Microplastic Pollution:
Microplastics are now a serious environmental and health threat. A recent (Ministry of Earth Sciences) MoES–NCCR survey found alarming levels along India’s east and west coasts, highlighting the urgent need to embed microplastic control within India’s environmental governance framework.
Key Findings from NCCR Survey (2022–2025):
- Major microplastic sources identified:
- Riverine inputs (plastic waste transported by rivers)
- Abandoned, Lost, and Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), a persistent marine debris source globally
- The presence of primary (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics) and secondary microplastics (from the breakdown of plastic waste) was confirmed.
Microplastics: Nature
- Definition: Plastic particles ranging between 1 micrometre (µm) and 5 millimetres (mm).
- Types:
- Primary Microplastics: Manufactured in small sizes (e.g., microbeads in personal care products).
- Secondary Microplastics: Result from degradation of larger plastic items due to sunlight, wave action and other environmental factors.
Environmental Impact of Microplastics:
Impact on Marine Environments:
- Ingestion by Marine Life: Marine organisms, including fish, seabirds, ingest microplastics and can cause physical harm including gut blockages and tissue damage.
- Bioaccumulation in Marine Food Webs: Bioaccumulation can lead to higher concentrations of toxins such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in top predators, potentially impacting their health and reproductive success.
- Habitat Disruption: Microplastics can accumulate in marine sediments and affect the structure and function of marine ecosystems.
- Chemical Leaching: Microplastics can leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding seawater. These chemicals include Bisphenol A (BPA), which is known to cause reproductive defects in some fish species, along with phthalates and brominated flame retardants, all of which can interfere with the endocrine system.
Impact on Ecological Systems:
- Soil Contamination: Microplastics can negatively impact soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling, affecting plant growth and overall ecosystem health. They can act as carriers for toxins like heavy metals (e.g., Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd)).
- Disruption of Food Webs: Microplastics can accumulate in the bodies of various organisms, potentially disrupting food chains and affecting higher trophic levels.
- Impact on Soil Biota: Exposure to microplastics can negatively impact soil-dwelling organisms like earthworms and microorganisms, affecting their growth and reproduction. Leaching of plastic additives such as phthalates can disrupt cell membrane function in microbes.
- Plant Toxicity: Microplastics can be absorbed by plants, potentially affecting their growth and development, and introducing toxins into the food chain.
India’s Initiatives on Microplastic Management
- Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2021–22): Ban on single-use plastics and Emphasis on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for collection and recycling.
- Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0: Includes solid waste segregation, treatment, and scientific disposal.
- Ecosensitive Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ): CRZ rules govern development along coastlines and indirectly reduce marine plastic input.
- FSSAI Project: Ongoing study to develop standard detection protocols for microplastics in food products.
International Conventions and Agreements
- MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Annex V prohibits the discharge of plastics and synthetic fishing gear into the sea.
- Basel Convention (1989, amended in 2019) regulates transboundary movement of plastic waste. India ratified the amendments concerning plastic waste in 2020.
- The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a historic resolution to negotiate a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution by 2024 (still ongoing).
- Sustainable Development Goal 14 talks about Preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.
- Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML): A UN Environment initiative, India is a participating country.
Way Forward
- National Microplastic Monitoring Programme: Expand surveys to include rivers, lakes, groundwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Ban on Microbeads: A clear legislative ban on the use of microbeads in personal care products (done in countries like the UK and USA).
- Fishing Gear Recovery Programmes: Introduce buy-back schemes or incentives for collection of damaged fishing gear.
- Invest in R&D: Support startups and research institutes working on biodegradable alternatives and plastic detection methods.
- Public Awareness and Behavioural Change: Use platforms like Eco Clubs, MyGov, Swachh Bharat campaigns for mass education.
The presence of microplastics disrupts ecosystems by affecting organisms’ behavior and physiology, impacting soil fertility, and altering aquatic food webs. Addressing microplastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management, and developing innovative solutions like biodegradable alternatives and advanced filtration systems.
Practice UPSC Mains Questions:
- What are microplastics and how do they impact human health and the environment? Evaluate India’s current policy response to the problem and suggest a comprehensive mitigation strategy.
- Critically discuss the effectiveness of current national and global efforts to combat microplastic pollution, including initiatives like the Single-Use Plastic ban and the ongoing discussions around a legally binding international plastics treaty.
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Why in the News?
The Great Barrier Reef is facing its sharpest coral decline in 40 years, with the 2024 mass bleaching—driven by climate change, cyclones, and coral predators—severely damaging large reef areas.
About Great Barrier Reef:
- Location: Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia.
- Length & Area: Extends ~2,300 km; comprises ~3,000 reefs and 900 islands, covering ~350,000 square kilometers (about 10% of global coral reef ecosystems).
- Biodiversity:
- Hosts 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, and 4,000 mollusk species.
- Habitat for endangered species like the dugong and green turtle.
- Reef Types: Includes platform reefs, wall reefs, and fringing reefs.
- Protection Status:
- Managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
- Declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1981.
- Mass Bleaching Years: Notable events occurred in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
Coral Decline and Bleaching Events:
- Main Cause: Heat stress due to climate change, particularly during marine heatwaves.
- 2024 Event: Fifth major bleaching since 2016; had the widest spatial impact recorded in the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s 39-year monitoring program.
- Additional Damage: Cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Jasper) and flood plumes caused physical damage and freshwater stress.
- Biological Threats: Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks intensified coral predation, especially in the Swains sector.
- 2025 Survey Findings:
- 48% of 124 surveyed reefs showed coral decline.
- Only 10% recorded an increase in coral cover.
- Regional Impact: Southern Great Barrier Reef saw a 30.6% drop in hard coral cover—the sharpest annual decline ever recorded in that zone.
| [UPSC 2014] The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 0 C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 30 C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only* (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only |
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