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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    [pib] Breakthrough in Quantum Noise Research

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) found that quantum noise—usually seen as a problem—can sometimes help connect particles in a special way called entanglement, which is important for future quantum technologies.

    What is Quantum Noise?

    • Overview: Quantum noise refers to random disturbances that affect quantum systems, often causing loss of coherence or decoherence.
    • Traditional View: It is typically seen as harmful, especially for quantum entanglement, which is crucial for quantum computing and communication.
    • Entanglement Concept: It is a phenomenon where particles are so correlated that the state of one instantly affects the state of another, even at a distance.
    • Effect of Decoherence: Noise-induced decoherence breaks this entanglement, thereby reducing the efficiency of quantum technologies.

    Key Findings:

    • Observation: Found that quantum noise can generate or revive entanglement, contrary to its typical reputation as destructive.
    • Focus Area: Studied intraparticle entanglement, which involves internal properties (like spin and path) of a single particle.
    • Contrast with Interparticle Entanglement: Unlike interparticle entanglement (between separate particles), intraparticle entanglement showed resilience under noise.
    • Types of Noise Studied:
      • Amplitude Damping: Energy loss
      • Phase Damping: Loss of phase information
      • Depolarizing Noise: Random changes in quantum state
    • Major Observation: Under amplitude damping, intraparticle entanglement showed delayed decay, revival, and even creation from unentangled states.
    • Interparticle Comparison: In contrast, interparticle entanglement exhibited steady decay with no revival or generation.

    Scientific Implications:

    • New Perspective: Challenges the assumption that quantum noise is purely harmful, showing it can be a resource in certain contexts.
    • Technological Potential: Intraparticle entanglement is more noise-resilient, making it valuable for stable quantum devices.
    • Application Areas: Findings are relevant to quantum communication, QKD (quantum key distribution), quantum computing, and quantum sensing.
    • Predictive Advantage: The new formula allows precise prediction of entanglement behavior, aiding the design of robust systems.
    • Platform Independence: Results are platform-agnostic, applicable to photons, neutrons, trapped ions, etc.
    [UPSC 2025] Consider the following statements:

    I. It is expected that Majorana 1 chip will enable quantum computing. II. Majorana 1 chip has been introduced by Amazon Web Services (AWS). III. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) I and only I (b) II and III only (c) I and III only * (d) I, II and III

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Scientists decode Locust Pheromones for Eco-Friendly Control

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the News?

    Researchers in China have discovered a method to curb locust swarming by manipulating their pheromones, paving the way for eco-friendly locust control.

    What are Locust Swarms?

    • Locusts are large grasshoppers capable of forming massive swarms, consuming up to their body weight in food daily, and travelling 150 km/day with favourable winds.
    • They are highly destructive, stripping crops and threatening food security. A single swarm can consume food equivalent to the daily needs of 35,000 people.
    • In India, Locust Control and Research (LC&R) oversees locust management.
    • The Locust Warning Organisation (LWO), established in 1939, monitors and controls locust activity in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Haryana.
    • The 2019-2022 desert locust outbreak was one of the worst in decades, devastating India, Pakistan, and East Africa, destroying over 200,000 hectares of crops.
    • Despite existing control measures, locust outbreaks remain difficult to manage due to their rapid breeding capabilities.

    About Locust Pheromones:

    • Locust Behavioural Phases: Locusts exhibit two behavioural phases—solitary (non-swarming) and gregarious (swarming). The shift to gregariousness leads to swarm formation.
    • Key Pheromone – 4-Vinylanisole (4VA):
      • Identified in 2020 by Chinese researchers.
      • Released from locusts’ hind legs after feeding, especially due to the digestion of phenylalanine (a plant compound).
      • Acts as an aggregation pheromone, attracting other locusts and triggering group behaviour.
    • Biochemical Pathway:
      • Enzymes 4VPMT1 (dominant) and 4VPMT2 convert a precursor molecule (4VP) into 4VA.
      • This process is crucial in converting solitary locusts into swarm-forming gregarious ones.

    Recent Breakthrough and Its Implication:

    • Discovery: Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences genetically blocked 4VPMT1, preventing locusts from producing 4VA and stopping swarm formation.
    • Limitations: 4NP is toxic and environmentally persistent, raising concerns for large-scale deployment.
    • Strategy Proposed: RNA interference (RNAi)-based biopesticides targeting 4VPMT genes to prevent 4VA production without toxicity.
    • Wider Implications:
      • Marks the first pollution-free molecular approach to locust control.
      • Can reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides, protect crops, and support sustainable agriculture.
      • Offers a precision pest control model based on insect behavioural biochemistry.
    [UPSC 2001] American multinational company, Monsanto has produced an insect-resistant cotton variety that is undergoing field- trials in India. A toxin gene from which ONE of the following bacteria has been transferred to this transgenic cotton ?

    Options: (a) Bacillus subtilis (b) Bacillus thurigiensis* (c) Bacillus amyloliquifanciens (d) Bacillus globlii

     

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    Inflation Hits 77-Month Low

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the News?

    India’s inflation indicators have shown a significant downward trend, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) dropping to a 77-month low of 2.1% in June 2025, and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) contracting by -0.13%, marking its first decline in 20 months.

    Key Highlights on Inflation (June 2025):

    • Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation dropped to 2.1%, the lowest in 77 months (since January 2019).
    • Wholesale Price Index (WPI) contracted by -0.13%, marking its first decline in 20 months.
    • Food and Beverages (CPI component) registered deflation of 0.2%, after being at 8.4% in June 2024.
    • WPI Food Articles saw a sharp fall of 3.75%, compared to 11.1% inflation in June 2024.
    • Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas (WPI) prices contracted by 12.3%, the 10th straight month of decline.
    • Inflation in Fuel and Light (CPI) eased to 2.55% (from 2.8% in May 2025).
    • Housing inflation increased marginally to 3.24%, while Pan, Tobacco and Intoxicants stayed stable at 2.4%.

    Back2Basics: Consumer Price Index (CPI) vs. Wholesale Price Index (WPI)

    Consumer Price Index (CPI) Wholesale Price Index (WPI)
    Definition Measures the change in retail prices of goods and services consumed by households Measures the change in wholesale prices of goods traded between businesses
    Compiled By National Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) Office of Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    Base Year 2012 (CPI-Industrial Workers has 2016 as base year) 2011–12
    Coverage Goods and Services Only Goods
    Data Collection Prices from 1,181 villages & 1,114 urban markets across India Prices collected from wholesale markets, factories, and mandis
    Purpose/Use Measures retail inflation, used for the RBI’s inflation targeting and monetary policy decisions Measures producer-level inflation, used as a GDP deflator
    Users Consumers, RBI, Government (for social welfare schemes like DA/DR) Policymakers, manufacturers, and financial markets
    Publication Frequency Monthly Monthly
    Number of Items 299 items 697 items
    Components – Food & Beverages (45%)
    – Housing (10%)
    – Fuel & Light (6.8%)
    – Miscellaneous (services, etc.) (28.3%)
    – Clothing & Footwear (6.5%)
    – Pan, Tobacco & Intoxicants (2.4%)    		 – Primary Articles (22.6%)
    – Fuel & Power (13.2%)
    – Manufactured Products (64.2%)
    Weight of Food Items High (~45%) Lower (~24.4%)
    Impact on Economy Direct impact on consumer purchasing power and cost of living Indicates trends in production costs and supply chain
    Volatility More volatile due to food and fuel price changes Less volatile due to base price considerations
    Use in Policy Directly used by RBI for inflation targeting (e.g., 4% CPI target) Used for GDP deflation, price policy formation
    Criticism May not reflect production-side price pressures Does not capture consumer-level inflation or services
    Inflation Indicator Preferred indicator for common people More relevant to manufacturers and wholesale traders

     

    [UPSC 2021] With reference to the Indian economy, demand-pull inflation can be caused or increased by which of the following:

    1. Expansionary policies 2.Fiscal stimulus 3.Inflation-indexing of wages 4.Higher purchasing power 5.Rising interest rates

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1, 2, and 4 only* (b) 3, 4, and 5 only (c) 1, 2, 3, and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

     

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  • Policy Wise: India’s Power Sector

    ADEETIE Scheme

    Schemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Power has launched a new national scheme — Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments (ADEETIE).

    About ADEETIE Scheme:

    • Launch: It was launched by the Ministry of Power through the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
    • Objective: It aims to promote energy efficiency in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to cut energy consumption, reduce emissions, and enhance competitiveness.
    • Background: It builds upon successful state-level pilots, such as decarbonisation projects in Andhra Pradesh’s MSME clusters.
    • Climate Alignment: It supports India’s climate goals, including 45% emission intensity reduction by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2070.
    • Budget Allocation: The scheme has a dedicated budget of ₹1,000 crore, with a focus on MSMEs, EXCLUDING large enterprises.

    Key Features of ADEETIE Scheme:

    • Interest Subsidy Support: MSMEs adopting energy-efficient tech will receive interest subsidies on loans:
      • 5% for small enterprises
      • 3% for medium enterprises
    • Digital Portal Utility: The platform acts as a one-stop portal for financing, project development, and knowledge sharing on energy-efficient solutions.
    • Supported Technologies: It promotes adoption of cutting-edge clean technologies, including:
      • Automation and digital control systems
      • Combustion control systems for boilers
      • Methane capture technology
      • Air-dyeing in textiles
    • Collaboration: It fosters industry partnerships through MoUs with major MSME associations.
    • Legal Backing: It aligns with the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which enables carbon markets and mandates clean energy usage.
    [UPSC 2016] On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label?

    1. Ceiling fans

    2. Electric geysers

    3. Tubular fluorescent lamps

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3*

     

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  • In news: Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS)

    Prelims Only | Geography | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    This newscard highlights the role of Indian assistants in completing the Great Trigonometric Survey (GTS), which began in 1802 to map India’s geography.

    About the Great Trigonometrical Survey (GTS):

    • Launch and Objective: The GTS was a massive scientific and cartographic initiative launched in 1802 by the British to map India with unprecedented precision using trigonometry and geodesy.
    • Initiator: It was conceptualised by William Lambton, a British army officer, and carried out under the East India Company.
    • Purpose: It aimed to measure Earth’s curvature, create accurate maps, and support colonial administration, scientific research, and military planning.
    • Survey Method: It used triangulation, involving a network of interconnected triangles built from a known baseline to calculate distances and angles over large areas.
    • First Baseline: The initial baseline was measured in 1802 at St. Thomas Mount near Madras (Chennai) and extended over 2,600 km up to the Himalayas.
    • Instruments Used: The survey used massive theodolites (weighing up to half a ton) and measuring chains, requiring large teams for operation and transport.
    • Scientific Outcome: It led to the formulation of the Everest Spheroid, a geodetic reference model still used for mapping in South Asia.
    • Duration and Leadership: Although planned to take 5 years, the project lasted nearly 70 years (until 1871) and was led by successors such as George Everest (after whom Mt. Everest was named), Andrew Scott Waugh, and James Walker.

    How did the GTS led to the Mapping of India?

    • First Accurate Maps: It provided scientific maps that corrected earlier errors, enabling modern geodetic frameworks for administration and infrastructure.
    • Survey Range: It mapped from southern India to the Himalayas, supporting large-scale development and scientific measurement.
    • Great Arc Measurement: It measured the Great Arc (Chennai to Dehradun), a significant geodetic arc that helped calculate Earth’s curvature.
    • Himalayan Heights: Using triangulation data, the survey measured 79 Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga.
    • Mount Everest Identification: In 1852, Peak XV was identified as the world’s highest mountain, later named Mount Everest in honour of George Everest.
    • Latitude-Longitude System: It produced precise longitude and latitude coordinates, crucial for navigation, military logistics, and administration.
    • Infrastructure Impact: Survey benchmarks supported railways, roads, canals, and earthquake studies, many of which remain relevant today.

    Contribution of Indians to the GTS:

    • Syed Mir Mohsin Husain: A jeweller from Arcot who repaired critical instruments and was later appointed as an instrument maker in the Surveyor General’s office.
    • Radhanath Sikdar: An Indian mathematician who calculated the height of Mount Everest in 1852, confirming it as the tallest peak globally.
    • Indian Field Workers: Thousands of Indian flagmen, khalasis, and labourers undertook challenging tasks like carrying heavy equipment, setting markers, and working in hazardous environments.
    • Logistical Support: Indian artisans and technicians repaired, calibrated, and adapted instruments, making the project feasible under Indian conditions.
    • Role of Pundits: Trained Indian “pundits” conducted secret surveys in Tibet and politically sensitive regions, where British officers were restricted.
    [UPSC 2018] Among the following cities, which one lies on a longitude closest to that of Delhi?

    Options: (a) Bengaluru* (b) Hyderabad (c) Nagpur (d) Pune

     

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  • Minority Issues – SC, ST, Dalits, OBC, Reservations, etc.

    [14th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Secularism — implicit from day one, explicit in 1976

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2024] Discuss India as a secular state and compare with the secular principles of the US Constitution.

    Linkage: The article talks about the concept of secularism was deeply embedded in India’s foundational principles long before the word was explicitly added to the Constitution. The question directly asks for a discussion of India as a secular state and a comparison with the secular principles of the US Constitution. This necessitates an understanding of the fundamental nature and historical evolution of Indian secularism, which aligns perfectly with the theme of “implicit from day one, explicit in 1976.”

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  Indian secularism is a core constitutional and civilizational value, not a foreign imposition. Secularism was always embedded in India’s political philosophy—rooted in Ashoka’s Dhamma, the freedom struggle, and Nehruvian ideals—long before the term was explicitly added to the Preamble in 1976.

    Today’s editorial analyses the ongoing national debate on secularism in India. This topic is important for  GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    Recently, the ongoing national debate on secularism in India, especially in light of rising Hindutva narratives, political calls to re-examine or delete the word “secular” from the Constitution, and broader questions about the role of religion in Indian politics and governance.

    What is the Indian model of secularism?

    • Equal respect for all religions: Unlike strict separation models (like in France), Indian secularism does not oppose religion but ensures that the state maintains a principled distance and treats all religions equally.
    • Religious autonomy with state neutrality: It protects religious communities from state interference, while also allowing the state to intervene in religious practices that violate fundamental rights (e.g., banning untouchability, regulating temple entry).
    • Rooted in pluralism and history: It draws from India’s civilizational ethos, including Ashoka’s Dhamma, and the ideals of the freedom struggle, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of diverse faiths within a democratic framework.

    Why did the Constitution’s framers reject a state religion for India?

    • Commitment to Equality and Non-Discrimination: The framers believed the state must treat all religions equally to ensure religious freedom and equal citizenship, irrespective of faith. Eg: The 1928 Motilal Nehru Report and 1931 Karachi Resolution explicitly advocated for state neutrality in religious matters.
    • Historical Legacy of Tolerance: India’s long tradition of religious pluralism, influenced by Ashokan edicts, emphasised coexistence and respect for all faiths, not state endorsement of one. Eg: Ashoka’s Rock Edict 7 promoted the idea that all religions should coexist peacefully.
    • Avoidance of Theocracy and Communal Division: After witnessing Partition and its communal violence, the framers feared that endorsing a state religion would deepen sectarian divides and weaken national unity. Eg: Even Syama Prasad Mookerjee and the Hindu Mahasabha’s 1944 draft constitution did not support declaring Hinduism as the state religion.

    What are the risks of redefining secularism in India’s current context?

    • Erosion of Religious Neutrality of the State: Redefining secularism could weaken the state’s impartial stance in religious matters, leading to preferential treatment for the majority religion and marginalisation of minorities. Eg: The growing demand to formally declare India a Hindu Rashtra could alienate religious minorities and threaten inclusive governance.
    • Undermining Constitutional Morality and Democratic Ideals: Secularism is part of the basic structure doctrine upheld by the Supreme Court. Altering it could compromise constitutional values like liberty, equality, and fraternity. Eg: The Kesavananda Bharati case (1973) affirmed secularism as an inviolable part of the Constitution.
    • Increase in Communal Polarisation and Social Instability: Shifting away from secularism may embolden majoritarian narratives, intensify hate speech, and provoke inter-religious conflicts, disrupting national unity. Eg: The Ram Temple consecration in 2024, influenced more by political decisions than theological consensus, reflects state intrusion into religious space.

    What can India learn from global models of religion–state relations?

    • Balance between Symbolism and Equality: Countries like England and Greece recognize a dominant religion symbolically (e.g., Anglican Church or Greek Orthodox Church), yet uphold equal rights and religious freedom for all citizens through constitutional guarantees. India can maintain its spiritual heritage while ensuring non-discrimination and equality in law.
    • Institutional Autonomy with Legal Safeguards: Ireland and Sri Lanka offer models where religion is acknowledged culturally, but the state cannot endow or control religious institutions, preserving religious autonomy and legal protection for minority practices. India can reinforce legal safeguards for all religions while maintaining a non-theocratic state.
    • Flexible Jurisdictional Models: In Western Thrace (Greece) and Sri Lanka, minority religious communities have the option to resolve disputes through personal or religious laws, within constitutional limits. India can explore plural legal frameworks that respect cultural autonomy without compromising constitutional supremacy.

    What are the steps taken by the Indian Government? 

    • Equal Treatment of All Religions: The state maintains neutrality in religious affairs — it does not promote or adopt any state religion, ensuring equal respect for all communities (e.g., no public funding for religious instruction in state-funded educational institutions).
    • Minority Rights Protection: Through Articles 29 and 30, the government protects cultural and educational rights of religious and linguistic minorities, allowing them to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice.
    • Personal Law Autonomy: The state allows different religious communities to follow their own personal laws in matters like marriage, divorce, and inheritance, reinforcing religious autonomy while also subjecting them to judicial review.
    • Legal Actions Against Communalism: The government has enacted laws like the Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, Places of Worship Act, 1991, and anti-hate speech provisions to prevent communal violence, hate speech, and religious polarization.
    • Representation and Inclusion: Reservation in educational institutions and government jobs for socially and educationally backward classes, including religious minorities, promotes inclusive development.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Constitutional Literacy: Promote public awareness about secular values enshrined in the Constitution through education and civic outreach to counter misinformation and foster interfaith harmony.
    • Ensure Political Neutrality in Religious Matters: Enforce strict separation between religion and politics, preventing the misuse of religion for electoral gains and ensuring the State remains neutral in matters of faith.

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  • Air Pollution

    Smoke and Sulphur: On sulphur dioxide emissions, public health

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    Recently the Environment Ministry of India has recently exempted most coal-fired power plants from installing Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, reversing its 2015 mandate. This move weakens efforts to control sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, a harmful air pollutant.

    What is Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) system? 

    Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems are air pollution control technologies used in thermal power plants to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from flue gases (the exhaust emitted when coal or oil is burned).

    Why has FGD installation been exempted for most coal plants?

    • Low Sulphur Content in Indian Coal: Indian coal contains naturally low sulphur, reducing the urgency to control SO₂ emissions. Eg: The expert committee stated that SO₂ levels near plants using Indian coal were already below permissible limits.
    • High Installation and Operational Costs: Installing FGD systems is capital-intensive and can increase electricity tariffs. Eg: Many private power producers cited cost constraints as a barrier to following the 2015 FGD mandate.
    • Limited Vendor Capacity in India: There is a shortage of FGD equipment suppliers, causing delays in implementation. Eg: From 2015–2024, only 8% of 600 units installed FGDs, primarily by NTPC (a public sector company).
    • Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused supply chain disruptions and delayed project execution timelines. Eg: The Environment Ministry cited COVID-related delays for missing 2024 FGD deadlines.
    • Scientific Reassessment of SO₂ Effects: New studies suggest sulphates formed from SO₂ may have a climate-cooling effect, weakening the urgency of emission controls. Eg: The Power Ministry argued that reducing sulphates could actually worsen global warming.

    How does SO₂ affect health and air quality?

    • Respiratory Health Impacts: Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) irritates the respiratory tract, causing issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and shortness of breath, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. In Delhi, spikes in SO₂ levels have been linked to increased hospital visits for respiratory ailments during winter months.
    • Formation of Particulate Matter (PM2.5): SO₂ reacts in the atmosphere to form sulphate aerosols, a major component of PM2.5, which penetrates deep into lungs and contributes to air pollution. Industrial belts like Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh record high levels of particulate pollution, partly due to emissions from coal-fired plants.
    • Reduced Visibility and Environmental Damage: SO₂ contributes to acid rain and haze, damaging crops, soil, and water sources, and reducing visibility. Areas near thermal power plants, such as in Chhattisgarh, have reported acidic soil degradation, affecting agriculture.

    What does selective FGD enforcement indicate about regulation?

    • Location-Based Policy Inconsistency: The decision to mandate FGD installation only near NCR and urban hotspots suggests that environmental regulations are being applied selectively, not based on uniform scientific standards, but geographical and political considerations.
    • Weak Enforcement and Shifting Priorities: Exempting most coal plants despite earlier commitments reflects regulatory dilution, raising concerns about policy backtracking and the government’s willingness to compromise on environmental health in favor of industrial or economic concerns.
    • Undermining Scientific Credibility and Public Trust: Ignoring the original mandate without robust public debate weakens trust in evidence-based regulation, indicating that scientific advisories are not consistently followed in policy implementation.

    Why is public debate vital before policy shifts on pollution?

    • Ensures Transparency and Accountability: Open public debate creates transparency, compelling policymakers to justify decisions and remain accountable to citizens.
    • Strengthens Scientific Rigor: Debate enables scientific scrutiny of environmental claims, ensuring that policy changes are based on credible evidenceand expert consultation.
    • Safeguards Public Health and Democratic Rights: Inclusive discussions protect public health and uphold democratic values by allowing citizens to voice concerns over pollution-related policies.

    Why is public debate vital before policy shifts on pollution?

    • Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), this market-based mechanism promotes energy efficiency in industries, indirectly reducing emissions.
    • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, it aims for a 20–30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 2024 (now extended), and addresses urban air pollution through sector-specific mitigation plans.
    • Retrofitting of Plants: Plants identified in pollution hotspots, those near NCR or million-plus cities, are required to install FGD by 2028, as per latest Environment Ministry directive.
    • Promotion of Renewable Energy and Ujjwala Yojana: Transition towards cleaner energy sources (solar, wind) and LPG distribution under Ujjwala Yojana has reduced reliance on coal and biomass, indirectly curbing SO₂ emissions.

    Way forward: 

    • Revise FGD Policy Through Transparent Public Consultation: Any change in environmental regulation, especially exemptions, must involve scientific review, public debate, and stakeholder consultations to ensure credibility and protect public health.
    • Strengthen Pollution Monitoring and Accountability: Enhance the real-time SO₂ monitoring network, enforce uniform emission standards, and link compliance with financial or operational incentives to promote cleaner technologies across all power plants.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2024] Industrial pollution of river water is a significant environmental issue in India. Discuss the various mitigation measures to deal with this problem and also the government’s initiatives in this regard.

    Linkage: The article talks about the Environment Ministry’s decision to exempt most coal-fired plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which is a significant government initiative related to an environmental issue (sulphur dioxide emissions) and its mitigation. This is a direct and comprehensive question about environmental issues and the government’s initiatives and mitigation measures.

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  • Climate Change Negotiations – UNFCCC, COP, Other Conventions and Protocols

    Assessing India’s Carbon Credit trading scheme targets 

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Indian government recently set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity targets for key industrial sectors under its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). These targets apply to eight major industries, including steel, cement, aluminium, and textiles, and aim to reduce emissions per unit of production.

    What is CCTS?

    The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) allows entities—such as factories, refineries, or power plants—that emit less than their permitted carbon limits to earn carbon credits. These credits can then be traded with other entities that have exceeded their emission limits.

    What is the importance of assessing carbon targets at the economy-wide level?

    • Reflects true environmental impact: Evaluating targets at the economy-wide level ensures we understand the overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which is the ultimate goal of climate action.
    • Enables flexible compliance: It allows efficient entities to overachieve and trade credits with less efficient ones, reducing total emissions cost-effectively. Eg: In India’s PAT scheme, cement plants exceeding targets sold energy-saving certificates to aluminium units lagging behind.
    • Aligns with national commitments: It supports the evaluation of whether India is on track to meet its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero targets, beyond fragmented sectoral views. Eg: India aims to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 – a goal only visible through economy-wide analysis.

    What is the PAT Scheme?

    The PAT Scheme sets energy efficiency targets for large, energy-intensive industries. Companies that exceed their targets earn Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), which they can trade with other companies that fail to meet their targets.

    How has the PAT scheme proven effective in reducing energy intensity?

    • Encouraged market-based efficiency: The Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme allowed industries to meet energy targets using tradable efficiency certificates, creating a cost-effective compliance mechanism.
    • Achieved aggregate reduction: Despite mixed results at the entity or sector level, overall energy intensity in India declined across PAT cycles, proving its system-wide impact. Eg: Between 2012–14, even as chlor-alkali sector’s intensity rose, combined data showed less energy used per unit of output.
    • Enabled flexible transition: PAT helped industries adopt incremental improvements or buy credits instead of making costly in-house upgrades, ensuring participation without economic strain. Eg: Aluminium units improved production processes, while others chose certificate trading to meet targets.

    Why are entity-level targets insufficient to assess emission reduction?

    • Limited Scope of Impact: Targets at the entity level show progress in isolation and may miss the broader picture. For instance, even if some paper or chlor-alkali plants increase their energy use per unit of output, overall national emissions may still fall due to reductions in other sectors.
    • Focus on Transactions, Not Outcomes: These targets often guide financial trades between companies rather than ensuring actual emissions reduction. A steel plant may meet its target not by cutting emissions but by buying efficiency certificates from another unit.
    • Inconsistency Across Sectors: Emission reductions may vary widely across sectors. While cement and aluminium sectors may improve efficiency, others may lag. Solely relying on entity targets could misrepresent the real national decarbonisation progress.

    What limits the comparison of CCTS targets with past and future benchmarks?

    • Mismatch in Scope: The CCTS targets apply only to a part of India’s industrial base, making it difficult to compare them with economy-wide goals like the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Eg. CCTS covers only 8 industrial sectors, while NDCs span all sectors including agriculture and transport.
    • Changing Baselines and Ambition Levels: Past schemes like PAT Cycle I had relatively modest targets. Comparing them with current CCTS goals may underestimate the urgency for stronger action aligned with net-zero by 2070. Eg. A sector that achieved 1% reduction earlier may now require over 2.5% annual reduction to stay on track.
    • Different Indicators Used: Past targets often focused on energy intensity, while future goals (like NDCs) emphasise emissions intensity per GDP or value added, making direct comparison methodologically inconsistent. Eg. Comparing energy saved per unit of production vs emissions per unit of GDP distorts true climate ambition.

    How do CCTS targets align with India’s NDC and net-zero goals?

    • Partial Alignment with Emission Intensity Reduction: The CCTS targets aim to reduce emissions intensity in key industrial sectors, contributing to India’s NDC goal of reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030 (compared to 2005 levels). However, the annual reduction rateof ~1.68% in CCTS sectors is lower than the required pace for full alignment.
    • Lag Behind Power Sector Decarbonisation: Compared to the power sector, which has low-cost mitigation options and a projected 3.44% annual decline in emissions intensity, the industrial sector’s slower pace (~2.53%) under CCTS may hinder the broader net-zero pathway.
    • Need for Greater Sectoral Ambition: The current CCTS trajectory appears less aggressive than necessary for the 2070 net-zero target. Without scaling upambition across more sectors and tightening targets, CCTS alone cannot ensure full alignment with India’s long-term climate goals.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhance Sectoral Ambition with Dynamic Targeting: Revise CCTS targets periodically based on economy-wide modelling aligned with India’s NDC and net-zero goals, ensuring progressively stringent emission intensity reductions across all major industrial sectors.
    • Integrate Technology and Incentives: Promote adoption of clean technologies through financial incentives, carbon pricing, and capacity-building support to enable industries to decarbonize efficiently without compromising growth.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] Should the pursuit of carbon credit and clean development mechanism set up under UNFCCC be maintained even through there has been a massive slide in the value of carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.

    Linkage: The article talks about the concept of “carbon credit,” which is a fundamental component of carbon trading schemes, including India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) which is related to the demand of the question.

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project  

    Prelims OnlySchemes | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Why in the News?

    India’s flagship freight rail infrastructure project — the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) — is nearing full commissioning.

    About the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) Project:

    • Overview: It is a flagship railway initiative by the Ministry of Railways to modernise and streamline freight movement in India.
    • Launch: The foundation stone was laid in 2006 by PM Dr. Manmohan Singh.
    • Implementing Agency: It is implemented by the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd. (DFCCIL), a Special Purpose Vehicle established in October 2006.
    • Objective: The main aim is to develop high-capacity, high-speed freight-only rail corridors to decongest passenger routes and improve logistics efficiency.
    • Investment Size: With a total estimated cost of ₹1.25 lakh crore, the DFC is among India’s largest rail infrastructure investments.
    • Corridor Coverage:
      1. Eastern DFC (EDFC): Spans 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab) — fully operational.
      2. Western DFC (WDFC): Stretches 1,506 km from JNPT (Mumbai) to Dadri (UP) — 93% complete, to be commissioned by Dec 2025.
    • Need for DFCs: The project was necessitated by overuse of the Golden Quadrilateral, which carries over 50% of freight on just 16% of India’s rail routes.
    • Freight Transport Target: The goal is to increase the rail share of freight to 45% by 2030 as part of the National Rail Plan.

    Key Features of the DFC:

    • Dedicated Infrastructure: The DFCs feature electrified double-line tracks, exclusively for freight, separating them from passenger traffic.
    • Load and Speed Capacity: Built to handle 32.5-tonne axle loads and support freight train speeds of up to 100 km/h.
    • Cargo Type by Corridor:
      1. Eastern DFC: Focused on coal and raw materials.
      2. Western DFC: Transports containers, cement, fertilisers, and other industrial goods.
    • Train Speed: Trains currently operate at 50–60 km/h, with further speed gains expected through modern rolling stock.
    • Capacity Utilization: Already operating at over 85% capacity, with projections of 480 daily trains (240 each direction) by mid-2026.
    • Future Expansion Plans:
      1. East Coast Corridor: Paradip to Vijayawada
      2. East–West Corridor: Kharagpur to Mumbai
      3. North–South Corridor: Delhi to Chennai
    • Estimated Expansion Cost: The combined cost of these three new corridors is around ₹4 lakh crore, with the East Coast Corridor prioritized first.
    [UPSC 2000] Which one of the following ports of India handles the highest tonnage of import cargo?

    Options: (a) Calcutta (b) Kandla (c) Mumbai* (d) Visakhapatnam

     

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  • Tribes in News

    Jarawa Tribe of Andaman Islands

    Prelims Only | Indian Society | Mains Paper 1: Population & Associated Issues

    Why in the News?

    Ahead of the 16th Census of India, experts have stated that counting the six main indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawa, is feasible.

    Jarawa Tribe of Andaman Islands

    About Jarawa Tribe:

    • Location: They live in the Middle and South Andaman Islands of India.
    • Official Status: They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the GoI.
    • Population Growth: Their population has risen from 260 (1998) to around 647 (2025) due to better healthcare and low external interference.
    • First Contact: Voluntary contact with outsiders began in 1997, allowing limited medical aid, schooling, and trade.
    • Key Features:
      • Lifestyle: They are hunter-gatherers and fisherfolk, moving in nomadic groups of 40–50 individuals.
      • Ancestry: Believed to be descendants of the extinct Jangil tribe and among the earliest human migrants from Africa.
      • Health Profile: They maintain strong physical health with low incidence of lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
      • Lifespan: Natural childbirth is common, and the average lifespan now exceeds 50 years.

    Note:

    The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to 5 PVTGs, which are among the most isolated and distinct indigenous communities in India. They are- Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.

     

    Back2Basics: Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)

    • Overview:  They are a subgroup within Scheduled Tribes considered most backward and vulnerable.
    • Habitat: They generally inhabit remote localities having poor infrastructure and administrative support.
    • Distribution: There are 75 such groups identified and categorized PVTGs.
    • Origin of the concept:
      • The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) stated that within Scheduled Tribes there existed an inequality in the rate of development.
      • During the 4th Five Year Plan (1969-74) a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that were considered to be at a lower level of development.
      • This sub-category was named “Primitive tribal group”.
      • In 2006 the government of India proposed to rename PVTGs.
    • Features of PVTGs: Groups that satisfied any one of the criteria are considered PVTGs:
      1. Pre-agricultural system of existence
      2. The practice of hunting and gathering
      3. Zero or negative population growth
      4. Extremely low level of literacy in comparison with other tribal groups.

     

    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

    1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.

    2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.

    3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.

    4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4* (d) 1, 3 and 4

     

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