The Supreme Court has criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lack of concrete action to curb stubble burning in states neighboring Delhi.
Key issues as per SC:
Non-Compliance and Ineffectiveness: The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM for failing to enforce the CAQM Act, highlighting a lack of concrete measures against stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
Lack of Accountability: The Court questioned the CAQM’s accountability, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and consequences for officials who fail to enforce anti-pollution laws.
Staffing and Representation Issues: The Court expressed concerns over staffing shortages in pollution control boards and inadequate representation in CAQM sub-committees, hindering effective operation.
Scepticism on Pollution Reduction Claims: Despite claims of improved air quality and reduced stubble burning, the Court remained doubtful, citing ongoing instances of stubble burning and demanding detailed explanations from the CAQM.
AbouttheCommission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
Details
Formation
Established in 2021;
Statutory body under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
Objective
To manage air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas comprehensively
Composition
Headed by a full-time chairperson, with members from various states, ministries, and sectors like agriculture, industry, transport, and construction
Powers
Authority to issue directions, inspect industries, entertain complaints, restrict industries, and shut down non-compliant units
Jurisdiction
National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Functions
Coordinates and monitors air quality, sets pollution control parameters, identifies violators, monitors industries, and can overrule state directives
PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2022]The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
[2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
With the Union Cabinet’s approval of the report by the High-Level Committee recommending simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, the debate over “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) has once again come to the forefront.
How can Simultaneous Elections enhance governance and stability?
Reduction of Policy Paralysis: Simultaneous elections prevent the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which temporarily halts new policy initiatives and decision-making. This ensures that governance continues uninterrupted.
Efficient Resource Allocation: Election authorities, security forces, and government resources would be deployed more efficiently since elections are held once in a fixed cycle, allowing for long-term planning and execution of policies.
Cost-Effective: Holding simultaneous elections reduces the cost of organizing elections multiple times, allowing the government to focus funds on development projects rather than repeated electoral processes.
Political Stability: It minimizes the risks of constant political instability caused by staggered elections, ensuring a stable policy environment for long-term economic and social development.
About the Voter Engagement and Participation:
Voters may be more inclined to participate in elections if they only need to vote once to elect both state and national representatives, which can lead to improved engagement and turnout.
Simultaneous elections make the process more convenient for voters, as they need to participate only once, avoiding voter fatigue caused by frequent electoral exercises.
Voting for both state and national representatives at the same time can allow voters to make more informed decisions by seeing a clearer alignment of their political choices at both levels.
Impact on Political Dynamics:
Level Playing Field: Simultaneous elections reduce the advantage for ruling parties that often leverage state elections for national influence and vice versa. Opposition parties will benefit from this, as their campaign resources and strategies can be focused at one time.
Less Populism: With fixed election dates, political parties may be less inclined to resort to short-term populist measures, allowing for more substantive debates on long-term issues.
Reduced Election Fatigue: Frequent elections can create voter fatigue and disengagement from political processes. Simultaneous elections reduce this fatigue, which can also lower campaign costs for parties.
Strategic Alliances: Parties may form more concrete alliances across states and national elections, leading to more coherent national and state-level strategies instead of fragmented political campaigning.
Way forward:
Constitutional and Legislative Reforms: Amendments to the Constitution and electoral laws should be carefully designed to align election cycles of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, ensuring a smooth transition without undermining democratic processes.
Building Consensus Across Political Spectrum: A broad political consensus must be achieved through dialogue, involving all stakeholders to address concerns and mitigate opposition, ensuring that simultaneous elections are seen as a step toward democratic efficiency rather than partisanship.
Mains PYQ:
Q Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)
In recent years, maritime East Asia has witnessed escalating power struggles, with China claiming Japan-controlled Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, sparking repeated tensions.
What are the current geopolitical tensions in the East and South China Seas?
East China Sea: The main issue revolves around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, claimed by both China and Japan.
Tensions have escalated through incidents like the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat captain and Japan’s nationalization of the islands in 2012. The area also witnesses Chinese Coast Guard incursions.
South China Sea: China’s claims over most of the region, backed by aggressive actions such as the creation of artificial islands and naval exercises, have escalated tensions with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
China’s “Nine-Dash Line” claims have been rejected by international tribunals, but Beijing continues to push these claims.
USA Context: The U.S. maintains security alliances with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, providing military backing. Joint exercises and increased cooperation between these allies.
The formation of the “Squad” (US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines) highlights the coordination to counterbalance China’s influence.
How do climate change and environmental factors impact storm patterns in these regions?
Storm Patterns and Rising Seas: The region is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including typhoons, which are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change.
Rising sea levels and changing storm patterns threaten coastal communities, military installations, and infrastructure.
Erosion of Islands: The creation of artificial islands by China is accelerating coastal erosion and destroying coral reefs, which are critical to local marine ecosystems.
What are the implications of military activities by regional powers in the East and South China Seas?
Growing Militarization: China has rapidly expanded its military presence, including the construction of airstrips, ports, and other defense infrastructure.
The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militias have been active in harassing the vessels of other claimant states, particularly in the South China Sea.
Challenge the US Navy: China’s military activities are seen as part of its broader strategy to challenge U.S. naval supremacy in the Indo-Pacific. This strategy also includes controlling vital sea lanes, undersea cables, and energy reserves.
How are local communities and economies affected?
Economic Disruption: China’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly around disputed fishing areas, have impacted local economies dependent on fishing.
Maritime Trade: The region is home to critical sea lanes through which a significant portion of global trade, including energy supplies, passes. Any conflict or blockade in these waters would have severe global economic ramifications.
Impact on Tourism: The increasing militarization and tension also negatively impact tourism in coastal areas.
Way forward:
Strengthening Maritime Partnerships: India should enhance its strategic maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific through forums like the Quad (India, U.S., Japan, and Australia) and ASEAN to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Economic and Infrastructure Diplomacy: India can leverage initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and enhance its economic presence by investing in infrastructure, connectivity, and capacity-building projects in Southeast Asian countries.
Mains PYQ:
Q South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2016)
In an effort to promote anime and manga culture in India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!).
About the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest
The WAM! is an innovative initiative launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI).
The contest is part of Create in India Challenge and is aimed at nurturing local creative talent in anime and manga production.
It provides a unique platform for Indian creators to produce localized versions of Japanese art styles, targeting both domestic and global audiences.
The contest offers marketing support and opportunities for global recognition, helping creators showcase their talent in manga, webtoon, and anime.
WAM! features 3 key categories:
Manga (Japanese style comics): Individual participation for both students and professionals.
Webtoon (Vertical comics for digital mediums): Individual participation for students and professionals.
Anime (Japanese style animation): Team participation (up to 4 members) for students and professionals.
About the Create in India Challenge
The Create in India Challenge aligns with Prime Ministers vision of “Design in India, Design for the World”, emphasizing the development of creative industries in India.
It is part of the broader effort to make India a global hub for design, innovation, and creative production.
It is a precursor to the WAVES Summit, a large-scale event aimed at promoting creativity and technology in media and entertainment.
PYQ:
[2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.
West Bengal has announced the discontinuation of the iconic 150 year old Kolkata trams, India’s last functioning tram system.
About Kolkata Tram
Introduced in 1873 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), the first trams were horse-drawn and operated along a 3.8 km route between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street.
In 1874, horse-drawn trams reached Bombay (now Mumbai), followed by their introduction in Nashik and Patna.
However, their dependency on horse labor made them unsustainable.
Revival and Modernization of Kolkata’s Trams
Lord Ripon revived trams in Calcutta in 1880 by experimenting with steam locomotives.
While the steam-powered trams improved speed, they introduced issues like pollution, which discouraged other states from adopting this technology.
In 1895, Madras (now Chennai) launched the country’s firstelectric tramcars, reducing noise and pollution.
Following this, Calcutta also transitioned to electric-powered trams by 1902, with routes between Esplanade and Kidderpore, and Esplanade and Kalighat.
Significance of Trams
Kolkata’s trams hold historical significance as India’s oldest running tram system, symbolizing the city’s colonial past and cultural identity.
They provide an environmentally friendly and affordable mode of transport, making them relevant even today.
As a symbol of resilience, Kolkata’s trams have survived while other cities phased them out.
They also serve as a unique tourist attraction, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the city.
PYQ:
[2020] Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?
(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.
(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.
(c) Railway line were laid in many parts of the country.
(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the import of British manufactures.
The NGT has ordered the UP government to remove water hyacinth from “Dhanauri wetlands” and questioned its failure to designate the wetland as a Ramsar site.
AboutDhanauri Wetland
Details
Location
Dhanauri village near Dankaur, Uttar Pradesh;
Floodplains of Yamuna.
Key Species
Home to over 120 Sarus Cranes (state bird of Uttar Pradesh) and 217 bird species
Ecological Significance
Important birding and nesting site; recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International
Bird Population
Hosts over 50,000 waterfowls during migratory seasons (November to March)
Ramsar Criteria
Fulfills 2 Ramsar criteria:
1. Hosts over 1% of biogeographic Sarus Crane population
2. Congregation site for 20,000+ waterfowls
Conservation Status
Documented by BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society); crucial for supporting endangered species
Ramsar Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention, also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands,’ is an intergovernmental environmental treaty founded by UNESCO in 1971.
It derives its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was initially signed.
Ramsar sites are wetlands of global significance recognized under this treaty.
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the brink of ecological changes and in need of close monitoring under the Ramsar Convention.
Ramsar Site Designation Criteria:
Ramsar site designation hinges on several factors:
Representing rare or unique natural wetland types.
Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
Maintaining biodiversity in specific biogeographic regions.
Offering refuge during adverse conditions.
Regularly accommodating 20,000 or more waterbirds.
Sustaining 1% of a population of a single water-bird species.
Serving as a critical source of food, spawning grounds, nurseries, and migration paths for fish.
Regularly supporting 1% of a population of non-avian wetland-dependent animal species.
September 28th marks 117th birth anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter “Bhagat Singh”.
Who wasBhagat Singh?
Details
Birth
September 28, 1907; Banga, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Family
Came from a family involved in anticolonial activities; his father Kishan Singh and uncle Ajit Singh were active freedom fighters.
Affiliations
• Hindustan Republican Association (1924)
• Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (1928)
• Naujawan Bharat Sabha (1926)
Revolutionary Actions
• Played a key role in the Lahore Conspiracy Case (1928) by avenging Lala Lajpat Rai’s death and mistakenly killing J.P. Saunders
• Threw a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly on April 8, 1929, with B.K. Dutt, to protest oppressive British laws.
Ideologies and Principles
• Advocated Marxist and socialist ideologies
• Rejected religion in his essay Why I Am an Atheist
• Emphasized rationalism, equality, and justice.
Arrest and Trial
Arrested in 1929 for throwing a bomb in the Central Legislative Assembly; later rearrested for the Lahore Conspiracy Case (murder of J.P. Saunders).
Jinnah opposed a 1929 Bill allowing trials in absentia, delivering a strong speech in the Central Assembly.
Execution
Hanged on March 23, 1931, along with Sukhdev and Rajguru, in Lahore for his revolutionary activities.
Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose visited Bhagat Singh in prison.
Literary Works
Bhagat Singh was fluent in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and English, and familiar with Sanskrit.
His jail notebook referenced thinkers like Karl Marx, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, and others, reflecting his intellectual diversity.
At 17, he wrote Vishwa Prem (Universal Love), advocating for universal brotherhood and equality.
He urged the oppressed classes to rebel against the social order and spoke about the philosophy of revolution in his writings, such as What is Revolution? (1929).
In his series What is Anarchism? he described organized religion and the state as forms of mental and physical slavery.
He wrote about the power of love in a 1929 letter to Sukhdev, emphasizing its role in personal and political strength.
PYQ:
[2020] Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss.
Q). Suppose you are an officer in charge of implementing a social service scheme to provide support to old and destitute women. An old and illiterate woman comes to you to avail the benefits of the scheme. However, she needs documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria. But after meeting her and listening to her you feel that she certainly needs support. Your inquiries also show that she is destitute and living in a pitiable condition. You are in a dilemma as to what to do. Putting her under the scheme without the necessary documents would be a violation of the rules. But denying her the support would be cruel. (UPSC CSE 2016)
Prelims: Who among the following can join the National Pension System (NPS)? (UPSC CSE 2017) (a) Resident Indian citizens only (b) Persons of age from 21 to 55 only (c) All State Government employees joining the services after the date of notification by the respective State Governments (d) All Central Government employees including those of Armed Forces joining the services on or after 1st April, 2004
Mentor’s Comment: There is an ongoing discussion about the need for a stronger welfare system because many countries are moving away from neoliberal policies. This has brought back conversations about government support for people in need. The proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) aims to offer pensions to everyone, but it has been criticized for needing major changes to truly help retirees. These potential reforms are important as they relate to larger social support and financial security trends, making the editorial very relevant right now.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The Indian pension system has evolved through various schemes, notably the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), the New Pension Scheme (NPS), and the proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS).
There are ongoing discussions about reforming India’s pension framework amidst significant socio-economic changes.
Previous Pension Schemes in India:
Old Pension Scheme (OPS): Implemented before 2004, it guaranteed a defined benefit pension based on the last drawn salary.
The government was solely responsible for pension disbursement and provided stability and protection from financial market risks. It allowed employees to plan their retirements with financial security.
Transition to New Pension Scheme (NPS): Introduced in 2004 replacing the OPS, it shifted from a defined-benefit model to a defined-contribution model.
Both employees and the government contribute to a pension fund invested in financial markets. Pension payouts are linked to market performance, exposing retirees to market volatility.
What are the criticisms faced by the NPS?
It represents a neoliberal shift reducing state involvement in welfare. It leaves retirees vulnerable to economic downturns and market fluctuations.
The market-driven model raises worries about the commercialization of public welfare programs. It highlights the weakening of the state’s social responsibility towards its citizens.
A return to Welfarism
• Global Context: The era of neoliberalism is declining, prompting calls for stronger social safety nets. The 2008 financial crisis highlighted the risks of over-reliance on markets. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified demands for government intervention to protect citizens. • Indian Context: India is experiencing a similar push for state-backed welfare provisions. The proposed Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) aims to provide universal pensions while balancing state involvement and market participation.
About the newly proposed – Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
• It was introduced by the government in August 2024, replacing the 21-year-old National Pension System (NPS) with a structure closely resembling the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). • The UPS promises government employees a lifelong monthly pension of 50%oftheirlastdrawn pay.In the event of a government employee’s death, the family is assured a pension equivalent to 60% of the employee’s pension. • A minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month is assured for those who complete at least 10 years of central government service. • The scheme is contributory, requiring employees to contribute 10% of their salary. The government is to contribute 18.5% of the salary.
Criticism faced by the Unified Pension Scheme:
Limited access to the Beneficiaries: UPS promises retirement payouts but offers lower returns than the Old Pension Scheme (OPS), which exposes retirees to market risks.
A requirement of 25 years of service for full pension disadvantages the late joiners, and concerns about potential underfunding could lead to pension delays.
Coverage Limitations: Currently, the UPS only covers Union government employees, excluding many public sector workers like teachers.
Need for State Intervention:
Greater state involvement is necessary to protect retirees from market fluctuations.
The UPS should consider safeguards, such as a minimum guaranteed pension similar to the OPS, to enhance its viability as a welfare scheme.
Conclusion: The UPS, if properly restructured, could become an important tool in protecting the financial security of retirees and addressing the shortcomings of the NPS, ensuring that India’s retirees are not left to the mercy of market forces but are supported by a robust welfare system.
Q). ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC CSE 2017) Q). With respect to the South China Sea, maritime territorial disputes and rising tension affaire the need for safeguarding maritime security to ensure freedom of navigation and every flight throughout the region. In this context, discuss the bilateral issues between India and China. (UPSC CSE 2014) Q). The time has come for India and Japan to build a strong contemporary relationship, one involving global and strategic partnership that will have a great significance for Asia and the world as a whole. Comment. (UPSC CSE 2019) Q). Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: China views its strength and diplomacy in critical minerals strategically, emphasizing its dominance and leveraging its resources as a political tool. China controls approximately 60% of global rare earth production and 80% of processing, positioning itself as a critical player in the mineral supply chain. This dominance allows China to exert significant influence over global markets. China perceives U.S.-led initiatives to diversify critical mineral supply chains as a containment strategy.
On August 15, 2024, China announced restrictions on antimony exports effective September 15, citing national security concerns. In today’s editorial, we will observe how China aims to remind the West of its dependency on Chinese minerals, particularly for high-tech applications.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On August 15, 2024, China announced it would restrict the export of antimony, a key mineral used in military equipment like missiles and ammunition.
The Chinese government cited national security as the reason for this decision. This follows earlier curbs on gallium and germanium.
China’s Dominance in Critical Minerals
• China is a key player in the critical minerals market, controlling 60% of rare earth production and 80% of processing globally. • China dominates all supply chain segments, including mining, extraction, refining, and processing.
How do these export controls reflect China’s response to geopolitical tensions?
Response to U.S. Actions: China’s recent export controls are seen as retaliatory measures against U.S. restrictions on Chinese technology and trade practices. This reflects a broader geopolitical struggle between the two nations.
Strategic Leverage: By controlling the supply, China is asserting its influence and demonstrating its willingness to use economic tools as leverage in geopolitical conflicts.
Japan Precedent: The 2010 halt of rare earth exports to Japan following a maritime incident illustrates China’s readiness to employ export controls as a means of exerting pressure during diplomatic disputes.
Regional Security Dynamics: China’s export restrictions highlight the vulnerabilities of countries like the U.S., EU, India, and Japan, which rely heavily on Chinese minerals for their defense and technology sectors, prompting these nations to reconsider their supply chain dependencies.
What was the objective behind this move?
Military Assertiveness: Alongside economic measures, China has increased military drills and assertive posturing in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly concerning Taiwan.
This dual approach of economic control and military readiness signals a comprehensive strategy to counter perceived threats from the U.S. and its allies.
Multipolarity Advocacy: China’s actions are part of a broader narrative promoting a multipolar world order that challenges U.S. hegemony.
By using export controls strategically, China aims to reinforce its position as a dominant power in global affairs while advocating for regional cooperation free from external interference.
How China is turning its Foreign Policy Posture?
Future Ambitions: According to China’s Natural Resource Minister Wang Guanghua, China plans to enhance its mineral exploration and capacity over the next five years, signaling ongoing ambitions to consolidate its resource dominance.
Strategic Dependency Reminder: Restricting access to strategic resources is a traditional tactic in statecraft, similar to the U.S. oil embargo against Japan in 1940.
Weaponization of Resources: China has transitioned from politicizing critical minerals to weaponizing them, using export controls as a political tool against the West.
Targeting Dual-Use Applications: Critical minerals used in military applications, such as those needed for submarines and fighter jets, are prioritized in China’s export controls.
Shift from Cooperation to Coercion: The approach has shifted from cooperative strategies to aggressive and coercive tactics, indicating that export restrictions will likely increase as relations with the West deteriorate.
India’s Vulnerability due to dependence on China
Strategic Dependence: India relies heavily on imports of critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper from China, resulting in high costs.
The U.S. is actively seeking to reduce its dependence on Chinese minerals and is exploring domestic production options.
Call to Action: The situation serves as a wake-up call for Indian policymakers to take proactive measures, such as forming partnerships with allied countries and investing in alternative supply chains to reduce dependency on China.
Conclusion: The ongoing geopolitical tensions suggest that China may continue to leverage its control over critical minerals as a tool for both economic gain and political influence, potentially escalating conflicts with Western powers if tensions persist.
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