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  • Air Pollution

    Best of Both Sides: To combat pollution, use of personal vehicles must decrease

    op-ed snap | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Issues relating growth and development, employment

    Urban Air Pollution: Sources and Pollutants - Airqoon - Cost effective and easy to use air monitoring at scale

    Central idea

    Delhi grapples with severe smog, prompting emergency measures to curb pollution, including restricting vehicles. Despite past efforts to mitigate vehicular emissions, the city faces challenges in reducing dependence on personal vehicles. The article emphasizes the need for stronger political will, effective restraints, and enhanced public transport to address the persistent air quality and mobility crisis in Delhi.

    Key Highlights:

    • Delhi faces severe smog, prompting emergency measures to curb pollution, including restrictions on vehicles.
    • Vehicles contribute significantly to Delhi’s air pollution, with official data indicating a 40% emission of particulate load.
    • Despite previous efforts, vehicular emissions remain challenging to mitigate, with over 80 lakh on-road vehicles in Delhi.

    Challenges:

    • Cumulative emissions from increasing vehicle numbers and congestion undermine emission improvements per unit.
    • Personal automobile dependence persists, with a 47% growth in car numbers during 2022-23.
    • The shift to public transport is hindered by inadequate infrastructure, low passenger numbers per bus, and a lack of effective restraints on personal vehicle usage.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Crippling mobility crisis” in Delhi due to emergency measures restricting vehicles.
    • “Gut reaction” to underplay the role of vehicles in air pollution amid public criticism.

    Analysis: The article underscores the persistent challenge of vehicular emissions in Delhi, despite past efforts to curb pollution. It highlights the need for a substantial shift to public transport to address the mobility crisis and reduce dependence on personal vehicles.

    Key Data:

    • Over 80 lakh on-road vehicles in Delhi, with car numbers witnessing a 47% growth in 2022-23.
    • Transport diesel consumption reduced by 46% between 2014 and 2022.
    • Only 7,041 buses against the mandated 10,000, with a 48% drop in passengers carried per bus since 2017-18.

    Key Facts:

    • Despite emission improvements, Delhi’s air quality remains a concern, leading to emergency measures.
    • Public transport ridership faces challenges, with a drop in passengers per bus and increased empty kilometres.
    • The article emphasizes the need for stronger political will to restrain personal vehicle usage and promote public transport.

    Way Forward:

    • Strengthen political will to implement effective restraints on personal vehicle usage, such as parking rules and congestion pricing.
    • Focus on making integrated public transport more convenient, accessible, and affordable.
    • Implement scalable solutions, including a dense street network for walking and cycling, and housing closer to transit nodes.

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  • Best case scenario for BJP in state polls — it will only win Rajasthan

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Central idea

    The article scrutinizes various Union government welfare schemes, citing issues in health insurance, education, water mission, nutrition, financial inclusion, and minority scholarships. It urges corrective measures to rectify identified challenges, emphasizing the reassessment of budget allocations for improved transparency and program efficacy.

    Key Highlights:

    • Critique of BJP’s welfare schemes, questioning their effectiveness and highlighting discrepancies.
    • Examination of schemes like Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jal Jeevan Mission, PM POSHAN, Jan Dhan Yojana, and Minority Scholarships.
    • Mention of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report exposing issues in Ayushman Bharat, including fraudulent practices.
    • Emphasis on the allocation and utilization of funds in schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and PM POSHAN.
    • Challenges in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, particularly the slow progress in providing functional tap connections.
    • Criticism of the decrease in allocation for PM POSHAN despite the persisting issue of child malnutrition.
    • Statistics revealing issues in Jan Dhan Yojana, including a high percentage of zero-balance accounts and decreased claim settlements.

    Key Phrases for mains marks enhancement:

    • “Hype than substance” in describing BJP’s welfare schemes.
    • “Glaring discrepancies” in the Ayushman Bharat scheme, as highlighted by CAG.
    • “Measly budget allocation” for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao and structural barriers to girls’ education.
    • “Certified” villages under Jal Jeevan Mission and the slow progress in providing tap connections.
    • “Decrease in allocation” for PM POSHAN despite the prevalence of child malnutrition.
    • “Zero balance accounts” and “dormant or inoperative” Jan Dhan accounts.
    • “Discontinuation” and “reduction of funding” for Minority Scholarships, impacting educational opportunities.

    Analysis:

    The article critically examines several welfare schemes launched by the BJP government, questioning their impact and effectiveness. It highlights discrepancies in implementation, allocation, and utilization of funds in schemes related to healthcare, education, water supply, nutrition, and financial inclusion. The analysis draws attention to issues such as fraudulent practices, slow progress in achieving objectives, and reductions in budget allocations despite persistent challenges.

    Key Data:

    • 5 lakh beneficiaries linked with a single cell phone number in Ayushman Bharat.
    • 80% of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao funds spent on media campaigns.
    • Only 35% of villages under Jal Jeevan Mission certified for providing drinking water.
    • Rs 11,600 crore allocation for PM POSHAN in 2023, a 9% decrease from the previous year.
    • Over 8% of Jan Dhan accounts as zero balance, and 18% either dormant or inoperative.
    • Discontinuation of the Maulana Azad Fellowship scheme and reduction of funds for Minority Scholarships.

    Ayushman Bharat:

    • Challenges: Glaring discrepancies highlighted by the CAG, including fraudulent practices and data manipulation.
    • Analysis: The scheme faces credibility issues due to these discrepancies, raising questions about its transparency and effectiveness.
    • Way Forward: Implement corrective measures based on the CAG report findings to ensure transparency and accountability.

    Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:

    • Challenges: Heavy spending on media campaigns (80%), structural barriers hindering girls’ education.
    • Analysis: Allocation concerns and structural barriers indicate shortcomings in achieving the scheme’s objectives.
    • Way Forward: Reevaluate budget allocations, focusing on direct implementation and addressing barriers to girls’ education.

    Jal Jeevan Mission:

    • Challenges: Slow progress in providing functional tap connections, only 35% of villages certified.
    • Analysis: Concerns about achieving objectives by the 2024 deadline due to slow progress and incomplete certifications.
    • Way Forward: Intensify efforts to expedite tap connections and ensure the certification of remaining villages.

    PM POSHAN:

    • Challenges: Decreased budget allocation (9% reduction), persisting child malnutrition issues.
    • Analysis: Despite the prevalence of child malnutrition, reduced funding raises concerns about the scheme’s impact.
    • Way Forward: Reconsider budget decisions to align with the magnitude of challenges and enhance the effectiveness of nutritional interventions.

    Jan Dhan Yojana:

    • Challenges: High percentage of zero-balance accounts (8%) and decreased claim settlements.
    • Analysis: Issues with inactive accounts and declining claim settlements indicate challenges in the scheme’s implementation.
    • Way Forward: Enhance outreach and awareness programs to ensure the effective utilization of financial inclusion schemes.

    Minority Scholarships:

    • Challenges: Discontinuation of Maulana Azad Fellowship, reduction of funds for educational opportunities.
    • Analysis: Discontinuation and reduced funding impact educational opportunities for minorities.
    • Way Forward: Reconsider decisions to discontinue or reduce funding, supporting educational opportunities for minorities.

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

    Acknowledge India’s economic successes too

    op-ed snap | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Indian Economy To Grow By 7-7.8 Pc In FY23 Despite Global Headwinds: Experts - Goodreturns

    Central idea

    India’s robust economic growth faces challenges in digital inclusion, governance equity, and managing post-COVID-19 effects. Government initiatives, encompassing reforms, infrastructure focus, and poverty alleviation, drive progress. Recognizing successes and addressing shortcomings is vital for informed public discourse and sustained development momentum.

    Key Highlights:

    • Impressive Economic Growth: India’s post-COVID-19 economic growth is remarkable, with FY2023 showing a YoY growth of 7.2%, the fastest among major economies.
    • Policy Reforms Driving Growth: Government initiatives, including economic liberalization, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), demonetization, GST, and corporate tax reduction, have propelled India’s economic trajectory.
    • Inclusive Growth Focus: The government’s commitment to “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas” reflects in poverty alleviation, rural welfare, and inclusive growth measures, leading to improved living standards.
    • Multidimensional Poverty Reduction: NITI Aayog’s report indicates a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty, with 13.5 crore Indians escaping poverty between 2015-16 and 2019-21.
    • Agricultural Success: Support for agriculture has resulted in unprecedented growth in fruits, vegetables, dairy, livestock, and fishery, enhancing the nutritional value of the food basket.

    Challenges:

    • Critique of Growth Metrics: Some critics argue for using compound annual growth rates post-COVID-19, questioning the validity of YoY growth rates as a true measure of economic progress.
    • Long Road to High-Income Status: Acknowledging the challenges, India recognizes the need for sustained efforts to achieve high-income status and a high quality of life for its citizens.

    Key Phrases for mains value addition:

    • “Fastest-growing major economy”: The tagline emphasizes India’s rapid economic growth in the global context, driven by its large size and robust domestic demand.
    • “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas”: The government’s inclusive growth mantra focusing on uplifting people above the poverty line through various support initiatives.
    • “Multidimensional Poverty”: NITI Aayog’s report highlights a significant decline in multidimensional poverty, reflecting comprehensive progress.

     

    Analysis:

    The article underscores the importance of considering YoY growth rates as a measure of post-pandemic progress and highlights the success of government reforms in driving economic growth and inclusive development.

    Key Facts/Data for value addition:

    • India is the fifth largest economy globally and projected to become the third largest by 2027.
    • The Capex budget of the central government has risen from 1.6% of GDP in FY19 to 2.7% in FY23, further budgeted to increase to 3.3% in FY24.

    Government Measures Since 2014:

    • Government initiatives post-2014 aim to boost the economy, including liberalization, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, demonetization, GST rollout, and corporate tax reduction.
    • In FY22, a substantial Capex program and state-level resource support aimed to bridge infrastructure gaps and attract private corporate investment.

    Poverty Alleviation and Rural Welfare:

    • Government commitment to ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ reflects a focus on inclusive growth, poverty reduction, skill development, and infrastructure enhancement.
    • NITI Aayog’s report highlights a significant reduction in multidimensional poverty, particularly in rural areas, with improved living standards and health indicators.

    Innovative Way Forward:

    • Digital Inclusion for Economic Growth: Accelerate digital inclusion strategies to empower citizens, enhance education, and facilitate online business, fostering economic growth.
    • Green Infrastructure Development: Prioritize sustainable and green infrastructure projects, aligning with global environmental goals, to ensure long-term economic resilience.
    • Blockchain for Financial Inclusion: Leverage blockchain technology to enhance financial inclusion, enabling secure and transparent transactions, especially in rural and underserved areas.
    • AI-driven Skill Development: Implement artificial intelligence (AI) in skill development programs, customizing learning paths and enhancing employability in emerging sectors.

     

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  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

    Pusa-2090: A Potential Solution to Stubble Burning  

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Pusa-2090

    Central Idea

    • In response to stubble burning challenge, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has developed Pusa-2090, an improved version of Pusa-44, offering similar yields but with a shorter maturity period.

    About Pusa-2090

    • Development: IARI developed Pusa-2090 by crossing Pusa-44 with CB-501, an early-maturing Japonica rice line known for stronger stems and higher grain production.
    • Advantages: Pusa-2090 offers the same high yields as Pusa-44 but matures in just 120-125 days, addressing the stubble-burning issue.
    • Field Testing: The variety has undergone successful trials in Delhi and Odisha, and Punjab farmers have reported promising results.
    • Economic Benefits: Pusa-2090’s potential to match Pusa-44’s yields with a shorter duration makes it an attractive option for farmers.

    Replacing Pusa-44

    • Pusa-44 in Punjab: In the current kharif season, Punjab has planted 5.48 lakh hectares with Pusa-44, accounting for over 17% of the state’s total paddy area.
    • Long Maturation Period: Pusa-44 takes 155-160 days to mature, delaying the availability of fields for the next wheat crop.
    • Stubble Burning: To prepare fields for the next crop, farmers resort to burning the remaining stubble after harvesting Pusa-44, contributing to air pollution.
    • Alternative Varieties: While there are alternative varieties like PR-126 with a shorter maturation period, their yields are lower than Pusa-44, impacting farmers’ income.

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  • Organic Farming – Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY), NPOF etc.

    Kerala rolls out Organic Farming Mission  

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Central Idea

    • In a proactive move towards sustainable and climate-smart farming, the Kerala Government has launched the Organic Farming Mission.

    Kerala Organic Farming Mission 

    Objective Expand organic farming to 5,000 hectares in 5 years
    Annual Target Convert 1,000 hectares annually
    Governance Structure Governing council chaired by Agriculture Minister

    Executive committee with government and farm sector reps
    Area Allocation State Agriculture department’s farms allocate 10% for organic
    Long-term Commitment Beneficiaries commit to organic farming for at least 5 years
    Certification & Marketing Enhance certification, branding, and marketing

    Implement organic farming protocols aligned with standards
    Value Addition Focus on adding value to organic products
    Access to Resources Ensure access to quality seeds and production equipment

    Utilize various channels like small-scale units, collectives,Karshika Karma Sena, Kudumbasree, Krishisree Centre, Agro Service Centres
    Local Engagement Collaborate with Krishikoottam collectives and FPOs
    Complementary Mission Poshaka Samriddhi Mission dedicated to millet and vegetable production for sustainable agriculture

    Complementary Mission: Poshaka Samriddhi

    • In addition to the Organic Farming Mission, the Kerala Government created the Poshaka Samriddhi Mission in September 2023.
    • This initiative is dedicated to ramping up millet and vegetable production, furthering the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture.

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  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

    Challenges and Ambiguities in Biotechnology Policy for GM Insects

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

    insect

    Central Idea

    • In April 2023, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) issued the ‘Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects’.
    • The guidelines note that GE insects are becoming globally available and are intended to help Indian researchers navigate regulatory requirements.
    • However, the guidelines don’t specify the purposes for which GE insects may be approved in India or how the DBT, as a promoter of biotechnology, envisions their use.

    Genetically Modified Insects (GE Insects)

    • A genetically modified insect is any insect whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques.
    • GE insects offer multiple benefits, such as reducing disease burden, ensuring food security, and conserving the environment.
    • India’s bioeconomy contribution is expected to reach 5% of GDP by 2030, and GE insects play a crucial role in achieving this goal.
    • GE insects find applications in vector management, crop pest control, healthcare product production, and genetic improvement of beneficial insects.

    Guidelines for GM Insects

    • Nodal Agency: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is the nodal agency and promoter of biotechnology in India.
    • Purpose: The Guidelines provide procedural roadmaps for those interested in creating GE insects.
    • Harmonization: The guidelines have been harmonized with guidance from the World Health Organization on GE mosquitoes, emphasizing their potential applications in disease control.

    Why discuss this?

    • India’s bioeconomy, currently contributing 2.6% to the GDP, aspires to reach 5% by 2030, requiring substantial investment and supportive policies.
    • However, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) faces challenges in both funding and policy alignment with these goals.

    Challenges in Biotechnology Funding

    • Stagnating Funding: Biotechnology funding in India has stagnated, with no return to pre-pandemic levels. The current allocation stands at a mere 0.0001% of India’s GDP, insufficient to drive meaningful growth.
    • Impact on Pandemic Preparedness: Inadequate funding hampers pandemic preparedness efforts, undermining national interests and health security.
    • Lack of Private Investment: Attracting private investment for biotechnology research and development is challenging and necessitates enhanced funding efforts.

    Policies for a Thriving Bioeconomy

    Guidelines for Genetically Engineered (GE) Insects: In April 2023, the DBT released guidelines for GE insects, offering procedural guidance but revealing three key issues.

    (1) Uncertainty of Purpose

    • The guidelines lack clarity regarding the purposes for which GE insects may be approved in India, hindering alignment with the broader bioeconomy commitment.
    • Emphasis is placed on improving disease management, food security, and environmental conservation, but the economic potential of GE insects is underemphasized.

    (2) Uncertainty for Researchers

    • The guidelines only apply to research and not confined trials or deployment, limiting researchers’ options.
    • Deployment of GE insects requires community engagement and monitoring due to potential environmental impacts, but criteria for approval remain unclear.
    • The absence of clarity on government support for specific insect applications discourages research investment.

    (3) Uncertainty of Ambit

    • Ambiguity surrounds the definition of ‘beneficial’ GE insects, creating uncertainty among funders and scientists.
    • Lack of precise guidelines inhibits progress, particularly in a country with limited public and private funding.
    • Inadequate consideration of potential misuse or unintended consequences adds to the uncertainty.

    Way forward

    • To achieve the ambitious bioeconomy goals set out in the Bioeconomy 2022 report, India must address challenges in biotechnology funding and policy alignment.
    • Increased funding, private sector engagement, and clear, supportive policies are essential.
    • The guidelines for GE insects should reflect economic opportunities and research priorities, fostering a thriving bioeconomy that benefits India’s society, economy, and environment.

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

    Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) talks leave developing nations at new disadvantage 

    IOCR | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    loss and damage fund

    Central Idea

    • In the escalating climate crisis, the terms “adaptation” and “loss and damage” (L&D) have taken center stage.
    • While the concept was embraced at COP 27, recent meetings of the Transitional Committee (TC) to operationalize the fund have encountered major roadblocks.

    Birth of the L&D Fund

    • Historic Pollution Accountability: The call for affluent nations to acknowledge their historical pollution accountability dates back over 30 years.
    • COP 19 Agreement: In 2013, at COP 19 in Warsaw, Poland, member countries formalized the creation of the L&D fund. It aimed to provide financial and technical support to economically developing nations grappling with L&D due to climate change.
    • Subsequent Developments: COP 25 introduced the Santiago Network for L&D, and COP 26 established the Glasgow Dialogue on finance for L&D. COP 27 in November 2022 saw the creation of the L&D fund and a Transitional Committee (TC) tasked with operationalizing the fund.

    Challenges in Creation of the L&D Fund

    • Contentious Issues: TC meetings have grappled with contentious issues such as hosting the fund at the World Bank, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), climate reparations, and eligibility criteria for developing nations.
    • Developed vs. Developing Nations: These disagreements have deepened the divide between developed and developing nations, hampering progress.

    Outcome of TC4 and TC5 Meetings

    • TC4 Impasse: The fourth meeting of the TC concluded without a consensus on how to operationalize the L&D fund, reflecting divisions on key issues.
    • TC5 Draft Recommendations: An impromptu fifth meeting of the TC led to draft recommendations forwarded to COP 28. Developing nations conceded to the fund being hosted by the World Bank temporarily, but developed nations, including the U.S., remained non-committal regarding primary donor status and rejected references to CBDR, equity, and liability in the draft.
    • Lack of Clarity: The draft does not specify the fund’s size due to pressure from certain developed nations.

    A blow to climate multilateralism

    • Erosion of Trust: The outcome underscores a severe trust deficit between affluent and emerging economies concerning historical responsibilities, deepening the rift between wealthy and impoverished nations.
    • Failure to Fulfill Commitments: The unwillingness of wealthy nations to fulfill intended commitments undermines global climate negotiations, cooperation, and climate justice.
    • Humanitarian Consequences: The watering down of the L&D fund can lead to humanitarian crises, food shortages, displacement, conflict, and exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable communities.
    • Economic and Environmental Impact: It also has economic consequences, with potential financial crises and environmental degradation, exacerbating global economic instability.
    • Security Implications: Climate-induced instability may lead to security implications as conflicts emerge in vulnerable nations, threatening to spill across borders.

    L&D as Part of Climate Justice

    • Balancing Adaptation and L&D: Adaptation and L&D are not mutually exclusive but coexist on the continuum of climate resilience.
    • Moral and Financial Responsibility: Addressing L&D is a moral and financial responsibility of affluent nations, ensuring climate justice, equity, and solidarity.
    • Global Climate Action: Failure to meet these obligations can derail global climate action, adding pressure to future COP talks.

    Conclusion

    • The protracted impasse surrounding the Loss and Damage fund reflects a troubling lack of consensus and trust between nations, hindering climate justice and cooperation.
    • As the world grapples with the consequences of climate change, balancing adaptation and addressing L&D remains paramount.

     

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  • Air Pollution

    India’s Air Quality Management needs Transboundary Accountability

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

    airshed

    Central Idea

    • The annual recurrence of ‘severe’ air quality levels in the Delhi-National Capital region and surrounding areas during winter often leads to the misconception that air pollution is a seasonal issue primarily driven by farm residue burning.
    • However, this perception falls short of the complex, year-round, multi-source, and multi-pollutant nature of the problem.

    This article highlights the need to adopt a comprehensive, science-backed approach to address air pollution effectively.

    Year-round, Multi-source Pollution

    • Misconception: Labelling air pollution as a ‘winter’ problem caused solely by farm residue burning oversimplifies the issue.
    • Complex Reality: Air pollution is a continuous problem arising from various sources, not confined to a particular season.
    • Ineffectiveness of City-Centric Strategies: Current initiatives like the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) focus on cities, ignoring the transboundary nature of pollution.

    Transboundary Air Pollution

    • Understanding Dispersion: Pollution emitted in one region can significantly impact air quality in another due to transboundary dispersion.
    • Inter-state Implications: Weather, topography, and climatic conditions influence transboundary dispersion, creating challenges for downwind regions.
    • Limited Jurisdictional Power: Downwind regions often lack the authority to regulate upwind pollution sources, rendering mitigation strategies ineffective.

    Need for Airshed Air Pollution Management

    • Defining Airsheds: An airshed is a geographic area governed by common meteorology, topography, and climate, impacting air mass dispersion.
    • Global Precedents: Countries like the United States, China, and the European Union have implemented effective regional airshed-level frameworks.

    Policy Levers in India

    • Existing Legal Framework: The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) Act, 2021 recognizes the transboundary nature of air pollution.
    • Expanding Scope: The Air Act, 1981, can be expanded to cover multiple jurisdictions and pollution sources under a single air quality management framework.
    • Global Experiences: Drawing lessons from frameworks like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) in the US and the Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) in Europe can inform India’s approach.

    Implementation Challenges

    • Accountability: Holding upwind polluting regions accountable for transboundary pollution remains a challenge, necessitating legal mechanisms and cooperation.
    • Conflict Resolution: Implementing a formal procedure for resolving conflicts arising from the interpretation or application of airshed-level frameworks is crucial.
    • Political Will: Ensuring consistent implementation of air quality management measures despite bureaucratic cycles and political considerations is a persistent challenge.
    • Cross-Boundary Cooperation: Encouraging cooperation between jurisdictions and regions to collectively address air pollution requires coordinated efforts.
    • Data Integration: Integrating data from diverse sources and ensuring uniformity in air quality monitoring can be challenging.

    Way Forward

    • Legal Framework Expansion: Expanding the scope of the Air Act, 1981, to encompass multiple jurisdictions and pollution sources under a single air quality management framework.
    • Global Lessons: Drawing lessons from international frameworks like the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) and Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP) to inform India’s approach.
    • Accountability Measures: Legally binding upwind polluters to address transboundary pollution through mitigation plans.
    • Scientific Independence: Separating scientific and technical activities from political negotiations to ensure data-driven decisions.
    • Conflict Resolution Mechanism: Implementing a mechanism for resolving disputes arising from framework interpretation or application.
    • Promoting Change: Integrating an airshed-level framework within existing legal structures or introducing a new framework to deliver cleaner air for citizens.

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  • Panchayati Raj Institutions: Issues and Challenges

    CAG of India writes: As our democracy matures, my role is becoming more vital

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Panchayats & Local Bodies

    CAG

    Central idea

    The article highlights the pivotal role of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in India’s democracy, emphasizing citizen engagement, social audits, and capacity building for local governance. It underscores challenges in finding skilled personnel and the imperative to ensure effective grassroots service delivery. The way forward involves an international center for local governance and online courses to address competency gaps.

    Key Highlights:

    • Role of CAG in Democracy: Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) ensures transparency, accountability, and financial integrity. Maintains separation of powers and promotes good governance through audit findings.
    • Citizen-Centric Approach: Emphasis on citizen engagement for better audit focus. Use of technology and digital solutions to enhance citizen involvement.
    • Social Audit and Local Governance: Introduction of social audit as a tool for citizen oversight. Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies for grassroots participation.
    • Capacity Building and Online Courses: Collaboration with Institute of Chartered Accountants for online courses. Aiming to create a pool of competent accountants for local governance.

    Challenges:

    • Competent Accountants Shortage: Difficulty in finding skilled accountants for local governments, especially in remote areas.
    • Grassroots Service Delivery: Ensuring effective delivery of devolved functions at the grassroots level.
    • Capacity Building Imperatives: The article highlights the necessity for robust capacity-building initiatives to overcome challenges and strengthen local self-governance.

    Key Terms:

    • Devolved Functions: Functions transferred to local governments for implementation.
    • Audit Diwas: Day marking the commencement of registration for online courses on November 16, 2023.

    Key Phrases:

    • Citizen Oversight: Involving citizens in identifying high-risk areas for audit.
    • Social Audit: Facilitating citizen engagement through regular audits and follow-up actions.
    • Capacity Building: Strengthening local governance through training and online courses.

    Analysis:

    The article underscores the critical role of CAG in upholding democratic principles and the evolving strategies to enhance citizen engagement. It highlights challenges in local governance, emphasizing the need for skilled personnel and effective service delivery at the grassroots.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Audit of Scheme Rules was notified in 2011 to facilitate social audits.
    • The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments created a three-tier structure for rural self-governance.

    Way Forward:

    • International Centre for Local Governance: Establishing a center for excellence to enhance the capacity of local government auditors globally.
    • Online Courses: Introducing online courses to address the shortage of competent accountants for local bodies.

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  • Judicial Pendency

    Move towards e-FIR, but with caution

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: E-Governance

    e-FIR

    Central idea

    The Law Commission proposes e-FIR registration for unknown accused in cognizable offenses, combining electronic submission with physical signing within three days. Despite ensuring swift crime registration, concerns arise over limited efficacy, emphasizing the importance of human intervention, especially in cases requiring immediate police involvement. The article suggests exploring e-authentication techniques for enhanced verification.

    What is e-FIR?

    • Definition: Digital system for reporting crimes to the police.
    • Process: Information submitted online through a national portal. Complainant required to physically sign the report within a specified timeframe (usually three days).
    • Objective: Streamline crime registration with initial electronic submission.

    Key provisions of law commissions report

    • e-FIR Recommendation: Proposal for e-FIR registration in all cognizable offenses with unknown accused. Verification through OTP and Aadhaar ID proof suggested by the Law Commission.
    • Verification Process: Complainant verification through OTP for authenticity. Aadhaar ID proof mandated to confirm the complainant’s identity.
    • Information Deletion: Automatic deletion of unverified information within two weeks. Complainant’s failure to sign the e-FIR within the prescribed time leads to deletion.
    • Timeframe for Physical Signing: Complainants given three days to physically sign the e-FIR for formal registration. Failure to sign within the stipulated time results in non-registration.
    • Human Intervention: The article emphasizes the importance of human interaction in certain cases, suggesting that electronic registration may be suitable only for offenses where immediate police interaction is not crucial.

    What are cognisable offences?

    • Cognizable Offenses Definition: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant. Immediate police action is permissible upon receiving information or a complaint.
    • Serious Nature: Generally involves more severe crimes. Examples include murder, robbery, kidnapping, and certain types of fraud.
    • No Court Permission Needed: Law enforcement can initiate an investigation without court authorization. Immediate action can be taken by the police upon learning about the offense.
    • Jurisdictional Variations: Classification as cognizable or non-cognizable may vary in different legal systems. The severity and nature of offenses determine their categorization.

    Challenges:

    • Limited Efficacy: The concept of e-FIR relies on obtaining information electronically but requires physical signatures within a prescribed time, limiting the effectiveness of the online process.
    • Lack of Discussion: The article notes that the Law Commission did not discuss models adopted by states currently lodging e-FIRs, leading to potential gaps in understanding the practical implementation.

    Key Phrases:

    • Cognizable Offenses: Offenses for which police can make an arrest without a warrant.
    • E-authentication Technique: The use of digital signatures or e-authentication techniques, not extensively discussed in the Law Commission’s recommendations.
    • Human Interaction: Highlighted as crucial, especially in cases like kidnapping, where immediate police involvement is essential for both medical examinations and crime scene visits.

    Key Facts/Data:

    • Verification Methods: OTP and Aadhaar are suggested as methods for verifying the complainant’s identity in the e-FIR process.
    • Three-Day Timeframe: Complainants have three days to physically sign the e-FIR; otherwise, the information is automatically deleted from the portal.

    Way Forward:

    • Mandating E-authentication: The article suggests considering the use of e-authentication techniques, such as digital signatures, to enhance the verification process and facilitate immediate e-FIR registration.
    • Clarification on Models: The Law Commission and states should provide clearer insights into the practical models adopted for e-FIR registration, addressing potential gaps in the recommendations.

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