💥UPSC 2026, 2027, 2028 UAP Mentorship (March Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Talk to mentor

Search results for: “”

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): An Invisible Pandemic
Central Idea
- While the world is emerging from the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the very harmful but invisible pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is unfortunately here to stay. Most countries understood in 2020 the clear and present danger of COVID-19, forcing governments, including India’s, to respond with speed and accuracy. The rapidly rising AMR rates also need an accelerated, multi-sectoral, global and national response.
Crack Prelims 2023! Talk to our Rankers

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a natural phenomenon that occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to become resistant to antimicrobial drugs such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics that were previously effective in treating infections caused by those microorganisms.
The Threat of Antimicrobial Resistance
- Human deaths: In 2019, AMR caused approximately 4.95 million human deaths worldwide, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
- Report by OECD: A 2018 report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warned that the world could experience a significant rise in resistance to second and third-line antibiotics by 2030.
- Resistance increases by 5% to 10% every year: A 2022 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that resistance to broad-spectrum antimicrobials increases by 5% to 10% every year.
- High rate of resistance found in commonly used drugs: The Indian Network for Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance (INSAR) also found a high rate of resistance to commonly used drugs such as ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, co-trimoxazole, erythromycin, and clindamycin, underscoring the importance of taking steps to combat AMR.
- High levels of resistance: WHO has increasingly expressed concern about the dangerously high levels of antibiotic resistance among patients across countries.
- For example: Ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections. According to WHO, resistance to ciprofloxacin varied from 8.4% to 92.9% for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and from 4.1% to 79.4% for Klebsiella pneumoniae (a bacteria that can cause life-threatening infections such as pneumonia and intensive care unit- related infections). The global epidemic of TB has been severely impacted by multidrug resistance patients have less than a 60% chance of recovery.
- Adds burden to communicable disease: AMR adds to the burden of communicable diseases and strains the health systems of a country, making it even more challenging to address health crises.
What is Muscat conference is about?
- Ministerial Conference on AMR: Third Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance (November 24-25, 2022) held in Muscat where over 30 countries adopted the Muscat Ministerial Manifesto on AMR.
- The conference focused on three health targets:
1. Reduce the total amount of antimicrobials used in the agri-food system at least by 30-50% by 2030;
2. Eliminate use in animals and food production of antimicrobials that are medically important for human health;
3. Ensure that by 2030 at least 60% of overall antibiotic consumption in humans is from the WHO Access group of antibiotics.
- Muscat Manifesto:
1. Need to accelerate One Health action: The manifesto recognised the need to accelerate political commitments in the implementation of One Health action for controlling the spread of AMR.
2. Need to address the overall impact of AMR: It also recognised the need to address the impact of AMR not only on humans but also on animals, and in areas of environmental health, food security and economic growth and development.
Government efforts so far
- The National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (2017-21): The National Action Plan on AMR emphasised the effectiveness of the government’s initiatives for hand hygiene and sanitation programmes such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Kayakalp and Swachh Swasth Sarvatra.
- Increasing community awareness: The government has also attempted to increase community awareness about healthier and better food production practices, especially in the animal food industry.
- Specific guidelines regarding use and limiting use of antibiotics: The National Health Policy 2017 also offered specific guidelines regarding use of antibiotics, limiting the use of antibiotics as over-the-counter medications and banning or restricting the use of antibiotics for growth promotion in livestock.
- Called for scrutiny of antibiotic prescriptions: It also called for scrutiny of prescriptions to assess antibiotic usage in hospitals and among doctors.
Examples of Limiting AMR worldwide
- Less use of Antimicrobials less likely resistance: Scientific evidence suggests that the less antimicrobials are used, it is less likely that there will be an emergence of drug resistance.
- Netherlands and Thailand: Countries such as the Netherlands and Thailand have decreased their usage by almost 50%.
- China: In China, the consumption of antibiotics in the agricultural sector has fallen substantially.
Way ahead: India’s role
- India committed to strengthen surveillance: India has committed to strengthening surveillance and promoting research on newer drugs.
- GLASS: It also plans to strengthen private sector engagement and the reporting of data to the WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) and other standardised systems.
Conclusion
- The various G-20 health summits spread through 2023 offer an opportunity for India to ensure that all aspects of AMR are addressed and countries commit to progress. As the current G-20 president, and as a country vulnerable to this silent pandemic, India’s role is critical in ensuring that AMR remains high on the global public health agenda.
Mains question

Q. In the backdrop of recently held Muscat Conference on AMR highlight the threats posed by AMR and Discuss India’s efforts in combating the silent pandemic.

(Click) FREE 1-to-1 on-call Mentorship by IAS-IPS officers | Discuss doubts, strategy, sources, and more
February 21, 2023
Marital age: Laws Are Not Enough As Enforcement Is Poor
Central Idea
- Recently, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking to increase the minimum age of marriage of women in India from 18 years to 21 years. The Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, noted that the power to amend the law lies with Parliament.
Crack Prelims 2023! Talk to our Rankers

The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021
- Amendment to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: The Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is a proposed amendment to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, which is an Indian law that prohibits the marriage of children below the age of 18 for girls and 21 for boys.
- Aim to strengthen the existing laws: The bill was introduced in the Indian Parliament in March 2021 with the aim of strengthening the existing law and further protecting the rights of children. Some of the key provisions of the bill include
- Referred to the Standing Committee: But after Opposition MPs demanded greater scrutiny of the Bill, it was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Why the age of marriage of women matters?
- Age of marriage has bearing on maternal mortality rates, fertility levels, nutrition of mother and child, sex ratios, and, on a different register, education and employment opportunities for women.
- It is also argued that other factors such as poverty and health services were far more effective as levers for improving women’s and children’s health and nutritional status.
Some of the key provisions of the Bill
- Making registration of marriages mandatory: The bill proposes to make registration of all marriages, including child marriages, mandatory. This is aimed at improving the implementation of the law and making it easier to track and prevent child marriages.
- Making child marriages voidable: The bill proposes to make child marriages voidable at the option of the contracting party who was a child at the time of marriage. This means that a child who was married before the age of 18 can seek to have the marriage declared void, provided it is done within two years of attaining adulthood.
- Punishment for promoting or permitting child marriage: The bill proposes to increase the punishment for promoting or permitting child marriage. The punishment for such offences will now be imprisonment of up to two years and/or a fine of up to one lakh rupees.
Scrutiny before passing it?
- Despite of the legal age girl married before their 18th birthday: The caution exercised by the Supreme Court and the advice of the Opposition MPs to scrutinise the Bill before passing it is well grounded. This is because, despite the legal age of marriage for women being 18 years, almost 23% of women who were aged between 20 and 24 years in 2019-21 married before their 18th birthday.
- State wise: In fact, in the eastern States of Bihar and West Bengal, the share was over 40% In Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, the share was over 25%. The share was below 10% in Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Uttarakhand, among other States.
- Less no of cases reported despite of high prevalence: Despite such a high share of women marrying before turning 18 years, only 1,050 cases were registered under The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2021, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
- Question of enforcement gets even bigger: With the Bill proposing to raise the legal age from 18 to 21, the question of enforcement gets even bigger. In India, over 60% of women who were aged between 25 and 29 in 2019-21 married before their 21st birthday. In the eastern States of Bihar and West Bengal, the share was over 70%.
Way ahead
- While laws can be changed, enforcement may remain weak as underage marriages are rarely reported.
- Education, more than wealth, determines women’s marital age
- Better-educated women have had more control over when they should get married for decades now.
- The Data Point also showed that due to awareness and better negotiation powers, younger women have pushed up their median marriage age by many years compared to their mothers and grandmothers.
Conclusion
- Overall, the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021 is an important step towards strengthening the legal framework to prevent child marriages in India and ensuring that children are protected from this harmful practice. However, raising the bar alone may not be sufficient. Enforcement while emphasizing education awareness will be the key.
Mains Question

Q. While laws can be changed, enforcement may remain weak as underage marriages are rarely reported In this light discuss why the age of marriage of women matters?

(Click) FREE 1-to-1 on-call Mentorship by IAS-IPS officers | Discuss doubts, strategy, sources, and more
February 21, 2023
21st Feb 23 | Prelims Daily with Previous Year Questions

[WpProQuiz 1246]

[WpProQuiz_toplist 1246]

UPSC 2023 countdown has begun! Get your personal guidance plan now! (Click here)

February 21, 2023
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill: Need A Pre-legislative Consultation
Central Idea
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has drafted a Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill. A data protection law must safeguard and balance peoples’ right to privacy and their right to information, which are fundamental rights flowing from the Constitution. Unfortunately, this Bill fails on both counts.
Crack Prelims 2023! Talk to our Rankers

Why do we need data protection?
- Increasing internet use: India currently has over 750 million Internet users, with the number only expected to increase in the future.
- Data breaches: At the same time, India has among the highest data breaches in the world. Without a data protection law in place, the data of millions of Indians continue to be at risk of being exploited, sold, and misused without their consent.
- Individual privacy: Data monetization may happen at cost of individual privacy. The most sought-after datasets are those that contain sensitive personal data of individuals, ex. medical history, and financial data.
- Lack of writ proceedings against corporate action: Unlike state action, corporate action or misconduct is not subject to writ proceedings in India. This is because fundamental rights are, by and large, not enforceable against private non-state entities. This leaves individuals with limited remedies against private.
DPDP Bill, 2022 is based on seven principles

According to an explanatory note for the bill, it is based on seven principles-
- Lawful use: The first is that “usage of personal data by organisations must be done in a manner that is lawful, fair to the individuals concerned and transparent to individuals.”
- Purposeful dissemination: The second principle states that personal data must only be used for the purposes for which it was collected.
- Data minimisation: Bare minimum and only necessary data should be collected to fulfill a purpose.
- Data accuracy: At the point of collection. There should not be any duplication.
- Duration of storage: The fifth principle talks of how personal data that is collected cannot be “stored perpetually by default,” and storage should be limited to a fixed duration.
- Authorized collection and processing: There should be reasonable safeguards to ensure there is “no unauthorised collection or processing of personal data.”
- Accountability of users: The person who decides the purpose and means of the processing of personal data should be accountable for such processing.
Why the Bill must be put through a process of rigorous pre-legislative consultation?
- Dilutes the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act: The Bill seeks to dilute the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which has empowered citizens to access information and hold governments accountable. It is behind the cloak of secrecy that the rights of individuals are most frequently abrogated, and corruption thrives.
- Fails to safeguard right to privacy: Proposed Bill creates wide discretionary powers for the Central government and thus fails to safeguard people’s right to privacy.
- For instance: Under Section 18, it empowers the Central government to exempt any government, or even private sector entities, from the provisions of the Bill by merely issuing a notification.
- The Bill does not ensure autonomy of the Data Protection Board: Given that the government is the biggest data repository, it was imperative that the oversight body set up under the law be adequately independent to act on violations of the law by government entities. The Bill does not ensure autonomy of the Data Protection Board, the institution responsible for enforcement of provisions of the law.
- Government direct control over the Data Protection Board: The Central government is empowered to determine the strength and composition of the Board and the process of selection and removal of its chairperson and other members.
- Serious apprehensions of its misuse by the executive: The Central government is also empowered to assign the Board any functions under the provisions of this Act or under any other law.
- Going digital by design fails to those who do not have meaningful access: The Bill stipulates that the Data Protection Board shall be ‘digital by design’, including receipt and disposal of complaints. As per the latest National Family Health Survey, only 33% of women in India have ever used the Internet. The DPDP Bill, therefore, effectively fails millions of people who do not have meaningful access to the Internet.
Conclusion
- The government has been given the power to exempt not only government agencies but any entity that is collecting user data, from having to comply with the provisions of this bill when it is signed into law.
Mains question

Q. It is behind the cloak of secrecy that the rights of individuals are most frequently abrogated, and corruption thrives. Discuss.

(Click) FREE 1-to-1 on-call Mentorship by IAS-IPS officers | Discuss doubts, strategy, sources, and more
February 21, 2023
[Burning Issue] Shiv Sena Party Symbol Conundrum
Context
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recognized the Eknath Shinde group as the official “Shiv Sena”, allowing them to use the official “Bow & Arrow” symbol and “Shiv Sena” name.
- The Uddhav Thackeray faction has been allowed to use the name “Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)” and the symbol of the “flaming torch” for the upcoming bye-elections in the Maharashtra assembly.
- In this context, this edition of the burning issue will elaborate on the topic of allotment of elections symbols, EC’s role and overall party politics in India. The topic is important for the upcoming Prelims as well as Mains Examination.
What are party election symbols?
- An election symbol is a standardized symbol allocated to a political party. They are used by the parties during their campaigning and are shown on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), where the voter chooses the symbol and votes for the associated party.
- They were introduced to facilitate voting by illiterate people, who can’t read the name of the party while casting their votes.
How does the Election Commission decide on party symbol disputes?
- In the 1960s, the Government of India proposed that the regulation, reservation and allotment of electoral symbols should be done through a law of Parliament, i.e., Symbols Order.
- In a response to this proposal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) stated that the recognition of political parties is supervised by the provisions of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 and so will the allotment of symbols. In 1968, the Election Commission promulgated this order.
- Symbols order has provisions regarding the registration and recognition of political parties as state and national parties.
- Under Paragraph 15 of the Order, it can decide disputes among rival groups or sections of a recognized political party staking claim to its name and symbol.
- As per the guidelines, when a recognized political party splits, the Election Commission decides on assigning the symbol by evaluating the support enjoyed by a claimant in both organizational and legislative wings. within the political party.
- Where it is not possible to decide which group has a majority, the EC may freeze the party’s symbol and allow the groups to register with new names.
- Additionally, the Supreme Court in the Sadiq Ali case (1972) formulated three tests for deciding on party symbol disputes. In this case, only one test proved conclusive.
3 tests formulated by the Supreme Court

Following are the three tests and their application as per which the ECI made its decision–

Test of Aims and Objects of the Party Constitution
- Regarding this test, the ECI found that the test could not yield an effective outcome as both sides claimed adherence to the aims and objectives of the party. Therefore, ECI held–
“The application of this test will render an inconclusive answer for the purpose of adjudicating the present dispute.”

Test of Party Constitution
- While applying this test, the commission found that the party constitution on which the respondent (Uddhav Thackeray faction) was placing strong reliance was undemocratic. Further, the complete list of office bearers of various bodies was not provided to the commission, whenever elections were held or appointments were made. As per the commission –
“Any reliance on the test of party constitution for determining the present dispute case would be undemocratic and catalytic in spreading such practices across parties.”

Test of Majority
- The election commission of India found that the majority test was in favor of the petitioner (Eknath Shinde faction). The commission found that the majority test outcome in the legislative wing reflected the qualitative superiority of the majority test in favor of the Shinde faction.
Bigger Picture: Democratic Deficit in Political Parties
- Several of the political parties in India have witnessed factionalism in the recent past some examples being Janata Dal (United), Samajwadi Party, Indian National Congress etc. highlighting the issue of democratic deficit in political parties.
- In its order, the ECI highlighted the importance of internal party democracy. It stated–
“The requirement for a written constitution of political parties and an undertaking to the effect that such Constitution adheres to the norms of democracy prescribed in the Constitution of India is meant to promote inner party democracy.”

Other Issues with Political Parties in India
- Lack of proper organisation: Another feature of the Indian party system is its lack of structure. Political parties live and die by their organization.
- Groupism inside India’s party structure: In India, groupism is a major problem for every political party. This shatters a party’s cohesiveness, causing it to split into several factions. Ex. INC, NCP, TMC.
- Extra-constitutional ways of gaining power: Political parties do not hesitate to utilize uncertain measures to gain political power in addition to legitimate means. Ex. Resort Politics
- Populist tendencies: In India, it is well-noticed that political parties turn to populist politics to gain power. They take unfair advantage of people’s emotions and compulsions, promote populist slogans, and mislead the public. Ex. Temple reconstruction movements
- Lack of discipline among party members: It has been observed that members of various political parties are unconcerned about party discipline, preferring instead to sling dirt at one another. Ex. Undue political statements
- Communal characteristics: The people of India are influenced by caste and religion, and they have a strong sense of allegiance to their caste and religion.
- Criminalization of politics: Leaders are valued for their capacity to attract crowds and raise funds as elections become more and more expensive.
How to attain Internal Democracy within parties?
- Internal elections: It shall be the duty of the political party to take appropriate steps to ensure the holding of elections at all levels. The political party shall hold elections in an unpartisan way by their ‘karyakartas’.
- Strengthening Anti-defection Law: The Anti-Defection Act of 1985 requires the party legislators to act according to the party whip which is decided by the diktats of the highest party leadership. One way to democratize political parties is to promote intra-party dissent.
- Limited reservations: Seats can be reserved for women and members of the backward community including minorities.
- Empowering ECI: The ECI shall be competent to inquire into allegations of non-compliance with any of the provisions requiring elections.
- Social audit and penal provisions: ECI should have the penal power to deregister a party until free and fair elections in the party are conducted.
- Encouraging a new generation of leaders: For a long, there is a widespread impression created that a lot of good people shy away from politics. It is, therefore, necessary that this impression be changed and efficient people brought into the political arena.
Way forward
- The 170th report of the Law Commission of India on the reform of electoral laws dedicated an entire chapter to the necessity of providing laws relating to internal democracy within parties.
- It observed that a political party that does not respect democratic principles in its internal working cannot be expected to respect those principles in the governance of the country.
- The National Commission for Review of Working of Constitution states that there should be comprehensive legislation regulating the registration and functioning of political parties or alliances of parties in India.
Conclusion
- The top leaders of the political parties need to introspect and allow for democratic decision-making in the party’s affair’s thus paving the way for intra-party democracy.
- Such a step would strengthen the Party Culture in India, thus improving the Political ethics and overall Politics in India.
February 21, 2023
India plans to export Solar Power
Central idea: The article states that the Ministry for New and Renewable Energy is working towards increasing the production of solar modules in the country, with the goal of making India a net exporter of solar modules by 2026.

How can India be a net exporter of solar energy?
- Increased manufacturing of PV modules: By 2026, Indian industry will be able to manufacture solar modules worth 100 gigawatts (GW) annually, and help the country be a net exporter of solar power.
- Increased installation capacity: This would significantly aid India’s target of installing 500 GW of electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
Issues with solar power sector

Ans. Reduced capacity
- Slow pace: India had planned to install 175 GW of renewable energy by December 2022, including 100 GW of solar power, but has only achieved 122 GW, with solar power accounting for only 62 GW.
- Huge cost: A key bottleneck has been the cost of solar modules (or panels).
- Regressive import duties: While India has traditionally relied on China-made components such as poly-silicon wafers, necessary to make modules, higher customs duty on them has shrunk supply. This was done to make equivalent India-manufactured components more competitive.
Motive behind export promotion
- Surplus generation: India need about 30-40 GW for our domestic purposes annually and the rest can be used for export.
- Manufacturing boost: PLI scheme for polysilicone manufacturing is in place are designed to encourage the manufacturers of ingots and wafers in India.
What obstructs solar power growth in India?

Ans. Land crunch
- Apart from module prices, land acquisition has been a major challenge for solar power manufacturers.
- Despite the Centre commissioning 57 large solar parks worth 40 GW in recent years, only 10 GW have been operationalized.
- Installing a megawatt of solar power requires on average four acres of land. So various developers face challenges in acquiring it and that’s one reason for the delay.
Various initiatives for solar energy in India
- International Solar Alliance (ISA): India, along with France, launched the ISA in 2015, a global platform to promote the use of solar energy.
- Solar Parks: The government has set up Solar Parks to provide land and infrastructure to developers for the installation of solar power projects.
- Rooftop Solar Program: The government has launched a rooftop solar program to promote the installation of solar panels on rooftops of residential and commercial buildings.
- Incentives and subsidies: The government has provided various incentives and subsidies to promote the adoption of solar energy, including tax exemptions, accelerated depreciation, and subsidies for capital costs.
Way forward

India has significant potential to become a major exporter of solar power. Here are some steps that can be taken to promote solar power export by India:
- Increase domestic production: To promote solar power export, India needs to increase domestic production of solar panels and equipment. This can be achieved by providing incentives and subsidies to domestic manufacturers, reducing import duties on raw materials, and investing in research and development.
- Focus on quality: Indian manufacturers need to focus on producing high-quality solar panels and equipment that can compete with products from other countries. The government can establish quality standards and certification programs to ensure that Indian-made products meet international quality standards.
- Develop infrastructure: India needs to develop a robust infrastructure to support the export of solar power, including transportation, storage, and transmission facilities. The government can provide support for the development of this infrastructure, such as funding and regulatory support.
- Partner with other countries: India can partner with other countries to promote the export of solar power. The International Solar Alliance, of which India is a founding member, can play a key role in this regard.
- Expand market access: India needs to expand market access for its solar power products by signing trade agreements with other countries and participating in international exhibitions and events. The government can also provide support for Indian companies to participate in trade fairs and exhibitions abroad.
By implementing these measures, India can promote the export of solar power and become a key player in the global solar energy market.

Attempt UPSC 2024 Smash Scholarship Test | FLAT* 100% OFF on UPSC Foundation & Mentorship programs

Get your Rs 10,000 worth of UPSC Strategic Package for FREE | PDFs, Zoom session, Tests, & Mentorship
February 21, 2023
Centre in final stages of notifying Emissions Trading Scheme
After the passing of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill last December, the Centre is now in the final stages of notifying an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
- India does not currently have a national Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). However, there have been some efforts to introduce an ETS in the country.
- In 2018, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) released a draft of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
- It proposed the introduction of a market-based mechanism for reducing air pollution for the first time.
- The mechanism was not explicitly called an ETS, but it was described as a “cap-and-trade system.”
Successful example of Carbon Market: EU’s emissions trading system (ETS)
- Under the EU’s ETS launched in 2005, member countries set a cap or limit for emissions in different sectors, such as power, oil, manufacturing, agriculture, and waste management.
- This cap is determined as per the climate targets of countries and is lowered successively to reduce emissions.
- Entities in this sector are issued annual allowances or permits by governments equal to the emissions they can generate.
- If companies produce emissions beyond the capped amount, they have to purchase additional permit, either through official auctions or from companies.
- This makes up the ‘trade’ part of cap-and-trade.
How is carbon price determined?
- The market price of carbon gets determined by market forces when purchasers and sellers trade in emissions allowances.
- Notably, companies can also save up excess permits to use later.
- Through this kind of carbon trading, companies can decide if it is more cost-efficient to employ clean energy technologies or to purchase additional allowances.
- These markets may promote the reduction of energy use and encourage the shift to cleaner fuels.
Other such examples
- China launched the world’s largest ETS in 2021, estimated to cover around one-seventh of the global carbon emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.
- Markets also operate or are under development in North America, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, and New Zealand.
Significance of Carbon Market
- The World Bank estimates that trading in carbon credits could reduce the cost of implementing NDCs by more than half — by as much as $250 billion by 2030.
- Last year, the value of global markets for tradable carbon allowances or permits grew by 164% to a record 760 billion euros ($851 billion).
- The EU’s ETS contributed the most to this increase, accounting for 90% of the global value at 683 billion euros.
- As for voluntary carbon markets, their current global value is comparatively smaller at $2 billion.
What is the progress at UN?
- The UN international carbon market envisioned in Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is yet to kick off as multilateral discussions are still underway about how the inter-country carbon market will function.
- Under the proposed market, countries would be able to offset their emissions by buying credits generated by greenhouse gas-reducing projects in other countries.
- In the past, developing countries, particularly India, China and Brazil, gained significantly from a similar carbon market under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
- India registered 1,703 projects under the CDM which is the second highest in the world.
- But with the 2015 Paris Agreement, the global scenario changed as even developing countries had to set emission reduction targets.
India’s efforts

The new Bill empowers the Centre to specify a carbon credits trading scheme.
- Issuance of credit certificates: Under the Bill, the central government or an authorised agency will issue carbon credit certificates to companies or even individuals registered and compliant with the scheme.
- Tradable carbon credits: These carbon credit certificates will be tradeable in nature. Other persons would be able to buy carbon credit certificates on a voluntary basis.
Existing mechanisms
- Notably, two types of tradeable certificates are already issued in India-
1. Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and
2. Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs)
- These are issued when companies use renewable energy or save energy, which are also activities which reduce carbon emissions.
Lacunas of the bill
- No clear mechanism: The Bill does not provide clarity on the mechanism to be used for the trading of carbon credit certificates— whether it will be like the cap-and-trade schemes or use another method— and who will regulate such trading.
- Confusion over nodal agency: The right ministry to bring in a scheme of this nature, pointing out that while carbon market schemes in other jurisdictions like the US, UK are framed by their environment ministries, the Indian Bill was tabled by the power ministry instead of the MoEFCC.
- Ambiguity over existing certificates: The Bill does not specify whether certificates under already existing schemes would also be interchangeable with carbon credit certificates and tradeable for reducing carbon emissions.
- Overlapping: The question, thus, is whether all these certificates could be exchanged with each other. There are concerns about whether overlapping schemes may dilute the overall impact of carbon trading.
Challenges to carbon markets
- Double counting: of greenhouse gas reductions
- Quality and authenticity: These parameters of climate projects that generate credits to poor market transparency
- Greenwashing: Companies may buy credits, simply offsetting carbon footprints instead of reducing their overall emissions or investing in clean technologies.
- Inefficiency: The IMF points out that including high emission-generating sectors under trading schemes to offset their emissions by buying allowances may immensely increase emissions on net.
Way forward
- Alignment with NDCs: The UNDP emphasizes that for carbon markets to be successful, emission reductions and removals must be real and aligned with the country’s NDCs.
- Transparent financing: It says that there must be “transparency in the institutional and financial infrastructure for carbon market transactions”.
Attempt UPSC 2024 Smash Scholarship Test | FLAT* 100% OFF on UPSC Foundation & Mentorship programs

Get your Rs 10,000 worth of UPSC Strategic Package for FREE | PDFs, Zoom session, Tests, & Mentorship
February 21, 2023
Telangana’s Teja Chilli is hot property in many nations
The burgeoning demand for the popular Teja variety of red chilli, famous for its culinary, medicinal and other wide-ranging uses, in the export market is proving to be a boon for the Telangana Agriculture Market.

Teja Chilli
- Teja or S17 is one of the hottest varieties of red chillies produced in India. (GI tag not accorded yet.)
- The chilli is known and liked across the country for its fierce hot flavor and rich aroma.
- Southern India is the main region of Teja or S17 red chilli production.
- It has a capsaicin content of 0.50-0.70% making it more pungent and spicy.
- The huge demand for Oleoresin, a natural chilli extract, is mainly driving the export of Teja variety to various spice processing industries in several Asian countries.
Where it is produced?
- Khammam district is the largest producer of Teja variety of red chilli.
- It is the leading exporter of the pungent fruit.
- The Mudigonda-based Oleoresin extraction firm of a Chinese company is engaged in export of the by product to its clients.
Trade significance of this chilli
- Teja variety of red chilli is being exported to China, Bangladesh and a few other south Asian countries from Khammam mainly through the Chennai port.
- The export of Teja variety of red chilli is expected to grow from the present ₹2000 crore per annum to ₹2500 crore next year.
Crack Prelims 2023! Talk to our Rankers

(Click) FREE 1-to-1 on-call Mentorship by IAS-IPS officers | Discuss doubts, strategy, sources, and more
February 21, 2023
APJ Abdul Kalam SLV: India’s 1st Hybrid Rocket launched
India’s first hybrid sounding rocket by private players was launched by some students from Pattipulam village off Tamil Nadu coast.

About APJ Abdul Kalam SLV
- Martin Foundation in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India successfully completed the project known as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023.
- The student team included 200 from the fishermen community in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, 100 students from tribal communities across India, and 60 from Tamil Nadu.
What is a Hybrid Rocket?
- A hybrid rocket is a type of rocket engine that combines features of both liquid-fueled and solid-fueled rockets. In a hybrid rocket, a solid fuel is burned in combination with a liquid or gaseous oxidizer to produce thrust.
- The solid fuel in a hybrid rocket is typically made of a polymer, such as hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), which is cast into a cylindrical shape and placed inside the rocket motor.
- The oxidizer, which is typically nitrous oxide (N2O), is stored in a separate tank and fed into the combustion chamber of the rocket motor.
How does it work?
- When the oxidizer is introduced into the combustion chamber, it reacts with the solid fuel, producing a hot gas that is expelled through a nozzle at the end of the rocket.
- The combustion process can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the oxidizer, making hybrid rockets more controllable than solid rockets.
Benefits offered over conventional rockets
- Hybrid rockets are generally simpler and less expensive to manufacture than liquid rockets, while providing more control than solid rockets.
- They are also safer than both liquid and solid rockets, since the fuel and oxidizer are stored separately and can be easily shut off in case of an emergency.
Attempt UPSC 2024 Smash Scholarship Test | FLAT* 100% OFF on UPSC Foundation & Mentorship programs

Get your Rs 10,000 worth of UPSC Strategic Package for FREE | PDFs, Zoom session, Tests, & Mentorship
February 21, 2023

Cooling Earth with Moon Dust

The article introduces the idea of using Moon dust to cool the Earth and explores the feasibility and potential risks associated with the proposal.

Moonlight cooling of Earth

The idea of using lunar dust to cool the Earth’s temperature is based on a natural phenomenon called “moonlight cooling.”
When the Moon’s surface reflects the sun’s rays, it cools down rapidly after sunset.
Scientists believe that a thin layer of lunar dust could be used to create a similar effect on the Earth’s surface.
The proposal suggests launching a spacecraft to the Moon to collect dust particles, which would then be transported to the Earth’s atmosphere and released.

Feasibility of the move

This is not a new idea. In fact, it has been proposed before as a way to combat global warming, and several studies have been conducted to explore its feasibility.
One study published in the journal Earth’s Future estimated that the technique could reduce the Earth’s temperature by 1.5 degrees Celsius, which is a significant amount in the context of climate change.

Risks and Drawbacks

Health concerns: The dust could harm the environment or respiratory health if it is not properly controlled.
Threats to aviation: The particles are abrasive and could damage aircraft engines or other machinery if they were to fall to the ground.
Feasibility and cost: Collecting enough dust to make a significant impact on the Earth’s temperature would require a significant investment of resources, including launching multiple spacecraft to the Moon.

Frankenstein’s Monster Analogy

The article draws a comparison between the proposed use of moon dust and the story of Frankenstein’s monster, in which a scientist creates a monster that ultimately causes destruction and chaos.
The analogy suggests that the use of moon dust could have unintended consequences that are difficult to predict, and that such large-scale climate interventions should be approached with caution.

Attempt UPSC 2024 Smash Scholarship Test | FLAT* 100% OFF on UPSC Foundation & Mentorship programs

Get your Rs 10,000 worth of UPSC Strategic Package for FREE | PDFs, Zoom session, Tests, & Mentorship

February 21, 2023

More posts