Chhattisgarh Links Forest Ecosystem to Green GDP

For Prelims: Gross Domestic Product, Green GDP, India State of Forest Report 2023, Sustainable Development Goals, System of Environmental-Economic Accounting, World Bank, Soil erosion 

For Mains: Green Gross Domestic Product, Sustainable Development and Economic Growth, Environmental Economics and Policy, India’s Forestry and Environmental Policies 

Source: TNIE 

Why in News?  

Chhattisgarh has become the first state in India to link its forest ecosystem to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). 

• This approach highlights the economic and environmental value of forests, focusing biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation. 
• The initiative aligns with the broader goal of achieving sustainable development while fostering economic growth. 

What is Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP)? 

• Traditional GDP: A measure of the annual value of goods and services produced within a country, GDP has been the global standard since 1944. 
  • Simon Kuznets, the economist who created GDP, stated that GDP doesn't reflect a nation's true welfare, as it ignores factors like environmental health and social well-being. 
• Green GDP: It is a modified version of traditional GDP that accounts for the environmental costs of economic activities. 
  • It incorporates factors such as natural resource depletion, environmental degradation, and pollution into the economic output, offering a more comprehensive picture of a nation’s true wealth. 
• Need for Green GDP: Traditional GDP overlooks sustainability, environmental degradation, and social welfare. It focuses solely on economic output without considering the long-term consequences on the environment. 
  • Green GDP, on the other hand, ensures that economic growth aligns with sustainable practices, reflecting the true cost of environmental damage and the depletion of natural resources. 
• Formula: 
  • According to the World Bank, Green GDP = NDP (Net Domestic Product) − (Cost of Natural Resource Depletion + Cost of Ecosystem Degradation). 
    • Where NDP = GDP − Depreciation of Produced Assets. 
    • Cost of Natural Resource Depletion refers to the value lost due to overuse of natural resources. 
    • Cost of Ecosystem Degradation refers to the value lost from environmental damage such as pollution and deforestation.

Note: In 2024, Uttarakhand became the first state globally to launch the Gross Environment Product (GEP) Index. This index goes beyond traditional ecosystem services to also measure contributions made to the environment. 

• The GEP Index incorporates factors such as tree species value, survival rates, and conservation efforts, offering a comprehensive approach to assessing ecosystem growth. 

What Does the Green GDP Link With Forests Mean for Chhattisgarh? 

• Role of Forests in Chhattisgarh: Chhattisgarh recorded the highest increase in forest cover in India State of Forest Report 2023, growing by 683.62 sq km. 
  • The state’s total forest cover now spans 44.2% of its geographical area, playing a key role in absorbing carbon dioxide, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation. 
  • Chhattisgarh's natural resources support the livelihoods of millions, with forest products like tendu leaves, lac, honey, and medicinal plants being vital to the rural economy. 
  • Chhattisgarh’s forests are vital to local tribal traditions, and preserving cultural heritage, with sacred groves like Sarna and Mandar revered as divine abodes. 
• Implications of linking Forests with Green GDP: This approach highlights the economic and ecological value of forests, fostering a balance between development and sustainability.  
  • By prioritizing the preservation of natural resources, the state aims to ensure the long-term health of its environment for future generations. 

How Does Green GDP Promote Sustainable Development? 

• Sustainable Resource Use: By accounting for environmental damage, Green GDP promotes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging more sustainable production and consumption patterns. 
  • Green GDP shifts the focus from merely maximizing economic output to preserving the natural capital that supports long-term prosperity. 
• Climate Change Mitigation: Green GDP supports the reduction of reliance on fossil fuels and adoption of renewable energy, contributing to the fight against climate change aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action). 
• Biodiversity Conservation: Green GDP promotes environmental preservation, safeguarding ecosystems and species, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).  
  • It enables policymakers to create regulations that balance economic growth with ecological sustainability. 
• Incentivizes Green Investments: Green GDP promotes investment in sustainable technologies and practices, fostering green jobs and industries.  
  • It supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by driving inclusive, sustainable economic growth that prioritizes environmental health. 

Global Practices of Green GDP 

• United Nations: The System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA), developed by the United Nations, integrates economic and environmental data to offer a comprehensive view of the interrelationships between the economy and the environment, focusing on environmental assets and their benefits to humanity. 
• European Union: The EU’s Beyond GDP initiative integrates sustainability metrics into economic assessments, focusing on the long-term health of the planet. 
• World Bank: Wealth Accounting and the Valuation of Ecosystem Services (WAVES) is a World Bank-led partnership promoting sustainable development by integrating natural resource accounting into development planning. 
• Bhutan: Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) framework places ecological sustainability at the core of its development policies. 
• Other Countries: China, Norway, and the US have experimented with incorporating environmental costs into their national accounts. 

What Challenges Does the Green GDP Framework Face? 

• Forest Cover Definition: The term "forest" under the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) includes plantations like oil palm and rubber, which can be environmentally damaging and may not provide the same ecological benefits as natural forests. 
  • Example: Activities like palm oil and rubber plantations often replace natural forests, leading to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and environmental disruptions. 
  • Treating plantations as forests in Green GDP calculations can create a misleading picture of a state's ecological health, compromising the framework's reliability. 
• Political Agendas: States with low ecological forest value may manipulate data to secure grants if forest cover becomes a funding criterion, by prioritizing plantations over natural forests and which can cause ecological harm. 
• Local Body Integration: Incorporating local bodies, such as Panchayats, in the Green GDP framework is challenging due to the lack of awareness and literacy among leaders at the grassroots level. 
• Lack of Clarity on Benefits: The financial benefits of Green GDP accounting lack clarity on how they will reach local communities, such as tribes and forest dwellers, who have traditionally preserved forests for generations. 
• Methodological Differences: There is no single, universally accepted method for calculating Green GDP, making it difficult to compare across countries.  
  • Valuing environmental costs and services is a complex process and can vary depending on local conditions and priorities. 

Way Forward 

• A Clear Standard Framework: Governments need to adopt a consistent and transparent methodology for calculating Green GDP, ensuring clarity in what constitutes environmental services and costs. 
• Public Scrutiny: To avoid manipulation, data must be transparent and open to scrutiny by analysts and critics. 
• Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: Focus on restoring native forests and ecosystems for better carbon sequestration and biodiversity protection. 
• Public Awareness: Educate communities about the benefits of Green GDP to drive sustainability efforts. Incentivizing local communities for forest protection ensures equitable and effective implementation. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Explain Green GDP, why is it crucial for countries like India in promoting sustainable development?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Mains 

Q. Explain the difference between computing methodology of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the year 2015 and after the year 2015. (2021)

Eradicating Manual Scavenging

For Prelims: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Manual Scavengers, Hepatitis, Tetanus, Cholera, Asphyxiation, Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem) Scheme, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), NALSA, National Safai Karamcharis Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC), Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code 2020, Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). 

For Mains: Role of technology in eradicating manual scavenging in India. Role of judiciary in eradicating manual scavenging.

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) organised an open house discussion on ‘Dignity and Liberty of the Individuals- Rights of Manual Scavengers’. 

Manual Scavenging 

• About: Manual scavenging refers to the practice of physically handling or cleaning human excreta by individuals.  
  • It involves manual cleaning of human excreta from insanitary toilets, open drains, pits, or railway tracks. 
• Current Status: In 2021, India recorded 58,098 manual scavengers, with women comprising 75% of them. 
  • As on 31st July, 2024, out of 766 districts in the country, 732 districts have reported themselves as manual scavenging-free. 
• Violation of Fundamental Rights: Manual scavenging violates fundamental rights, especially article 17 (abolition of untouchability) and article 21 (Right to life with dignity). 
• Legal Framework Related to Manual Scavenging:  
  • Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013: Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and Their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 prohibits manual scavenging, including the construction of insanitary latrines, and mandates the demolition or conversion of such latrines into sanitary ones.  
    • It also provides for the identification and rehabilitation of manual scavengers through skill development, financial assistance, and alternative employment.  
  • SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989: It criminalises the employment of scheduled castes in manual scavenging.  

What are the Major Challenges Faced by Manual Scavengers? 

• Health: Manual scavengers are frequently exposed to human waste, which contains numerous pathogens.  
  • This exposure makes them highly susceptible to diseases such as Hepatitis, tetanus, and cholera. 
  • The presence of poisonous gases like hydrogen sulphide in septic tanks poses a serious risk of asphyxiation, which can lead to sudden death. 
  • According to the government data, 377 persons have died from 2019 to 2023 due to hazardous cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. 
• Social Stigma: Manual scavengers are stigmatized and treated as untouchables, reinforcing social exclusion and perpetuating the caste system. 
• Economic Challenges: Manual scavengers are paid meager amounts, often below the minimum wage, keeping them trapped in a cycle of poverty. 
  • They are employed on a contractual or daily-wage basis, without job security or benefits. 
• Double Discrimination: Women, who form a significant portion of manual scavengers, face double discrimination in the form of gender and inequality such as sexual harassment and exploitation, alongside societal stigma. 
• Psychological Issues: The social stigma attached to the profession often causes significant mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. 
• Drug Use: To cope with the stress and stigma of their precarious work, many manual scavengers resort to drug use, which further exacerbates their health problems.

What is the Supreme Court Guideline on Manual Scavenging? 

• Dr. Balram Singh Case, 2023: The SC issued 14 directions to the Union, State and UTs to completely eradicate manual scavenging ranging from forming guidelines and policies, rehabilitation, compensation,etc. Some of them are:  
  • Eradication of Manual Sewer Cleaning: Phased measures to eliminate manual sewer cleaning. 
  • Rehabilitation of Sewage Workers: Compensation (Rs 30 lakhs for death, Rs 10-20 lakhs for disabilities), employment for next of kin, and education for dependents. 
  • Accountability for Outsourced Work: Accountability mechanisms, including contract cancellations and penalties. 
  • NALSA Involvement in Compensation: NALSA to manage compensation disbursement and models. 
  • Monitoring and Transparency: A portal to track deaths, compensation, and rehabilitation 

What are India’s Initiatives to Curb Manual Scavenging? 

• Safaimitra Suraksha Challenge 
• Swachhta Abhiyan App 
• Rashtriya Garima Abhiyan 
• National Commission for Safai Karamchari 
• Swachhta Udyami Yojana (SUY) 
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) 
• NAMASTE (National Action for Mechanised Sanitation Ecosystem)  
• Emergency Response Sanitation Units (ERSUs): To develop a professional, well-trained, and adequately equipped workforce. 
• Technological Initiatives: 
  • Bandicoot Robot: Autonomously or remotely cleans, inspects, and removes blockages in sewer lines. 
  • Endobot & Swasth AI: Diagnose pipelines to detect and mitigate water contamination, wastage, and sewer overflows. 
  • Robo-Drain System: Automated robotic technology for cleaning underground sewers. 
  • Vacuum Trucks: Use powerful pumps to remove sewage waste without human entry. 

Way Forward  

• Mechanization: The introduction of automated or semi-automated equipment offers a safer, more efficient way to manage sanitation work. 
  • Robotic arms or vacuum trucks can carry out this work remotely, reducing human exposure to dangerous environments. 
• OHS Standards: Recognising sanitation work as a hazardous occupation under the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code 2020 (OSH Code 2020) could transform safety standards and enforcement. 
• Health Screenings: Implement periodic health screenings for sanitation workers across all ULBs, focusing on respiratory and dermatological conditions, with clear treatment and prevention protocols. 
  • Expand the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) to include the health and dignity of sanitation workers, focusing on safety and empowerment. 
• Capacity Building: Provide capacity-building training and safety gear for workers. Offer financial assistance for technological innovations in hazardous waste cleaning.  
  • Incentivize mechanization, train workers, and empower women-led SHGs for sustainable livelihoods 

Drishti Mains Question:

Examine the challenges faced by sanitation workers in India. Discuss the role of the judiciary in this regard.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q.‘Rashtriya Garima Abhiyaan’ is a national campaign to (2016) 

(a) rehabilitate the homeless and destitute persons and provide them with suitable sources of  

livelihood 

(b) release the sex workers from their practice and provide them with alternative sources of livelihood 

(c) eradicate the practice of manual scavenging and rehabilitate the manual scavengers 

(d) release the bonded labourers from their bondage and rehabilitate them 

Ans: (c)

Mains 

Q. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018) 

Q. “To ensure effective implementation of policies addressing the water,sanitation and hygiene needs the identification of the beneficiary segments is to be synchronized with anticipated outcomes.” Examine the statement in the context of the WASH scheme. (2017)

Delays in Appointing Information Commissioners

For Prelims: Supreme Court, Right to Information Act, 2005, Freedom of Information Act, 2002, Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, CEC, Election Commissioner, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, Central Information Commission (CIC), RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019, Statutory Body, Leader of Opposition, Office of Profit, Cooperatives. 

For Mains: Issues undermining RTI’s effectiveness and way forward

Source: TH 

Why in News? 

The Supreme Court expressed strong criticism of the chronic delay shown by the Centre and States in appointing Information Commissioners (ICs) under the Right to Information Act, 2005. (RTI Act, 2005)  

• Delays in appointing ICs undermine citizens’ ability to exercise their right to information, with thousands of cases pending. 

What are the Concerns Regarding the RTI Act, 2005? 

• Delay in Appointment: As of 2024, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has 8 vacancies in the posts of ICs with 23,000 pending appeals filed by citizens.  
  • Several Information Commissions in States have been defunct since 2020, and some have stopped accepting petitions under the RTI Act, 2005. 
  • Dissatisfaction with RTI responses from Public Information Officers (PIOs) often prompts citizens to file first appeals with the designated Appellate Authority. 
• Subordinate Rules: The RTI Act's implementation varies across states due to different rules. E.g., Some states lack online portals or have inconsistent registration, complicating the process. 
• Lack of Transparency: The majority of appointees to the position of ICs are former bureaucrats raising concerns about impartiality and transparency in the decision-making process. 
  • In Anjali Bhardwaj and Ors v. Union of India Case, 2019, the Supreme Court highlighted the need to appoint people from diverse backgrounds. 
• Personal Data Disclosure:  The RTI Act, 2005 allows personal data disclosure by the government if there's a public interest. However, The DPDP Act, 2023, changed this to a complete ban shielding powerful public officials from accountability. 
• Unilateral Amendments: The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 granted the Union Government the sole authority to determine the tenure and salaries of ICs potentially compromising their autonomy.  

Note: Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 imposed a blanket ban on personal data disclosure, which could hinder public audits and accountability. Earlier, it prevented the government from disclosing citizens' personal data unless there's a strong public interest. 

What are Key Facts About the RTI Act, 2005? 

• About: RTI Act, 2005 was enacted to empower citizens with the right to access information from public authorities.  
  • It aims to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the functioning of government bodies and public authorities. 
• Origin: The RTI Act originated from a 1980s grassroots movement in Rajasthan, where villagers demanded accountability, and access to records. 
• Key Provisions:  
  • The Act applies to all levels of government, including central, state, and local bodies. 
  • Section 8(2) allows for the disclosure of information when the public interest outweighs confidentiality of information. 
  • Section 22 ensures that the RTI Act takes precedence over any inconsistencies with other laws. 
• Exemptions: The Official Secrets Act (OSA), 1923 allows bureaucrats to withhold information to maintain the confidentiality of official documents. 
  • Other laws, like the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam) and All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968 allow officials to restrict information under the RTI Act, 2005. 
• Key Amendments in RTI Act, 2005:  
  • Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019: Under RTI Act, 2005, the term of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and ICs is fixed at 5 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. After the Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019, the term is decided by the Central Government. 
    • Originally, the CIC's salary and terms of service align with the CEC, and the IC's with an Election Commissioner. After amendments, salaries, allowances, and terms of service for both the CICs and ICs are prescribed by the Central Government. 

What is the Central Information Commission? 

• Establishment: It was established under the RTI Act, 2005, as a statutory body (not a constitutional body). 
• Composition: The Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding 10 as may be deemed necessary. 
• Appointment: Members are appointed by the President of India based on the recommendations of a committee comprising: 
  • The Prime Minister (Chairperson). 
  • The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. 
  • A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister. 
• Eligibility and Exemption: Eminent individuals with experience in law, science, technology, social service, management, journalism, or governance. 
  • Must not be MPs, MLAs, or hold any office of profit. 
  • No political affiliations, business, or professional engagements. 
  • They are not eligible for reappointment. 
• Powers of the CIC: Summoning witnesses, inspecting documents, requisitioning public records, and issuing summons for examination. 
• Functions: Its primary role is to ensure the effective implementation of the RTI Act, 2005 and uphold citizens’ right to information. 
  • It deals with cases involving offices, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, and other entities under the Central Government and Union Territories. 

Way Forward 

• Addressing Vacancies: Expedite appointments to fill vacancies in Information Commissions for timely appeal resolution and maintain citizens' trust in the RTI framework. 
  • Broaden the selection criteria to include professionals from diverse fields as recommended by the Supreme Court. 
• Enhanced Coverage: Include public-private partnerships (PPPs), sports bodies, and cooperatives under the RTI Act, 2005 to ensure greater transparency, particularly in the handling of public funds. 
  • Bring political parties under the RTI Act to ensure financial transparency. 
• Digital Integration: Allow all post offices to accept post-free RTI applications, particularly for citizens in rural areas.  
  • Encourage all states to adopt a unified, National Informatics Centre (NIC)-designed RTI portal to make it easier for citizens to file requests. 
• Accountability: Public authorities should be more accountable to the public by providing regular updates and reports on how they are handling RTI requests.

Drishti Mains Question: 

Discuss the current issues with the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 and suggest measures to strengthen it for better governance.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Mains 

Q. The Right to Information Act is not all about citizens’ empowerment alone, it essentially redefines the concept of accountability.” Discuss. (2018) 

Karnataka HC Strikes Down Electricity Rules, 2022

For Prelims: Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 (GEOA Rules, 2022), Electricity Regulatory Commission, Renewable Energy Programmes, Green Energy, Waste-to-Energy Plants, Discoms, Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO), Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, Electricity Act, 2003, Glasgow Summit 2021, Union List, Concurrent List. 

For Mains: Promotions of open access green energy and issues arising out of it. 

Source: BS 

Why in News? 

Recently, in the Brindavan Hydropower Private Limited Case, 2024, the Karnataka High Court struck down the Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 (GEOA Rules, 2022), formulated by the Central Government. 

• The Court also struck down the Karnataka Regulatory Commission (Terms and Conditions for Green Energy Open Access) Regulations, 2022, which were framed by Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) based on the now-invalidated GEOA Rules, 2022. 

What are the Key Facts of the Case? 

• Petitioners' Arguments: Hydroelectric companies challenged the GEOA Rules, 2022, asserting that the rule infringed on KERC’s exclusive powers to frame rule under Sections 42(2) and 181 of the  Electricity Act, 2003. 
• Centre's Defence: The Central Government defended the rules, citing its powers under Entry 14 of the Union List, Entry 38 of the Concurrent List, and Section 176(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003.  
  • It claimed the rules were essential to meet international treaty obligations under COP26 Commitments at the Glasgow Summit 2021. 
• Reason for Striking Down: The Court ruled that the Central Government lacked authority under the Electricity Act, 2003, to frame such rules, as these powers are delegated to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions like KERC. 
  • The Court stated that the centre cannot use Section 176(2) as a residual power to override the regulatory framework. 
  • Electricity Act, 2003 ensures that regulatory powers, including tariff determination and open access provisions, are exercised by independent regulatory commissions, free from governmental interference. 

Note:

• Electricity Policy, 2005 places the responsibility for facilitating open access squarely on State Regulatory Commissions. 
• Electricity Act, 2003: 
  • Section 42(2): It assigned the Appropriate Commission exclusive authority over open access to distribution of licensees. 
  • Section 181: State Commissions may issue regulations consistent with the Electricity Act, 2003 and its rules to implement its provisions. 
  • Section 176(1): The Central Government may make rules for carrying out the provisions of this Act, 2003. 
  • Section 176(2): It provided for framing Rules for the specific purposes enumerated therein. E.g., functions and duties of the Central Electricity Authority. 
• Entry 14 of the Union List: It deals with entering into treaties and agreements with foreign countries and implementing treaties, agreements and conventions with foreign countries. 
• Entry 38 of the Concurrent List: Electricity is a concurrent subject at Entry 38 in List III of the seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India. 
  • The Ministry of Power is primarily responsible for the development of electrical energy in the country. 

What are GEOA Rules, 2022? 

• About: It was notified to accelerate India’s ambitious renewable energy programmes, with the objective of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and green energy for all through open access. 
  • Open Access means a consumer can buy electricity from a person, other than distribution licensee of his area of supply. 
• Salient Features: 
  • Green Energy: It promotes the generation, purchase, and consumption of green energy, including energy from Waste-to-Energy plants. 
  • Lower Threshold: The Open Access Transactions limit was reduced from 1 MW to 100 kW, allowing small consumers to buy renewable energy. 
  • Right to Demand Green Power: Consumers are entitled to ask for green power from Discoms, which must supply it. 
  • Uniform RPO: A uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) applies to all obligated entities, including Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia. 
    • RPO mandates obligated entities, such as discoms, to purchase a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable energy (RE) sources. 
  • Green Certificates: Consumers using green energy receive green certificates as recognition. 
    • Incentives like caps on cross-subsidy and removal of extra surcharges promote green energy. 

What is the Status of India’s Power Sector? 

• India, the third-largest electricity producer and consumer (442.85 GW as of April 2024), saw power consumption grow by 9.5% in FY23. 
  • Energy projects form 24% of the Rs. 111 lakh crore infrastructure pipeline. 
• The aggregate technical & commercial (AT&C) losses stands at 15.4% in the fiscal year 2023.  
  • Under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), India aims to reduce the AT&C losses at pan-India levels to 12-15% by 2024-25. 
• Committee Related to Reform in Power Sector: 
  • Kirit Parikh Committee (2022): Recommended pricing reforms for petroleum and natural gas linked to power generation. 
  • Ashok Chawla Committee (2011): Studied resource allocation, including coal and natural gas for power generation. 
  • Deepak Parekh Committee (2008): Recommended measures for financing power sector projects. 

India’s Updated NDC Target 

• At the COP26 Glasgow Summit, 2021, India pledged to cut emissions to net zero by 2070, outlining a five-pronged "Panchamitra" climate action plan. 
  • Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. 
  • Source 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030. 
  • Reduce projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes by 2030. 
  • Lower carbon intensity of the economy by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. 
  • Reach net-zero emissions by 2070. 

 

Conclusion

The Karnataka High Court's ruling underscores the need for adherence to the Electricity Act, 2003, ensuring that the power to regulate open access remains with State Electricity Regulatory Commissions. The judgment highlights the balance between central policies and state autonomy, pivotal for India's energy sector governance. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Evaluate India's commitments under the COP26 summit and their impact on national energy policies.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. In India, which of the following review the independent regulators in sectors like telecommunications, insurance, electricity, etc.?(2019)

1. Ad Hoc Committees set up by the Parliament
2. Parliamentary Department Related Standing Committees
3. Finance Commission
4. Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission
5. NITI Aayog

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 and 2 

(b) 1, 3 and 4 

(c) 3, 4 and 5 

(d) 2 and 5 

Ans: (a)

Q. With reference to the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA), which of the following statements is/are correct? (2015)

1. It is a Public Limited Government Company.
2. It is a Non-Banking Financial Company.

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 2 only 

(c) Both 1 and 2  

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (c)

Mains 

Q. “Access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy is the sine qua non to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.Comment on the progress made in India in this regard. (2018)

Q. What do you understand about the Run-of-river hydroelectricity project? How isit different from any other hydroelectricity project? (2013)

Climate Change and African Easterly Waves

Source: DTE 

Why in News?  

A study published in Communications Earth & Environment predicts that climate change will increase the intensity and frequency of extreme flooding in the Sahel region, driven by changes in African easterly waves (AEWs). 

What are the Key Highlights of the Study? 

• Increased AEW Activity: The study predicts an increase in AEWs over the Sahel-Sahara by the end of 21st century. 
  • The intensification is driven by increased baroclinicity (variation in atmospheric pressure and density with height) due to a stronger meridional temperature gradient (difference in temperature between regions) between the Guinea Coast and the Sahara. 
• Enhanced Monsoon Flow: The study found that low-level warming reinforces monsoon flow, increasing convergence (more air entering a vertical column than leaving it) and vertical motion of air along the intertropical discontinuity ( ITD ) altering AEWs formation. 
  • The ITD is the boundary between the hot and dry desert air and the cooler and more moist air from the Arabian Sea.  
• Implications:  
  • Saharan Dust Transport: Strong winds from a northern track AEW (close to Sahara Desert) can transport dry Saharan air, preventing or delaying tropical cyclogenesis (the formation of tropical cyclones) until more favorable conditions in the warmer western Atlantic. 
  • Connection to MCSs: AEWs are linked to Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), which cause extreme rainfall. The study suggests that increased AEW activity may lead to more frequent and intense flooding events in the Sahel. 

What are African Easterly Waves? 

• Definition: African easterly waves (AEWs) are weather systems that form over northern Africa during the summer and move east to west toward the Atlantic Ocean. 
• Significance: AEWs bring rainstorms to drought-prone areas in northern Africa. 
  • Carry Saharan dust across the Atlantic ocean and AEWs act as precursors for Atlantic hurricanes. 
• Influence: AEWs significantly affect the regional hydroclimate, particularly in the Sahel, making it essential to understand their behavior under global warming. 

Sahel Region 

• The Sahel is a semiarid region of western and north-central Africa, stretching from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east. 
  • It acts as a transition between the Sahara Desert to the north and the humid savannas to the south. 
  • It features savanna terrain, with low-growing grass, thorny shrubs, and sparse vegetation.  
• The United Nations (UN) limits the Sahel to ten (10) countries they are Burkina Faso, Cameroon, The Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Chad. 
• The Niger River, the longest and largest in western Africa, is a major water source for the region. 

Draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Ministry of Electronics & IT has released draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 intended to safeguard citizens' right to protect their personal data. 

What are the Key Points about the Draft DPDP Rules, 2025? 

• About: It is a set of rules that operationalize the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act), 2023, to protect citizens' digital personal data while fostering India’s digital economy and innovation. 
• Data Transfer: The rules allow the transfer of certain personal data outside India, as approved by the government. 
• Citizens at the Core: Citizens are granted rights to demand data erasure, appoint digital nominees, and have user-friendly mechanisms to manage their data by Data Fiduciaries. 
  • Entities such as social media platforms, e-commerce companies and online gaming platforms, etc, that collect and process an individual's personal data are data fiduciaries. 
• Data Erasure: Data retention is allowed for up to three years from the last interaction with the Data Principal (Users) or the effective date of the rules, whichever is later. 
  • The Data Fiduciary must notify the Data Principal at least 48 hours before erasure. 
• Digital-First Approach: The rules also prescribe a "digital by design" Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) for consent mechanisms and grievance redressal, for faster resolution of complaints and grievances online.  
• Graded Responsibilities: Graded responsibilities cater to startups and MSMEs with lower compliance burden, while Significant Data Fiduciaries have higher obligations.  
  • Digital platforms with a large number of users such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Amazon, Flipkart, Netflix, etc, will qualify as significant data fiduciaries. 
• Consent Managers: The digital platform may also collect consent through consent managers. 
  • A Consent Manager handles the collection, storage, and use of user consent, mainly for data privacy and digital interactions. 
  • Consent Manager must be a company incorporated in India with sound financial and operational capacity, having a minimum net worth of two crore rupees.   
• DPBI: Draft rules have spelt out a framework for setting up the DPBI that will have civil court powers for personal data breach complaints.

Note: In 2011, the Justice AP Shah Committee recommended privacy legislation, and in 2017, the Supreme Court, in the case of Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd) vs Union of India, recognized privacy as a fundamental right. 

What are the Salient Features of the DPDP Act, 2023? 

• Right to Data Protection: Empowers individuals to control their personal data, including rights to access, correction, and erasure. 
• Data Processing and Consent: Requires explicit consent for data processing, with clear consent forms. 
• Data Localisation: Sensitive data must be stored and processed within India for security and enforcement. 
• Regulatory Authority: Establishes the DPBI for compliance and grievance handling. 
• Data Breach Notification: Organisations must notify individuals and the DPBI of data breaches. 
• Fines and Penalties: Strict penalties for non-compliance to enforce data protection standards. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. ‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which Article of the Constitution of India? 

(a) Article 15 

(b) Article 19 

(c) Article 21 

(d) Article 29 

Ans: (c) 

Q. Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (2018)

(a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42ndAmendment to the Constitution. 

(b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV. 

(c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III. 

(d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44thAmendment to the Constitution. 

Ans: (c)

UDISE+ Report 2023-24

Source: IE 

The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus report shows a significant decline in India’s school enrolment, linked to revised data collection methods. 

• Key Findings: 
  • Decline in Enrolment: Enrolment fell from 26.36 crore (2018-2022 average) to 25.17 crore in 2022-23 and 24.8 crore in 2023-24, a drop of 1.55 crore students. 
    • Government school enrolment dropped by 5.59%, and private school enrolment fell by 3.67%. 
  • Gender-wise Trends: Enrolment of boys declined by 6.04% and girls by 5.76%, compared to the 2018-19 to 2021-22 average. 
  • State-wise Declines: Largest declines recorded in Bihar (35.65 lakh), Uttar Pradesh (28.26 lakh), and Maharashtra (18.55 lakh). 
  • Level-wise Trends: Decline observed across primary, upper primary, and secondary levels. 
    • Enrolment in pre-primary and higher secondary levels rose in 2023-24 compared to the previous average. 
• Improved Data Accuracy: Aadhaar-linked student records improved data accuracy by removing duplicates, including students enrolled in both government and private schools. 
• About UDISE+: It is one of the largest Management Information Systems by the Ministry of Education, covering 14.72 lakh schools, 98.08 lakh teachers, and 24.8 crore children.  

Read More: UDISE Plus Report, Smart Classrooms Under the Smart Cities Mission 

New ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan

Source: TH 

Dr. V. Narayanan will succeed S. Somanath as Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space (DoS), starting 14^th January 2025, for a two-year tenure. 

• Narayanan's Role in ISRO's 2025 Missions: As ISRO Chairman, Narayanan will oversee the launch of NVS-02 for India’s navigation system, lead the unmanned Gaganyaan mission with Vyommitra, and the Indo-US NISAR satellite launch in March 2025. 
• Contributions of Dr. S. Somanath: Led Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1, XpoSat, and INSAT missions.  
  • Spearheaded Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Re-usable Launch Vehicle (RLV-LEX) and Gaganyaan abort missions.  
  • As Secretary of DoS, initiated National Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe, and fostered collaboration with ISRO and private ventures. 
• ISRO: Formed on 15th August 1969, succeeded Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR), which was established in 1962 under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai to advance space technology for national development.  
  • In 1972, India formed the Space Commission and established the DoS, bringing ISRO under its control. 
  • The Secretariat of DOS and ISRO headquarters are located at Antariksh Bhavan in Bangalore.

Read more: New ISRO Chairman S. Somanath 

Indonesia Joined BRICS

Source: IE 

Recently, Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS group as the 10th member, effective from January 2025. 

BRICS: 

• About: 
  • BRICS is an intergovernmental informal grouping of 10 emerging economies of the world. 
  • BRICS stands for the original founding members, Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. 
  • In 2024, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, Ethiopia, and Saudi Arabia also became its members.  
    • Argentina was initially expected to join the group in 2024 but later decided against it. 
  • The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia in 2009. 
• Significance: 
  • Economic Influence: Prior to Indonesia's membership, BRICS represented 35% of global GDP and 46% of the world's population. 
  • Counterbalance to G7: Aims to strengthen the influence of emerging economies and counter the dominance of the Western-led global financial system like G7. 
• Future Agendas for BRICS:  
  • Reduce reliance on the US dollar in international transactions, strengthening local currencies and promoting non-dollar transactions, potentially reshaping global trade and finance. 
  • It aims to promote greater equity, inclusivity, and reforms in global institutions such as the IMF and UN. 

Read More: 16th BRICS Summit & India-China Border Agreement

30th Anniversary of World Trade Organisation

Source: VoV 

Recently, 1^st January 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of the World Trade Organization (WTO). 

World Trade Organization (WTO): 

• About: WTO is an international institution formed to regulate the rules for global trade among nations.  
  • It was formed under the Marrakesh Agreement signed on 15th April 1994 by 123 countries after the Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-94) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), leading to the birth of WTO in 1995. 
  • WTO succeeded the GATT which had regulated world trade since 1948. 
    • GATT focused on trade in goods, while WTO covers trade in goods, services, and intellectual property, including creations, designs, and inventions. 
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. 
• Members: 166 countries, representing 98% of global trade. 
• Key Bodies: 
  • Ministerial Conference (MC): Highest decision-making authority. 
  • Dispute Settlement Body (DSB): DSB resolves trade disputes. 

 

• Key WTO Agreements: 
  • TRIMS (Trade-Related Investment Measures): Prohibits measures that discriminate against foreign products, e.g., local content requirements. 
  • TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights): TRIPS resolves disputes over intellectual property rights. 
  • AoA (Agreement on Agriculture): AoA promotes agricultural trade liberalization, focusing on market access and domestic support. 
  • Other Agreements: 
    • Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures 
    • General Agreement on Trade in Services 
    • General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 

Read More: Tepid Trade-Offs: On the WTO 13th Ministerial Conference