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  • 16 Sep 2024
  • 69 min read
Infographics

UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP)

Agriculture

Need for Reforms in the Jute Industry

For Prelims: Natural Fibre, Alluvial Soil, Water Hyacinth, Marginal and Small Farmers, Carbon Sequestration, Geotextiles, Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987, Technical Textiles Mission,  Irrigation.

For Mains: Possibilities and challenges in India’s jute industry.

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, jute cultivation and the challenges faced by the sector was highlighted by the Indian Jute Mills Association and called for reforms in this sector.

What are the Key Facts About Jute?

  • About Jute: Jute is a natural fibre under the category of bast fibres like flax, hemp, kenaf and ramie. 
    • It has been traditionally grown in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, which make up the present day West Bengal of India and plains of Bangladesh.
    • The first jute mill in India was set up in the year 1855 at Rishra, near Kolkata.
  • Ideal Condition: Jute can grow in a wide range of soil but fertile loamy alluvial soil is better suitable. 
    • Relative humidity between 40-90% and temperature between 17°C and 41°C, along with well-distributed rainfall over 120 cm is ideal for cultivation and growth of jute.
  • Species: Normally, two species namely Tossa and White jute respectively are produced on a commercial scale. 
    • Another bast fibre crop commonly known as Mesta has two cultivated species – Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus Sabdariffa.
  • Harvesting Techniques: The bast fibre crop can be harvested at any stage after a certain period of vegetative growth, usually between 100 and 150 days.
    • Harvesting of jute crop at the pre-bud or bud stage gives the best quality fibre, however, the yields are low. 
    • Older crops yield more quantity but the fibre becomes coarse and the stem does not ret properly.
      • The retting process is a method that uses moisture and microorganisms to separate plant fibres from the stem. 
    • Hence, as a compromise between quality and quantity, the early pod formation stage has been found best for harvesting.
  • Retting Process: The bundles of jute stems are kept in water and later placed side by side, usually in layers and tied together. 
    • They are covered with water hyacinth or any other weed that does not release tannin and iron.
    • Retting is best done in slow-moving clean water. The optimum temperature is around 34 degrees Celsius.
    • Once the fibre comes out easily from the wood, retting is considered complete.
  • Versatility: Jute is a tall, hardy grass having height up to 2.5 metres and each part of it has several uses.
    • The outer layer of the stem produces the fibre that goes into making jute products. 
    • The leaves can be cooked. People prepare soups, stews, curries, and vegetable dishes using leaves.
    • The inner woody stems can be used to manufacture paper.
    • The roots, which are left in the ground after harvest, improve the yield of subsequent crops. 
  • Production: West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar are the major jute-growing states in the country and are mainly cultivated by marginal and small farmers.
  • Employment: Jute is a labour-intensive crop and provides huge employment opportunities and benefits to local farmers. 
    • Raw jute farming and trade make up the livelihood of about 14 million people.
  • Importance: Jute, known as the golden fibre, is the second most important cash crop in India after cotton in terms of cultivation and usage. 
    • India is the largest producer of jute in the world.

What are the Benefits of Using Jute Fibres?

  • Biodegradable Alternatives: Many countries are trying to reduce the use of plastic commodities, especially plastic bags. 
    • Jute bags are biodegradable and environment-friendly alternatives to plastic bags.
  • Value-Added Products: Along with traditional usage, jute can contribute in the production of value-added products such as paper, pulp, composites, textiles, wall coverings, flooring, garments, and other materials.
  • Doubling Farmers’ Income: An acre of land produces approximately nine quintals of fibre. While the fibre is sold for Rs 3,500-4,000 per quintal.
    • The woody stalk and the leaves fetch approximately Rs 9,000. The earning per acre is approximately Rs 35,000-40,000.
  • Sustainability: Jute requires only half the land and time, uses less than one-fifth of the water in irrigation, and needs far fewer chemicals compared to cotton.
    • It is largely pest-resistant, and its rapid growth spurt ensures that weeds don’t stand a chance. 
  • Carbon Neutral Crop: The carbon dioxide emission from jute is carbon-neutral in nature since the product is from plant-source and can be considered as a biomass.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Jute can sequester up to 1.5 tons of carbon dioxide per hectare per year. 
    • This is a significant amount of carbon, and it can help mitigate climate change. 
    • Jute is a fast-growing plant, allowing it to absorb a lot of carbon dioxide in a short period of time.

What Challenges are Involved in Jute Farming?

  • Low Availability of Natural Water: Historically, annual river flooding would inundate the fields, allowing bundled jute stalks to be submerged directly in the fields. It simplified the retting process.
    • Current practices involve transporting jute to artificial ponds for retting process due to reduced flooding.
  • Unrealised Potential: The jute industry is operating at 55% capacity, affecting over 50,000 workers. The demand for jute bags is projected to drop to 30 lakh bales for 2024-25.
  • Outdated Technology: According to the Jute Commissioner’s Office, many jute mills in India use machinery that is over 30 years old. This leads to reduced operational efficiency and higher production costs.
  • Lack of Product Diversification: Jute is a versatile fibre with potential applications insulation (replacing glass wool), geotextiles, activated carbon powder, wall coverings etc. 
    • The lack of products in these high-growth areas means that a significant portion of jute remains underutilised, affecting overall industry growth and sustainability.
  • Concentration of Jute Mills: There are about 70 jute mills in the country, of which about 60 are in West Bengal along both the banks of river Hooghly.
    • It can result in bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the distribution of raw materials and finished products. 
    • Jute cultivation located outside this region, particularly in northeastern India, faces challenges in accessing resources and markets.
  • Inadequate Support: Despite the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 the jute sector faces challenges in policy implementation and support.

What are the Government Schemes Related to Jute Industry?

Way Forward

  • Golden Fiber Revolution: A ‘Golden Fibre Revolution’ has long been called for by various stakeholders.
    • It focuses on increasing jute cultivation, enhancing the quality of jute products, promoting exports, and improving the livelihood of jute farmers and workers.
  • Flood Management: Advocate for water management practices that can help restore natural flooding patterns or simulate them through controlled irrigation. This will ease the retting process and reduce dependency on artificial methods.
  • Upgrade Machinery: Encourage investment in new technologies and machinery for jute processing. The government could offer subsidies or low-interest loans to mills for technological upgrades.
  • Promote Product Innovation: Support research and development to explore new applications for jute, such as geotextiles, and activated carbon. Engage with industry experts to develop new product lines.
    • Companies can be provided tax benefits, grants, or subsidies to encourage innovation and market expansion.
  • Enforce and Expand Policies: Ensure effective implementation of the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987. Review and update the Act to address current industry needs and market conditions.
  • Policy and Industry Review: Regularly review and adjust policies and industry practices to reflect changing market conditions and technological advancements.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Critically analyse the challenges faced by jute industry and suggest a comprehensive strategy to revitalise it.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q.The lower Gangetic plain is characterised by a humid climate with high temperature throughout the year. Which one among the following pairs of crops is most suitable for this region? (2011)

(a) Paddy and cotton

(b) Wheat and Jute

(c) Paddy and Jute

(d) Wheat and cotton

Ans: (c)

Mains

Q. Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How have these revolutions helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India? (2017)

Governance

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure

For Prelims: G20 presidency, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), sustainable development, Aadhaar, UPI, Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA),  Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, CoWIN platform, cyberattacks, ransomware, state-sponsored hacking

For Mains: Challenges and Mitigation of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

Source: IE

Why in News?

During its G20 presidency, India advanced Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a pivotal tool for fostering inclusive and sustainable development through technological innovation. 

  • The defining features of DPI (openness, interoperability, and scalability) highlight its significance not merely as a technological framework but as an essential enabler for enhancing public and private service delivery.

What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? 

  • About:
  • DPI refers to the foundational digital systems and services provided by the public sector to support and enhance the functioning of a digital economy and society. 
    • Digital Identity Systems: Platforms for verifying and managing individuals' identities online, such as Aadhaar.
    • Digital Payment Systems: Infrastructure that supports secure financial transactions, including digital wallets, payment gateways, and banking platforms. 
    • Public Digital Services: Online services provided by the government, such as e-governance portals, public health information, and digital education platforms. 
    • Data Infrastructure: Systems for storing, managing, and sharing data securely, ensuring data sovereignty and privacy, such as Digilocker. 
    • Cybersecurity Frameworks: Measures and protocols to protect digital assets and personal information from cyber threats. For examle, Information Security Management System (ISMS),
    • Broadband and Connectivity: Infrastructure ensuring widespread and equitable access to high-speed internet across regions.
  • It can be broadly categorised into two groups. 
  • Impact of DPIs:
    • Aadhaar-based authentication was used to facilitate the administration of over 2.2 billion Covid-19 vaccines under the CoWIN platform.
    • Over 1.3 billion Aadhaar enrolments and over 10 billion UPI transactions monthly DPIs have had a transformative impact.
    • Governance has improved in areas such as credit, e-commerce, education, health, and urban governance.

Note

Observations of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (Nasscom) about DPI.

  • Digital public infrastructure could help India become a USD 8 trillion economy by 2030.
  • The economic value added by DPI could increase to between 2.9% and 4.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2030, from 0.9% in 2022.
  • The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), envisioned to strengthen India's digital health infrastructure, is expected to significantly contribute to the rise in value.
  • The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an open e-commerce platform established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, is anticipated to significantly enhance retail spending.

What are the Challenges Related to India’s DPI?

  • Data Privacy and Security Concerns: The extensive collection and use of personal data by DPIs raise significant concerns regarding data privacy, security, and the potential misuse of sensitive information. 
  • Digital Divide: Despite India's rapid digital advancement there is still limited access to digital infrastructure, including internet connectivity, smartphones, and digital literacy. 
    • As of 2024, India's internet penetration rate is expected to be 52%, which means that more than half of the country's 1.4 billion people have internet access.
  • Regulatory Gaps and Fragmentation: The evolving nature of digital technologies necessitates dynamic and coherent regulatory frameworks. 
    • Existing regulatory mechanisms are inadequate for addressing emerging issues such as platform monopolies, data monopolisation, and cross-border data flows.
    • For example, the Reserve Bank of India's mandate for storing payment data locally has led to compliance complexities for international payment providers.
  • Cybersecurity Threats: The increased reliance on digital infrastructure exposes India to a growing range of cybersecurity threats, including cyberattacks, ransomware, and state-sponsored hacking. Strengthening the resilience of critical DPIs against such threats is essential for safeguarding national security.
    • As of 2021, Maharashtra was the most targeted state in India — facing 42% of all ransomware attacks.
  • Monopolization of Digital Infrastructure: The risk of monopolistic practices poses challenges such as profit erosion of smaller private entities due to their inability to upgrade themselves.
  • Sustainability of Digital Infrastructure: Maintaining the long-term sustainability of DPIs in terms of financial viability, technical upkeep, and scalability is a persistent challenge requiring continuous innovation and investment.

What Steps can be Taken to Increase the Resilience of India’s DPI?

  • Strengthening Data Protection and Privacy Frameworks: Implementing a comprehensive and robust data protection law is crucial to safeguard citizens’ data and ensure privacy. 
    • This should include stringent norms for data collection, storage, and usage, along with clear guidelines on consent, accountability, and recourse mechanisms for data breaches.
  • Bridging the Digital Divide: Expanding digital infrastructure is essential to ensure equitable access. This requires initiatives focused on improving digital literacy, enabling all sections of society to participate in the digital economy.
  • Developing Adaptive Regulatory Mechanisms: Establishing dynamic and forward-looking regulatory frameworks is critical to address emerging challenges such as platform monopolies, data monopolisation, and cross-border data governance. 
    • These frameworks must be flexible enough to adapt to the rapid evolution of digital technologies and markets.
  • Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures: Regular audits, simulations, and real-time monitoring should be institutionalised to mitigate cyber risks.
  • Fostering Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging collaboration between the government and private sector is essential to leverage technical know-how, innovation, and resources. 
    • PPPs can accelerate the deployment of digital infrastructure, foster innovation, and address challenges in scaling up digital services.
  • Need for Soft Law: While rigid legal frameworks may hinder DPI growth, soft law instruments promoting best practices (data encryption, access restrictions) could safeguard public interest.
    • Segregating aspects of DPIs under statutory, contractual, and soft law frameworks can help manage both innovation and regulation effectively.

What are the Key Developments in India's Digital Public Infrastructure?  

Conclusion

India’s G20 presidency showcased the transformative potential of DPI as a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development. To further strengthen DPI resilience, India must adopt robust data protection frameworks, bridge the digital divide, develop adaptive regulations, and ensure the long-term sustainability of its digital infrastructure through continuous innovation and public-private partnerships. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Critically examine the role of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in improving governance and service delivery in India. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? (2018)

  1. Formation of India’s own Internet companies like China did.
  2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries.
  3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 3 only

(c) 2 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (b)

Mains

Q. “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)

Indian Polity

New Standards for Preventive Detention

For Prelims: Supreme Court, Preventive Detention, Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974, Article 22(5), Fundamental Rights, Parliament, State Legislature, 44th Amendment Act, 1978, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, Article 21.

For Mains: Role of judiciary in balancing democratic principles and personal liberty with preventive detention laws.

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, in the Jaseela Shaji vs the Union of India case, 2024, the Supreme Court (SC) set up new standards for preventive detention.

What are the New Standards for Preventive Detention?

  • Fair and Effective Opportunity: SC held that the detaining authority must provide the detainee with copies of all documents relied upon for detention, and failure to do so invalidates the detention.
  • Constitutional Right: SC stressed that personal liberty is a paramount constitutional right. Failure to provide all relevant documents and information to challenge the detention effectively would constitute a violation of the fundamental right under Article 22(5) of the Constitution.
  • Non-arbitrary Actions: Authorities are required to guard against arbitrary actions and ensure detainees’ rights are respected at all stages.
    • It includes furnishing documents in a language the detainee can understand.
  • Avoiding Undue Delay: Authorities must ensure timely communication related to detention, using available technology to avoid unnecessary delays.

What are the Key Facts About Protection Against Arrest and Detention?

  • Constitutional Basis: Article 22 of the Indian Constitution grants protections to individuals who are arrested or detained. 
    • These provisions ensure fundamental rights are protected under different circumstances of arrest or detention.
  • Types of Detention: There are two types of detention.
    • Punitive Detention: Punishes a person after trial and conviction in court for an offence they committed. It follows due process of law.
    • Preventive Detention: Involves detaining a person without trial or conviction, aiming to prevent a future offence. This detention is based on suspicion and serves as a precautionary measure to avoid potential harm.
  • Parts of Article 22: There are two parts of Article 22.
    • First Part: The first part deals with rights under ordinary law i.e., laws not related to preventive detention. Rights include (Except enemy aliens or individuals detained under preventive detention laws).
      • Right to be Informed: A person must be told the grounds of their arrest.
      • Right to Legal Representation: The arrested individual has the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner.
      • Right to Prompt Judicial Review: They must be presented before a magistrate within 24 hours of arrest.
      • Right against Prolonged Detention: They must be released after 24 hours unless a magistrate authorises further detention.
    • Second Part: It deals specifically with protections under preventive detention laws, which apply to both citizens and non-citizens.
      • Maximum Detention without Review: The detention of a person cannot exceed three months unless the advisory board reports sufficient cause for extended detention. The board is to consist of judges of a high court.
      • Communication of Detention Grounds: The grounds of detention should be communicated to the detenu. However, the facts considered to be against the public interest need not be disclosed.
      • Right to Representation: The detenu should be afforded an opportunity to make representation against the detention order.
  • Legislative Power on Preventive Detention: The Parliament has exclusive authority to make a law of preventive detention for reasons connected with defence, foreign affairs and the security of India. 
    • Both the Parliament as well as the state legislatures can concurrently make a law of preventive detention for reasons connected with the security of a state, the maintenance of public order and the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the community.
  • Parliament's Power to Extend Detention: Article 22 authorises the Parliament to prescribe:
    • the circumstances and the classes of cases in which a person can be detained for more than three months under a preventive detention law without obtaining the opinion of an advisory board; 
    • the maximum period for which a person can be detained in any classes of cases under a preventive detention law; and 
    • the procedure to be followed by an advisory board in an inquiry.
  • Key Amendments: The 44th Amendment Act, 1978 has reduced the period of detention without obtaining the opinion of an advisory board from three to two months. 
    • However, this provision has not yet been brought into force, hence, the original period of three months still continues.
  • Preventive Detention Laws in India: Several preventive detention laws have been enacted by Parliament to maintain national security, and public order, and prevent crimes. Examples.
    • Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), 1971 (Repealed in 1978)
    • Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA), 1974
    • National Security Act (NASA), 1980 
    • Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA), 1985 (Repealed in 1995).
    • Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), 2002 (Repealed in 2004)
    • Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967 (Amended several times, including in 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2019).
  • Criticism of Preventive Detention in India: No democratic country in the world has made preventive detention an integral part of the Constitution as has been done in India. 
    • It is unknown in the United States. 
    • It was used in Britain only during the First and Second World Wars. 
    • In India, preventive detention existed even during British rule. For example, the Bengal State Prisoners Regulation, 1818 and the Defence of India Act, 1939 provided for preventive detention. 

What are the Issues with the Preventive Detention Law?

  • Misuse of Law: Preventive detention coexists with fundamental rights in the Indian Constitution, but its misuse for political gains or controlling free speech has raised concerns.
    • Cases in Uttar Pradesh, where preventive detention was invoked for trivial issues like local cricket disputes, show potential for abuse.
  • Lack of Checks and Balances: The broad powers to detain with limited judicial oversight raise the risk of misuse of authority.
    • The scope for judicial scrutiny is confined to ensuring that procedural safeguards are followed, but not the merits of the detention.
  • Lack of Transparency: The frequent use of detention to curb dissent shows a need for greater accountability in its application.
  • Colonial-Era Laws: Some preventive detention laws date back to colonial times and do not align with modern human rights standards.

What are Important Judicial Cases Related to Preventive Detention?

  • Shibban Lal v. State of Uttar Pradesh Case, 1954: The SC held that courts are not competent to inquire into the veracity of facts that form the basis for detention. 
    • This indicates a limited role for judicial intervention in preventive detention cases.
  • Khudiram v. State of West Bengal Case, 1975: The SC ruled that it lacks the power to assess the validity of the grounds for detention under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971 (MISA). 
    • SC emphasised that the detaining authority’s decision is final, with courts unable to substitute their judgement.
  • Nand Lal Bajaj v. The State of Punjab and Anr Case, 1981: The Supreme Court acknowledged that preventive detention laws are inconsistent with the principles of a parliamentary system. 
    • However, it ruled that the issue is political in nature, making it the responsibility of the legislature, not the judiciary.
  • Rekha v. State Of Tamil Nadu Case, 2011: The Supreme Court called preventive detention "repugnant to democratic ideas"  and urged its application within narrow limits to avoid violating Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty).
  • Mariappan vs the District Collector And Others Case, 2014: The Madras High Court reiterated that preventive detention is meant to prevent harm to the state, not to punish the detainee. 
    • The decision to detain is based on the subjective satisfaction of the authority, within criteria such as state security, public order, foreign affairs, and community services.
  • Prem Narayan v. Union of India Case, 2019: the Allahabad High Court stated that preventive detention is an infringement upon the personal freedom of an individual and it can’t be imposed casually. 
  • Abhayraj Gupta v. Superintendent, Central Jail, Bareilly Case, 2021: The Allahabad High Court held that preventive detention should not be used when a person is already detained.
    • The court observed that if a detained person’s actions did not cause widespread public disorder or disrupt societal peace, there was no valid basis to detain him under preventive detention laws.

Conclusion

Preventive detention, while constitutionally permitted in India, is often seen as a challenge to democratic principles and personal liberty. Though vital for national security, unchecked powers can infringe on fundamental rights, especially the right to life and liberty. Reforms are essential to balance security with human rights, ensure fair process, and prevent abuse. A comprehensive review and modernization of colonial-era laws are necessary to make preventive detention just and reasonable in contemporary India.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Examine the constitutional provisions related to preventive detention in India. How does the judiciary help in balancing individual liberty and national security with respect to preventive detention?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. The Rowlatt Act aimed at (2012)

(a) compulsory economic support to war efforts

(b) imprisonment without trial and summary procedures for trial

(c) suppression of the Khilafat Movement

(d) imposition of restrictions on freedom of the press

Ans: (b)

Q. During the Indian Freedom Struggle, why did the Rowlatt Act arouse popular indignation? (2009)

(a) It curtailed the freedom of religion

(b) It suppressed the Indian traditional education

(c) It authorised the government to imprison people without trial

(d) It curbed the trade union activities

Ans: (c)

Mains

Q. Indian government has recently strengthened the anti-terrorism laws by amending the Unlawful Activities(Prevention) Act, (UAPA), 1967 and the NIA Act. Analyse the changes in the context of the prevailing security environment while discussing scope and reasons for opposing the UAPA by human rights organisations. (2019)

Biodiversity & Environment

Delhi’s Winter Plan to Curb Air Pollution

For Prelims: Air pollution, Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD),  PM2.5 emissions, ground-level ozone (O3) Pollution,  SAFAR, Stubble burning, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC),  Smog, Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation.

For Mains: Main Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi during Winters, Critically examine the impact of Ground-Level Ozone in Delhi.

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, the Delhi government launched a 21-point winter action plan to combat air pollution, featuring real-time drone surveys and a special task force.

What Does Delhi's Winter Action Plan Include?

  • Real-Time Drone Surveys: For the first time, drones will monitor pollution hotspots across the city to provide real-time data and enhance pollution control efforts.
  • Special Task Force: A dedicated task force will be established to oversee the implementation of the action plan and ensure effective execution.
  • Key Focus Areas of the Plan:  The plan targets pollution hotspots, aiming to address areas with the highest pollution levels. 
    • It tackles vehicular and dust pollution by addressing emissions from vehicles and controlling dust. 
    • A significant component of the strategy is the work-from-home policy, which aims to reduce vehicular emissions by encouraging private organisations to adopt remote work. 
    • The plan tackles stubble and garbage burning, regulates industrial emissions, and prepares for emergency measures like odd-even vehicle rationing, artificial rain to manage pollution levels and awarding Harit Ratna(a green award for organisations taking part in environment-friendly activities).
  • Key Stakeholders: For monitoring pollution the Environment Department, along with Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC), has been designated to oversee various aspects of the plan.

What are the Main Causes of Air Pollution in Delhi During Winters?

  • Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn crop residues to clear their fields for the next cropping season. This produces a lot of smoke and particulate matter(PM) that gets carried by the wind to Delhi and other parts of north India.
  • Vehicle Emissions: Vehicular emissions from Delhi's numerous cars, trucks, buses, and two-wheelers are major sources of air pollution.
    • As per a research paper published in the Observer Research Foundation, the transport sector is the main source of PM 2.5 emissions in Delhi (28% of all PM2.5 emissions).
    • According to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), traffic hot spots in Delhi have been experiencing dangerous levels of ground-level ozone (O3) pollution, which can have serious health consequences.
  • Wind Direction: Wind direction plays a significant role in Delhi’s air pollution, especially during the winter months. The predominant direction of winds in Delhi is north westerly post-monsoon. These winds bring dust and smoke to the city when stubble is being burnt in Haryana and Punjab.
    • According to a study conducted by National Physical Laboratory, 72% of Delhi’s wind in winters comes from the northwestern parts of India and Pakistan, while the remaining 28 % comes from the Indo-Gangetic plains.
    • A change in wind direction means these pollutants are not carried into the city.
    • La Niña can significantly impact wind patterns in Delhi by altering atmospheric circulation dynamics.
  • Dry and Still Air: In winter, reduced rainfall and lower wind speeds prevent pollutants from being washed away or dispersed, leading to a decrease in air quality and accumulation of PM in the air.
  • Temperature Inversion: Temperature inversion is a phenomenon that occurs when the air temperature increases with altitude, instead of decreasing as usual. This creates a layer of warm air above a layer of cold air, trapping the pollutants near the ground.
    • Temperature inversion affects Delhi’s pollution in winter, when the weather is cold and calm. The pollutants accumulate in the lower atmosphere and form a thick layer of smog that prevents pollutants from rising and dispersing, leading to higher pollution levels near the surface.

  • Other Sources of Pollution: Other winter pollution sources include dust storms, which bring dust from arid regions; firecrackers, which release smoke and metals during festivals; and domestic biomass burning for heating, which adds carbon monoxide and particulates to the air.
    • A 2015 study conducted by IIT-Kanpur states that 17-26% of all particulate matter in Delhi in winters is because of biomass burning.

What are the Indian Government Initiatives Related to Air Pollution?

Key Terms Related to Air Pollution

  • Air Quality Index: It is an index for reporting daily air quality. It focuses on health effects one might experience within a few hours or days after breathing polluted air.
    • AQI is calculated for eight major air pollutants which are; Ground-level ozone, PM10, PM2.5, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur dioxide(SO2), Nitrogen dioxide(NO2), Ammonia(NH3), and Lead (Pb).
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are carbon-containing chemicals released by petrol and diesel vehicles. They impact air quality and human health
    • However, VOCs can have a natural origin, too. Plants emit these chemicals to attract pollinators, defend themselves from pests and predators and adapt to environmental stress.
  • Ground-Level Ozone: Ground-level ozone, or tropospheric ozone, is a secondary pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from vehicles, industries, and power plants react in the presence of sunlight, with levels rising especially during summer.  It is a colourless gas forming just above the Earth’s surface.

Way Forward

  • Strict Emission Control Policies: Reinforce the enforcement of vehicular emission regulations and promote the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) through initiatives such as the the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 and public awareness campaigns.
  • Waste Management and Regulation: Strict regulations and effective enforcement in waste management to minimise open waste burning and landfill emissions.
    • Delhi can expand its air quality management toolkit by examining best practices in construction and solid waste management from other parts of India, such as Surat's clean construction handbook and waste management strategy(reduction of open waste burning from 25% to 2% between 2015 and 2020), and Indore's robust solid waste management system(which includes complete waste segregation and door-to-door collection).
    • Encouraging recycling, composting, and waste-to-energy initiatives to decrease the volume of waste that is openly burnt.
  • Crop Residue Management: Addressing crop burning by providing farmers with sustainable and cost-effective alternatives for residue management like Happy Seeder and by deploying subsidised crop residue management (CRM) machines.
    • Incentivizing and promoting these methods can significantly reduce the need for burning.
  • Implementation of Green Infrastructure: Promote urban greening initiatives, such as the development of green belts, parks, and afforestation projects, to enhance the city’s natural capacity to absorb pollutants.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the causes of air pollution in Delhi. Critically evaluate the effectiveness of current measures implemented to control this pollution?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)

  1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
  2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Mains

Q. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (150 words)

Important Facts For Prelims

Transforming Fisheries Sector

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying unveiled a series of initiatives to transform the fisheries sector and strengthen India’s blue economy at the 4th Anniversary of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY).

What Important Initiatives Have Been Launched?

  • National Fisheries Development Program (NFDP) Portal: It serves as a central hub for the registration of fisheries stakeholders, providing access to information, services, and support related to the sector.
  • PM-MKSSY Guidelines: Operational guidelines for PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) were launched to provide a structured approach to the scheme's implementation.
  • Rangeen Machhli App: It is designed to meet the growing needs of the ornamental fisheries sector by providing crucial knowledge resources for hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers.
  • Amrit Catla: It is a genetically improved variety of Catla fish (Labeo catla) to ensure its wider distribution and availability for farmers across the country. 
  • Standard Operating Procedure (SOP): It focuses on three specialised clusters for Pearl cultivation, Ornamental fisheries, and Seaweed cultivation.
  • Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Villages (CRCFVs): Guidelines for developing 100 coastal villages into CRCFVs were released.
  • Pilot Project on Drone Technology: Use of drones for fish transportation and monitoring inland fisheries to improve efficiency and sustainability.
  • Centres of Excellence: Mandapam Regional Centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI) as a Centre of Excellence for promoting seaweed farming and research.
  • Nucleus Breeding Centres (NBCs): For enhancing seed quality through genetic enhancement of economically important marine and inland species.
  • Integrated Aqua Parks: Five parks in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura, and Nagaland.

What is PM-Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY)?

  • About: It is a Central Sector Sub-scheme that falls under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
    • It aims to formalise the fisheries sector, provide support to micro and small enterprises, and boost the overall fisheries value chain.
  • Major Components: 
    • Formalization of the Fisheries Sector: NFDP to provide work-based digital identities for 40 lakh small and micro-enterprises.
    • Support for Microenterprises: Financial assistance to 6.4 lakh micro-enterprises and 5,500 fisheries cooperatives.
    • Insurance Coverage for Aquaculture: Incentive upto Rs 25,000 per hectare for farm sizes of up to 4 hectares.
    • Improving Fisheries Sector Value-Chain Efficiency: Performance grants upto 25% of total investment or Rs 35 lakh for General Category and 35% or Rs 45 lakh for SCs, STs, and women-owned enterprises.
    • Adoption of Safety and Quality Assurance Systems: Incentivizing small enterprises to adopt safety and quality assurance systems.
  • Investment: It is supported by an investment of Rs 6,000 crore over a four-year period (FY 2023-24 to FY 2026-27) across all Indian states and Union Territories.
  • Intended Beneficiaries:

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims

Q. Which one of the following is a filter feeder? (2021)

(a) Catfish 

(b) Octopus

(c) Oyster 

(d) Pelican

Ans: (c)

Q. Under the Kisan Credit Card scheme, short-term credit support is given to farmers for which of the following purposes? (2020)

  1. Working capital for maintenance of farm assets
  2. Purchase of combine harvesters, tractors and mini trucks
  3. Consumption requirements of farm households
  4. Post-harvest expenses
  5. Construction of family house and setting up of village cold storage facility

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only

(c) 2, 3, 4 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (b)

Important Facts For Prelims

Semicon India 2024 and ITSI Fund

Source: ET

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India inaugurated the Semicon India industry conference and highlighted India's growing partnerships with countries like the US, Japan and Singapore.

  • In another development, the US and India collaborated under the International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) Fund to promote the development of a secure global semiconductor supply chain and telecommunications networks.

What is the Semicon India Conference?

  • Semicon India 2024 was co-located with electronica and productronica India, creating the largest single event for electronics manufacturing in South Asia.
    • Electronica and Productronica India are South Asia's leading trade fair for electronic components, systems, applications and solutions.
  • It offered comprehensive exhibitions, insightful programs, and unmatched networking opportunities.

What is India's Vision for the Semiconductor Industry?

  • India is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the global semiconductor industry and spearheading efforts to establish a robust and resilient global supply chain.
  • India aspires to expand its electronics sector from the current USD 150 billion to over USD 500 billion by the end of the decade, with the goal of generating over 6 million employment opportunities in the process.
  • India has become the eighth nation globally to host a congregation of the international semiconductor industry, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing prominence in this strategic sector.
  • India's strength is anchored in its threefold power which is a reform-oriented government, a growing manufacturing sector, and a technology-driven, aspirational society and market.
  • India, with its talent pool, growing research investments, rising data centre demand, and green transition efforts is set to become a global semiconductor powerhouse.
    • It aims to train 85,000 engineers and technicians over the next decade through strategic partnerships with 113 educational and research institutions.
    • Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a semiconductor design hub and a leader in consumer electronics.

What is the ITSI Fund?

  • The US is collaborating with the Government of India to expand and diversify the global semiconductor ecosystem through the International Technology Security and Innovation Fund (ITSI).
    • The CHIPS Act created the ITSI Fund to secure and develop the global semiconductor supply chain and telecommunications networks.
  • The initial phase involves a comprehensive review of India's semiconductor sector, focusing on Assembly, Testing, and Packaging (ATP).
  • US-India cooperation aims to advance the global semiconductor supply chain and support digital transformation.
    • The partnership will also address supply chain logistics and align technological goals with shared democratic values to ensure equitable benefits of digital advancements.

Government’s Initiatives for the Semiconductor Sector

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: (2018)

  1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
  2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only 

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (d)

Rapid Fire

National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024

Source: PIB

Recently, the President of India presented the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024 to 15 nursing professionals, recognizing their exemplary contributions to healthcare and public service.

  • Award Recognition: The National Florence Nightingale Award was instituted in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to honour outstanding nursing personnel in various settings.
    • A total of 15 awards are given in the category of Registered Auxiliary Nurses & Midwife, Registered Nurses and Midwife and Registered Lady Visitor. 
    • The award is given to outstanding nursing personnel employed in Central, State/UTs and Voluntary Organizations. Each award consists of a Certificate of Merit, Cash Award of Rs.100000/- and a medal.
  • Nursing Initiatives: The government of India has established 157 nursing colleges and formed the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission, under the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission (NNMC) Act, 2023 to improve education and healthcare services.

Read more: International Nurses Day 2024

Rapid Fire

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV

Source: IE

The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana - IV (PMGSY-IV) for the period 2024-25 to 2028-29, aiming to enhance rural connectivity by constructing 62,500 km of new all-weather roads.

  • Coverage: The initiative will connect 25,000 unconnected habitations with populations of over 500 in plains, over 250 in Northeast and hill states, and over 100 in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts.
    • The new roads are expected to catalyse socio-economic development in remote rural areas and improve access to educational, health, market, and growth centres. The scheme is designed to create 40 crore human-days of work employment. 
  • PMGSY is a central government scheme launched in 2000 to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
    • The scheme was originally a 100% centrally-sponsored initiative, but starting from the financial year 2015-16, the funding has been shared between the Central and State governments in a 60:40 ratio.
    • Around 800,000 kilometres of rural roads have been built and 180,000 habitations were connected under various phases of the PMGSY scheme.

Read more:  Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Rapid Fire

Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation

Source: PIB

Recently, the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, hosted in India in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration. The 80th anniversary of the founding of the ICAO coincided with the Conference.

  • The event gathers global aviation leaders to discuss cooperation, explore new opportunities, and build relationships in the sector. It saw participation from delegates of 29 countries, ministers, policymakers, and 8 international organisations including ICAO.
  • The Prime Minister praised India's advancements in aviation technology and infrastructure and highlighted the sector's inclusivity, noting that 15% of Indian pilots are women, surpassing the global average of 5%.
  • The ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) that coordinates international air navigation and fosters the planning and development of international air transport to ensure safe and orderly growth. 
    • It was founded in 1944 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
    • It was established by the Chicago Convention (Convention on International Civil Aviation) which is an international treaty that governs international aviation. 

Read More: India's Aviation Sector 

Rapid Fire

APEDA to Boost Alcohol Exports Under ‘Make in India’ Initiative

Source: PIB

The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) plans to promote both the Indian alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages globallytargeting USD 1 billion in export revenue over the next few years, as part of the  ‘Make in India’ initiative.

  • As part of India's push to enhance its global beverage footprint, Godawan Single Malt Whisky, an artisanal whisky made in Rajasthan, India, is set to launch in the United Kingdom.
  • India’s Alcohol Market: India currently ranks 40th in the world for alcoholic beverage exports. India is the 3rd largest market for alcoholic beverages in the world.
    • India exported alcoholic products worth Rs 3,107.50 Crores (USD 375.09 Millions) during the year 2023-24. India’s imports of alcoholic beverages in 2023 reached USD 1 billion.
    • Major Export Destinations are UAEs, Singapore, Tanzania, Angola and Ghana.
    • Maharashtra has emerged as an important state for the manufacture of wines.
      • India has 46 wineries, with 43 located in Maharashtra, where approximately 1,500 acres of grapes are cultivated for wine production.
      • Maharashtra has declared the wine-making business as a small-scale industry and has also offered excise concessions.
    • APEDA was established under the APEDA Act, 1985 and is mandated with the responsibility of export promotion and development of products like Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, Meat and Meat Products, Floriculture Products etc.

Read More: Industrial Alcohol Regulation

Rapid Fire

127th Anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi

Source: IE

Recently, the 127th anniversary of the Battle of Saragarhi was observed on 12th September 2024. It is one of the greatest final defences in world military history.

  • On 12th September 1897, 21 soldiers and a non-combatant (named Daad who did menial works) of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4th Sikh) fought against over 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribal militants in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), now in Pakistan.
    • The soldiers, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, fought valiantly for seven hours, killing 200 militants and injuring 600 others.
  • Strategic Importance of Saragarhi: Saragarhi was a communication tower located between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, two critical British forts in the NWFP. , originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and later renamed by the British.
    • Losing this post meant isolating the forts, thereby making British troops and the families of British officers vulnerable to attack.
  • Honours for the Martyrs: Queen Victoria awarded the 21 dead soldiers the Indian Order of Merit (comparable with the Victoria Cross) for their bravery.
    • The British built an obelisk using burnt bricks from Saragarhi to honour the martyrs.
    • In 2017, the Punjab government declared 12th September as Saragarhi Day, a holiday to honour the sacrifice of the soldiers.
    • The Khyber Scouts regiment of the Pakistani army continues to honour the Saragarhi martyrs with a guard and salute at the memorial near Fort Lockhart.

Read More: Battle of Saragarhi

Rapid Fire

Cyber Commandos

Source: HT

Recently, the Central government announced the plan to train and prepare 5,000 ‘Cyber Commandos’ over the next five years to tackle the rising cybercrime threats.

  • This announcement was made during the first Foundation Day celebration of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). I4C is a national-level coordination centre for addressing cybercrime issues.
  • These cyber commandos will be trained in IT infrastructure security, digital forensics, and incident response.
  • Other Launches Along With Cyber Commando:
    • Centralised Suspect Registry: It is a centralised database of suspicious bank accounts and related persons. It will be securely accessible to banks, financial institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
    • Samanvaya Platform: It is a one-stop data repository for cybercrime, data sharing, crime mapping, analytics, cooperation, and coordination for law enforcement agencies (LEAs) across the country.
    • Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC): It serves as a “war room” to monitor high-priority cybercrime cases involving large financial transactions.
  • Cyber Fraud Statistics 2023: In 2023, a total of 1,128,256 cybercrime incidents were reported across India on the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting Management System (CFCFMS), a key component of I4C.
    • Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of complaints at 197,547, while Maharashtra reported the highest amount of fraud at Rs 9.9 billion.

Read More: Cyber Crime

Rapid Fire

Hindi Diwas 2024

Source: PIB

India celebrated Hindi Diwas on 14th September 2024, marking the 75th anniversary of Hindi's adoption as the official language of the country.

  • The Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the completion of 75 years of Hindi as an official language.
  • On 14th September 1949, the Constituent Assembly designated Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language of the Union of India.
  • The Munshi-Ayyangar formula, a compromise between K M Munshi and N Gopalaswamy Ayyangar, resulted in Article 343 of the Constitution adopting Hindi in the Devanagari script as the official language of the Union, while allowing English to continue for official purposes for fifteen years.
    • As the 15-year period ended, protests over the fear of Hindi imposition led to the Official Languages Act 1963, which upheld English as an official language alongside Hindi.
  • Articles Related to Hindi:  Article 210 states that the language to be used in the legislature can be the official language of the state, Hindi, or English.
    • Article 351 states that it shall be the duty of the Union to promote the spread of the Hindi language, to develop it so that it may serve as a medium of expression for all the elements of the composite culture of India.
  • Hindi is one of the 22 languages listed in the eighth schedule of the Constitution of India and It is not a classical language. 
    • The language is named after the Persian word 'Hind' meaning 'land of the Indus River' and is a descendant of Sanskrit.

Read More: World Hindi Day 

Rapid Fire

Sri Vijaya Puram

Source: TH

India recently renamed Port Blair, the capital of the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar(A&N) Islands, as Sri Vijaya Puram.

  • The new name, Sri Vijaya Puram, reflects a break from colonial legacy and It symbolises the victory in India's freedom struggle and the islands' unique historical role.
  • History of Port Blair: The Andaman Islands served as a strategic naval base for the Chola Empire under Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century, who attacked the Srivijaya Empire (present-day Indonesia), marking a unique military event in India's history.
    • The Chola invasion of Srivijaya was seen as an attempt to expand Chola dominance and safeguard trade routes.
    • Port Blair, named after Archibald Blair, a British naval officer, became significant during British rule as a penal colony and a symbol of oppression, especially after the Revolt of 1857.
      • With the strengthening of the Indian Independence Movement, a huge cellular jail known as Kaala Paani was established in 1906, housing several freedom fighters, including Veer Damodar Savarkar.
    • On 30th December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the national flag for the first time on Indian soil, at Port Blair.
  • The A&N Islands are strategically located in the Bay of Bengal, providing India with substantial ocean space under UNCLOS and are the first line of defence against any maritime threats from the east.

Read More: Strategic Importance of A&N Islands

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