Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Air Pollution; Climate Change; Urbanization and it’s Challenges;
Why in the News?
In 2015, Beijing had an annual average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144, comparable to Delhi’s current average of 155 in 2024. However, Beijing has since achieved a one-third reduction in its pollution levels, with the most notable decline occurring between 2013 and 2017.
Why discuss Beijing in the context of Delhi?
The comparison between Beijing and Delhi is significant due to their shared status as capitals of emerging economies facing severe air pollution challenges.
- Similar Pollution Levels: In 2015, Beijing had an average AQI of 144, comparable to Delhi’s current average of 155 for 2024. This similarity highlights the potential for improvement in Delhi, as Beijing has successfully reduced its pollution levels significantly since then.
- Common Sources of Pollution: Both cities experience high pollution from similar sources, including vehicular emissions, coal combustion, and industrial activities. The regional contributions to air quality issues are also significant in both cases, particularly during winter months.
- Need for Collective Action: Just as Beijing required a coordinated effort across its region to combat pollution, Delhi must engage neighboring areas in a collective strategy to effectively address its air quality crisis.
What did Beijing do and how did it achieve it?
- Phased and Strategic Planning: Implemented a 20-year anti-pollution programme in three phases (1998-2017) with local government autonomy and public participation to ensure gradual and sustainable progress.
- 1998-2008: Initial groundwork.
- 2009-2012: Strengthening regulations.
- 2013-2017: Aggressive measures termed the “war against air pollution.
- Energy Sector Transition: Shifted from coal to cleaner energy by renovating power plants, eliminating coal boilers, and replacing residential coal heating, reducing major emissions.
- Transportation Reforms: Upgraded public transport infrastructure, introduced emission controls in vehicles, and phased out polluting vehicles with subsidies, reducing transportation-based pollutants.
- Regional Collaboration and Investment: Partnered with five neighboring provinces for coordinated pollution control and increased financial investment sixfold to implement targeted measures effectively.
- Financial Investment: A sixfold increase in investment over four years supported these initiatives, allowing for significant infrastructure improvements and regulatory enforcement.
As a result of these efforts, major pollutants like sulfur dioxide and PM2.5 saw significant reductions (e.g., PM2.5 decreased by 59% between 2013-2017).
What can Delhi learn from the Beijing experience?
- Integrated Public Transport System: Establishing an efficient bus-metro system to reduce reliance on private vehicles is essential. Upgrading the bus fleet and enhancing last-mile connectivity can significantly improve public transport accessibility.
- Energy Transition: Similar to Beijing’s shift away from coal, Delhi should diversify its energy sources by promoting renewable energy options like solar power while reducing dependence on coal-fired plants.
- Regional Coordination: Pollution control efforts should extend beyond city limits to include neighboring regions, fostering collaboration similar to Beijing’s regional initiatives.
- Public Advocacy for Clean Air: Encouraging citizen engagement in demanding accountability from the government can build political will for implementing necessary changes.
- Political Will and Consistency: Addressing air pollution requires sustained political commitment and a long-term action plan rather than ad hoc measures that fail to tackle root causes.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Policy Implementation and Regional Collaboration: Formulate and enforce a comprehensive, long-term pollution control policy with coordinated efforts involving Delhi and its neighboring states to address regional pollution sources effectively.
- Promote Sustainable Infrastructure and Public Engagement: Invest in renewable energy, green public transport, and urban planning while fostering public participation and advocacy for clean air to ensure accountability and sustained progress.
Mains PYQ:
Q Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious probelm in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so? (UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related to the Health Sector;
Why in the News?
The outbreak reported in the first week of December 2024 in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has already claimed more than 400 lives and is yet to be classified, has sparked concerns that it might be an example of Disease X.
What is Disease X?
- Definition: Disease X is a hypothetical term coined by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2018 to represent an unknown pathogen that could potentially cause a global epidemic or pandemic.
- Conceptual Origin: The term was created in the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic (2014-2016) to emphasise the need for preparedness against unpredictable infectious diseases.
- Nature of Disease X: It serves as a placeholder for both “known unknowns” (threats we are aware of but do not fully understand) and “unknown unknowns” (threats we are not yet aware of). This acknowledges the likelihood of future pandemics without specifying their characteristics.
- Potential Pathogens: Disease X could originate from a variety of sources, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, helminths, or prions. Historical data indicates that about 70% of emerging infectious diseases have zoonotic origins, meaning they are transmitted from animals to humans.
- Emerging Disease Patterns: The emergence of new diseases is often linked to ecological disruptions caused by human activities such as deforestation and urbanisation, which increase contact between humans and wildlife.
Why is it Important to Prepare for Disease X?
- Global Health Security: Preparing for Disease X is essential for protecting public health globally. The emergence of new pathogens can lead to widespread illness and mortality, as demonstrated by COVID-19.
- Unpredictable Nature of Outbreaks: The unpredictable emergence of infectious diseases necessitates robust surveillance and rapid response systems. Being prepared helps mitigate the impact of unforeseen threats.
- Increasing Frequency of Outbreaks: The frequency of novel outbreaks has significantly increased since the mid-20th century due to environmental changes, urbanization, and human encroachment on wildlife habitats.
- Economic Impact: Pandemics can have devastating economic consequences, disrupting trade, travel, and healthcare systems. Preparedness can help minimize these impacts.
What should be done to prevent this? ( Way forward)
- Advances in Science and Technology: Investments in research, genomic sequencing, artificial intelligence, and public health infrastructure enhance our ability to detect and respond to emerging diseases quickly.
- International Cooperation: Global collaboration is crucial for effective outbreak response. Initiatives like the WHO’s priority pathogen list and proposed Pandemic Treaty aim to foster a unified approach to health emergencies.
- Equitable Access to Resources: Ensuring equitable access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines across all countries is vital for effective pandemic response, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.
Mains PYQ:
Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related to ULBs;
Why in the News?
The ongoing debate on simultaneous elections, commonly referred to as One Nation One Election (ONOE), presents a valuable opportunity to highlight a fundamental aspect of local democracy: the need for elections to Urban Local Governments (ULGs).
What is the Significance of Urban Local Government elections?
- Decentralized Governance: ULGs are crucial for decentralized self-governance, which is fundamental to democratic functioning at the grassroots level.
- Service Delivery: ULGs are responsible for delivering essential civic services such as water, sanitation, public health, and urban planning, which directly affect citizens’ quality of life.
- Local Democracy: Regular elections to ULGs ensure democratic legitimacy, enabling citizens to participate in the governance process at the local level and hold local representatives accountable.
- Economic and Social Impact: ULGs play a vital role in urban development, economic growth, and social well-being. As cities are responsible for a significant portion of the country’s GDP, well-governed local bodies contribute to national prosperity.
Why is Voter Turnout in Urban Local Elections Typically Lower?
- Lack of Awareness: Voter awareness regarding local elections is often lower than that for state or national elections, leading to reduced participation.
- Perceived Impact: Many voters feel that the impact of urban local elections is less significant compared to state or national elections, resulting in voter apathy.
- Political Disengagement: In many cases, urban residents may feel disconnected from local governance, especially when local issues are not perceived as urgent or when political campaigns do not adequately address them.
- Timing and Scheduling Issues: Elections to ULGs may be held at different times or not synchronized with other elections, causing confusion and disengagement.
- Voter Fatigue: Frequent elections at different levels may contribute to voter fatigue, lowering participation rates in local elections.
What reforms are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of urban local governments?
- Empower State Election Commissions (SECs): Strengthening SECs by granting them autonomy and resources for conducting timely and fair elections is essential. Currently, many SECs lack the authority to carry out ward delimitation effectively, which delays elections.
- Regular Elections: Ensuring that ULGs hold regular elections every five years is crucial. The recent acceptance of recommendations by the High-Level Committee (HLC) for synchronizing local body elections with state and national polls is a positive step in this direction.
- Decentralization of Powers: The 74th Constitutional Amendment aimed at decentralizing powers to ULGs; however, actual implementation has been inconsistent.
- Public Participation: Encouraging greater public involvement in decision-making processes will enhance transparency and accountability within ULGs. This can be achieved through community engagement initiatives and participatory budgeting processes.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Institutional Capacity and Autonomy: Empower State Election Commissions (SECs) with the necessary authority and resources to ensure timely and independent elections.
- Promote Public Engagement and Accountability: Encourage active public participation through initiatives like community engagement, participatory budgeting, and transparency in governance. This will improve the responsiveness of ULGs to citizen needs and foster stronger local democracy.
Mains PYQ:
Q The strength and sustenance of local institutions in India has shifted from their formative phase of ‘Functions, Functionaries and Funds’to the contemporary stage of ‘Functionality’. Highlightthe critical challenges faced by local institutions in terms of their functionality in recent times. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CWC; Important highlights of the report
Why in the News?
- The Central Water Commission (CWC) recently released its study titled ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India, 2024.
- It estimated India’s average annual water availability from 1985 to 2023 at 2,115.95 billion cubic meters (BCM).
Key Highlights of CWC’s ‘Assessment of Water Resources of India 2024’ Report:
- Total Water Availability: India’s average annual water availability between 1985 and 2023 is estimated at 2,115.95 billion cubic meters (BCM).
- Top 3 Basins in (annual water availability):
- Brahmaputra Basin: 592.32 BCM
- Ganga Basin: 581.75 BCM
- Godavari Basin: 129.17 BCM
- Bottom 3 Basins in (annual water availability):
- Sabarmati Basin: 9.87 BCM
- Pennar Basin: 10.42 BCM
- Mahi Basin: 13.03 BCM
- Comparison to Previous Assessment (2019):
- The current figure of 2,115.95 BCM is higher than the 1,999.2 BCM estimated in 2019.
- The increase is due to the inclusion of Bhutan’s contribution to the Brahmaputra basin and Nepal’s contribution to the Ganga basin.
- Per Capita Water Availability:
- Based on the 2019 study: 1,486 cubic meters for the year 2021.
- For 2024, with the new data, the per capita availability is projected to be 1,513 cubic meters (based on a population of 1.398 billion).
- Despite the increase, India remains under water stress (less than 1,700 cubic meters per capita).
- Utilizable Water Resources:
- The CWC estimates utilizable surface water at 690 BCM out of the total 1,999.2 BCM.
- Smaller basins have a higher proportion of utilisable water compared to larger ones like the Brahmaputra sub-basin.
About the Central Water Commission (CWC):
- CWC was established in 1945 as the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission (CWINC) on the advice of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
- Operates under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation.
- A statutory advisory body for water resource development and management.
- Headquarters: New Delhi.
- Chairman serves as the Ex-Officio Secretary to the Government of India.
- Responsibilities include:
- Control, conservation, and utilization of water resources.
- Maintaining the National Register of Large Dams (NRLD).
- Conducting hydrological surveys.
- Handles surface water, while the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) manages groundwater resources.
- Wings:
- Designs and Research (D&R) Wing.
- River Management (RM) Wing.
- Water Planning and Projects (WP&P) Wing.
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PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
1. 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
2. CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
3. India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 2 only
(d) 1 and 3 only |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: DAE - Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme
Why in the News?
The DAE—Homi Bhabha Chair for Distinguished Scientists/Professors was launched in 2021 by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
About DAE – Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme
|
Details |
| Aims and Objectives |
- To recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, including retired professionals, in atomic energy and related technologies.
- Allow retired professionals to continue research aligned with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
- Focus on research in sensitive atomic energy technologies, benefiting strategic sectors.
|
| Provisions and Features |
- Honorarium: Rs. 200,000 per month (capped at last drawn salary).
- Contingency Grant: Rs. 76,000 per year for secretarial assistance, telephone bills, etc.
- Equipment and Book Allowance: Rs. 1,25,000 for equipment and Rs. 10,000 for books.
- Transport Allowance: Fixed monthly transport allowance for those without an official vehicle.
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| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
- Eligibility: Open to distinguished scientists, including retirees involved in critical atomic technologies.
- Tenure: 1 to 5 years, decided by a Selection Committee.
- Implementation: Administered by DAE, providing research support and necessary infrastructure.
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| Present Challenges |
- Financial Constraints: Budget limitations can affect the scale of research.
- Integration of New Technologies: Adapting to the fast-changing technological landscape poses challenges.
- Coordination across Stakeholders: Bureaucratic delays and communication issues can arise.
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Who was Homi Bhabha?
- Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was a pioneering Indian physicist and the father of India’s nuclear programme.
- He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (later Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC) in 1954.
- Bhabha formulated India’s three-stage nuclear power programme in the 1950s and emphasized nuclear power for military and energy purposes.
- He was the first Indian to receive the Adams Prize in 1942 and served as the President of the UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
- Bhabha activated Apsara, Asia’s first research reactor, at BARC in 1956, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954.
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PYQ:
[2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?
(a) Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
(b) Indian Institute of Science
(c) Indian Space Research Organization
(d) Tata Institute of Fundamental Research |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Durgadi Fort
Why in the News?
- The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
- The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Key facts about Durgadi Fort:
| Historical Significance |
- It dates back to the 16th century, part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate, located in Kalyan.
- Mentioned in British documents since 1570, housing a tomb, prayer place, and other structures.
- In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed it Durgadi Killa.
- After the British took control in 1818, the temple ceased to function, and by 1876, the image of the goddess was stolen.
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| Geographical Location |
- Located in Kalyan (Thane district), about 50 km northeast of Mumbai it is situated on elevated ground and offers scenic views over the Ulhas River.
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| Cultural and Religious Impact |
- The fort had a significant religious impact on both Hindus and Muslims.
- It originally housed a mosque and was later modified to include a Durga temple by the Marathas.
- The fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.
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