Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to lithium batteries;
Why in the News?
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) released three position papers addressing fire risks associated with the use of lithium-ion batteries in airports and aircraft settings.
What is IFALPA?
- The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is a global nonprofit organization that represents the interests of professional pilots worldwide.
- IFALPA was created to provide a platform for pilots to engage with aviation leaders and influence international aviation standards. As of around 2013, IFALPA included 104 member associations representing approximately 100,000 professional pilots globally.
- The organization aims to contribute the unique perspectives of pilots to the development and adaptation of ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) that govern international civil aviation.
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Why are there fears about lithium batteries?
Concerns regarding lithium-ion batteries primarily stem from their increasing use in various industries, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and aircraft systems. These batteries are known for their energy density and versatility but pose significant fire risks under certain conditions.
- Fire Risks: Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire when subjected to mechanical, electrical, or thermal stress, leading to short circuits that produce heat and oxygen, creating a fire hazard. This risk is exacerbated in environments like airports where batteries may be exposed to water or extreme conditions.
- Historical Incidents: There have been instances of lithium-ion batteries igniting under adverse conditions, such as flooding after Hurricane Helene in 2024, highlighting the potential dangers associated with their use in transportation settings.
What do the IFALPA papers say?
FALPA released three position papers addressing the fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries:
- POS01: Focuses on the safe transport of lithium-ion batteries according to UN regulations (3480 and 3481). It emphasises that current regulations should include a State of Charge (SOC) limit of 30% for all transported batteries to mitigate fire risks.
- POS02: Discusses the specific fire risks posed by lithium-ion batteries compared to traditional combustion engines. It urges airports and related services to develop specialized fire safety equipment and protocols due to the unique challenges posed by lithium battery fires.
- POS03: Extends concerns to the flight deck, noting that existing firefighting kits may not adequately address fires involving lithium-ion batteries with energy ratings above 100 Wh.
- It calls for enhanced safety measures for components that may contain these batteries within aircraft.
Way forward:
- Enhanced Fire Safety Measures: Develop and mandate advanced fire-safety equipment and protocols tailored to lithium-ion battery fires for airports, aircraft, and emergency response teams. Ensure compatibility with high-capacity batteries and incorporate real-time monitoring technologies.
- Stricter Regulatory Standards: Expand the State of Charge (SOC ≤30%) limit to all transported lithium-ion batteries (including those in equipment). Update international regulations to address emerging risks from higher energy densities and broader usage scenarios.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to the Judiciary;
Why in the News?
Two political parties have accused each other of tampering the voter lists before the Delhi Assembly elections. This has brought back the discussion about linking voter IDs (EPIC) with Aadhaar numbers.
Why was the National Electoral Rolls Purification and Authentication Program?
The National Electoral Rolls Purification and Authentication Program (NERPAP) was launched by the Election Commission of India on March 3, 2015, with the primary goal of creating an error-free and authenticated electoral roll.
- Linking EPIC with Aadhaar: The program sought to link the Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) data with the Aadhaar database to authenticate voter identities and eliminate duplicate entries in the electoral rolls.
- Error Correction: NERPAP aimed to facilitate the correction of errors in voter data and improve the overall quality of images on electoral documents.
- Voluntary Disclosure of Multiple Entries: Voters were encouraged to voluntarily disclose any multiple registrations, allowing for timely corrections and deletions of unnecessary entries from the electoral rolls.
- Enhanced Communication: The initiative also aimed to collect mobile numbers and email addresses from voters, enabling the Election Commission to provide important updates regarding elections, such as poll dates and revision schedules.
- Public Participation: To ensure maximum engagement, special camps and facilitation centers were organized nationwide to assist voters in linking their Aadhaar with EPIC and addressing any concerns regarding their registrations.
What did the Supreme Court mandate in the Puttaswamy case in 2018?
- In the Puttaswamy case, the Supreme Court recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution. It ruled that while Aadhaar could be used for various purposes, including voter registration, individuals cannot be denied their right to vote for failing to provide their Aadhaar number.
- This ruling emphasized that any legal framework must respect individual privacy rights and ensure that no citizen is disenfranchised due to administrative requirements.
What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
- Elimination of Duplicate Entries: Linking Aadhaar with EPIC can help remove multiple registrations for individuals who may have registered in different locations due to migration.
- Real-time Authentication: The unique identity provided by Aadhaar enables online verification, enhancing the accuracy of voter rolls.
- Updated Voter Database: The initiative aims to maintain an updated and accurate record of voters, which is crucial for free and fair elections.
Cons:
- Database Errors: Errors within the Aadhaar database could lead to wrongful rejection or deletion of legitimate voter entries.
- Proof of Citizenship Concerns: Aadhaar serves as proof of residence but not citizenship, potentially failing to address non-citizen registrations on electoral rolls.
- Privacy Risks: While linkage may not directly violate privacy rights, there are concerns about misuse as electoral rolls are accessible to political parties.
What can be the way forward?
- Transparent and Voluntary Process: Modify electoral forms to clearly indicate that providing Aadhaar is voluntary, ensuring no voter is denied registration for not furnishing their Aadhaar number.
- Strengthen Data Accuracy and Privacy Safeguards: Establish mechanisms to verify Aadhaar data accuracy and implement robust data protection measures to prevent misuse of linked electoral rolls.
Mains PYQ:
Q Examine the scope of Fundamental Rights in the light of the latest judgement of the Supreme Court on Right to Privacy.(UPSC IAS/2017)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Challenges related to water resources;
Why in the News?
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) found that many states in India are facing a serious problem with high nitrate levels in groundwater.
What are the contaminants?
The assessment of India’s groundwater quality has identified several significant contaminants, primarily driven by agricultural practices, industrial activities, and natural geological factors. The key contaminants include:
- Nitrates: Excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in agriculture leads to high levels of nitrates in groundwater. This is the most prevalent contaminant, with over 56% of India’s districts reporting nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg/l.
- Fluoride: Fluoride contamination is a major concern, particularly in states like Rajasthan, Haryana, and Karnataka. Approximately 9.04% of tested groundwater samples had fluoride levels above the permissible limit of 1.5 mg/l.
- Arsenic: Naturally occurring arsenic in certain geological formations poses serious health risks, particularly in alluvial plains where industrial activities may exacerbate contamination.
- Uranium: Elevated uranium levels have been detected in several regions, with about 6.60% of samples exceeding the safe limit of 30 ppb (parts per billion). States like Rajasthan and Punjab report significant uranium contamination.
- Iron: High concentrations of iron affect groundwater quality and can lead to aesthetic issues and potential health risks when consumed in large amounts.
- Other Heavy Metals: Contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and chromium are also present due to industrial discharges and improper waste management.
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What was the state of groundwater in 2024?
- Overall Extraction Rate: The degree of groundwater extraction across the country was reported at approximately 60.4%, indicating that this level has remained relatively stable compared to previous years. This figure reflects the percentage of groundwater resources being utilized versus what is available for extraction.
- Safe Blocks: About 73% of groundwater blocks were categorized as ‘safe,’ meaning they are adequately replenished to meet extraction demands. This represents a slight increase from previous assessments.
- Recharge and Availability: Total annual groundwater recharge was noted to have decreased marginally from 449 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters) in 2023 to 446.90 BCM in 2024.
- The annual extractable groundwater resources slightly declined from 407.21 BCM to 406.19 BCM.
- Contamination Issues: Despite improvements in some areas, challenges remain, particularly with nitrate contamination, where 440 districts were identified as having excessive nitrate levels in their groundwater.
How are groundwater levels measured?
Groundwater levels are measured using a network established by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), which includes:
- Observation Wells: Approximately 26,000 observation wells are used for manual measurements of groundwater levels.
- Digital Monitoring: Since 2023, around 16,000 to 17,000 piezometers equipped with digital recorders have been installed to automatically measure and transmit groundwater levels to a centralized system for real-time monitoring.
What happens if nitrate presence is high in groundwater?
- Health Risks: Elevated nitrate levels can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as “blue baby syndrome,” particularly in infants under six months old. This condition reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen, resulting in a bluish tint to the skin and potentially severe health complications if untreated.
- Environmental Concerns: Excessive nitrates contribute to algal blooms in surface water bodies, which can deplete oxygen levels, harm aquatic ecosystems, and disrupt the balance of marine life.
Way forward:
- Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promote the use of organic fertilizers, precision farming techniques, and regulated use of nitrogen-based fertilizers to minimize nitrate leaching into groundwater.
- Strengthened Monitoring and Remediation: Expand digital groundwater monitoring networks, enforce strict industrial discharge regulations, and implement remediation techniques like bioremediation and constructed wetlands to mitigate contamination.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India?(UPSC IAS/2019)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS), National Waterways
Why in the News?
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), has introduced the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS), a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable navigation along India’s inland waterways.
About National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS)
- The NRT&NS aims to modernize and enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of inland water transport.
- It leverages real-time data and technology to optimize navigation on India’s National Waterways, supporting eco-friendly and cost-effective transport for goods and passengers.
- Key Features:
- Real-time monitoring using GPS and GIS for safe vessel navigation.
- Centralized traffic control centers for efficient operations.
- Digital platforms for route planning, cargo tracking, and alerts.
- Integrated infrastructure to streamline operations and reduce delays.
- Focus on sustainability, economic growth, and capacity building in the inland water transport sector.
- The system is being deployed across India’s National Waterways, including:
- NW 1 (River Ganga): Key cargo routes from Haldia to Varanasi.
- NW 2 (River Brahmaputra): Major transport corridor in the Northeast.
- NW 3 (West Coast Canal, Champakara Canal, and Udyogmandal Canal), NW 4 (Krishna and Godavari), and NW 5 (Mahanadi rivers and its tributaries): Supporting regional trade and tourism.
Status of Inland Waterways in India
- India has a vast network of 14,500 km of navigable waterways, including 111 declared National Waterways (NWs) under the National Waterways Act, 2016.
- Key Highlights:
- Increase in Operational Waterways: The number of operational NWs has increased by 767% since 2014.
- Cargo Traffic Growth: Cargo traffic rose from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 133 million tonnes in 2023-24, achieving a CAGR of over 22%.
- Infrastructure Investments: Investments in NW development increased by 233% post-2014, supported by projects like:
- Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): Focused on NW 1 (Ganga).
- Arth Ganga: Empowering local communities through economic activities along NW 1.
- Tourism Growth: River cruise tourism expanded significantly, with 25 cruise vessels operational in 2023-24, up from 3 in 2013-14.
- Challenges: Despite this, the share of IWT in India’s overall transport mix remains relatively low compared to global standards.
PYQ:
[2016] Enumerate the problems and prospects of inland water transport in India. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UN-CEBD
Why in the News?
India has joined the prestigious UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD).
About UN-CEBD
| Details |
- Established in 2014 during the 45th session of the UN Statistical Commission.
- First Chair: Australia.
- Explores the potential of big data and data science in transforming official statistics.
- Monitors progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using innovative data sources.
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| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
Mandate:
- Develop global programs for using big data in official statistics.
- Monitor SDG indicators using advanced data science.
- Address challenges like cross-border data sharing and ethical concerns.
Governance Structure:
- Advisory Board: Strategic oversight and guidance.
- UN Bureau: Handles operational tasks.
Implementation Mechanism:
- Capacity building through training.
- Promote global collaboration and innovation.
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| Powers and Functions |
- Strategic Vision: Integrate big data into national/international statistical systems.
- Practical Use: Utilize non-traditional data sources like IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data.
- Capacity Building: Train statisticians in data science techniques.
- Global Standards: Develop frameworks for cross-border data sharing and ethical practices.
- Policy Integration: Advocate for data-driven policymaking.
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| Why India Joined? |
- Enhancing Statistical Capabilities: Modernize processes with IoT, satellite imagery, etc.
- Global Collaboration: Share innovations like the Data Innovation Lab and learn best practices.
- SDG Monitoring: Leverage big data for robust tracking of SDGs.
- Showcasing Leadership: Strengthen India’s position in global data governance.
- Economic and Policy Benefits: Enable evidence-based decisions to address socio-economic challenges.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INTERPOL and its notices
Why in the News?
The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has issued a Silver Notice to trace and recover criminal assets, marking the first expansion of its color-coded notices to specifically target the finances of organized crime networks.
What is Silver Notice?
- It is an INTERPOL initiative aimed at tracing, locating, and recovering criminal assets linked to crimes such as fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and environmental offenses.
- Objective: It targets assets like properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses that are connected to criminal activities.
- It was launched in 2023 as part of a pilot phase involving 52 countries, and this phase will run until November 2025.
- How does it work?
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- Member countries can request INTERPOL to issue a Silver Notice for assistance in gathering information about criminal assets.
- The Notice is shared globally with all 196 INTERPOL member countries, while Diffusions can be directed to specific countries for more targeted cooperation.
- All Silver Notices and Diffusions are reviewed by INTERPOL’s General Secretariat to ensure compliance with its rules, including prohibitions on political misuse as outlined in Article 3 of the INTERPOL Constitution.
- The first-ever Silver Notice was requested by Italy to trace assets linked to a senior mafia member, showcasing its potential to combat organized crime.
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About INTERPOL
| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
- Establishment: Founded in 1923 in Vienna, now headquartered in Lyon, France, with 195 member countries.
- Mandate: Supports cross-border police cooperation, helping agencies combat international crime.
- India became a member of INTERPOL in June 1956.
Structural Mandate:
- Secretary General: Oversees daily operations.
- General Secretariat (Lyon): Manages global databases and police communication systems.
- Global Complex for Innovation (Singapore): Research, training, and cybercrime initiatives.
- Regional Bureaus: Satellite offices worldwide.
- National Central Bureaus (NCBs): Each member country, such as India’s CBI, serves as its national focal point for INTERPOL.
- I-24/7 Service: A secure global police communication system enabling real-time sharing of urgent and sensitive information.
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| Powers and Functions |
- Data Sharing: Manages 19 police databases on crimes and criminals, accessible in real-time by member countries.
- Notices and Diffusions: Issues color-coded notices (e.g., Red, Yellow, Blue, Silver) to locate fugitives, missing persons, or criminal assets; not legally binding but widely used by law enforcement.
Operational Support:
– Investigative Assistance: Provides forensics, analysis, and fugitive-tracking support.
– Coordination: Enables law enforcement agencies to handle transnational crime efficiently. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PRB Cell
Why in the News?
South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a Chhattisgarh-based subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) has established a Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell.
About Coal India Limited (CIL)
- Coal India Limited (CIL) was founded in 1975 and is the world’s largest coal producer.
- It is a ‘Maharatna’ public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India.
- CIL operates through 8 subsidiaries, including South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), which is its largest coal-producing subsidiary.
- It supplies 78% of India’s total coal production, supporting more than 50% of the country’s coal-based power capacity.
- CIL operates across 8 Indian states, managing 84 mining areas and a total of 313 active mines.
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What are the aims and objectives?
- Provide a centralized platform for retired employees to access all post-retirement benefits and services under one roof.
- Simplify and expedite the resolution of issues related to pensions, provident funds, medical benefits, and other entitlements.
- Eliminate the need for retirees to coordinate with multiple departments, minimizing delays and miscommunication.
- Reinforce Mission Sambandh, SECL’s initiative to build stronger connections and improve communication with stakeholders.
What are the key benefits of the PRB Cell?
- Acts as a one-stop solution for all post-retirement benefit queries and services.
- Consolidates services like pensions, medical benefits, and financial queries, making it convenient for retirees.
- Dedicated personnel ensure faster response times and seamless service delivery.
- Officers from key departments, including Personnel, Finance, and Medical, are stationed at the PRB Cell to provide specialized support.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
- Coal sector was nationalised by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
- Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
- Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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