PYQ Relevance:
Q) Describe the benefits of deriving electric energy from sunlight in contrast to the conventional energy generation. What are the initiatives offered by our government for this purpose? (UPSC CSE 2020) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Environmental Impact Assessment studies (2015), and conventional energy generation (2020).
On December 30, 2024, the MoEFCC extended the deadline for thermal plants to meet SO₂ emission norms by three years without explanation. Originally set for December 31, 2024, this delay affects 20 GW of plants near densely populated areas. These norms were set in 2015 to tighten particulate matter limits and introduced SO₂ norms for the first time, aligning them with standards in countries like Australia, China, and the U.S., despite the short timeline for compliance.
Today’s editorial talks about the revised emission norms for Indian thermal plants and impact of these norms. This content will help in GS Paper 3.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On December 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) changed the Environment Protection Rules, extending the deadline for thermal power plants to meet sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission standards by three years without providing any explanation.
What are the revised emission norms for Indian thermal plants?
- New Deadlines: On December 30, 2024, India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) extended the deadlines for thermal power plants to comply with sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emission norms by three years. The revised deadlines are:
- Category A (By Dec 31, 2027) – Thermal plants within 10 km of NCR or cities with over 1 million population (e.g., Dadri NTPC, Koradi) must comply first due to high pollution and population density.
- Category B (By Dec 31, 2028) – Plants in critically polluted areas or non-attainment cities (e.g., Singrauli, Korba, Chandrapur) get extended timelines due to severe environmental concerns.
- Category C (By Dec 31, 2029) – All other plants (e.g., Talcher, Mundra, Simhadri) must comply last as they are in lower-risk areas with relatively better air quality.
- Historical Context: The original norms were established in December 2015, with an initial compliance deadline set for December 2017. This was later extended multiple times due to various challenges.
Note: The categories for compliance with SO₂ emission norms for Indian thermal power plants are based on location and environmental impact. |
What are the challenges around implementing the flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) technology?
- Technical and Financial Hurdles: The implementation of FGD technology has faced delays primarily due to high costs, inadequate supply chains, and operational complexities. Many plants tendered contracts for FGDs but did not progress at a pace necessary to meet earlier deadlines.
- Debate on Necessity: Recent studies commissioned by NITI Aayog and conducted by CSIR-NEERI have questioned the urgency and necessity of FGD installations for improving air quality, suggesting that focus should instead be on particulate emissions. This has led to confusion and varied interpretations of compliance requirements among stakeholders.
How successful has India been in implementing emission norms for thermal power plants?
- Limited Progress: As of late 2024, only about 22 GW of thermal capacity had installed FGDs, which is less than 8% of the total coal-fired power generation capacity in India. The overall progress has been slower than anticipated since the introduction of the norms.
- Compliance Monitoring Issues: There is a lack of transparency regarding adherence to existing norms, as pollution control boards have not consistently verified compliance. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.
What are the economic and environmental consequences of noncompliance and what measures are in place to address this?
- Health Impacts: The extension of compliance deadlines poses risks to public health, especially in densely populated areas like Delhi-NCR, where air pollution is already a critical issue. SO₂ is known to contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Financial Burden on Consumers: Electricity regulators have allowed thermal plants to pass on the costs of installing FGDs to consumers, regardless of whether emission norms are met. This means consumers may end up paying for pollution control equipment that remains unused due to extended compliance timelines.
- Environmental Compensation: For non-compliance beyond specified timelines, MoEFCC has introduced an environmental compensation scheme that penalizes plants based on their duration of non-compliance. This includes fees that escalate over time but may not be sufficient to incentivize timely compliance.
Way forward:
- Strict Enforcement & Incentives – Strengthen regulatory oversight with real-time emissions monitoring, enforce penalties for non-compliance, and provide financial incentives or subsidies to accelerate FGD adoption.
- Balanced Policy Approach – Address technical and financial barriers by improving supply chains, supporting domestic FGD manufacturing, and ensuring a phased yet firm transition while prioritising high-risk areas.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to welfare;
Why in the News?
Recently, the Bhopal district collector banned begging in the district and imposed strict rules, including filing police cases against both those who beg and those who give alms.
What legal basis is Bhopal using to criminalize begging?
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023: The orders by the collectors of Indore and Bhopal are under this section, which empowers officials like the District Magistrate or any Executive Magistrate to issue orders in urgent cases of nuisance or apprehended danger. This order can direct any person to abstain from a certain act and may apply to residents or the public frequenting a particular area.
- Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Action will be taken under this section, which punishes those disobeying an order announced by a public servant lawfully empowered to do so.
What are the penalties for violating the order?
- Disobedience of the order can result in simple imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 2500, or both.
- If the disobedience causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health, or safety, imprisonment can extend to one year, and the fine to Rs 5000.
How have different regions in India approached the issue?
- Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act, 1959: The first law against begging, with colonial roots, aimed to clear streets of destitute persons, leprosy patients, or those with mental illnesses by sending them to institutions. Mumbai still has detention centres under this Act, allowing police to detain those without visible means of subsistence, with punishment extending to detention for 10 years.
- Delhi High Court (2018) Struck down some sections of the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act as unconstitutional, decriminalizing begging in Delhi. The court stated that people beg out of need, as a last resort for survival, and the government has a mandate to provide social security3.
- Other States Many states, including Maharashtra, continue to criminalise begging under the Bombay Prevention of Beggary Act. There is no central act on begging, but many states have enacted their own laws based on the 1959 Act.
- Rehabilitation Efforts In 2020: the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment proposed focusing on rehabilitation rather than criminalising begging in ten cities, including Mumbai
How have different regions in India approached the issue?
- State-Level Criminalization: Around 22 states and union territories have anti-begging laws, many modeled after the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, which criminalizes begging, vagrancy, and soliciting alms, allowing arrest without a warrant.
- States like Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and others have enacted similar laws.
- Decriminalization Efforts & Judicial Interventions: The Delhi High Court (2018) struck down parts of the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act as unconstitutional, decriminalizing begging in Delhi. The Supreme Court (2021) also refused to ban begging nationwide, recognizing that criminalizing it unfairly targets the poor. Rajasthan has taken a more rehabilitative approach.
What are the arguments for and against criminalizing begging?
Arguments in favour:
- Curbing Organized Begging Rackets – Criminalization helps tackle forced begging, where vulnerable individuals, including children and disabled people, are exploited by criminal networks.
- Public Safety and Order – Authorities argue that begging creates nuisance, disrupts traffic, and can lead to petty crimes, making public spaces unsafe.
- Encouraging Rehabilitation – Some laws claim to detain beggars for rehabilitation, ensuring they receive food, shelter, and vocational training instead of relying on alms.
Argument against:
- Violation of Fundamental Rights – Criminalizing begging punishes poverty, not crime, violating the right to life (Article 21) by penalizing individuals who have no means of survival.
- State’s Failure in Social Security – The presence of beggars reflects gaps in government welfare, and punishing them shifts the burden away from state accountability.
- Arbitrary and Unjust Implementation – Many laws allow arrests without warrants, disproportionately targeting the homeless, disabled, and elderly, rather than addressing systemic issues.
Way forward:
- Rehabilitation-Centered Approach – Shift focus from criminalization to social welfare programs, including skill development, housing, mental health support, and reintegration into society.
- Legislative Reforms & Judicial Oversight – Enact a uniform national policy that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment, while ensuring judicial oversight to prevent misuse of anti-begging laws.
Mains question for practice:
Q Critically examine the rationale behind criminalizing begging in India. Discuss the legal and constitutional challenges associated with such measures. (250 words) 15M
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Unlawful conversion; Fundamental Rights;
Why in the News?
Recently, the bill was introduced in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly to prevent “unlawful” religious conversions.
What are the Draft Provisions under the Bill?
- Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion – The Bill bans religious conversions through misrepresentation, force, coercion, allurement, fraud, or marriage.
- Declaration & Inquiry for Voluntary Conversion – Individuals must submit a declaration to the District Magistrate (DM) 60 days in advance, with authorities conducting an inquiry to verify the intent.
- Burden of Proof & FIR Filing – The person facilitating the conversion must prove it was voluntary, and an FIR can be filed by the affected individual or close relatives.
- Punishments & Penalties – General unlawful conversion leads to 1-5 years of imprisonment, increasing to 2-10 years for minors, women, or SC/ST individuals; mass conversions attract 3-10 years in jail.
- Legal Consequences & Compensation – Marriages done solely for unlawful conversion are invalid, the offense is non-bailable, and courts may award compensation up to ₹5 lakh to victims.
What about those wanting to convert voluntarily?
- Those wanting to convert voluntarily would undergo a detailed process. A prescribed declaration form must be filled out and submitted to the District Magistrate (DM) or the relevant authority 60 days in advance and violations invite up to three years’ punishment and a minimum fine of Rs 10,000.
- The person performing the conversion ceremony would give a month’s advance notice to the DM via a prescribed form, and violating this would invite up to five years’ imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 25,000. An officer not below the rank of Additional DM will conduct a police inquiry regarding the real intention, purpose, and cause of the proposed religious conversion.
- The converted person must send a declaration in a prescribed form within 60 days of conversion to the DM, including details such as date of birth, address, and religion before and after conversion. The convert has to appear before the DM within 21 days from the date of filing the declaration to establish their identity and confirm the contents of the declaration.
Were attempts made to pass such a Bill earlier?
- 2006: BJP-led government under Vasundhara Raje introduced the Rajasthan Freedom of Religion Bill, 2006, to curb “forced” conversions.
- 2008: Amended version required prior approval from the District Collector but was stuck with the Centre.
- 2013-2018: Raje’s second tenure saw efforts to revive the 2008 Bill, but the Centre rejected it in 2017, citing deviation from national policy.
- 2017: Rajasthan High Court issued guidelines to prevent forced conversions in the absence of a law.
- 2025: The current Bill is seen as a successor to these previous attempts and is expected to pass in the budget session.
What would be the impact on Fundamental Rights?
- Right to Freedom of Religion (Article 25) – Every individual has the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. However, the Bill imposes state scrutiny on religious conversions, which may be seen as a restriction on this right.
- Right to Privacy (Article 21) – The requirement of mandatory declaration to the District Magistrate and police inquiry into personal religious choices could infringe upon the right to privacy, recognized as a fundamental right in the Puttaswamy judgment (2017).
- Burden of Proof Issue – Placing the burden of proof on the person facilitating the conversion contradicts the legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty”, potentially violating Article 14 (Right to Equality).
- Criminalization and Fear – The stringent punishments and criminalization of conversion through marriage might discourage individuals from exercising their right to choose their faith or marry interfaith partners, potentially violating their personal liberty (Article 21).
Way forward:
- Ensure Constitutional Safeguards – Amend the Bill to align with Article 25 by distinguishing forced conversions from voluntary ones, reducing state overreach in personal religious choices, and upholding the right to privacy (Article 21).
- Fair Implementation & Oversight – Establish independent judicial review for conversion inquiries to prevent misuse, ensure burden of proof remains balanced, and introduce strict safeguards against harassment of individuals exercising their religious freedom.
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: India-USA relation;
Why in the News?
A day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order that might lead to sanctions on India for investing in Iran’s Chabahar port, the Indian government did not comment on the order or its impact.
How will the potential modification by the US impact India’s Chabahar Port project?
- Increased Uncertainty: The potential withdrawal or modification of the U.S. waiver could put India’s long-term investment and operations at Chabahar at risk.
- Disruptions in Operations: If U.S. sanctions extend to businesses involved in shipping, insurance, and logistics, Indian firms operating at Chabahar may face compliance challenges.
- Delays in Expansion Plans: India’s plans to integrate Chabahar into the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and use it for trade with Russia and Central Asia may be significantly slowed.
- Strategic Setback: Chabahar serves as a counterbalance to Pakistan’s Gwadar port (developed by China). Any disruption could weaken India’s strategic positioning in the region.
What are the significance of the Chabahar Port project?
- Strategic and Geopolitical Importance: Provides India a trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and counters China’s influence at Gwadar Port under CPEC.
- Economic and Trade Connectivity: Acts as a key link in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), enhancing India’s trade with Iran, Russia, and Central Asia.
- Humanitarian and Security Role: Facilitates aid delivery to Afghanistan, strengthens India-Iran ties, and enhances India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region for maritime security.
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What will be the implications for India’s connectivity to Eurasia and Afghanistan?
- Disruption in Trade Routes: Chabahar is India’s key route for accessing Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. U.S. sanctions could make trade difficult, impacting economic ties with these regions.
- Humanitarian Concerns: The port has been critical in facilitating food and medical aid to Afghanistan. New restrictions could hamper India’s ability to provide humanitarian assistance.
- Geopolitical Recalibration: If access to Chabahar becomes restricted, India may need to explore alternative routes, potentially shifting focus towards Russia and Central Asia via Iran’s Bandar Abbas port or strengthening ties with the Taliban for land-based transit through Afghanistan.
How will India and the US address this issue in their bilateral conversations? (Way forward)
- Diplomatic Negotiations: India is expected to lobby the U.S. for a continued waiver by emphasizing Chabahar’s role in humanitarian aid and regional stability.
- Strategic Arguments: New Delhi could argue that Chabahar helps counterbalance China’s influence (via Gwadar and the Belt and Road Initiative) and aids the U.S. interest in regional connectivity.
- Possible Compromise: India might propose limiting Chabahar’s use for trade with Afghanistan while finding alternative routes for trade with Russia and Central Asia to align with U.S. geopolitical concerns.
- Bilateral Trade-Offs: India may leverage its growing defense and economic partnerships with the U.S. to seek exemptions, similar to the earlier waiver granted under the Trump administration.
Mains PYQ:
Q In what ways would the ongoing US-Iran Nuclear Pact Controversy affect the national interest of India? How should India respond to its situation?(UPSC IAS/2018)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Ekuverin
Why in the News?
The 13th edition of Exercise Ekuverin, the bilateral joint military exercise between India and the Maldives, commenced in the Maldives on February 4, 2025.
About Exercise Ekuverin
- The word “Ekuverin” means ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language, signifying the close ties between India and the Maldives.
- The exercise was first conducted in 2009 as part of an annual bilateral military engagement.
- It is held alternatively in India and the Maldives, promoting military cooperation between the two nations.
- In 2023, the exercise was conducted at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand, from June 11 to 24.
- In 2025, the exercise is being conducted in the Maldives, further strengthening defence relations.
Features and Significance:
- The exercise aims to enhance military interoperability.
- It focuses on joint counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, improving the preparedness of both nations.
- The training includes humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations, equipping both forces to respond effectively to crises.
- It seeks to strengthen defence cooperation and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
India’s Defence Exercises with Southeast Asian Neighbours
India actively participates in joint military exercises with its Southeast Asian partners to bolster regional security and defence cooperation.
Key Bilateral and Multilateral Exercises:
- Garuda Shakti: Special Forces exercise with Indonesia, conducted in November 2022 at the Sangga Buana Training Area, Indonesia.
- Mitra Shakti: Annual military exercise between India and Sri Lanka, last conducted in 2022.
- VINBAX: Joint military exercise with Vietnam, with the 3rd edition held in 2022.
- IMBEX: Bilateral exercise between India-Myanmar, with its last known edition in 2017-18.
- Maitree: Annual India-Thailand military exercise, conducted since 2006.
- CORPAT: Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) exercises with Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia to ensure maritime security.
- AIME 2023: The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) held in May 2023, involving navies from India and ASEAN nations (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Asteroid 2024 YR4
Why in the News?
NASA has identified a newly discovered near-Earth asteroid, 2024 YR4, which has a slightly more than 1% chance of impacting Earth in 2032.
Asteroid 2024 YR4 and its Geographical Features:
- The asteroid was discovered in December 2024 by an observatory in Chile.
- It measures between 40 to 100 meters across, making it roughly the size of a football field.
- The exact size is uncertain because astronomers estimate an asteroid’s size based on its brightness.
- On December 25, 2024, the asteroid passed within 800,000 kilometers of Earth, which is approximately twice the distance of the Moon.
- It will fade from sight in April 2025 and will not be visible again until 2028, when it approaches Earth once more.
- The asteroid is currently rated 3 on the Torino Scale, which measures the risk of impact on a scale from 0 to 10.
Potential Destruction from 2024 YR4 Impact:
- If 2024 YR4 collides with Earth, it is expected to release between 8 to 10 megatons of energy, equivalent to multiple nuclear explosions.
- It injured 1,500 people and damaged thousands of buildings across several cities.
- In comparison, the Apophis asteroid, discovered in 2004, was initially rated 4 but was later downgraded after further observations ruled out an impact threat.
How often do Asteroids crash Into Earth?
- Thousands of small asteroids burn up in Earth’s atmosphere daily due to friction.
- The Chelyabinsk meteor (2013) exploded over Russia with 30 times the power of the Hiroshima bomb.
- Asteroids around 40 meters can cause regional destruction if they hit Earth.
- Large asteroids (1 km+ in size) can trigger global disasters, occurring about once every 260 million years.
- The Chicxulub asteroid (66 million years ago) led to the extinction of dinosaurs.
How Space Agencies prevent Asteroid Collisions?
- NASA and global space agencies work on planetary defense to prevent impacts.
- In 2022, NASA’s DART mission successfully changed asteroid Dimorphos’s trajectory using kinetic impact.
- Scientists explore 3 key methods for asteroid deflection:
- Kinetic Impact: Using spacecraft to hit an asteroid and alter its path.
- Gravity Tractors: Using a spacecraft’s gravity to pull an asteroid off course.
- Nuclear Explosions: As a last resort, detonating a nuclear device near an asteroid to deflect or destroy it.
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PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
- Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
- Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
- Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GREAT Scheme
Why in the News?
As of February 4, 2025, 4 startups have been approved under the ‘Grant for Research & Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT)’ Scheme.
About GREAT Scheme:
- The GREAT Scheme is a government initiative under the National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM).
- Launched by the Ministry of Textiles, it provides financial support to startups working in technical textiles.
- The scheme focuses on Medical Textiles, Industrial Textiles, and Protective Textiles, fostering innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
- It aims to promote entrepreneurship in technical textiles by funding early-stage innovations.
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- Financial Support: Startups receive grants of up to ₹50 lakh for up to a period of 18 months.
- No Royalty Requirement: Unlike private funding, the government does not take a share of the startup’s profits.
- Upfront Contribution: Startups must deposit 10% of the allocated grant (e.g., ₹5 lakh for a ₹50 lakh grant).
- Sector Focus: Covers Medical, Industrial, and Protective Technical Textiles.
- Budget Allocation: Part of the ₹375 crore funding for FY 2025 under NTTM.
Back2Basics: National Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM)
- Launched in 2020 to make India a global leader in technical textiles through research and innovation.
- Budget of ₹1,480 crore, focusing on medical, industrial, protective, and geo-textiles.
- Supports R&D, skill development, and investment in high-performance textiles for defense, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Includes Production-Linked Incentives (PLI), PM MITRA Parks, and quality control regulations to boost manufacturing.
- Aims to increase India’s technical textiles market to $40-50 billion with 15-20% annual growth.
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PYQ:
[2013] Analyse the factors for highly decentralized cotton textile industry in India. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Makhana Board
Why in the News?
The Union Budget 2025 has announced the establishment of a Makhana Board in Bihar to improve production, processing, value addition, and marketing of makhana (fox nut).
What is Makhana?
- Makhana, also known as fox nut, is the edible seed of the prickly water lily (Euryale ferox), grown in freshwater ponds across India and South Asia.
- Bihar produces 90% of India’s makhana, with major hubs in Darbhanga, Madhubani, Purnea, and Katihar.
- It is nutrient-rich, low-fat, and considered a superfood, gaining popularity in domestic and international markets.
- Traditionally used in religious rituals, makhana is now promoted for its health benefits and commercial potential.
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About the Makhana Board
- The Makhana Board will train farmers, ensure market access, regulate pricing, and promote exports.
- The Food Processing Institute will focus on value addition, quality control, research, and global trade facilitation.
- Aims & Objectives:
- Increase production by promoting high-yield varieties like Swarna Vaidehi and Sabour Makhana-1.
- Improve processing infrastructure to reduce wastage and enhance product quality.
- Support exports through cargo infrastructure, trade partnerships, and branding initiatives.
- Structural Mandate:
- Governing body led by government officials, farmer representatives, and industry experts.
- Regional centers in key makhana-producing districts to assist farmers.
- Partnerships with ICAR, NABARD, and agricultural universities for research and financial support.
- ₹100 crore initial funding for infrastructure, training, and market expansion.
- Powers & Functions: Regulate production, enforce quality standards, provide subsidies, promote research, develop export infrastructure, and launch branding campaigns.
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