[UPSC 2013] Write a note on India’s green energy corridor to alleviate the problem of conventional energy.
Linkage: Decarbonising the logistics sector necessitates a shift away from conventional energy sources. The development of a green energy corridor, as mentioned in this PYQ, is essential for supplying the renewable energy needed to power various aspects of logistics, such as electric trucks and warehouses
Mentor’s Comment: Viksit Bharat is a commitment to a stronger, self-reliant India by 2047, focusing on inclusive development. Achieving this requires a large, efficient, and future-ready logistics sector. While infrastructure and accessibility are key, prioritizing the environment is crucial. India’s carbon-heavy logistics must transform to meet net-zero emissions by 2070, reducing transportation, warehousing, and supply chain emissions for a sustainable future.
Today’s editorial talks about India’s logistics sector, which creates a significant amount of carbon pollution. This topic is relevant for GS Paper 3 in the mains exam.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
India’s logistics sector, which produces a lot of carbon pollution, needs to change and become more eco-friendly.
What role does logistics play in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047?
Enabler of Inclusive Development: Efficient logistics ensures that goods and services reach every corner of the country, promoting equitable growth across regions. Eg: Improved last-mile connectivity in remote areas boosts rural entrepreneurship and market access for farmers.
Driver of Economic Competitiveness: A streamlined logistics sector reduces costs and delays, enhancing India’s global trade competitiveness. Eg: The PM Gati Shakti initiative integrates infrastructure planning to speed up cargo movement and reduce logistics costs.
Catalyst for Sustainability and Resilience: Greener logistics support India’s net-zero targets and build climate-resilient infrastructure. Eg: Electrification of highways and promotion of rail freight reduce emissions from the transport sector.
Why is urgent decarbonisation needed in road freight and warehousing?
High Share in Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Road freight alone contributes over 88% of transport emissions, with trucks accounting for 38% of CO₂ emissions (IEA 2023). Eg: A single heavy-duty diesel truck emits over 1,000 grams of CO₂ per km — multiplied across millions of trucks, this leads to massive environmental impact.
Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Road transport is highly dependent on oil combustion, making it one of the most carbon-intensive sectors. Warehouses often rely on non-renewable power sources like diesel generators for energy and refrigeration. Eg: India’s freight trucks mostly use diesel — a key factor in air pollution and rising import bills for crude oil.
Growing Demand Increases Future Emissions: With freight and warehousing demand expected to grow rapidly by 2030, emissions will rise unless green alternatives are adopted. Eg: Government plans to triple cargo movement on inland waterways and expand warehousing, which without clean tech would add significantly to GHG levels.
Missed Economic Opportunities without Green Shift: Decarbonisation can lead to cost savings, energy efficiency, and long-term competitiveness. Delay increases operational costs and reduces global trade alignment. Eg: Green warehouses with solar rooftops can reduce electricity costs by 20–30% and earn carbon credits.
Alignment with Net Zero and Global Climate Commitments: India has committed to Net Zero by 2070. Without decarbonising logistics, achieving this goal will be impossible. Eg: Transitioning to electric trucks and LNG-powered vessels supports global targets like the Paris Agreement and IMO’s shipping emission cuts.
How can China and the U.S. guide India’s green freight transition?
Rail Freight as a Cleaner Alternative: China and the U.S. have shifted significant portions of freight transport from road to rail, which is more energy-efficient and low-carbon. Eg: China has heavily invested in rail infrastructure, making rail freight nearly 50% of its total freight, significantly reducing emissions compared to road transport.
Adoption of Cleaner Fuels and Technologies: Both countries have embraced electric rail systems and alternative fuels for freight, which India can adopt to decarbonise its logistics sector. Eg: The U.S. has invested in electrified rail corridors, and China has introduced LNG-powered freight trains, both of which reduce dependency on diesel and curb emissions.
Policy Support and Infrastructure Investment: China and the U.S. have implemented policy frameworks that incentivise green freight practices, such as tax breaks, green subsidies, and investment in sustainable infrastructure. Eg: China’s Green Freight initiative includes subsidies for green vehicles, while the U.S. offers funding for clean freight technology under programs like the Clean Diesel Program.
Which steps has India taken to electrify freight and green maritime transport?
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC): Spanning 1,506 km, the WDFC connects Delhi to Mumbai, facilitating high-speed, high-capacity freight movement. This electrified corridor supports double-stack container trains, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Subsidies for Electric Freight Vehicles: In 2024, India approved ₹5 billion to incentivise the adoption of electric trucks, aiming to replace polluting diesel vehicles. This initiative is part of a broader ₹109 billion scheme to promote electric vehicles across various sectors.
Investment in Green Maritime Infrastructure: India plans to allocate ₹25,000 crore towards developing green ports and shipping infrastructure. This includes building green hydrogen hubs and manufacturing eco-friendly vessels, supporting the transition to sustainable maritime practices.
Collaboration with Singapore: India is exploring the creation of a Green Digital Shipping Corridor with Singapore, aiming to link international ports and marine industries. This initiative focuses on reducing emissions and enhancing digital integration in maritime trade.
Harit Sagar Initiative: The ‘Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines’ aim to integrate renewable energy into port operations, promote the use of green fuels, and modernise fleets. These guidelines are part of India’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions in the maritime sector by 2070.
Way forward:
Enhance Green Infrastructure and Technology Adoption: India should accelerate investments in green technologies, such as electric trucks, renewable energy-powered warehouses, and cleaner maritime fuels, alongside expanding rail freight networks to further reduce carbon emissions.
Strengthen Policy Frameworks and International Collaborations: Strengthening government policies to incentivize sustainable logistics practices and fostering international partnerships, such as with Singapore for green shipping corridors, can help ensure the successful transition to a low-carbon logistics sector.
US President Donald Trump once threatened to remove Jerome Powell, whom he had appointed as the head of the Federal Reserve in 2018. Such disagreements between leaders and central banks have happened before in both the US and India, but they usually don’t turn into major problems.
What triggered Trump’s criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell?
Disagreement Over Interest Rate Policy: Trump criticized Powell for raising interest rates, especially during times of economic uncertainty like the COVID-19 pandemic. He believed higher rates would hurt economic growth and his re-election prospects. Eg: In December 2018, Trump reportedly said Powell would “turn [him] into Hoover,” referencing Herbert Hoover, who led during the Great Depression.
Fed’s Caution on Trump’s Tariffs: Powell warned that Trump’s trade tariffs could increase inflation and impact the labour market, which contradicted the President’s economic stance. Trump saw this as “playing politics.” Eg: On April 17, 2025, Trump posted online that Powell’s “termination cannot come fast enough!” and mocked him as “Too Late Jerome Powell.”
Who in U.S. history challenged the Fed’s independence, and why?
Milton Friedman’s Influence (1970s–80s): The Nobel laureate economist argued that the Fed should be less discretionary and more rules-based, believing it often worsened economic cycles. Eg: Arthur Burns told Volcker that Friedman “wants to abolish the Fed (and) replace you with a computer.”
Ronald Reagan’s Administration (1980s): Reagan’s advisers questioned the Fed’s independence, urging more accountability and clearer monetary targets due to high inflation and unemployment. Eg: In 1981, Reagan asked Fed Chair Volcker why the U.S. needed the Federal Reserve, reflecting pressure to align with government priorities.
Donald Trump (2018–2025): Trump repeatedly attacked Fed Chair Jerome Powell for raising interest rates and criticized the Fed’s caution over his tariff policies, claiming they hindered economic growth. Eg: In December 2018, Trump expressed a desire to fire Powell, blaming him for risking a downturn like the Great Depression.
When was Section 7(1) of the RBI Act invoked, and why was it significant?
Invoked in 2018 during Centre-RBI tensions: The Union Government reportedly invoked Section 7(1) for the first time in independent India amid differences with the RBI over issues like liquidity, lending to MSMEs, and the use of RBI reserves. Eg: The Finance Ministry sent at least three letters to RBI citing Section 7(1), asking the central bank to consult with the government.
Significance – Questioned RBI’s autonomy: This move raised concerns about the erosion of the central bank’s independence, as the section allows the government to issue binding directions to the RBI in public interest. Eg: Critics saw it as a way to force the RBI to align with the government’s fiscal agenda, undermining its role as an independent regulator.
Led to public fallout and resignation: The conflict led to the resignation of RBI Governor Urjit Patel, who stepped down citing personal reasons amid speculation of pressure from the government. Eg: Patel’s abrupt resignation in December 2018 came soon after Deputy Governor Viral Acharya warned of the dangers of compromising central bank independence.
How have Indian governments handled RBI conflicts in the past?
Through backchannel negotiations and compromise: Successive governments have often resolved tensions with RBI through informal dialogue rather than confrontation. Eg: During the 1991 economic crisis, Finance Minister Manmohan Singh worked closely with RBI Governor S. Venkitaramanan to navigate reforms despite some policy disagreements.
Avoiding use of Section 7(1) until 2018: Even in times of serious disagreement, governments historically refrained from invoking Section 7(1) of the RBI Act to respect the central bank’s autonomy. Eg: In 2008–09, during the global financial crisis, the government and RBI had different views on stimulus, but maintained cooperation.
Occasional public spats but resolution behind closed doors: Disagreements sometimes came into the public domain but were eventually settled through internal discussions. Eg: In 2013, Raghuram Rajan’s monetary tightening clashed with the Finance Ministry’s push for growth, but no formal confrontation occurred.
Appointments as a tool to align RBI’s stance: Governments have sometimes appointed RBI governors who are seen as more aligned with their economic philosophy. Eg: The appointment of Y.V. Reddy and later Raghuram Rajan was seen in part as reflecting the government’s evolving monetary and financial strategy.
Post-conflict policy adaptations: After major conflicts, governments have occasionally adjusted policies or created frameworks to reduce future friction. Eg: Following the 2018 rift, the government and RBI set up a framework for the transfer of surplus reserves to avoid ad-hoc confrontations in future.
Way forward:
Institutionalise a Conflict Resolution Mechanism: Establish a formal consultative framework between the Finance Ministry and RBI to address policy differences before they escalate. This could include regular high-level meetings and joint committees to ensure transparency and trust. Eg: A permanent Finance-RBI Coordination Council with defined terms could pre-empt confrontations like the 2018 episode.
Clarify Autonomy Boundaries Through Legislation or Protocols: Amend or supplement existing laws like the RBI Act to define the scope of government intervention (like Section 7) and ensure it is used only under extraordinary circumstances. Eg: Introduce a statutory guideline requiring parliamentary review or expert panel consultation before invoking Section 7.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism?
Linkage: Constitutional amendments affecting fiscal matters can have implications for the central bank’s role and its relationship with the government.
Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution - historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure
Why in the News?
The Supreme Court overturned the Delhi High Court’s order, which had asked Wikimedia to remove a Wikipedia page due to a defamation case filed by the news agency Asian News International (ANI). The Supreme Court corrected a mistake made by the High Court.
What was the Supreme Court’s main reason for quashing the Delhi High Court’s order against Wikimedia?
Overbroad Takedown Order: The Supreme Court found the High Court’s direction to remove “all false, misleading, and defamatory content” to be too broad and vague. It emphasized that such general orders lack precision and could lead to over-censorship.Eg: Asking to remove an entire Wikipedia page without identifying specific defamatory lines is like banning an entire book over one disputed paragraph.
Safe Harbour Protection for Intermediaries: The Court reaffirmed that Wikipedia enjoys safe harbour under the IT Act as an internet intermediary, meaning it is not directly responsible for user-generated content unless a specific violation is pointed out. Eg: Just like social media platforms aren’t liable for every comment made by users, Wikipedia too cannot be penalized without clear proof of harmful content.
Need for Specific Pleas: The Bench advised that ANI should file a fresh, specific plea pointing out the exact portions of the content they consider defamatory. This would allow the Court to consider actual harm rather than act on general accusations. Eg: It’s more reasonable to ask a website to remove a sentence that says “X is a fraud” rather than demanding the removal of an entire article about X.
Why did the Delhi High Court originally ask Wikipedia to take down the page related to ANI?
Defamation Claim: The Delhi High Court ruled that the statements on the Wikipedia page were defamatory towards the news agency, Asian News International (ANI). It concluded that the content harmed ANI’s reputation and was therefore damaging. Eg: If an article on Wikipedia falsely claims that ANI is involved in unethical practices, it could damage the agency’s credibility and reputation.
Non-Verbatim Reproduction of Sources: The Court stated that the Wikipedia page did not accurately reproduce the references it cited, but rather presented them in a distorted or selective manner, which misrepresented the original information. It emphasized that this misrepresentation contributed to the defamatory nature of the content. Eg: If the page quoted investigative reports but omitted important context, it could lead to a misleading understanding of ANI’s role in the events.
Higher Responsibility of Wikipedia: The Court held that Wikipedia, as an encyclopaedia, carries a higher responsibility in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of its content, especially since it’s widely accessed and can influence public perception. It believed that as a trusted platform, Wikipedia should prevent the spread of defamatory or misleading content. Eg: Just like traditional encyclopaedias, Wikipedia should uphold higher standards of verification to avoid spreading misinformation.
Who is responsible for creating and moderating content on Wikipedia?
Wikipedia Users and Volunteers: Users and volunteers create and edit content on Wikipedia by contributing articles and making revisions. Eg: A user with knowledge of climate change might write or update articles related to global warming.
Wikipedia Community: Content is moderated by the Wikipedia community through discussions, consensus, and resolving disputes. Eg: If two users disagree on an article, the community helps decide on the final content through discussion or voting.
Administrators (Admins): Admins, elected by the community, have special privileges to manage disputes, protect pages, and enforce Wikipedia’s guidelines. Eg: Admins might restrict editing on a page to prevent vandalism, allowing only trusted users to make changes.
How does Wikipedia usually resolve disputes or “editing wars” over content?
Community Discussion and Consensus: Disputes are typically resolved through discussion on the article’s talk page, where editors reach a consensus on the correct content. Eg: If two users disagree on the phrasing of a sentence, they may discuss it on the talk page and come to an agreement.
Page Protection: If disputes persist, Wikipedia may protect the page, limiting edits to trusted editors or administrators to prevent further conflicts. Eg: A page on a controversial topic may be locked to prevent constant changes, with only experienced users allowed to make edits.
What could be the potential consequence of allowing broad takedown orders against platforms like Wikipedia?
Censorship and Suppression of Information: Broad takedown orders could lead to censorship, stifling the free flow of information and limiting access to diverse perspectives. Eg: If a controversial topic is targeted, it could lead to entire pages being removed, denying users access to critical information.
Chilling Effect on Open Discussion: Such orders could create a chilling effect, discouraging people from contributing to platforms like Wikipedia for fear of legal consequences. Eg: Contributors might avoid writing about sensitive topics like politics or social issues to prevent being involved in legal disputes.
Undermining the Platform’s Model: Wikipedia’s model relies on user-generated content and community moderation; broad takedown orders could disrupt this and harm the platform’s collaborative nature. Eg: If Wikipedia faces constant takedown requests, it might have to impose strict content restrictions, altering its open editing structure and reducing the reliability of information.
Way forward:
Clearer Guidelines and Specificity in Takedown Requests: Courts and platforms should establish clear guidelines for takedown requests, ensuring that only specific defamatory content is targeted rather than broad or vague orders. Eg: Legal requests should identify exact defamatory statements rather than asking for the removal of entire pages.
Strengthening Community Moderation and Accountability: Encourage community-based solutions to resolve disputes, with oversight from trusted administrators, while respecting Wikipedia’s open model. Eg: Wikipedia could enhance its dispute resolution processes and ensure content integrity by empowering its community to handle content concerns collaboratively.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] What do you understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss.
Linkage: Fundamental right of speech and expression, which is central to the discussion about taking down online content like Wikipedia pages. The Supreme Court’s order emphasizes the need to carefully consider the implications for the free flow of information, a key aspect of freedom of speech.
India has signed a Headquarters Agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), officially establishing its headquarters in India.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency group of 96 big cat range and non-range countries focused on conserving 7 big cats and their habitats.
It was proposed by PM Modi in 2019, officially launched in April 2023 for Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.
It aims to protect and conserve Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma; restore habitats and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Key activities include- Advocacy, knowledge sharing, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization for big cat conservation.
Currently, India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, and Somalia are members. Though membership is open to 96 range countries with big cat habitats.
Governance: Includes a General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat with a Secretary-General.
India’s Role:
India is home to 5 (tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah) of the 7 big cats and 70% of the world’s tiger population, playing a leading role in global wildlife protection.
₹150 crore from the Indian government (2023-2028) with additional contributions from global partners.
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.
2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.
3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only * (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 2
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant religious pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, is set to resume after a halt since 2020.
About Kailash Mountain and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Kailash Mountain is situated in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) of China, near India and Nepal, standing at 6,638 meters (21,778 feet).
Religious Significance:
Hinduism: Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, believed to bring moksha (liberation).
Buddhism: Home of Buddha Demchok, symbolizing bliss.
Jainism: Lord Rishabhanatha attained Nirvana here.
Bon Religion: Center of the universe in Bon faith.
Mansarovar Yatra is the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake at 4,556 meters (14,950 feet).
This lake is believed to be created by Lord Brahma, bathing here is believed to cleanse sins.
The Yatra is managed by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) for Indian pilgrims.
Copyright infringement not intended.
Routes to Kailash Mansarovar
Lipulekh Pass: Located at 5,115 meters, this route is 200 km of trekking and has been suspended since 2020 due to geopolitical tensions.
Nathu La Pass: Positioned at 4,310 meters, this 1,500 km motorable route requires 35-40 km of trekking. It has been operational since 2015.
Nepal Route: Available since 2023, this route is managed by private operators, with challenges related to visa and permit requirements.
[UPSC 2007] Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened around in the middle of the year 2006 to facilitate trade between India and China?
(a) Chang La (b) Jara La (c) Nathu La* (d) Shipki La
A new study highlights the success of Surat’s Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme (PM-ETS), the world’s first market-based system for trading particulate emissions.
The scheme has reduced pollution by20-30%, providing insights into its potential to improve air quality in industrial areas.
About Particulate Matter Emission Trading Scheme in Gujarat:
This PM ETS was launched in Surat, Gujarat in 2019.
It is the world’s first pilot project targeting particulate pollution using a market-based emissions trading system.
It is India’s first emissions trading initiativefor any pollutant.
The scheme aims to reduce emissions from industries using solid (coal, lignite) and liquid fuels (diesel) by controlling fine particulate matter (PM).
How It Works?
Cap-and-Trade: Regulators set a cap on total emissions, and industries are issued permits (1 kg of particulate matter per permit).
Permit Allocation: 80% of permits are given for free; 20% are sold via auctions.
Market Trading: Permits can be bought or sold to meet emission targets. A ceiling price (Rs 100/kg) and floor price (Rs 5/kg) are set.
Compliance: Non-compliant industries face fines double the ceiling price for each excess emission.
Successes of PM-ETS:
Reduction in Emissions: Participating plants cut emissions by 20-30% compared to traditional methods.
Improved Compliance: 99% compliance in participating plants.
Cost-Effective: The system allowed industries to choose the most cost-effective methods for compliance.
Limitations of PM-ETS:
Over-reliance on Free Permits: Smaller plants may struggle as the number of free permits decreases.
Supply Chain Limitations: Tightened caps could increase costs for industries not reducing emissions.
Market Manipulation: Concerns over unfair permit trading.
Geographical Constraints: Limited to Surat, restricting broader impact.
[UPSC 2011] Regarding “carbon credits’’, which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto protocol.
(b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.
(c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission.
(d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations environment programs. *
