PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2022] The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.
Linkage: Teaching children about food and nutrition in schools can help them learn healthy eating habits early on. This supports the idea that education should go beyond just books and include lessons that improve their overall well-being. |
Mentor’s Comment: At the Paris Nutrition for Growth Summit, the UNGA extended the Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030, aiming to align with the SDGs and sustain global efforts to end malnutrition. This marks a crucial shift from merely food access to understanding eating behaviours, especially in children, linking nutrition with health, education, equity, and environmental sustainability
Today’s editorial examines the extension of the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030, offering valuable insights relevant to GS Paper 2 (Health and Education) in the UPSC Mains.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Food knowledge is now a necessity; we need to move beyond simply giving children food to also teaching them how to eat healthy.
What is the significance of extending the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition to 2030?
- Continued Global Focus on Ending Malnutrition: The extension ensures that efforts to end malnutrition—in all its forms—remain a priority on the global agenda. The original timeframe (2016-2025) was extended to maintain momentum in addressing undernutrition, obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies. Eg: It helps further the work initiated through the Global Nutrition Targets (World Health Organization), such as reducing childhood stunting and addressing maternal anemia, which are key components of the Decade of Action.
- Aligning Nutrition Efforts with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The extension ensures better alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Eg: This could strengthen efforts to integrate nutrition into food security policies, such as promoting sustainable farming practices that support both nutrition and the environment.
- Promoting Dietary Diversity and Healthy Eating: The Decade’s extension emphasizes the need for better education on dietary diversity and healthy eating habits. This shift is especially important in light of rising levels of obesity and diet-related diseases worldwide. Eg: Encouraging bio-diverse diets that include locally grown, seasonal foods to promote better health and reduce environmental impacts from food production.
- Addressing the Growing Challenge of Overweight and Obesity: The extension allows for a more comprehensive response to the growing global challenge of overweight and obesity, particularly in children and adolescents, which leads to chronic diseases like diabetes and heart conditions. Eg: Policies supporting school nutrition programs and marketing restrictions on unhealthy food can be strengthened, as seen in countries like Mexico, which has implemented clear labeling for unhealthy foods.
- Enabling Improved Food Systems and Environmental Sustainability: The extension of the Decade is a chance to transform food systems to be more inclusive, sustainable, and nutrition-sensitive. Eg: The Food Systems Summit and its alignment with the Decade’s goals will encourage the adoption of sustainable food production practices.
Why is it important to focus on the next 4,000 days of a child’s life, beyond the first 1,000 days?
- Critical Period for Adolescents’ Growth and Development: The period from 2 to 18 years is when children experience rapid physical, emotional, and behavioral changes. This phase is crucial for addressing any nutritional deficits from the first 1,000 days and ensuring proper growth. Eg: Adequate nutrition during adolescence helps children catch up on growth and reduces the risk of stunting, which can impact long-term health and development.
- Preventing Long-Term Health Issues: Nutrition during the next 4,000 days plays a key role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease that can develop due to poor dietary habits. Eg: If adolescents are provided with proper nutrition and healthy eating habits, they are less likely to develop obesity-related issues in adulthood, as shown by long-term studies on childhood obesity prevention.
- Building Healthy Habits for Life: The nutritional choices children make during their adolescent years influence their lifelong eating patterns. Teaching children to make healthy choices during this period sets the foundation for their future eating habits. Eg: Education on balanced diets and the importance of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in school programs can help prevent future generations from falling into unhealthy eating patterns.
- Cognitive and Emotional Development: Proper nutrition during these years supports not only physical growth but also cognitive and emotional development. Nutritional deficiencies can impair brain function and emotional well-being, leading to issues in learning, concentration, and mental health. Eg: Nutrients like iron and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for brain development. Schools providing meals rich in these nutrients see improved cognitive performance and better emotional resilience among students.
- Addressing Gender Inequality and Social Impact: Adequate nutrition in adolescence, especially for girls, can help break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition by empowering them to reach their full potential, contributing to both personal well-being and community development. Eg: Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) program in India that targets young girls’ education and nutrition to improve their future roles in society.
Where can children best be taught to build healthy eating habits?
- Schools: Schools are ideal places to teach children healthy eating habits, as they can reach a large number of children and provide structured education on nutrition. School-based programs can include lessons on food choices, meal planning, and the importance of a balanced diet. Eg: In countries like Finland, students are taught about food, nutrition, and the environmental impact of food choices from a young age, with healthy meals provided in school canteens.
- Home and Family: Parents play a crucial role in shaping children’s eating habits, as they control the food environment at home. Teaching children to make healthy food choices can begin in the kitchen, with parents modeling healthy behaviors and involving children in meal preparation. Eg: Families that cook together tend to make healthier food choices, as seen in research by the American Dietetic Association, where children who participate in preparing meals are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
- Community Programs and Initiatives: Local community centers and health programs can offer opportunities for children to learn about nutrition outside the school environment. These programs often provide workshops, cooking classes, and activities that teach children how to make healthy choices in a fun, engaging way. Eg: The “Veggie Van” initiative in the U.S. brings fresh produce and nutrition education to underserved communities, helping children learn healthy eating habits in a community-based setting.
- Public Health Campaigns: Public health campaigns, through media and outreach programs, can educate children on the importance of nutrition. Campaigns targeting children through TV, social media, and even mobile apps can reinforce healthy eating habits at an early age. Eg: The “Change4Life” campaign in the UK targets families and children with educational content about healthy eating and physical activity, encouraging healthy habits through accessible and relatable messaging.
What are the steps taken by Indian Government?
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The NEP 2020 emphasizes integrating nutrition and health education into the school curriculum. It encourages schools to include aspects of nutrition, healthy eating, and sustainable food practices in their teaching.
- School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP): This program, launched by the Ministry of Education, aims to improve the overall well-being of children through health and nutrition awareness campaigns, including healthy eating practices, physical activity, and mental health support.
- Mid-Day Meal Scheme: This scheme is aimed at improving the nutritional status of children in government and government-aided schools by providing them with free nutritious meals during school hours. The government ensures that the meals meet dietary standards, focusing on providing balanced nutrition.
- Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission): Launched in 2018, Poshan Abhiyaan aims to reduce malnutrition, stunting, and anemia among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The initiative includes awareness campaigns, community-based nutrition interventions, and regular monitoring of children’s health. Eg: Under Poshan Abhiyaan, the government has introduced the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) platform for tracking the health and nutrition of children, which helps in better delivery of nutrition services.
- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Initiatives: FSSAI has launched programs like “Eat Right India” to educate citizens, including children, about healthy eating habits. This initiative aims to promote balanced diets, food safety, and sustainable eating practices in schools and communities.
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Way forward:
- Enhance Community-Based Nutrition Programs: Strengthen local initiatives and integrate nutrition education into community centers, schools, and healthcare systems to ensure wider access to information and healthier food choices.
- Increase Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between the government, private sector, and NGOs to innovate in food production, distribution, and education, ensuring sustainable and nutritious food options are accessible to all.
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Why in the News?
Despite global trade challenges and stock market fluctuations, India remains a strong and resilient economy. By using its young population and technological strengths, India has the potential to turn difficulties into opportunities. With its rich tradition of storytelling, India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector aims to connect creators around the world through the vision of ‘Create in India, Create for the World.’
What is the vision behind India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector as outlined in the WAVES 2025 initiative?
- Global Creative Leadership: India aims to emerge as a ‘Creative Powerhouse’, encouraging the creation of world-class content that resonates globally through the ‘Create in India, Create for the World’ vision. Eg: Namit Malhotra’s DNEG delivered Oscar-winning VFX for Dune 2, showcasing India’s global capability.
- Fostering Innovation and Startups: The vision promotes a vibrant M&E startup ecosystem through WAVEX—offering funding, mentorship, and exposure in areas like gaming, AR/VR, animation, and AI. Eg: WAVEX supports startups like Erucanavis Technologies (AI-driven ads) and Amaze Studios (VR storytelling).
- Cultural and Technological Synergy: It seeks to blend India’s rich cultural heritage with digital innovation, empowering young creators and expanding India’s influence in entertainment, education, and digital media. Eg: InscapeXR uses immersive media to transform learning experiences through storytelling.
Who are some notable contributors and startups exemplifying India’s growing influence in the global creative industry?
- DNEG (Namit Malhotra): India’s presence in high-end global cinema has grown significantly. Eg: DNEG, led by Namit Malhotra, delivered Oscar-winning VFX for Dune 2, showcasing India’s prowess in visual effects and animation.
- Erucanavis Technologies: Innovation in ad-tech is pushing the boundaries of user interaction. Eg: Erucanavis is developing AI-driven playable ads, transforming digital advertising formats globally.
- Lapwing Studios: Women-led creative startups are gaining recognition and scale. Eg: Lapwing Studios is supported under WAVEX, promoting inclusivity in India’s Media & Entertainment sector.
- Amaze Studios: New-age storytelling formats are reshaping viewer experiences. Eg: Amaze Studios focuses on immersive storytelling through VR and animation, enhancing narrative depth.
- InscapeXR: Ed-tech is merging with creative media to revolutionize learning. Eg: InscapeXR uses extended reality (XR) to create immersive educational content, blending creativity with pedagogy.
How does WAVEX aim to support and scale startups in India’s creative economy?
- Mentorship: WAVEX connects startups with industry leaders for strategic guidance and capacity building Eg: Startups like Vygr Media gain mentorship on scaling content for global audiences.
- Funding Access: It facilitates financial support to overcome capital barriers for creative ventures. Eg: Women-led startups such as Lapwing Studios receive funding through WAVEX platforms.
- Global Exposure: WAVEX offers international visibility and networking with global investors and buyers. Eg: Over 5,900 buyers at the WAVES Bazaar help startups like Amaze Studios find global partners.
- Tech Integration: It supports innovation in tech-driven media fields like AR/VR, AI, and the metaverse. Eg: Erucanavis Technologies is leveraging WAVEX support to expand AI-based playable ads.
- Inclusive Ecosystem: WAVEX promotes diversity by uplifting women-led and regional startups in M&E. Eg: Initiatives like Vision Impact promote inclusive ed-tech innovation through immersive storytelling.
Why is India uniquely positioned to become a global creative powerhouse?
- Demographic Dividend: India has a large, young population that fuels creativity and innovation across media sectors. Eg: WAVEX connects this youthful energy with global platforms to scale creative startups.
- Technological Capability: India has strong digital infrastructure and IT expertise that power cutting-edge content creation. Eg: DNEG, led by Namit Malhotra, delivered Oscar-winning VFX in Dune 2, showcasing India’s tech strength.
- Cultural Heritage: A rich legacy of storytelling, arts, and performance adds depth to creative expression. Eg: From classical dance to comics, Indian creators blend tradition with modern formats.
- Government Support: Policy initiatives like WAVES 2025 foster a robust startup ecosystem for M&E. Eg: WAVEX provides funding, mentorship, and exposure to startups in AR/VR and AI-driven media.
- Global Vision: India is aiming to create content not just for domestic audiences, but for the world. Eg: The ‘Create in India, Create for the World’ initiative positions India as a content export hub.
What are the challenges?
- Access to Capital and Funding: Many startups in India’s creative sector face difficulty in securing adequate funding and investment. Despite government support through initiatives like Start-up India, access to venture capital and global investors remains a challenge for emerging companies. Eg: Small animation studios or VR companies, such as Amaze Studios, often struggle to scale due to limited financial resources.
- Infrastructure Gaps: While the government has made significant strides in developing digital infrastructure, there are still gaps in areas like high-quality production facilities, broadband connectivity, and tech training centers. Smaller cities and rural areas, in particular, face challenges in accessing the necessary resources to contribute to the global creative industry. Eg: The lack of advanced digital infrastructure in tier-2 cities restricts the growth of tech-driven creative startups.
Way forward:
- Enhanced Funding Support and Investment Channels: Strengthen access to venture capital and government-backed funding, especially for emerging creative startups, through dedicated investment platforms and incentives. Eg: Expanding initiatives like Start-up India to include sector-specific funding for M&E startups in animation, AR/VR, and AI.
- Improved Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity: Invest in high-quality production facilities, fast-track broadband connectivity, and tech training programs across tier-2 cities and rural areas to bridge the infrastructure gap. Eg: Setting up regional M&E hubs outside major cities to create localized opportunities for tech-driven creative startups.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2023] What is the status of digitalization in the Indian economy? Examine the problems faced in this regard and suggest improvements.
Linkage: The “A chance for India’s creative ecosystem to make waves” text highlights the shift from traditional film-making to digital production and the role of technology like AI and VR/AR in the M&E sector. This PYQ on digitalisation is relevant as the growth of the creative ecosystem is heavily reliant on digital infrastructure and technologies.
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Why in the News?
After the Pahalgam terror attack, India responded by putting the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on hold and announced several other diplomatic steps. In return, Pakistan said it would also consider suspending all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement.
What are the key reasons cited by India for holding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) “in abeyance”?
- Fundamental Change in Circumstances: India argues that since the treaty’s signing in 1960, there has been a drastic shift in population demographics and developmental needs, especially the urgent requirement for clean energy. Eg: India’s push for hydropower projects on western rivers like Kishanganga and Ratle reflects its clean energy goals.
- Violation of Good Faith Principle: India claims that Pakistan has not acted in good faith, as evidenced by its continuous sponsorship of cross-border terrorism, which undermines mutual trust required under international treaties. Eg: The recent Pahalgam terror attack is cited as part of a pattern of hostile actions.
- Obstruction in Treaty Implementation: India points to Pakistan’s resistance and obstructionist approach in dispute resolution and infrastructure development under the treaty framework. Eg: In 2016, Pakistan bypassed the Neutral Expert process and approached the Permanent Court of Arbitration directly, delaying dam projects.
Why is the term “hold in abeyance” not considered valid under international law, especially in the context of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT)?
- “Abeyance” Not Recognised in VCLT Terminology: The VCLT only recognises terms like “termination” and “suspension” of treaties—not “abeyance.” Hence, “holding a treaty in abeyance” has no formal legal status or procedural clarity under international law. Eg: Article 62 of the VCLT provides for treaty termination due to fundamental change in circumstances, but does not mention or define “abeyance.”
- High Threshold for Fundamental Change: Even under Article 62, “fundamental change in circumstances” must directly relate to the core purpose of the treaty, and meet strict criteria set by international jurisprudence, particularly the ICJ. Eg: In the 1984 Nicaragua v. United States case, the ICJ rejected the US claim that a political shift in Nicaragua was a fundamental change justifying treaty exit.
How does the dispute resolution mechanism under the Indus Waters Treaty function? & What are its three tiers?
- Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) – First Tier: Both India and Pakistan appoint Commissioners who meet regularly to resolve technical and implementation issues bilaterally. This is the first step in resolving disputes. Eg: Disagreements over annual data sharing or small projects are often addressed at this level.
- Neutral Expert – Second Tier: If the issue remains unresolved, either country can request the World Bank to appoint a Neutral Expert for technical matters such as design parameters of projects. Eg: In 2005, a Neutral Expert was appointed to resolve the Baglihar Dam dispute between India and Pakistan.
- Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) – Third Tier: If the issue is legal or political, or if technical resolution fails, the matter can be escalated to the Permanent Court of Arbitration, facilitated by the World Bank. Eg: In 2016, Pakistan skipped the Neutral Expert stage and approached the PCA over the Kishanganga and Ratle projects, which India opposed.
When did Pakistan previously bypass the neutral expert stage under the IWT?
- Bypassing in 2016 Over Indian Hydropower Projects: In 2016, Pakistan directly approached the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) over India’s construction of the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, skipping the Neutral Expert stage meant for resolving technical disputes. Eg: Pakistan alleged that India’s designs violated the IWT’s specifications regarding spillway structures and pondage levels.
- India’s Objection to Parallel Proceedings: India strongly opposed this move, stating that the IWT does not allow parallel proceedings at both the Neutral Expert and PCA stages for the same issue. India refused to participate in the PCA process and called for dispute resolution through the Neutral Expert instead. Eg: India maintained that allowing parallel processes undermines the treaty’s dispute resolution structure.
Which Simla Agreement clauses are “best endeavour clauses” and why are they non-binding?
- Nature of Language – Non-Mandatory Phrasing: Clauses in the Simla Agreement use soft language such as “shall prevent” or “pending final settlement” rather than definitive legal commands. This implies a diplomatic intention rather than enforceable obligations. Eg: “Pending the final settlement… both sides shall prevent… acts detrimental to peaceful relations” is advisory, not obligatory.
- Absence of Enforcement or Penalty Mechanism: The agreement does not specify consequences for violations, nor does it include a dispute resolution framework. This makes compliance a matter of political will rather than legal duty. Eg: Despite ceasefire violations and the 1999 Kargil conflict, no legal action could be taken under the Simla Agreement.
- Meant to Guide, Not Compel: These clauses are seen as guiding principles or diplomatic assurances, commonly called “best endeavour clauses” in international law, which reflect a commitment to try but not an obligation to achieve. Eg: The agreement promotes bilateralism, but repeated internationalization of Kashmir by Pakistan hasn’t attracted treaty penalties.
Way forward:
- Treaty Modernisation Through Bilateral Dialogue: India and Pakistan should initiate structured negotiations to update the Indus Waters Treaty, aligning it with present-day challenges like climate change, clean energy needs, and population growth.
- Strengthen Dispute Resolution with Third-Party Mediation Rules: Introduce clear procedural timelines and limitations on bypassing dispute tiers (e.g., Neutral Expert stage) to ensure consistency, transparency, and mutual trust in treaty enforcement.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2016] Present an account of the Indus Water Treaty and examine its ecological, economic and political implications in the context of changing bilateral relations.
Linkage: The Indus Water Treaty is very important in the current situation where it’s being “put on hold.” It directly relates to the changing relationship between India and Pakistan, which is the main reason behind this move.
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Why in the News?
A new global initiative called ‘Revive Our Ocean’ was launched with the goal of scaling up effective, community-led marine protected areas (MPAs) to boost marine conservation efforts.
About the Revive Our Ocean Initiative:
- It is a global effort to enhance marine ecosystem protection through community-led Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- It was launched by David Attenborough, Dynamic Planet, and National Geographic’s Pristine Seas to scale up MPAs, empowering coastal communities to lead conservation efforts.
- The goal is to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
- It is initially focused on 7 countries: UK, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico, using successful MPA models.
- It emphasizes economic benefits of MPAs, such as generating €16 million annually from diving tourism in Medes Island, Spain.
Back2Basics: Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)
- KMGBF was adopted in December 2022, the KMGBF aims to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and ensure human-nature harmony by 2050.
- It replaces the Aichi Biodiversity Targets and is often referred to as the “Paris Agreement for Nature“, with 196 countries adopting it.
- The framework sets a 30×30 target, aiming to protect 30% of global land and marine areas by 2030 and restore ecosystems.
- It focuses on halting species extinction, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.
- Other targets include reducing pesticide and nutrient pollution, minimizing harmful waste, and promoting urban green spaces.
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| [UPSC 2012] The acidification of oceans is increasing. Why is this phenomenon a cause of concern?
1. The growth and survival of calcareous phytoplankton will be adversely affected.
2. The growth and survival of coral reefs will be adversely affected.
3. The survival of some animals that have phytoplanktonic larvae will be adversely affected.
4. The cloud seeding and formation of clouds will be adversely affected.
Which among the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only* (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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Why in the News?
The DRDO Laboratory (DRDL), located in Hyderabad, successfully demonstrated long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.
About Hypersonic Cruise Missiles:
- Hypersonic cruise missiles are advanced weapons capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5 (approximately 6,100 km/h), making them 5x faster than the speed of sound.
- These missiles use Scramjets (Supersonic Combustion Ramjets) powered by atmospheric oxygen, making them more efficient for long-duration travel compared to traditional missiles that carry their own oxidizers.
- They maintain high speeds and are highly manoeuvrable, making them difficult to intercept by current missile defense systems.
- They can strike targets at long ranges with minimal warning and penetrate advanced defense shields.
DRDO’s Achievement:
- The DRDO successfully conducted long-duration Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor ground testing for over 1,000 seconds.
- This test advances India’s capability to develop hypersonic cruise missiles, validating the design of the scramjet combustor and the test facility, both crucial for developing air-breathing propulsion systems.
- This paves the way for full-scale flight-worthy combustor testing, bringing India closer to developing functional hypersonic missiles and enhancing its defense capabilities.
| [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:
1. Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their fights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
2. Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2* |
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Why in the News?
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck Istanbul and surrounding areas with its epicenter located beneath the Sea of Marmara.
About the Sea of Marmara
- The Sea of Marmara is a small but significant inland sea in Turkey, acting as a transition zone between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea.
- It holds geographical, ecological, and cultural importance, separating Asia and Europe within Turkey.
- It spans 11,350 km², it is 280 km long and 80 km wide.
- It is connected to the Black Sea in the northeast via the Bosphorus Strait and to the Aegean Sea in the southwest via the Dardanelles Strait.
- It receives cold, fresh water from the Black Sea and warmer, saltier water from the Mediterranean, creating a unique fresh-to-salty water transition.
- The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold, wet winters, influencing the marine ecosystem.
- The North Anatolian Fault runs beneath the sea, causing significant earthquake risks, including the recent 6.2 magnitude earthquake near Istanbul.
- It is home to several islands, including Marmara Island (the largest) and Prince Islands.
- The city of Istanbul lies along its coastline.
| [UPSC 2014] Turkey is located between:
Options: (a) Black Sea and Caspian Sea (b) Black Sea and Mediterranean Sea (c) Gulf of Suez and Mediterranean Sea (d) Gulf of Aqaba and Dead Sea |
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Why in the News?
Policymakers and scientists are set to gather in Geneva for the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions.
India’s Pesticide Action Network will advocate for a global ban on Chlorpyrifos, a toxic pesticide still in use despite being banned in over 40 countries.
About Chlorpyrifos:
- Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide used to control pests, including insects, fungi, and weeds on crops like corn, soybeans, and fruits, as well as non-crop areas like turf and buildings.
- It disrupts the nervous system of pests by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme critical for nerve function, causing paralysis and death in pests.
- Despite being banned in over 40 countries due to its environmental and health risks, it continues to be used in many countries, including India.
Chlorpyrifos in India:
- Not entirely banned in India; It is registered under the Insecticides Act of 1968, with restrictions such as a ban on its use on ber, citrus, and tobacco (as per a 2023 notification).
- But it is also used on other crops, including rice, cotton, groundnut, and onion.
- India is one of the largest producers and exporters of Chlorpyrifos globally.
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Threats Posed by Chlorpyrifos:
- Human Health Risks: Linked to nervous system issues, developmental disorders in children, cancer, and liver/kidney damage.
- Environmental Impact: Highly toxic to aquatic life and pollinators like bees.
- Soil & Crop Contamination: Persistent in the environment, leading to pesticide residue in the food chain.
- Biodiversity Loss: Affects non-target species, disrupting ecosystems.
- Resistance: Overuse leads to pesticide resistance, requiring more harmful chemicals for pest control.
| [UPSC 2019] In India, the use of carbofuran, methyl parathion, phorate and triazophos is viewed with apprehension. These chemicals are used as-
Options: (a) pesticides in agriculture * (b) preservatives in processed foods (c) fruit-ripening agents (d) moisturising agents in cosmetics |
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