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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    The shape of a five-year climate agenda for India

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the news? 

    The new government’s climate actions will impact all sectors, shaping India’s sustainable economic path, global leadership, and fight for climate finance and justice.

    Initiatives Taken by the Indian Government in the Last Decade and Their Significant Results

    • International Solar Alliance (ISA): Promotes the widespread adoption of solar energy, enhancing global cooperation in renewable energy.
    • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): Focuses on building resilient infrastructure to withstand climate-induced disasters.
    •  Net-Zero by 2070: India’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 marks a significant shift towards absolute emission reductions.
    • Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Setting ambitious targets for reducing emissions intensity and increasing renewable energy capacity.
    • Indian Emissions Carbon Trading Scheme: Establishing a carbon trading system to incentivize emission reductions and support sustainable economic growth.
    • Significant Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity: Rapid expansion in solar and wind energy installations, contributing to India’s international non-fossil fuel energy targets.
    • Green Development Pact under G-20 Presidency: Integrating green development principles into global economic practices, showcasing India’s leadership in sustainable development.

    How India can enhance it’s Global negotiations wrt Climate change? 

    • Hosting International Climate Summits: India should aim to host a major international climate summit like the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) in 2028. This would provide a platform to showcase its climate leadership and set ambitious global climate agendas. Successful hosting, akin to its G-20 Presidency, would strengthen India’s influence in global climate policy.
    • Advocacy and Consensus Building: India should start early to build consensus on critical climate issues, such as ending new investments in oil and gas post-2030 and securing significant commitments for adaptation finance. Proactively engaging in dialogues, forming alliances, and addressing concerns of other nations will help India lead negotiations and drive meaningful outcomes.
    • Promoting Equity and Climate Finance: India should continue to emphasize equity in climate action and finance in international forums. Advocating for fair treatment of developing countries and pushing for enhanced climate finance mechanisms will strengthen India’s position as a leader of the Global South.

    Role of Federal Entities in Enhancing Climate Action

    • Collaboration on Long-Term Climate Strategies: Federal entities can work with state governments to develop and implement long-term climate and energy models. Examples include supporting states like Tamil Nadu and Bihar in crafting their net-zero plans.
    • Enhanced Coordination and Policy Alignment: Forming a Centre-State coordination group can ensure better synchronization of climate actions across states. This group can facilitate regular communication and policy alignment while respecting the autonomy of each state.
    • Financial Incentives through the Sixteenth Finance Commission: Federal entities can use financial mechanisms like the Finance Commission to incentivize states for their climate initiatives. This can include grants or additional funding for states that demonstrate significant progress in climate action.
    • Integration of Scientific Capabilities in Policymaking: Encouraging states to incorporate scientific modelling and data analysis into their climate policies. Federal support can enhance the technical capabilities of states, ensuring data-driven and effective climate strategies.
    • Consistent and Accurate Climate Data Management: Developing a unified MRV architecture at the state level to standardize data collection and reporting. This system can help track progress, ensure accountability, and facilitate better policy adjustments based on reliable data.

    The Indian government has taken several initiatives to address climate change, but their effectiveness is still being evaluated:

    • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, the NAPCC identified eight national missions to promote understanding of climate change, adaptation and mitigation, energy efficiency, and natural resource conservation. While these missions have led to some progress, such as the ambitious targets set under the National Solar Mission, their overall impact is still being assessed.
    • State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Under the NAPCC, states are required to develop their own action plans. As of 2022, 33 states and union territories have prepared their SAPCCs. However, the implementation and monitoring of these plans remain a challenge.
    • Climate change research and knowledge networks: The government has supported various research initiatives and knowledge networks to enhance understanding of climate change impacts and responses. These include the National Network Programmes on Climate Change Modelling, Aerosols, and Coastal Vulnerability. While these networks have generated valuable knowledge, their ability to inform policy and action is still being evaluated

    Conclusion: India should expand its climate targets beyond the power sector to include other key areas such as transportation, industry, and agriculture. Clear and ambitious targets for zero-carbon two- and four-wheelers, as well as other sectors, will drive comprehensive decarbonization efforts.

     

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC IAS/2021)

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Reviving Gharials in Kaziranga

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    In Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a lone female gharial has emerged as a significant presence, marking a potential revival for the species in the Brahmaputra River.

    About Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve:

    • Located in the state of Assam, Kaziranga is renowned for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
    • Established in 1905 as a reserve forest and declared a national park in 1974.
    • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its unique natural environment and successful conservation of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros.
    • Kaziranga is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world.
    • It hosts two-thirds of the world’s Great One-Horned Rhinoceros population, a significant conservation success story.
    • The park spans approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles) of grasslands, wetlands, and forests.

    One-Horned Rhinoceros:

    • One–Horned Rhinos: IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable; CITES: Appendix I ; WPA, 1972: Schedule I.
    • Mainly found in Assam, West Bengal.
    • Assam hosts about 2,640 rhinos across Pobitora WLS, Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP, Kaziranga NP, and Manas NP.

    About Gharial

    • The Gharial is a fish-eating crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent.
    • They are a crucial indicator of clean river water.
    • It is also found in the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Odisha.
    • Gharials are ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Species.
    • The species is also listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • National Chambal Sanctuary along the river Chambal in Madhya Pradesh is the biggest protected area of the species.

    Recent findings of Gharial in Kaziranga

    • Gharials, distinguished by their long, narrow snouts, were believed to have disappeared from the Brahmaputra by the 1950s.
    • The female gharial, initially spotted in 2021, has grown to nearly adult size, providing hope for their reintroduction into the ecosystem.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following fauna of India :

    1. Gharial

    2. Leatherback turtle

    3. Swamp deer

    Which of the above is/are endangered?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Niranjan Panel set up to study Pollution Level in Cauvery

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee, headed by Niranjan, Chief Environment Officer of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, to study the pollution level in the Cauvery.

    About Niranjan Panel

    • The panel will review and submit a report within 10 days to ascertain whether the Cauvery River water is polluted due to the inflow of sewage water, solid waste, industrial waste, and other types of pollutants.
    • The Cauvery water has lost its natural quality due to the pollutants and the health of citizens and aquatic animals are being adversely affected.

    About Cauvery River

    • The Cauvery River, also spelled as ‘Kaveri’ and known as ‘Ponni’ in Tamil, originates from Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range located in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.
    • It spans approximately 800 km, traversing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, until it eventually reaches the Bay of Bengal.
    • The river’s catchment area covers regions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
    • Key tributaries that join the Cauvery include Harangi, Hemavati, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, and Bhavani.
    • It remains perennial due to its dual reliance on both advancing and retreating monsoons for rainfall.
    • Protected areas in its basin: Cauvery WLS,  Biligirirangan Hills WLS,  Pushpagiri WLS,  Muthathi WLS,  Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary,  Bhimeshwari WLS, Nagarhole NP; Bandipur NP.

    Challenges associated with the Cauvery River:

    • Direct discharge of untreated sewage and domestic waste from towns and cities along the Cauvery contaminates the water, leading to high bacterial loads and nutrient pollution.
    • Industries along the Cauvery, including textiles, dyeing, pharmaceuticals, and others, discharge effluents directly into the river.
    • Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agricultural fields adjacent to the river are washed into the Cauvery during rain and irrigation.
    • Unregulated sand mining and dredging activities disrupt riverbeds and banks, altering natural flow patterns and habitat structures.
    • Introduction of non-native species like tilapia and African catfish, initially for aquaculture, has led to their proliferation in the Cauvery.

    Cauvery Water Dispute:

    • Since 1892, tensions existed between British-ruled Madras and Mysore. 
    • 1924 Agreement aimed to resolve but set the stage for future conflicts. Post-Independence, dam constructions sparked TN appeal. 
    • Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established. 
    • Interim orders by the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) in 1998. 
    • CWDT’s 2013 award allocated water quantities among states. 
    • Monthly and annual water shares by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Normal Year, Karnataka must give 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Challenges arise during monsoons due to varying rainfall. 
    • Article 262 empowers Parliament for inter-state river disputes. The Seventh Schedule defines legislative authority over water resources. 
    • 2018: Cauvery was termed a “national asset” by SC with river water equality upheld. 
    • The Cauvery Management Board (CMB) was established by the Court for implementation. 
    • CWMA and CWRC were established for water regulation and data collection.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin?

    1. Nagarhole National Park
    2. Papikonda National Park
    3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
    4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-SCO

    EAM Jaishankar attends SCO Summit

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the News?

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.

    About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

    Details
    Introduction
    • Established in 2001 by China and Russia, the SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization.
    • It spans about 80% of Eurasia and encompasses 40% of the world’s population, with a GDP of around 20% of global GDP as of 2021.
    Origins
    • Successor to the Shanghai Five, formed in 1996 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
    • It evolved into the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.
    Expansion
    • India and Pakistan joined in June 2017, followed by Iran in July 2023, and Belarus in July 2024.
    • Several other countries participate as observers and dialogue partners.
    Governance
    • Governed by the Heads of State Council (HSC), the supreme decision-making body that meets annually.
    • Includes the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) as a key component for security coordination.
    Key Structures
    • Heads of State Council: Supreme decision-making body.
    • Heads of Government Council: Discusses multilateral cooperation and approves budgets.
    • Council of Foreign Ministers: Regular meetings on international affairs.
    • Council of National Coordinators: Coordinates multilateral efforts.
    Secretariat
    • Headquartered in Beijing, China, the Secretariat executes organizational decisions, drafts documents, and promotes SCO activities.
    • Secretary-General serves a 3-year term.
    RATS Executive Committee
    • Based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, RATS fosters cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
    • The director serves a three-year term overseeing these efforts.
    Official Languages Chinese and Russian are the SCO’s official languages.
    Key Agreements
    • Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions (1996)
    • Treaty on Reduction of Military Forces in Border Regions (1997)
    • Declaration on a “multipolar world” (1997)
    Major Activities
    • Annual summits and meetings across member states;
    • Initiatives in transportation, energy, and telecommunications;
    • Regular gatherings of security, defence, economic, and cultural officials.
    International Relations Established partnerships with various global bodies including the UN, ASEAN, CIS, CSTO, ECO, and CICA, reflecting its broad engagement in regional and international affairs.

    Strategic Significance of SCO for India

    • Open-door for bilateral: Membership facilitates India’s engagement with Central Asian nations and major regional powers like China and Russia on shared security challenges.
    • China-Russia Dynamics: SCO serves as a platform for China and Russia to assert influence and counter Western dominance in international forums.
    • Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Dispute: India’s stance against endorsing BRI projects through SCO reflects its concerns over sovereignty, particularly regarding CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    About Kazakhstan

    • Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country by land area, spanning an area of 2.7 million square kilometres.
    • It borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the southwest

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Consider the following:

    1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
    2. Missile Technology Control Regime
    3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

    India is a member of which of the above?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2021] Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

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  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Afforestation in Delhi Ridge

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Why in the News?

    The Delhi High Court is set to physically inspect the Central and Southern parts of Delhi Ridge to assess the extent of afforestation and cutting of trees in the area.

    Deforestation in Delhi Ridge:

    Over 308 hectares of the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area has been encroached and another 183 hectares “diverted” for “non-forestry purposes”. ( Data by Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report to the Supreme Court, 2023.)

    About Delhi Ridge

    • Delhi Ridge is located in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, extending as a northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range.
      • Composed primarily of quartzite rocks, it spans approximately 35 kilometres from Tughlaqabad in the southeast to Wazirabad in the north along the Yamuna River.
    • Ecological Significance:
      • It acts as the “green lungs” of Delhi, providing crucial ecological services such as carbon sequestration and habitat for wildlife.
      • It protects Delhi from the hot desert winds originating from Rajasthan to the west.
      • It supports diverse flora and fauna, making Delhi one of the world’s most bird-rich capital cities.
      • Efforts are ongoing to maintain biodiversity through biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries like the Northern Ridge Biodiversity Park and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Geographical Features

    • The ridge is believed to be over 1.5 billion years old, making it an ancient geological formation compared to the Himalayas (50 million years old).
    • It functions as a watershed, dividing the Indus Plain to the west from the Gangetic Plain to the east within the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

    Administrative Divisions:

    • Divided into four main zones: Northern, Central, South-Central, and Southern Ridge.
    • Each zone has distinct characteristics and faces varying degrees of urban encroachment and conservation efforts.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Issues with ‘mandir’ tag for Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Why in the News?

    Following Mizoram and Nagaland, Meghalaya has also refused to rename its health and wellness centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs as per the Centre’s directive.

    Context: Demographic composition of NE and its implications on policy decisions 

    • Christian Majority: About 75% of Meghalaya’s population practices Christianity, similar to the demographics of Mizoram (90%) and Nagaland (90%).
    • State Asserts Autonomy: Meghalaya’s Health Minister emphasized that health being a State subject grants them the right to decide independently of the Centre’s advisory.

    About Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)

    • AB-HWCs were launched to move away from selective health care to a more comprehensive range of services spanning preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care for all ages.
    • There are 1.6 lakh such centres across India under this initiative.
    • The National Health Policy of 2017 envisioned these centres as the foundation of India’s health system.
    • The Union Health Ministry renamed AB-HWCs as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) with the tagline ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam’.
    • States and Union Territories were urged to complete the rebranding by the end of 2023.

    Back2Basics: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

    Details
    Details
    • World’s largest fully government-funded health insurance scheme.
    • Launched in 2018.
    • Provides Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care.
    Health Benefit Package
    • Covers the cost of surgery, medical and daycare treatments, medications, and diagnostics.
    • 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation, including diagnostic care and expenses on medicines.
    • No restriction on family size, age or gender.
    • All pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.
    Beneficiaries
    • An entitlement-based scheme targeting beneficiaries identified by the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.
    • Flexibility for States/UTs to use non-SECC data with a similar socio-economic profile to identify remaining SECC families.
    Financing
    • Jointly funded scheme: 60:40 between Centre and legislature for all States and UTs.
    • 90:10 for North-Eastern States, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
    • 100% central funding for Union Territories without legislature.
    Nucleus Agency
    • The National Health Authority (NHA) is an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, responsible for the effective implementation of PM-JAY.
    • State Health Agency (SHA) is the apex body of the State Government responsible for implementing AB-PMJAY in the State.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:

    1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
    2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
    3. It has seamless portability across the country.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Why stampedes take place?   

    Explained | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the news?

    On Tuesday, July 2, a stampede during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 121 individuals, predominantly women.

    What is a Stampede?

    A stampede is an impulsive mass movement of a crowd that often results in injuries and deaths.It disrupts the orderly movement of crowds, leading to injuries and fatalities, often triggered by panic, perceived danger, or the pursuit of something gratifying.

    Why do Stampedes Kill?

    • Primary Cause: Most stampede casualties result from traumatic asphyxia, where external compression of the chest or abdomen restricts breathing.
    • Other Causes: Include myocardial infarction (heart attacks), direct crushing injuries, head injuries, and neck compression.

    How Does Human Psychology Lead to Stampedes?

    • Panic and lacking in Cooperation: In panic-inducing situations, cooperative behavior is initially beneficial, but if disrupted, can lead to chaotic actions like pushing and shoving.
    • Positive Wish-Fulfillment Beliefs: A collective belief, rational or irrational, can mobilize large groups into actions that may compromise individual safety.

    How Does the Physical Organization of Spaces Contribute to Stampedes?

    • Factors Contributing to Stampede Risks: Lack of light, poor crowd flow management, structural collapses, blocked exits, and inadequate design of hardware (like doors and barriers) increase stampede risks.
    • Crowd Density: High density can lead to prolonged evacuation times and increased panic.

    How to Better Prevent or Mitigate Stampedes?

    • Planning and Design: Ensure adequate exit points relative to crowd size, improve crowd flow management, and use technologies for real-time crowd monitoring.
    • Communication and Coordination: Effective communication between organizers and attendees is crucial for issuing warnings and managing crowd movements.

    Notable Deadly Stampedes and Their Causes:

    • Moscow, Russia (1896): Rumors of souvenir shortages led to a deadly surge.
    • Allahabad, India (1954): Lack of crowd control and barriers led to a surge at the Kumbh Mela.
    • Lima, Peru (1963): Tear gas used during a football match triggered panic in enclosed spaces.
    • Wai, India (2005): Slippery steps during a pilgrimage resulted in a tragic stampede.

    Way forward: 

    • Crowd Monitoring Systems: Implement technologies such as CCTV cameras, crowd density sensors, and real-time monitoring software to detect and respond to overcrowding or sudden surges in crowd movement.
    • Communication Systems: Establish robust communication networks between event organizers, security personnel, and attendees. Use public address systems and mobile alerts to convey emergency instructions and warnings promptly.
    • Emergency Response Plans: Develop and rehearse comprehensive emergency response plans that include rapid evacuation procedures, medical assistance points, and coordination with local emergency services.

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    Factory accidents, a pointer to rusty inspection reform  

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Disaster Management

    Why in the news?

    In May 2024, an explosion at a reactor in a chemical factory within the Dombivli Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area caused fatalities and injuries among workers and local residents.

    Present Scenario in India       

    • India continues to witness frequent fatal industrial accidents, often due to non-compliance with safety regulations, inadequate inspections, and compromised safety practices.
    • Recent incidents, such as the Dombivli MIDC chemical factory explosion, highlight the recurring nature of these accidents and their devastating impact on lives and infrastructure.
    • There is a significant disparity between the number of registered factories and the inspection rates across states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

    Causes of fatal industrial accidents   

    • Non-compliance with Safety Regulations: Many industrial accidents occur due to the failure of companies to adhere to mandated safety regulations and standards. Examples include improper maintenance of machinery, lack of safety equipment, and inadequate training of personnel in handling hazardous materials.
    • Inadequate Maintenance and Inspection Practices: Poor maintenance of industrial equipment and facilities can lead to malfunctions and accidents. Insufficient or irregular inspection practices contribute to undetected hazards and safety violations that increase the risk of accidents.
    • Human Error and Unsafe Practices: Accidents often result from human errors such as negligence, fatigue, or lack of training. Unsafe work practices, including shortcuts taken to save time or reduce costs, can compromise safety standards and escalate the likelihood of accidents.

    Need for the right reforms 

    • Strengthening Regulatory Framework: Reforms should focus on updating and strengthening safety regulations to align with international standards and best practices. There is a need to close loopholes and ambiguities in existing laws to enhance clarity and enforceability.
    • Improving Inspection and Enforcement: Enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of regulatory bodies responsible for inspecting industrial facilities. Increasing the number of qualified inspectors, improving their training, and implementing advanced inspection techniques like digital monitoring and real-time compliance checks.
    • Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Establishing transparent mechanisms for reporting and investigating industrial accidents to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

    What can be the solution? (Way forward)

    • Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening and strictly enforcing safety regulations and standards across all industries. Regular updates to ensure regulations are comprehensive, up-to-date with technological advancements, and aligned with international best practices.
    • Improving Inspection and Compliance: Increasing the number of qualified inspectors and improving their training and capabilities.Implementing regular and surprise inspections using modern technologies such as digital monitoring and remote sensing to ensure compliance with safety standards.
    • Promoting Safety Culture: Encouraging a proactive safety culture within industries through training, awareness programs, and incentives for compliance.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identifying industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics. (UPSC IAS/2018)

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-France

    An overview of the French elections

    Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Why in the news? 

    On June 30, during the first phase of the French elections called after President Emmanuel Macron unexpectedly dissolved parliament, the far-right National Rally (RN) and its allies emerged as frontrunners with a 33% vote share.

    Why did French President Emmanuel Macron decide to dissolve parliament and call for snap elections?

    • Strategic Decision: Macron dissolved parliament three years early to seek a clear majority for governance. His centrist bloc suffered a major defeat in the European Parliament elections against the RN. The decision aimed to consolidate votes against the rising far-right influence.
    • Low Approval Ratings: Macron’s approval ratings plummeted to 36%. The snap election was seen as a gamble to prevent the RN from gaining more power.

    How did the far-right National Rally become so popular?

    • Rebranding and Policy Changes: Under Marine Le Pen, the RN rebranded from the National Front (FN). The party softened its stance on extreme policies, like leaving the EU.
    • Response to Societal Issues: Capitalized on fears of cultural clashes, cost-of-living crises, and dissatisfaction with Macron’s policies. Opposed immigration and advocated for ‘national priority’ policies favoring French citizens in social services.
    • Political Strategy: Increased its presence in provincial towns and among blue-collar workers. Rose from 7 seats to 89 in the French parliament in 2022, aiming for 240-300 seats now.

    How are the two rounds of elections conducted in France?

    • First Phase: Equivalent to a qualifying round where candidates need at least 12.5% of locally registered votes.Candidates who get more than half the votes win outright.
    • Second Phase: Candidates meeting the qualifying criteria move to the second round. Common practice of ‘horse-trading’ where parties form alliances to avoid splitting votes.
    • Overall Structure:577 seats in the French parliament. A party needs 289 seats for an absolute majority.

    Why have left-wing parties also formed a bloc?

    • Republican Front Strategy: Centrist and left-wing parties team up to prevent right-wing parties from gaining power.Formation of the New Popular Front is a reference to the 1936 alliance against far-right rioters.
    • Electoral Tactics: Over 200 candidates from centre and left alliances have dropped out to consolidate votes against the RN. Aimed at countering the RN’s rise and preventing fragmentation of the anti-RN vote.
    • Challenges and Unity: Presence of controversial leftist figures like Jean-Luc Mélenchon has made the unity fragile.Despite internal differences, the bloc aims to present a united front against the far-right surge.

    Conclusion: The rise of the far-right National Rally in France may lead to stricter immigration policies, affecting Indian students, workers, and diaspora. Economic relations could face uncertainties, impacting trade and bilateral cooperation. So,India’s diplomatic strategies may need adjustments to navigate the changing political landscape in France.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (UPSC IAS/2022)

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Why has SEBI accused Hindenburg of breaking Indian law?  

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the news? 

    Hindenburg Research received a SEBI show cause notice for short-selling Adani Enterprises Ltd stock before and after their report accusing Adani of fraud.

    What is the Hindenburg Report on Adani?

    • On January 24, 2023, the New York-based Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of “brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud scheme over the course of decades.”
    • The report led to a significant drop in the shares of Adani companies and the calling off of Adani Enterprises Ltd’s Rs 20,000-crore follow-on Public Offer (FPO). Adani Group denied all allegations, claiming the report was a “calculated attack on India.”

    What is SEBI’s show cause notice about?

    • Hindenburg received a show-cause notice from SEBI on June 27, 2024.SEBI alleged that Hindenburg colluded with certain entities to use non-public information to short-sell Adani Enterprises Ltd (AEL) stock before and after the release of its report, making profits.
    • The notice named Hindenburg, its founder Nathan Anderson, investor Mark Kingdon, and related entities, accusing them of sharing the report draft and building short positions in AEL futures.

    How has Hindenburg responded to the show cause notice?

    • Hindenburg dismissed the notice as an attempt to silence those exposing corruption. They stated their investment stance was legal and disclosed, and criticized SEBI for targeting them instead of investigating the Adani Group’s alleged malpractices.
    • Accusations: Hindenburg accused SEBI of pressuring brokers to close short positions in Adani stocks to protect the stock prices.

    Where does Kotak come into this picture?

    • Involvement of Kotak: SEBI’s notice did not name Kotak Bank, which Hindenburg claims created the offshore fund structure used for shorting Adani stocks.
    • Response: Kotak Mahindra Bank stated that Hindenburg has never been a client and that their KYC procedures were followed with regard to clients, with investments made by Kingdon as a principal.

    How much profit did Hindenburg earn by short selling Adani stocks?

    • Revenue: Hindenburg earned approximately $4.1 million in gross revenue through gains related to Adani shorts from its investor relationship.
    • Own Short Position: Hindenburg made about $31,000 from their short of Adani US bonds.After legal and research expenses, Hindenburg indicated they might only slightly come out ahead of break-even on their Adani short.

    Way forward: 

    • Conduct Investigation: SEBI should initiate an independent, comprehensive investigation into the allegations against both Adani Group and Hindenburg Research. This investigation should be conducted by a neutral third party to ensure impartiality and transparency.
    • Policy Review: SEBI could review and possibly update its regulations on short-selling and market manipulation to prevent similar incidents in the future. This could include stricter disclosure requirements for short sellers and enhanced monitoring of market activities.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in overlapping of products and services strengthens the case for the merger of the two regulatory agencies, namely SEBI and IRDA. Justify.(UPSC IAS/2013)

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