GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

La Niña, a climate phenomenon expected to emerge in 2024, failed to materialize, bucking predictions and raising concerns about the accuracy of climate forecasts and its potential impacts on global weather patterns.

What is La Niña?

• La Niña is part of a natural climate cycle called the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has three phases:
  • El Niño (warm phase)
  • La Niña (cool phase)
  • Neutral Phase
• These phases are determined by changes in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions along the Pacific Ocean, which affect global weather patterns.
• La Niña occurs when trade winds in the Pacific Ocean strengthen, pushing warm water towards the western Pacific (near Indonesia and the Philippines).
• This results in cooler water off the coast of South America and causes significant changes in global weather patterns, like increased rainfall in some areas (such as India) and cooler temperatures.
  • El Niño causes warmer waters in the eastern Pacific and less rainfall in regions like India, often leading to higher temperatures.
  • La Niña leads to cooler waters in the eastern Pacific, bringing more rainfall to some areas like India, which generally lowers temperatures.

La Niña Predictions for 2024:

• At the start of 2024, scientists expected La Niña to occur. Weather models predicted that La Niña would develop between August and December, but these predictions were incorrect. By December, sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific were either normal or slightly below average, meaning La Niña didn’t materialize as expected.
• Current Ocean Conditions:
  • ENSO-neutral conditions continued into December 2024. This means sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific were not showing strong signs of either El Niño or La Niña.
  • Oceanic Nino Index (ONI), a key measure for identifying ENSO phases, showed -0.3°C in December. A La Niña would require this index to reach -0.5°C, but it didn’t drop enough for a La Niña to officially begin.

• Even though some models predicted a weak La Niña between December and February, it is expected to be short-lived and mild, with the possibility of transitioning back to neutral conditions by March-May 2025.

Why La Niña Did Not Appear?

Several factors led to inaccurate predictions:

• Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction: Normally, changes in the ocean and atmosphere (like cooler waters in the eastern Pacific) help predict La Niña. But this year, the expected interaction didn’t occur. El Niño conditions, which were still affecting ocean temperatures, led to an ENSO-neutral situation instead.
• Westerly Wind Anomalies: The winds that control ocean temperatures during La Niña development (called trade winds) were weaker or in the wrong direction during critical months like September-October. These westerly wind anomalies are unfavorable for La Niña development, and they prevented the cooling of Pacific waters that would trigger La Niña.
• Monsoon Effects: The Indian Summer Monsoon (June-September) saw bountiful rainfall in 2024, which typically signals ENSO-neutral A strong monsoon can delay or alter the development of La Niña by affecting wind patterns that influence sea surface temperatures.
• Impact on India:
  • Monsoon: Despite the predictions, the Indian monsoon was above normal, showing no signs of the drought typically associated with El Niño.
  • Winter Weather: La Niña not materializing means that the Indian winter will likely not be affected, as a strong La Niña typically brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded to criticism regarding India's neighborhood policy, defending the government's approach to relations with neighboring countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s foreign policy aims for maturity and development-focused ties, despite the political dynamics in these countries.

What is India’s Neighbourhood Policy?

• The country's Neighbourhood First Policy determines its engagement with neighbouring nations, including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
• The policy prioritises improving physical, digital, and people-to-people connectivity within the region, while also boosting trade and commerce.
• Over time, the Neighbourhood First Policy has become a key institutional focus across various government departments responsible for managing relations and policies with our neighbours.
• India has historically shared deep cultural, economic and political ties with its neighbours. After independence, India aimed to establish itself as a regional leader. However, historical conflicts, differing political ideologies and border disputes often strained these relationships. It officially came to being in 2008.

Criticisms of India’s Neighbourhood Policy

• Over-reliance on Specific Leaders and Parties: India’s focus on individual leaders, like Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh, limits flexibility and could cause instability if there are political shifts. Critics argue this reliance on specific leaders reduces India’s ability to adapt to changing political dynamics in the region.
• Lack of “India First” Policy from Neighbours: India’s neighbours, such as Nepal and Bhutan, often prioritize their own national interests or align with China, undermining India’s influence. Critics point out the absence of a consistent “India First” policy among these countries.
• Growing Chinese Influence: China’s increasing economic and strategic influence in South Asia, particularly in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and the Maldives, challenges India’s position. Critics argue that India has not effectively countered China’s growing presence in the region.
• Ineffective Security Responses: India’s response to security threats, such as insurgent groups in Myanmar and cross-border terrorism, has been criticized as inconsistent. Critics argue that India’s delicate approach in dealing with Myanmar has failed to address these ongoing security challenges.
• Economic Dependence without Strategic Returns: India’s economic assistance, such as credit lines and aid to neighbours, has not always translated into strategic benefits or political support, leading to concerns that these investments are not yielding long-term advantages for India’s regional security.

Major initiatives

• SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation): India has played a major role in SAARC, aimed at promoting regional cooperation. However, the effectiveness of SAARC has been limited due to political differences, particularly between India and Pakistan.
• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation): BIMSTEC has gained prominence as an alternative to SAARC, focusing on economic cooperation, security, and cultural exchange among countries bordering the Bay of Bengal.
• Infrastructure projects
  • BBIN Initiative (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal): Improving road and rail connectivity.
  • Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project: Connecting India with Myanmar and further with Southeast Asia.
  • Chabahar Port: Developing a strategic port in Iran to improve connectivity with Afghanistan and Central Asia.
    

Related PYQ

1. India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (2022)
2. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of Indian government to improve relationship with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? (2015)
3. In respect of India-Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (2013)

Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a newly introduced provision replacing the colonial-era Indian Penal Code (IPC), criminalizes sexual intercourse obtained through deceit, specifically when a promise to marry is made without the intent to fulfill it. This section has raised significant legal and societal debate, with various viewpoints regarding its fairness, applicability, and gender implications.

Key Provisions of Section 69

• Section 69 addresses situations where a man engages in sexual relations under the false pretense of marriage, with no intention of honoring the promise.
• It prescribes a penalty of up to 10 years of imprisonment and a fine for those found guilty of such acts.
• Scope and Application: The law extends to situations involving false promises of marriage, employment, or promotion, where the person who deceives the victim is penalized for inducing sexual intercourse through deceit. It does not classify such cases as rape but as “inducement” through fraudulent means.
• Support for Section 69: It addresses the gaps left by the IPC, especially in cases where sexual intercourse is obtained through deceit. Section 69 broadens the definition of coercion to include emotional and psychological pressure, which was not explicitly covered under the previous law.

Critical Views and Concerns

• The law is gender-biased and treats women as passive victims incapable of exercising agency in their sexual relationships.
• Section 69 presupposes that only men can deceive women into sex through false promises of marriage.
• This law ignores the power dynamics within relationships and fails to address cases where women might deceive men through similar means.
• Section 69 may criminalize consensual sexual relationships that later turn contentious. It places undue emphasis on the failure to fulfill marriage promises, overlooking the complexities of long-term relationships, especially when both parties were initially consenting.
• The exclusion of the LGBTQ community, making the law discriminatory and unconstitutional.
• Criminalizing a verbal promise could infringe upon individual privacy and autonomy, leading to inconsistencies in judicial enforcement.

Section 69 of the BNS represents a shift in how sexual relationships based on deceit are addressed legally in India. While it aims to protect women from exploitation through false promises, its broad application, gender implications, and the subjective nature of proving intent have raised serious legal and societal concerns. Ongoing debates and court rulings will continue to shape how this law is enforced and interpreted in the future.

The Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was passed in the Lok Sabha, after being introduced five months earlier. This significant piece of legislation seeks to modernize and streamline the legal framework governing Indian Railways. It aims to incorporate provisions from the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the Railways Act, 1989, simplifying the laws and enhancing the functioning of the Railway Board.

Key Provisions of the Railways (Amendment) Bill, 2024

• The Bill aims to integrate the Indian Railway Board Act, 1905, into the existing Railways Act, 1989. This merger is intended to reduce reliance on multiple laws, simplifying the regulatory structure for the railways.
• Statutory Backing: The amendment provides statutory backing to the Railway Board, which has been functioning without formal sanction since its inception. This provision seeks to formalize the powers and responsibilities of the Board.
• Enhanced Powers: The Bill empowers the Central Government to decide the composition of the Railway Board, including determining the number of members, their qualifications, and the terms of service. This move is aimed at improving the operational efficiency and governance of Indian Railways.
• Decentralization and Autonomy: The amendment seeks to increase the autonomy of various Railway Zones, addressing long-standing demands for greater regional independence. This is expected to improve operational efficiency and decision-making at the local level.
• Independent Regulator: The Bill proposes the establishment of an independent regulator to oversee key areas such as tariffs, safety, and the participation of the private sector in the railway system. This recommendation was first made in 2015 by the Committee on Restructuring Railways.
• Faster Approval Process for Train Services: The amendment is designed to expedite the approval process for new train services, helping meet the growing demand in various regions of the country. One example of such improvements includes the extension of the Arunachal Express via key routes in Bihar.

Evolution of Indian Railways Law

• The Indian Railways network was initially established as part of the Public Works Department during British rule.
• The Indian Railways Act, 1890, was enacted to organize and regulate the expanding railway network. Following this, the Railway Board Act, 1905, formalized the governance structure of Indian Railways.
• The Railways Act, 1989, was introduced to replace the 1890 Act, marking a shift towards modernizing and consolidating the legal framework for Indian Railways.
• Railway Board’s Lack of Statutory Authority: Despite the enactment of the 1989 Act, the Railway Board continued to operate based on executive decisions rather than statutory backing, which the current amendment seeks to rectify.

Sanjay Malhotra has recently taken over as the 26th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), succeeding Shaktikanta Das, who served as the Governor during a challenging period. Sanjay Malhotra steps into a challenging role with significant expectations, inheriting a legacy that sets a high bar. As the new RBI Governor, he will contend with seven critical priorities.

Shaktikanta Das’s leadership

• Das’s leadership was marked by his ability to manage various crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, financial troubles with companies like IL&FS and Yes Bank, and tensions between the RBI and the government.
• His tenure focused on maintaining financial stability, improving the banking system, and promoting digital innovations like the central bank digital currency and UPI.
• Das’s work earned him recognition as one of the best central bankers

Critical Priorities in front of RBI’s Governor

• Taming Inflation Without Hurting Growth: Inflation has been volatile, mainly due to supply-side issues in sectors like food and energy. Malhotra must find ways to control inflation without negatively affecting economic growth. Traditional methods like raising interest rates may not work well because inflation is driven by factors like global supply shocks, not just domestic demand. A balance is needed to ensure liquidity in the market and support sectors in need of credit, while managing inflation.
• Global Monetary Policy Differences: Global monetary policy divergence is at its peak, with the US Federal Reserve maintaining restrictive monetary policies to combat inflation while several emerging markets are exploring rate cuts to support growth.
  • India’s interconnectedness with global capital flows and trade necessitates a calibrated approach to avoid capital flight and rupee depreciation.
  • RBI must employ nuanced tools, including targeted liquidity operations and foreign exchange market interventions, to preserve external sector stability without undermining domestic growth prospects.
• Reassessing the Inflation Targeting Framework (FIT): The RBI follows a framework that targets keeping inflation at around 4% (with a margin of 2% above or below). However, rising global uncertainties and supply-side challenges (like climate change and geopolitical issues) make this framework less effective. Malhotra may need to revise this framework, potentially allowing for more flexibility and considering both inflation control and economic growth.
  • In particular, the persistence of supply-side shocks has flattened the Phillips Curve, weakened monetary transmission channels, and complicated the extraction of accurate signals from headline inflation. The reduced efficacy of standard policy levers against predominantly cost-push shocks, coupled with shifts in consumption patterns and digitalisation-induced pricing anomalies, highlights the technical challenges of maintaining rigid, point-based targets in a changing economic landscape.
• Managing Currency Volatility: The Indian rupee has been fluctuating due to global financial instability and other factors. The RBI has tried to stabilize the rupee, but it’s a challenge. Malhotra may need to use strategies like diversifying reserves, promoting trade in currencies other than the dollar, and working with other central banks. While a weaker rupee could help exports by making Indian products cheaper, it also poses risks like higher import costs and pressure on companies with foreign debt.
• Enhancing Financial Inclusion: India has made significant progress in financial inclusion, with over 500 million accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). However, there are still challenges in ensuring these accounts are used effectively, providing better access to credit, and bridging the digital divide. Malhotra will need to support digital banking and ensure that people are well-equipped to use financial services.
• Addressing Climate Risks and Green Finance: Climate change poses risks to the financial system. Malhotra will need to address these risks by promoting "green finance" and encouraging investments in sustainable projects. This might involve offering incentives for green investments, requiring companies to disclose their climate-related risks, and working with other countries on climate stress testing.
• Maintaining Financial Stability: The financial system must be stable to support economic growth. This includes ensuring that non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) are well-regulated, addressing risks related to the growing fintech sector, and preventing any gaps in regulations. Malhotra will need to strengthen the oversight of these institutions and ensure that they don’t pose risks to the broader financial system.

Beijing, in 2015, had an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144, which is similar to Delhi’s AQI of 155 in 2024. However, Beijing has made significant progress in reducing pollution, cutting its levels by one-third between 2013 and 2017. This decline can be attributed to a series of policies and actions taken by Beijing to control air pollution, starting with a long-term plan initiated in 1998.

 Beijing's Pollution Control Efforts (1998-2017):

• Economic Growth and Pollution: By the late 1990s, Beijing’s rapid economic growth led to an increase in energy consumption and pollution, especially from coal used for residential heating.
• The Anti-Pollution Program: Beijing’s pollution control program can be divided into three phases:
  • 1998-2008: Initial steps to address pollution.
  • 2009-2012: Strengthening efforts to target pollution sources.
  • 2013-2017: Aggressive actions, including regional cooperation to combat pollution from neighboring provinces.
• Key Sources of Pollution: Beijing identified three major sources of pollution:
  • Energy and Coal Combustion (22% of PM2.5): Coal-dependent power plants and residential heating.
  • Transportation (31%): Emissions from vehicles.
  • Construction and Industry (33%): Pollution from industrial activities and construction.

Measures Taken:

• Energy & Coal: Beijing renovated power plants to reduce emissions, transitioned to cleaner energy, and eliminated coal used for heating.
• Transportation: Vehicles were retrofitted with diesel filters, old and polluting vehicles were scrapped with subsidies, and public transport (buses and subways) was expanded.
• Industry & Construction: Strict environmental requirements were imposed on industries and construction sites. Polluting factories were closed or renovated, and construction was tightly regulated.
• Regional Cooperation: Between 2013 and 2017, Beijing worked with neighboring provinces to coordinate efforts and reduce pollution in the entire region.
• Financial Commitment: Beijing made large financial investments in pollution control measures, increasing the budget six times over four years. This financial commitment played a key role in the success of the program.

Achievements (2013-2017):

• The pollution control efforts resulted in significant reductions:
  • Sulphur Dioxide: Down by 83%
  • Nitrogen Oxide: Down by 43%
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Down by 42%
  • 5 (particulate matter): Down by 59%

What Delhi Can Learn from Beijing?

• Transport System: Delhi needs a better public transport system, integrating buses and metro services, and offering last-mile connectivity. Old, polluting vehicles must be scrapped, and alternatives like cycling lanes should be introduced.
• Energy Overhaul: Delhi’s electricity comes mainly from coal-fired plants. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as solar power, and offering incentives for rooftop solar panels can help.
• Regional Coordination: Delhi must work with neighboring states (National Capital Region) to reduce pollution originating from these areas, just as Beijing did.
• Public Awareness and Accountability: Delhi’s residents need to demand clean air and hold the government accountable for pollution. The attitude toward poor air quality should change; exposure to pollution, even at moderate levels, can be harmful in the long term.

India's retail inflation in November was at 5.48 per cent as compared to 6.21 per cent logged in October, falling in line with the Reserve Bank of India's 2 to 6 per cent comfort band.

What is Inflation?

• Inflation is the rate at which the prices of goods and services increase over time.
• As prices rise, the purchasing power of money This means with the same amount of money, you can buy fewer goods and services than before.
• Inflation affects the cost of living: when prices rise, people can buy less with the same amount of money, which is particularly tough for households with low or fixed incomes.
• Why does this matter? When inflation rises, the real interest rate goes down, making savings less attractive because the value of your money doesn't grow as much.

Switzerland has announced that it will suspend the most favoured nation (MFN) clause in its double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) with India, starting from January 1, 2025. This decision follows a ruling by the Indian Supreme Court, which declared that the MFN clause does not automatically trigger without a specific notification under the Income Tax Act.

What is the MFN clause?

• The MFN clause is a principle found in international treaties, including tax agreements that ensures equal treatment for all parties involved.
• If one country offers favourable tax rates or conditions to another, it must extend those same benefits to all other countries covered by the treaty.
• In simple words, the MFN clause ensures equal treatment for all parties involved. 
• This clause is designed to guarantee that no country is treated less favourably than any other in trade or taxation matters.
• Impact of the suspension of MFN
  • Higher tax liabilities for Indian companies: Indian companies receiving dividends from Switzerland will face an increased tax burden, as the withholding tax on those dividends will rise to 10 per cent from 5 per cent.
  • Effects on Swiss investments in India: Swiss companies that receive dividends from Indian subsidiaries will continue to face a 10 per cent withholding tax, as this tax rate has always applied under the India-Switzerland DTAA.
  • EFTA investments unaffected: Switzerland's decision is also unlikely to impact investments into India from the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), as these investments are already subject to the 10 per cent withholding tax rate.
  • No change for other DTAA benefits: Indian companies operating in Switzerland will still be able to avail themselves of the other benefits provided under the India-Switzerland DTAA, such as tax relief on royalties and fees for technical services.

The World Malaria Report 2024, released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on December 11, 2024, highlights a concerning increase in global malaria cases and deaths. Here’s a simplified explainer of the report’s key findings:

Global Malaria Trends

• In 2023, the number of malaria cases worldwide surged to 263 million, up from 252 million in 2022. This represents an increase from 226 million cases in 2015.
• Malaria deaths also rose to 597,000 in 2023, compared to 578,000 in 2015. However, this was a slight improvement compared to the 2020 spike, which saw an additional 55,000 deaths due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19
• Africa remains the hardest-hit continent, accounting for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of deaths in 2023. The countries with the highest number of malaria deaths in Africa were Nigeria, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Niger, and Tanzania.
• India’s Malaria Progress
• India has made significant progress in combating malaria. Between 2017 and 2023, the country saw a 69% reduction in malaria cases (from 6.4 million to 2 million) and a 68% reduction in deaths (from 11,100 to 3,500).
• Despite this progress, India still accounted for half of all malaria cases in the WHO South-East Asia Region in 2023, with around 2 million cases. India made significant gains, leading to its official exit from the High Burden High Impact (HBHI) initiative in 2024.

Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, made controversial remarks, which sparked public outrage. His speech has been widely condemned for promoting bigotry and inciting violence, leading to calls for his impeachment. This incident has ignited a wider discussion about judicial accountability, constitutional values, and the role of the judiciary in upholding them.

Justice Yadav’s Remarks and Their Impact

• Speech of Incitement (Incendiary Remarks): Justice Yadav’s speech was described as a direct violation of the constitutional spirit. His words were seen as a call for impunity towards violence, targeting minorities and potentially inciting mob action, exacerbating societal divisions.
• Challenge to the Constitution (Assault on Constitutional Values): The speech undermined the values of justice, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Indian Constitution. It attacked the secular and democratic principles, threatening to harm the collective spirit of the nation and its citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
• Public Outcry and Legal Action (Opposition and Legal Response): The controversial remarks led to an impeachment motion in Parliament, a report being sought by the Supreme Court, and citizens writing to the Chief Justice of India.

The Need for Stronger Judicial Accountability

• Failure of the Allahabad High Court (Inaction by Judicial Authorities): The Allahabad High Court failed to take immediate action, offering no condemnation or censure of his remarks.
• The Bigger Issue (Judicial Conduct and Political Influence): This incident exposes the disturbing reality of the judiciary being influenced by political forces. Justice Yadav’s speech blurred the line between judicial speech and political rhetoric, calling into question the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

The Path Forward for Judicial and Constitutional Integrity

• Need for Public and Judicial Resistance (Rejecting Violent Rhetoric): A stronger public and judicial response is essential to reaffirm the constitutional commitment to a pluralistic, non-denominational India.
• Impeachment Alone is Insufficient (Symbolic Action): While the impeachment motion against Justice Yadav may seem like a step towards justice, it is a symbolic gesture that is unlikely to succeed without a deeper examination of the political dynamics at play and the broader systemic issues in judicial conduct.
• Constitution as a Shared Heritage (Protecting Constitutional Values): The Constitution belongs to all citizens and cannot be treated as the property of a select few, including the judiciary. It is the collective responsibility of every Indian citizen, including judicial figures, to protect the core values of the Constitution and to resist any attempts to distort or undermine them.

Practice Question:

Q. Discuss the implications of a sitting judge's controversial speech that challenges the spirit of the Indian Constitution. What steps should be taken to ensure judicial accountability and uphold the core values of the Constitution?

Recent legal proceedings and political debates have brought to the forefront issues related to religion, places of worship, and the preservation of India's multi-faith and secular fabric. The ongoing attempts to re-examine historical grievances, particularly through the courts, have reignited contentious discussions regarding the interpretation of Article 25 of the Constitution. This has led to debates on the compatibility of such actions with the fundamental principles enshrined in India's Constitution, especially concerning the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, and its role in maintaining communal harmony.

Constitutional Principles and Religious Freedom

• Freedom of Religion (Article 25 of the Constitution): Article 25 guarantees every individual the right to freely practice, profess, and propagate their religion. This ensures that citizens can follow their faith without fear of state interference, thus upholding the dignity of individuals within a pluralistic society.
• Secularism and Multi-Culturalism (The Preamble and Fraternity): The Indian Constitution is built on the principle of secularism, which ensures equal respect for all religions. The Preamble commits to promoting fraternity and unity, emphasizing the importance of coexistence in a diverse society.
• Religious Rights and National Integrity (The Act of 1991): The Act aims to preserve the character of religious sites as they existed in 1947. It underscores the constitutional commitment to maintaining peace and preventing the alteration of religious sites based on historical disputes, ensuring national unity and integrity.

The Controversy over Historical Claims and Legal Actions

• Legal Repercussions of Historical Claims (Court Challenges): Recent petitions challenging the status of places of worship based on historical assertions have stirred controversy. Such claims, often rooted in disputed historical narratives, have led to legal proceedings that risk escalating communal tensions and undermining constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
• The Role of Courts (Uncertainty and Fear): The speed and nature of legal proceedings concerning places of worship have raised concerns about the courts becoming arenas for settling political and religious scores. Such actions may foster uncertainty, fear, and division among citizens, directly conflicting with the values of social harmony.
• Protection of Religious Sites (Article 25 and Legal Precedents): Legal provisions such as the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904, and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, are intended to protect the character of religious sites. These laws align with Article 25 of the Constitution, affirming the protection of places of worship from changes that could provoke societal discord.

Political Implications and Challenges to Constitutional Values

• Politicization of Religion (Majoritarianism and Political Agendas): Efforts to reopen historical grievances and challenge the status quo of religious sites are often linked to political agendas aiming to consolidate religious majorities. Such actions blur the lines between religion and politics, further straining national unity.
• Constitutional Safeguards and Challenges (1989 and 1991 Acts): The enactment of laws like the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act in 1991 was intended to prevent the exploitation of religious sentiments for political purposes. However, continued attempts to challenge these laws suggest a disregard for constitutional safeguards aimed at preserving communal peace and preventing the manipulation of religious identities for electoral gains.
• The Role of the Government and Society (Silence and Responsibility): The perceived silence of the government on these matters has led to a perception of tacit consent for actions that contradict the constitutional principles of secularism and religious freedom. It is crucial that both the state and society reaffirm their commitment to these principles to avoid further erosion of the constitutional values that bind the nation together.

Practice Question:

Q. Examine the constitutional and legal implications of recent efforts to challenge the status of religious sites in India. How do these actions affect the secular and pluralistic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution?

Recent reports, including a study published in Lancet Planetary Health, have highlighted the alarming levels of air pollution in India, ranking its cities among the most polluted globally. The study reveals that air pollution has become a critical health crisis, claiming nearly 1.5 million lives annually, with 82% of the population exposed to levels of pollution that exceed national standards. Despite government efforts to curb air pollution, the situation remains dire, with increasing PM2.5 levels exacerbating health risks.

Health Impact and Pollution Levels

• Prevalence of Air Pollution: Air pollution in India has reached dangerous levels, with no location in the country meeting the World Health Organization’s recommended air quality standards. The presence of high concentrations of PM2.5 significantly impacts public health.
• Health Consequences of PM2.5: Exposure to PM2.5 is linked to serious health conditions, including respiratory diseases, heart attacks, strokes, hypertension, and developmental delays in children. There is direct correlation between rising PM2.5 concentrations and increased mortality rates.
• National and Global Standards: Despite the implementation of air pollution control programs, PM2.5 levels continue to rise. The current national guidelines are insufficient, as the pollution levels exceed both the WHO recommendations and India's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Contributing Factors and Challenges

• Sources of Air Pollution: Key contributors to air pollution include vehicular emissions, industrial activity, and agricultural practices such as crop burning. These factors are particularly pronounced in urban areas and regions in northern and eastern India, where industrial growth and vehicular density are high.
• Weak Enforcement and Lack of Innovation: Despite existing regulations, enforcement remains weak, and compliance with air quality standards is inconsistent. India also faces challenges related to inadequate financing, lack of incentives for clean technologies, insufficient research into sustainable solutions.
• Public Awareness and Industrial Regulations: Low public awareness and the proliferation of unregulated small-scale industries exacerbate the problem.

Solutions and Urgency for Action

• Need for Stricter Regulations: There is urgent need for stricter regulations and better enforcement to curb emissions. Every increase in PM2.5 concentration by 10 micrograms per cubic meter is linked to an 8.6% rise in mortality.
• Promoting Clean Technologies: India must invest in and promote low-carbon technologies, including solar power, wind energy, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cells.
• State-Specific Air Pollution Control Strategies: A one-size-fits-all approach will not work. State-specific pollution control strategies should be developed, taking into account regional sources of pollution and tailored solutions to reduce emissions and improve public health.

Practice Question:

Q. Discuss the major sources of air pollution in India and analyze the challenges faced in controlling it. How can stricter regulations and the promotion of clean technologies help mitigate the health impacts of pollution?