CNA 10 Nov 2022:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT 1. In the hopes for a clear blue sky D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials POLITY 1. Collaborative relationship over Policing in India GOVERNANCE 1. Reservation to EWS F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. Level of groundwater extraction lowest in 18 years, finds study 2. Kerala govt. moves to divest Governor of Chancellor role 3. Centre devises new guidelines for TV channels; broadcast of socially relevant topics compulsory 4. D.Y. Chandrachud takes charge as the 50th Chief Justice of India H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
1. In the hopes for a clear blue sky
Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
Prelims: National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), Air Quality Index (AQI), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Mains: Key reasons for the high pollution levels in Delhi and the evaluation of the measures undertaken to address the issue.
Context: With the onset of the winter season in the country, Delhi is once again witnessing very poor air quality and the city is being covered by a haze of smog.
Image Source: The Hindu
Various measures undertaken in the past to address the issue
- In 1995, the Supreme Court, while hearing a plea about the polluting industries in Delhi by an environmentalist M.C. Mehta, said that Delhi was the fourth most polluted city in the world with respect to the concentration of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the ambient atmosphere according to the World Health Organization’s 1989 report.
- The Apex Court further pointed out two main polluting factors namely the vehicles and industries and had also ordered the closedown and relocation of about 1,300 highly-polluting industries away from Delhi’s residential areas in a phased manner.
- Later in 1996, the Centre for Science and Environment published a report about Delhi’s air pollution which resulted in the Supreme Court (SC) issuing a notice to the Delhi government to come up with an “action plan” to curb pollution.
- After the Delhi government submitted an action plan, the Supreme Court acknowledged that there was a need for technical assistance in decision-making and implementation of its orders and sought the then Ministry of Environment and Forests to establish an authority for Delhi which led to the establishment of the Environmental Pollution Control Authority of Delhi NCR (EPCA) in 1998.
- The EPCA submitted a report which also had a two-year action plan following which the SC directed the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus fleet, autos and taxis to shift to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
- During the late 1990s and early 2000s a series of measures were undertaken such as phasing out of leaded petrol, removal of 15 and 17-year-old commercial vehicles, a restriction of 55,000 on the number of two-stroke engine auto rickshaws and conversion of coal-based power plants to gas-based plants.
- Further, the Centre set up a network of monitoring stations under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) to measure key pollutants and pollutants like PM10, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides were measured under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) as specified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
Know more about – Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
Trends in the pollution levels
- The NAAQS was revised in 2009 to cover 12 more categories of pollutants including PM2.5.
- Particulate Matter or PM is mainly generated due to fuel combustion from different sources such as transport, energy, households, industry and agriculture.
- PM2.5 is the particulate matter with a diameter under 2.5 microns and is said to be a noxious pollutant as it can penetrate into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream causing severe cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
- As per the revised NAAQS, the acceptable annual limit for PM2.5 is 40 micrograms/cubic metre (ug/m3) and 60 ug/m3 for PM10.
- However, it is to be noted that the WHO standards prescribe an accepted annual average of 5 ug/m3 for PM2.5 and 15 ug/m3 for PM10.
- As per a study by UrbanEmissions.Info on PM2.5 concentration from 1998 to 2020 at a pan-India level, Delhi was found to be the most polluted of all States/UTs each year.
- The study also noted that Delhi’s yearly PM2.5 levels rose by about 40% from 80 g/m3 to 111 g/m3.
- Additionally, a study by the U.S.-based Health Effects Institute which analysed data between 2010 and 2019, also said that Delhi was the most polluted city in the world in terms of PM2.5 levels.
- During the winter season of 2016, Delhi experienced one of its worst-ever pollution-induced smog, with PM2.5 and PM10 levels crossing the 999 ug/m3 in a few areas of Delhi.
- The SC asked the Delhi and NCR authorities to devise a plan to deal with the air pollution, and the MoEFCC in 2017 announced the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which highlighted the importance of coordination between various agencies to implement pollution control measures and increase the Air Quality Index (AQI) levels.
Reasons for high pollution in Delhi
- As per the Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s (DPCC) 2019 report by experts from IIT Delhi and Madras, high concentrations of air pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone in Delhi were attributed to:
- Rapid increase in the population: As of 2011, the population of Delhi and NCR region stand at 25.8 million which accounts for 7.6% of India’s urban population.
- Delhi has witnessed a population growth from 1.378 crore in 2001 to 1.678 crore in 2011.
- Further, the population density increased from 9,340 persons per sq km in 2001 to 11,320 persons per sq km in 2011.
- Industrialisation and urbanisation: Despite the relocation of polluting industries away from Delhi, the Delhi-NCR region still remains one of the biggest clusters of small-scale industries.
- Increase in the number of private vehicles: The number of registered vehicles in Delhi has increased from about 4.2 million motor vehicles in 2004 to about 10.9 million by 2018.
- Rapid increase in the population: As of 2011, the population of Delhi and NCR region stand at 25.8 million which accounts for 7.6% of India’s urban population.
- According to UrbanEmissions.Info, the percentage of vehicular exhaust causing PM2.5 pollution has increased by about 30%, the soil and road dust by 20%, biomass burning by 20%, industries by 15%, diesel generators by 10%, power plants by 5% and the percentage of pollution from outside Delhi’s urban airshed due to practices like stubble burning in neighbouring States has also increased by about 30%.
Evaluation of the measures undertaken and the way forward
- Various studies have revealed that the policy approach and measures undertaken both by the Union and State authorities over the years have been fragmented and reactive.
- Measures such as the shift to CNG have not yielded the intended results as the levels of SPM and PM10 dropped marginally whereas the carbon monoxide levels have increased.
- The SC’s restriction on two-stroke auto rickshaws also has not been successful as it impeded the sector’s growth, led to black marketing of permits and increase in the number of private vehicles.
- Experts have also highlighted loopholes in policies such as the odd-even vehicular rationing rule applying only to private passenger vehicles which accounted for very few emissions and heavy freight vehicles which caused largescale pollution were left out.
- Experts suggest that coordinated actions have to be initiated which take into account Delhi’s waste management to reduce air pollution as the accumulation of waste and overflowing landfills have led to the practice of burning waste around residential areas.
- Further, airshed management, improved machinery subsidies from the government and alternatives to crop burning are seen as viable solutions to address the problems of stubble burning in the neighbouring States of Delhi.
Nut graf: As Delhi experiencing high pollution levels in winter months has become an annually recurring phenomenon, experts opine that it is important to realise that a large proportion of the polluting sources are present all around the year which is only aggravated due to unfavourable meteorological conditions in winter months and thus stop-gap and seasonal approaches must be done away with as they yield unsatisfactory results.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. Collaborative relationship over Policing in India
Syllabus: Issues & Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure
Mains: Competition and Collaboration that shapes the nature of federation in India
Context: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) recently conducted searches across Tamil Nadu in connection with the Coimbatore car blast case.
Introduction:
- On October 23, 2022, an LPG cylinder exploded inside a car in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The explosion occurred near the Kottai Eswaran temple, killing a 25-year-old man, identified as Jameza Mubin.
- The Tamil Nadu State government transferred the case to the National Investigation Agency on October 27, 2022.
- NIA had questioned the deceased Mubin in 2019 for his connection with Mohammad Azharuddin who is currently in jail for the deadly Easter Sunday bombing in Sri Lanka in 2019.
- Various sections of society including Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi expressed disappointment that the case was handed over to the NIA four days after the incident.
- The State Director General of Police (DGP) justified the time delay as they had to do the preliminary investigation to facilitate an NIA takeover.
Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s vision of Policing:
- The first Home Minister of independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel placed great value on professional policing.
- He insisted on an elitist and well-trained corps such as the Indian Police Service (IPS) which worked alongside the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) to bring professionalism to policing.
- Despite being under immense pressure from various sections, including his own Congress party, to disband both the Indian Civil Service and the Indian Police Service, as a distinguished and astute visionary, he was steadfast in his belief.
- Despite all their faults, the two all-India services have been a cementing force and have greatly contributed to establishing nationally accepted standards of governance, especially in the area of law and order.
- India as a country with its vastness and diversity will need objective policing by a highly trained police force.
Issues with cooperation between states and the centre in policing:
- There is some conflict between the Ministry of Home Affairs and some States over utilising talent in the IPS and the sharing of resources available in the States.
- Issues in personnel management have occasionally affected administration in the Centre and States.
- There are also frequent spats between States and the Centre over the use or alleged misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- Action by a few States to withdraw consent to the CBI to function in a State smacks of politics and vindictiveness diminishing the fight against public servant graft.
- Petty squabbling reduces the exchange of ideas and attenuates the police response to difficult situations that require police assistance.
- Entry 2, List II of the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution puts ‘Police’ in the State list, implying that all matters relating to police will be adjudicated upon by the State Government.
- The ramifications of the politically-driven policing process are nothing but a challenge to fairness and equality and implicitly a sham on the principles of natural justice.
Changes needed in this regard:
- In the constitutional scheme of things, the all-India services were the glue between the Centre and the states.
- Although ‘Police’ is a State subject, the Union government has a say in the matters of training and technology which greatly contribute to sharpening police ability to combat terrorism and other major public disturbances.
- The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy in Hyderabad is a world-class institution that has resources and professional excellence which are generously available to State police forces.
- Political leadership must work towards promoting a free exchange of talent and resources between the centre and the States.
- Examination of the standard operating procedures in place, the identification of lacunae and the initiation of corrective measures are necessary to expedite the cases.
- The Centre and states share a collaborative relationship. There will be situations that demand large numbers of well-trained policemen.
- The Centre can pitch in with support from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
- Outfits such as the Border Security Force (BSF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) can also work in tandem with the State Police.
- Therefore, the centre and State administrations must stop squabbling and explore how best to forge a strong camaraderie in Policing.
Read about Police reforms in India.
Nut Graf: Policing is a collaborative effort. Recent events with respect to Tamil Nadu State Police and NIA after the Coimbatore car blast show that there is still conflict between the Home Affairs Ministry and some States over utilising talent in the police and the sharing of resources. While the needs of state police agencies and Central police organisations may be different and unique, ultimately, they must serve the common goal of securing India.
Syllabus: Government Policies & Interventions for Development
Mains: Various Criteria for Reservation in India
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the validity of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment which provides 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Introduction:
- The Supreme Court, by a majority view of 3:2, upheld the validity of the 103rd amendment to the Constitution providing 10 per cent reservation to people belonging to economically weaker sections (EWS) among forward castes in education and government jobs.
- The majority view stated that the law on reservation for EWS does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution and reservation in addition to the existing reservation does not violate provisions of the Constitution.
- Reservations for EWS do not violate the basic structure on account of the 50% ceiling limit fixed by the Mandal Commission because the ceiling limit is not inflexible.
- It also opined that reservation is instrumental not just for the inclusion of socially and economically backward classes into society but also for classes so disadvantaged.
- The Minority View of the judgement held that the reservations were designed as a powerful tool to enable equal access. Introduction of economic criteria and excluding Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes, saying they had these pre-existing benefits is injustice and it discriminates against the equality code and violates basic structure.
- Permitting the breach of the 50% ceiling limit would become “a gateway for further infractions and result in compartmentalization (division into sections).”
Social backwardness:
- In 2015, the Supreme Court (SC) rejected the notification issued by the Union Government to include Jats in the Central list of Other Backward Classes (OBC) for the benefit of reservation.
- In its judgement, the court laid down new norms for the identification of backward classes for benefits of reservation and redefined the concept of affirmative action by the state.
- The Court also held that caste, while acknowledged to be a prominent cause of injustice in the country historically, could not be the sole determinant of backwardness. New practices, methods and yardsticks have to be continuously evolved moving away from the caste-centric definition of backwardness.
- According to the Supreme Court, “social backwardness” does not constitute mere educational or economic backwardness, but it “is a distinct concept” that emerges from multiple circumstances ranging from the social and cultural, to economic, educational and even political.
- The Court conceded that caste may be a prominent factor for ‘easy determination of backwardness’, but its judgement discouraged “the identification of a group as backward solely on the basis of caste” and called for “new practices, methods and yardsticks” to be evolved.
- Citing its own decision to recognise transgenders as a distinct community with justiciable rights, the Court congratulated itself for identifying a form of social backwardness that had nothing to do with caste or class, in determining their eligibility for government benefits.
Implications of the 2015 Judgement:
- The Court’s judgement created a complicated problem for policy-makers on what constitutes “social backwardness”.
- The Supreme Court rejected caste, self-perception of backwardness of a caste as the basis of identity for reservation.
- The Court, drawing a line between ‘past’ and ‘emerging’ forms of backwardness, advanced the presumption of the “progressive advancement of all citizens on all fronts, i.e., social, economic and educational” making history an insufficient guide.
- The Government has not yet come up with new criteria to decide ‘Social backwardness’ for the application of reservation. With the recent judgement on EWS which includes poverty as a cause of discrimination, the question of ‘Social backwardness’ gains significance.
Read more on the Constitutional examination of reservations and its analysis
NutGraf: A five-judge constitution bench recently upheld the validity of the Constitutional Amendment which provides a 10% reservation for the Economically Weaker Sections. This brings the focus on the Supreme Court’s 2015 judgement which laid down new norms for the identification of backward classes for benefits of reservation and redefined the concept of affirmative action by the state.
F. Prelims Facts
Nothing here for today!!!
G. Tidbits
1. Level of groundwater extraction lowest in 18 years, finds study
- As per the assessment made by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), groundwater extraction in the country has seen an 18-year decline. Further, an overall decrease in the number of over-exploited units and a decrease in the stage of groundwater extraction level have also been reported.
- According to the 2022 assessment report, the total annual groundwater recharge for the country is 437.6 billion cubic metres (bcm) and annual groundwater extraction for the entire country is 239.16 bcm.
- In 2020, annual groundwater recharge was 436 bcm and extraction 245 bcm and in 2017, recharge was 432 bcm and extraction 249 bcm.
- The groundwater extraction in 2022 has been the lowest since 2004, when it was 231 bcm.
- Further, the report has categorised only 1,006 units as “over-exploited” out of 7,089 assessment units.
- The analysis reveals that the increase in groundwater recharge has been mainly due to the increase in recharge from canal seepage, return flow of irrigation water and recharges from water bodies/tanks and water conservation structures.
2. Kerala govt. moves to divest Governor of Chancellor role
Image Source: The Hindu
- The Kerala government has decided to remove the Governor of the State as the Chancellor of State University and has sought to replace him with “renowned academic experts”.
- By proposing an ordinance replacing the Governor with eminent academics in the post of university Chancellor Kerala government has formally joined the club of Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and West Bengal.
- The State Cabinet noted that the Punchhi Commission set up in 2007 had recommended that State governments desist from burdening Governors with the Chancellor’s role and said that the government will go to any extent to insulate the jurisdictional autonomy of universities from Governor’s trespasses.
- According to experts, universities are a State subject under entry 32 of the Constitution. Thus, the State Cabinet has the power to bring an ordinance on this matter and the UGC which decides the quality of the universities are silent on the role of Chancellors.
Read more about – Role of the Governor as Chancellor of Universities
3. Centre devises new guidelines for TV channels; broadcast of socially relevant topics compulsory
- The Union Cabinet approved new guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of TV channels, under which all stations having permission must have to broadcast content on issues of national importance and social relevance for at least 30 minutes every day.
- The guidelines exempt foreign channels and sports channels as it is not feasible to broadcast such content.
- Acknowledging that airwaves or frequencies are considered public properties and are to be used in the best interest of society, the guidelines have listed eight themes as national importance and social relevance which include:
- Education and literacy; science and technology; agriculture and rural development; welfare of women; welfare of the weaker sections of society; health and family welfare; protection of environment and cultural heritage; and national integration.
- These guidelines will replace the existing ones operational since 2011 and would ease the issue of permission to the companies and limited liability partnership (LLP) firms registered in India for uplinking-downlinking of TV channels and associated activities.
- Further, the requirement to seek permission for the live telecast of events has been removed and only prior registration of events would be necessary for live telecast.
- Also, prior permission would not be required for a change of language or conversion of the mode of transmission such as Standard Definition to High Definition as only prior intimation would now suffice.
4. D.Y. Chandrachud takes charge as the 50th Chief Justice of India
- Justice Dhananjaya Yashwant Chandrachud was sworn in as the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI) by President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
- Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud is known for his description of dissent as the “safety valve of democracy”, and for being part of several Constitution Benches which have delivered landmark verdicts such as the Ayodhya land dispute judgement and K.S. Puttaswamy judgement which upheld the right to privacy as a Fundamental Right.
- He was also part of the Benches that delivered path-breaking judgments on striking down the parts of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (decriminalising same-sex relations), the validity of the Aadhaar scheme and the Sabarimala issue.
- Justice D.Y. Chandrachud will serve as CJI for a term of two years and his father, Y.V. Chandrachud is known for being the longest-serving CJI as held the position from February 22, 1978, to July 11, 1985.
For information about this topic refer to the following article: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis dated 20 Oct 2022
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to ‘Vikram-S’:(Level – Difficult)
- It is India’s first privately developed launch vehicle.
- It is a three-stage sub-orbital launch vehicle.
- It uses a single-piece, fully 3D-printed second-stage rocket engine powered by semi-cryogenic fuel.
How many of the given statements is/are INCORRECT?
- One statement only
- Two statements only
- All three statements
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, Vikram-S is India’s first privately developed launch vehicle.
- Statement 2 is not correct, the Vikram-S rocket is a single-stage sub-orbital launch vehicle.
- Statement 3 is not correct, At present, the Vikram rockets are being developed in such a way that they use solid and cryogenic fuels and are capable of carrying about 290 kg to 560 kg payloads to sun-synchronous polar orbits.
- Chennai-headquartered spacetech start-up named Agnikul Cosmos has recently announced that it has successfully test-fired the world’s first single-piece, fully 3D printed, second-stage rocket engine powered by semi-cryogenic fuel, Agnilet.
Q2. Possession and sale of which of the following is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act and CITES? (Level – Difficult)
- Magra wool
- Pashmina
- Shahtoosh
- Chokla wool
Options:
- 2 and 3 only
- 3 and 4 only
- 1, 2 and 4 only
- 3 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Shahtoosh is a fine undercoat fibre obtained from the Tibetan Antelope locally known as “Chiru”, a species living mainly in the northern parts of the Changthang Plateau in Tibet.
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora) included the Tibetan Antelope in 1979 as commercial poaching of the animal has led to a decline in their population which has led to prohibition in the sale and trade of Shahtoosh shawls and scarves.
- The antelope is provided protection under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Prevention) Act.
Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to earthquake waves: (Level – Medium)
- Surface waves are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions travelling through the body of the earth.
- Primary waves are similar to sound waves and pass through gaseous, liquid and solid materials.
- Secondary waves can travel only through solid and liquid materials.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One statement only
- Two statements only
- All three statements
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is not correct, Body waves are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions travelling through the body of the earth.
- Statement 2 is correct, Primary waves are similar to sound waves and pass through gaseous, liquid and solid materials.
- Statement 3 is not correct, Secondary waves can travel only through solid materials.
Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS): (Level – Medium)
- NAAQS are standards for air quality that are set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that are applicable all over the country.
- The compliance of the NAAQS is monitored under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
- The measurement of air quality for NAAQS is based on the eight pollutants.
How many of the given statements is/are correct?
- One statement only
- Two statements only
- All three statements
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is correct, National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are standards for air quality that are set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) that are applicable all over the country.
- Statement 2 is correct, The compliance of the NAAQS is monitored under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) which is implemented by the CPCB.
- Statement 3 is not correct, The measurement of air quality for NAAQS is based on 12 pollutants.
Q5. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to (Level – Easy) PYQ-2016
- Constitutional reforms
- Ganga Action Plan
- Linking of rivers
- Protection of Western Ghats
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
- Gadgil Committee Report and Kasturirangan Committee Report are both related to the protection of the Western Ghats.
Read more about – Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Critically analyze the role of the Governors of states as the Chancellors of Universities. (250 words; 15 marks)(GS-2; Polity)
- Although ‘Police’ is a state subject, cooperative federalism between the centre and state is essential for its effective working. Comment. (250 words; 15 marks)(GS-2; Governance)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 10 Nov 2022:- Download PDF Here
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