MINISTERIAL MEETING OF IPEF
In News, why?
The recent second Ministerial Meeting of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) demonstrated the tremendous advancements made in promoting economic cooperation among member nations in the Indo-Pacific region. High-level officials met virtually at this event, which was hosted by the US, to discuss the framework’s four pillars and the ongoing negotiations surrounding each one.
What were the meeting’s main highlights?
The first-of-its-kind international IPEF Supply Chain Agreement, which is part of Pillar II of the framework and aims to improve supply chains’ resilience, efficiency, productivity, sustainability, transparency, diversification, security, fairness, and inclusivity, was announced as having reached a significant conclusion at the meeting. The summit also provided updates on the other IPEF Pillars, including Infrastructure, Clean Energy, and Decarbonization (Pillar III), Fair and Resilient Trade (Pillar I), and Tax and Anti-Corruption (Pillar IV). During the meeting, certain IPEF partners announced a regional hydrogen project to promote the wide-scale use of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen and its derivatives in the area under Pillar III.
Describe IPEF.
About:
It is a US-led project that intends to expand economic ties between participating nations in order to improve the Indo-Pacific region’s competitiveness, fairness, inclusion, and resilience. On May 23, 2022, in Tokyo, the USA and other Indo-Pacific region partners jointly launched IPEF.
Members:
Australia, Brunei, Fiji, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam are among the nations that participate.
Trade, or Pillar I:
focuses on improving trade cooperation among IPEF partner nations. promotes regional prosperity, peace, and economic success. India holds observer status in Pillar I of IPEF but has joined Pillars II through IV.
Resilience of the supply chain (Pillar II):
aims to strengthen supply networks’ robustness, integration, and resilience. emphasises teamwork and crisis management strategies to reduce disruptions. focuses on enhancing connectivity, logistics, and investments in important areas. aims to improve worker roles through programmes to re- and up-skill.
Clean economy (third pillar)
is to foster collaboration on climate-friendly technology and clean energy sources. focuses on the study, creation, marketing, and application of renewable energy. promotes funding for climate-related initiatives in the Indo-Pacific region.
Economic Justice (Pillar IV):
focuses on putting in place efficient tax and anti-corruption procedures. demonstrates India’s significant improvements to its legal and administrative systems for tackling corruption. commitment to putting UNCAC (United Nations Convention against Corruption) and FATF (Financial Action Task Force) standards into practise.
Origin: PIB
SINGAPORE-INDIA RELATIONS
In News, why?
Recently, the Union Education Minister of India travelled to Singapore for three days with the intention of fostering current relationships and examining possibilities for expanding bilateral involvement in education and skill development.
What were the meeting’s main highlights?
The Union Education Minister visited Spectra Secondary School and met with several important Singaporean government ministers. It includes a fruitful discussion with Singapore’s DPM and Finance Minister to discuss enhancing collaboration and emphasising skill development. The focus of the discussion was on developing possibilities for lifelong learning, developing a workforce prepared for the future, and establishing knowledge and skill development as a crucial tenet of strategic collaboration. The minister emphasised the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which places a strong emphasis on vocational education, training that is relevant to the job market, and the integration of a skills qualifications framework with a higher education qualification framework. The Minister emphasised the importance of adapting Singapore’s best practises to India’s needs through collaboration.
How are relations between India and Singapore?
Background:
India and Singapore have long-standing ties that have their roots in mutually beneficial trade, cultural exchanges, and human interactions. Sir Stamford Raffles, who in 1819 founded a trade post in Singapore along the Straits of Malacca and later made it a crown colony that was ruled from Kolkata until 1867, is credited with forging the more contemporary relationship. In 1965, India was among the first nations to recognise Singapore after its independence.
Economic and trade cooperation:
One of India’s top ASEAN trading and investment partners, Singapore accounted for 27.3% of our total trade with ASEAN in the years 2021–2022. Singapore is also the country from which most FDI flows into India. Singapore has invested roughly 136.653 billion into India over the past 20 years, which makes up almost 23% of all FDI inflows. India and Singapore signed the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in 2005. The India-Singapore Business Forum and the India-Singapore CEOs Forum are only two examples of the numerous trade and investment promotion projects that India and Singapore have worked on together. In order to facilitate quicker remittances between the two nations, Singapore’s PayNow and India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) were recently connected.
Cooperation in Security and Defence:
Both nations have similar worries about Indo-Pacific maritime security and regional stability. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations, they upgraded their partnership to a strategic one in 2015. In order to strengthen its defence connections, they have also signed a number of agreements, including the Naval Cooperation Agreement (2017) and the Defence Cooperation Agreement (2003).
Military Training:
Maritime: SIMBEX
Aviation: SINDEX
Bold Kurukshetra, army
Cooperation in Science, Technology, and Education:
The DST-CII India-Singapore Technology Summit’s 28th iteration took place in February 2022. In the areas of AI, IoT, fintech, healthcare, biotech, green mobility, logistic and supply chain solutions, smart manufacturing, and sustainable urban development, it highlighted partnership between India and Singapore. In 2011, ISRO also launched the first microsatellite made in Singapore. Singapore is considering working with India to develop public digital infrastructure along the lines of a system for a national identification, similar to Aadhaar. Integration of Singapore’s “Proxtera” (the world’s digital hub for MSME ecosystems) and India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is another potential opportunity. Cultural and People-to-People Ties: Both nations have a rich history of cultural diversity, linguistic affinity, and religious harmony. Of Singapore’s 3.9 million residents, or 9.1%, or around 3.5 lakh, are of Indian ethnicity. They have made a substantial contribution to Singapore’s economic growth, social structure, and cultural diversity. The 25th anniversary of the ASEAN-India Partnership was celebrated at the ASEAN-India Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) with the theme “Ancient Route, New Journey” from January 6-7, 2018 in Singapore.
Infrastructure Development Collaboration:
India’s objectives of sustainable development and the creation of smart cities are aligned with Singapore’s capabilities in infrastructure development, smart cities, and urban planning. Construction of industrial parks, airports, and urban infrastructure have all been aggressively undertaken in India by Singaporean businesses.
Questions from the previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Exam (PYQ)
- Think about the following pairs:
Organization’s Headquarter’s Location
- Japanese Development Bank
- Singapore Economic Cooperation, Asia-Pacific
- Bangkok: Association of South East Asian Nations
Which of the aforementioned pairs is/are matched correctly?
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) 2 only
just (c) 2 and 3
(d) 3 only
Ans: (b)
- Which of the following cities in South-East Asia appear in the right order as one moves northward? (2014)
- Bangkok
- Hanoi
- Jakarta
- Singapore
Using the code below, choose the right response:
(a) 4 – 2 – 1 – 3
(b) 3 – 2 – 4 – 1
(c) 3 – 4 – 1 – 2
(d) 4 – 3 – 2 – 1
Ans: (c)
Origin: PIB
EU-INDIA PARTNERSHIP ON CLEAN ENERGY AND CLIMATE
In News, why?
The EU-India Clean Energy and Climate Partnership was discussed in a meeting between the Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy from the Government of India and the Executive Vice President of the European Green Deal from the European Union.
The European Green Deal: What is it?
The European Green Deal aims to make the EU into a cutting-edge, resource-effective, and competitive economy by:
By 2050, there will be no net greenhouse gas emissions.
Economic development and resource use are no longer linked
There are no people or places left behind.
The European Green Deal will be funded with a third of the €1.8 trillion investments from the EU’s seven-year budget and the Next Generation EU Recovery Plan.
What are the Meet’s Main Highlights?
Partnership between the EU and India on Clean Energy and Climate:
The meeting’s main topic was cooperation in the fields of energy storage, energy efficiency, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and energy supply chain diversification on a worldwide scale.
Expansion of renewable energy capacity:
India emphasised its initiatives to increase renewable energy production, which included setting up factories for cutting-edge solar cells and panels. The ability to manufacture the most cutting-edge solar cells and panels is growing, and by 2030, 80 GW will be available.
Energy storage and continuous renewable energy:
India wants to introduce bids for additional storage capacity and has already started a proposal for Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for energy storage because it recognises the necessity for energy storage to enable 24-hour renewable energy supply. India highlighted its pilot project for continuous renewable energy that uses hydrogen and ammonia as storage, along with other cooperative pilots with the EU in fields like Green Steel and other cutting-edge technology.
Free trade and green hydrogen
India warned against protectionism and emphasised the significance of free and open commerce for the transition to green hydrogen. mentioned India’s intention to boost its capacity for producing electrolysers as well as impending PLI bids in that regard.
Targets for global energy efficiency:
The Executive Vice President of the European Green Deal praised India for its innovation in energy efficiency and renewable sources. Both parties discussed the need to establish global energy efficiency targets and bring the energy efficiency agenda to the fore.
Green mobility with Grid-Scale Battery Storage Systems
Battery collaboration prospects, particularly for green mobility and grid-scale storage, were investigated. By 2030, the majority of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and a sizeable number of four-wheelers are anticipated to be green, with India aiming to hold a sizable market share in the green mobility sector.
Detoxifying Access to Energy and Agriculture:
India wants to transition away from using chemical fertilisers in agriculture, according to the power minister. The topic of global population access to electricity, particularly in Africa, was explored. A cooperation between the EU, ISA, Africa, and India was recommended to address this issue. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was emphasised for its work providing sustainable energy to areas without access.
What is Clean Energy and Climate Partnership between the EU and India?
About:
The EU-India Summit in 2016 resulted in the agreement of the India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership. It is funded by the EU Partnership Instrument and administered by the EU Delegation in India. This project is being implemented in collaboration with PricewaterhouseCoopers Private Limited (PwC India), NIRAS A/S, EUROCHAMBRES, and the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW).
Objective:
By stepping up collaborative initiatives for the deployment of climate-friendly energy sources, such as solar and wind energy, it seeks to strengthen cooperation on clean energy and the execution of the Paris Agreement. Focusing on Energy Efficiency (EE), Renewable Energy (RE), and Climate Change (CC) is expected to help reach the goal.
Areas of Focus
Efficiency in Energy:
Building energy efficiency regulations (ECBC)
Buildings with almost zero energy (nZEB)
SRI, or the Smart Readiness Indicator
Sustainable Energy:
Powerful Solar PV
rooftop solar power
Coastal Wind
Energy Reserves
emerald hydrogen
Changing Climate:
Adaptation
Mitigation
Cooling, such as the use of a cold chain
Information Management
Others:
Modern Grid
Sustainable Investment
Questions from the previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Exam (PYQ)
Q.1 Take into account the following claims: (2023)
The “Trade and Technology Council” was recently established by the United States of America (USA) and the European Union (EU).
The USA and the EU assert that they are attempting to restrict technical advancement and physical productivity through this.
Regarding the aforementioned claims, which of the following is true?
(a) Both Statements I and II are true, and Statement II provides the appropriate justification for Statement I.
(a) While both Statements I and II are true, Statement II is not the proper justification for Statement I.
(c) While Statement-I is true, Statement-II is false.
(d) While Statement-I is false, Statement-II is true.
Exp: (c)
The Trade and Technology Council was recently established by the United States of America and the European Union.
The European Union and the United States can coordinate their responses to important global trade, economic, and technological challenges in the EU-US Trade and Technology Council. This forum also helps to strengthen transatlantic trade and economic ties based on these common ideals. It was created during the EU-US Summit that took place in Brussels on June 15, 2021. As a result, statement 1 is true. Focusing on topics like artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and information and communication technology services, the US and EU addressed TTC work.
The EU and the US are cooperating through the Council to:
As we defend our shared principles, we must ensure that trade and technology help societies and economy.
bolster their industrial and technical leadership
Increase bilateral investment and trade
As a result, assertion 2 is untrue.
Q.2 Take into account the following claims: (2023)
‘Stability and Growth Pact’ is a contract that the European Union
- limitations on the level of the European Union’s member nations’ budgetary deficit
- makes the European Union’s member states share their infrastructure facilities
- permits the European Union’s member nations to exchange technologies
How many of the aforementioned claims are true?
One only (a)
(b) Two only
- c) All three
(d) None
Exp: (a)
The European Monetary Union (EMU) member states’ public debt and fiscal deficits are constrained by the Stability and Growth Pact, a political agreement. As a result, statement 1 is true.
The European Union Stability and Trade Pact does not contain any provisions relating to the sharing of infrastructure and technology. These guidelines are intended to ensure sound management of public finances within the EMU in order to prevent one Member State’s reckless budgetary policies from escalating and undermining the economic stability of the entire euro area.
As a result, statements 2 and 3 are untrue.
Origin: PIB
NEW GUIDELINES FROM CPCB FOR INDIA’S STONE CRUSHING INDUSTRY
In News, why?
It has long been known that stone crushing operations are a significant source of fugitive dust emissions and severe air pollution. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has released the Environmental Guidelines for Stone Crushing Units in response to the growing concern. The recommendations issued by the non-profit Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), which has its headquarters in New Delhi, are in line with the principles.
What are the main guidelines that the CPCB released?
The CPCB recommendations cover a range of topics related to stone crushing, including source emissions, product storage, transportation, water use, and regulatory compliance. The following are some of the guidelines’ important components:
Before beginning operations, stone crushers shall acquire permission from the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to create and operate (CTO). The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986’s emission standards, and the criteria outlined in the CTO by the relevant SPCB/PCC, must be complied with by stone crushing units. To limit the dust emissions from crushing, loading, and unloading operations, they should install sufficient pollution control equipment, such as dust suppression systems, covers, screens, and sprinklers. To avoid windblown dust, they should also store their goods in protected spaces or silos. The stone crushers must use water wisely, guarantee its availability and quality, buy their raw materials legally, and keep accurate records of their business dealings.
In order to regularly conduct surprise inspections for surveillance of stone crushing units located within their authority, a District Level Committee will be established under the direction of the District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner. The stone crusher should conduct a worker health survey every six months.
What Problem Does a Stone Crushing Unit Cause?
About:
One of India’s main causes of air pollution is from stone crushing plants. Crushed stone produced by these machines is utilised as a raw material in a variety of construction projects. The health of the workers and others nearby is impacted by the large amount of dust that is produced during the stone crushing operation. Additionally, stone mining is related to this activity and worsens the environment.
Recent Occurrences:
In December 2022, the Haryana government proposed loosening the requirements for new stone crushers to be built close to residential areas. Environmentalists objected to this because they thought it would harm air quality and have an impact on farmers. According to a CSE study dated June 2023, several stone crushers in India were allegedly operating without SPCB approval or environmental certification. The report also made a point of the fact that the majority of these units lacked sufficient pollution control mechanisms or monitoring systems.
How to Fix the Problem:
Under the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), the Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) Authority (EPCA) prohibited the operation of stone crushing units, along with brick kilns and hot mix plants. GRAP outlines the steps that several government organisations would take to stop the deterioration of Delhi-NCR’s air quality and keep PM10 and PM2.5 levels from exceeding the’moderate’ national Air Quality Index (AQI) category. Researchers from Pune University conducted a study in May 2023 that showed a model stone crushing facility there had effectively implemented pollution control measures and cut its dust emissions by 90%. According to the study, other stone crushers in India might follow the lead of similar plants.
The Central Pollution Control Board: What Is It?
The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which was passed in September 1974, authorised the creation of the CPCB as a statutory body. Additionally, the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 gave the CPCB the authority and responsibility to carry out its duties. It is India’s top organisation for preventing pollution and protecting the environment. It collaborates with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and other organisations and works under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The CPCB is divided into several sections that handle various facets of pollution control, including management of air quality, water quality, hazardous waste, environmental assessment, laboratory services, information technology, and public involvement.
Conclusion
While the CPCB rules cover a number of essential pollution control features, some still need modification. The rules do not address solitary stone crushers’ noise emissions or when they should operate, which frequently annoy and upset neighbours. Furthermore, it is crucial to direct SPCBs to adequately enforce the guidelines and to provide stone crushers precise deadlines to follow the rules.
Questions from the previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Exam (PYQ)
Prelims
Which of the following atmospheric gases are typically taken into account when determining the value of the Air Quality Index in the cities of our nation? (2016)
- Dioxide of carbon
- a type of gas
- Oxygen monoxide
- sulphate of sulphur
- Methane
Using the code below, choose the right response:
(A) Only 1, 2, and 3
(b) Only 2, 3, and 4
(c) Only 1, 4, and 5
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Ans: (b)
Mains
Identify the main aspects of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) newly announced updated Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs). What has changed since the last update in 2005? What adjustments to India’s National Clean Air Programme are necessary to meet the new requirements? (2021)
Author: DTE
INDIA’S GROWING CHESS POPULARITY
In News, why?
Chess, which was formerly thought of as a speciality game, is now rapidly gaining popularity in India. The sport is gaining popularity around the world thanks to an increasing number of devoted followers and outstanding athletes. The Sharjah masters International Chess Championship 2023 was just won by GM Arjun Erigaisi.
Note:
An annual chess competition, the Sharjah Master’s International Chess Championship is held at the Sharjah Cultural and Chess Club in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Its goals are to promote chess as a sport and a cultural activity in Sharjah and the surrounding area, as well as to give chess players a chance to compete and advance their skills.
What are the Motivating Factors for Chess’ Popularity in India?
Outstanding Indian athletes:
Arjun Erigaisi (world No. 37), D. Gukesh (world No. 18), and R. Young Indian chess players Nihal Sarin and Praggnanandhaa are both ranked in the top 64 and 47 in the world, respectively. The fact that India is ranked No. 2 in the world in terms of chess shows how dominant the nation is in the game. The next generation of Indian players is mentored by five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand.
On the international stage, success:
The outstanding results of Indian chess players at the world level have boosted the popularity of the game there. Talented players have emerged and there are many gifted teenagers, which has increased interest in the game. Chennai hosted the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022. The famous contest, which has been held annually since 1927, is being held in Asia for the first time in 30 years and for the first time in India.
The growth of chess academies
The founding of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy has been essential in fostering emerging talent and offering it direction. The quality of Indian chess has improved as a result of Viswanathan Anand’s participation in coaching talented players. Chess training centres and academies have made it possible for young fans to improve their game.
Increasing Media Attention and Audience Engagement
The Chess Olympiad and Tata Steel Chess India have both recently received a great deal of media interest. Thousands of spectators and fans now attend live chess tournaments, increasing spectator participation and fan engagement. A larger audience now has easier access to chess because to improved media coverage and online streaming.
The AICF (All India Chess Federation):
It was established in 1951 and is connected to FIDE, the chess organisation on a global scale.
AICF’s function:
organising competitions at the national level.
supporting the training and development of players.
serving as India’s representative in international chess associations.
finding and developing emerging talent.
assisting in the participation in international competitions.
promoting the integration of chess in educational curricula.
What Obstacles Face Chess Promotion in India?
little media coverage compared to other sports.
Corporate sponsorships and financial support for top competitions are lacking.
Need to identify talent and place more emphasis on women’s chess.
World Championships Won by Indians
Viswanathan Anand
chess player from India who has achieved the highest success, winning the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012. In addition, he triumphed in the World Blitz Chess Championship in 2000 and 2017, as well as the World Rapid Chess Championship in 2003. He is the only player to have won the world championship in each of the three chess formats.
Koneru Koneru:
the top-ranked female Indian chess player, who took home the title of Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion in 2019. In 2019–2020, she was the Women’s Grand Prix series champion.
Dronavalli, Harika
The second-ranked female chess player in India, who in 2012, 2015, and 2017 took home the bronze medal at the Women’s World Chess Championship. In Chengdu in 2016, she also triumphed in the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix competition.
Praggnananda R
The 2019 World Youth Chess Championship (under-18) was won by the most promising young Indian grandmaster, who is also the youngest grandmaster in the world. In 2021, he also prevailed in the open Asian Continental Chess Championship.
Questions from the previous year’s UPSC Civil Services Exam (PYQ)
Prelims
- Take into account the following claims regarding the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022:
- The Chess Olympiad was held in India for the first time.
- Thambi was the designated mascot.
- The Vera Menchik Cup is awarded to the victorious team in the open division.
- The Hamilton-Russell Cup is awarded to the victorious team in the women’s division.
How many of the preceding assertions are true?
One only (a)
(b) Two only
(c) Three only
All four (d)
Ans: b
Exp: (b)
The ‘Tournament of Nations’ was the name given to the inaugural official Olympiad, which took place in London in 1927 at Westminster Central Hall. The Chess Olympiad was conducted for the first time in India, the country where chess first originated. It is making its first appearance in Asia in three decades. The greatest number of nations have ever taken part. The most teams have ever signed up to compete. In the women’s division, it had the most entrants. As a result, statement 1 is true.
‘Thambi’ is the 44th Chess Olympiad’s official mascot. The Tamil word for “Thambi” is “little or younger brother.” As a result, assertion two is true. The Hamilton-Russell Cup, presented by English tycoon Frederick Hamilton-Russell as a prize for the first Olympiad (London 1927), is the trophy for the winning team in the open section.
As a result, assertion 3 is untrue.
The Vera Menchik Cup is the name of the trophy awarded to the winning women’s team in recognition of the first female world chess champion. As a result, assertion 4 is untrue.
Origin: TH
PLASTIC RECYCLING THREATS
In News, why?
Recycling may not be the solution to Plastic Pollution, as is frequently believed, according to a report by Greenpeace Philippines titled “Forever Toxic: The science on health threats from plastic recycling” that was presented at the Second Session of Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee Meet in Paris.
What are the report’s main conclusions?
Higher Chemical Levels:
Benzene and other carcinogens, dangerous flame retardants, environmental pollutants including brominated and chlorinated dioxins, and various endocrine disruptors that can alter the body’s natural hormone levels are among the substances that recycled plastics frequently include in higher concentrations. More than 13,000 compounds are present in plastics, 3,200 of which are recognised to be harmful to human health.
poisonous routes
There are three dangerous ways for recycled plastic to pick up toxic chemicals: inadvertent contact with toxic chemicals in virgin plastic; indirect contact; and ingestion. substances that enter the recycling system and potentially contaminate plastic, such as plastic containers for pesticides, cleaning agents, and others. When plastics are heated during recycling.
Risk of Plastic Fires Growing:
The likelihood of significant fires in recycling facilities has increased with the growth in plastic stockpiles, particularly in those holding e-waste plastics containing spent batteries. In 2022, a survey conducted in the United States and Canada discovered a record 390 fires in garbage and recycling facilities for plastic. Large fires have been reported at plastic recycling operations in Australia, Canada, Ghana, Russia, Southern Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Florida, Indiana, and North Carolina of the United States in the 12 months leading up to April 2023.
Production of plastic has increased:
By 2060, the world’s plastic manufacturing is expected to have tripled, although recycling is only expected to have increased somewhat. Approximately 8 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced since the 1950s. Not only are plastics rarely recycled (9%) but those that are have higher toxin concentrations, increasing the risk of negative effects on human, animal, and environmental health.
Implications:
In low-income, marginalised communities around the world, where cancer, lung disease, and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes are more common, plastic manufacture, disposal, and incineration facilities are most frequently found.
What suggestions are made?
By leveraging existing technologies and implementing significant market and policy changes, countries and businesses may reduce global plastic pollution by 80% by 2040. They can also transition to a circular economy. Plastics have no place in a circular economy, and drastically lowering plastic production is the only effective way to stop plastic pollution. A comprehensive, legally binding global plastics treaty is required in order to hasten and create the circumstances for an equitable transition away from plastic reliance. In order to protect human and planetary health, reduce resource use, and provide a just transition for workers and impacted communities along the plastics supply and waste chains, the Treaty should promote safer, toxic-free materials and reuse-based, zero-waste economies.
What is pollution from plastics?
About:
Because plastic garbage is not biodegradable, it lingers in the environment for hundreds (or even thousands) of years, unlike other types of waste like paper, food peels, leaves, etc., which can be broken down by bacteria or other living things.
Significant Plastic Waste:
Microplastics are minute plastic particles that are no larger than five millimetres. Microplastic comprises virgin resin pellets used in plastic manufacturing processes, industrial scrubbers, microfibers used in textiles, and microbeads (solid plastic particles less than one millimetre in their maximum size) used in cosmetics and personal care goods. Large chunks of non-recycled plastic break down into microplastics as a result of physical wear and exposure to the sun. Plastic bags, water and soda bottles, straws, plates, cups, the majority of food packaging, and coffee stirrers are all examples of single-use plastic. After one use, single-use plastic must either be thrown away or recycled.
Measures to Combat Plastic Pollution
Indian:
Rules for the Management of Plastic Waste (Amendment), 2022
EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility
National Dashboard for Single-Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Elimination
Management
India Plastics Agreement
Initiative REPLAN
Global:
Single-Use Plastics Directive of the European Union
completes the loop.
Initiative on Global Tourism Plastics
Previous Year Questions for the UPSC Civil Services Exam (PYQ)
- Why are’microbeads’ released into the environment causing such concern? (2019)
(A) Marine habitats are thought to be harmed by them.
(b) It is believed that they contribute to childhood skin cancer.
(c) The crops in irrigated fields can absorb them since they are tiny enough.
(d) It is frequently discovered that they are employed as food additives.
Ans: (a)
Exp:
Microbeads are produced plastic particles that are less than 5mm in size, are solid, and do not break down or dissolve in water. Microbeads are typically constructed of polyethylene, although petrochemical polymers like polystyrene and polypropylene can also be used to make them. They can be included in a variety of goods, including as rinse-off cosmetics, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. Due to their small size, microbeads slip past the sewage treatment system unfiltered and end up in the water bodies. The marine species consume the untreated microbeads in the water bodies, causing toxicity and harming the marine ecosystem. Netherland was the first nation to outlaw cosmetic microbeads in 2014.
As a result, choice (a) is the appropriate response.
LIGHTNING-FAST CURRENT AFFAIRS
TO PROTECT THE HIMALAYAS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE, IMMEDIATE ACTION IS REQUIRED
Due to global warming, the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, which includes Mount Everest, will undergo irreversible changes. The environment is put in risk by rising temperatures, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Glaciers may disappear in 70 years. The Paris Agreement must be upheld in order to reduce emissions and make the switch to renewable energy, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The SaveOurSnow initiative is looking for public support. Protecting the Himalayas necessitates quick action due to the 240 million people and crucial water resources that are at jeopardy. In order to empower people in the eight regional member countries of the HKH—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan—ICIMOD was established as an intergovernmental knowledge and learning institution. May 29 is recognised as International Everest Day to recognise the extraordinary feat of Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal and Edmund Hillary from New Zealand. On May 29, 1953, the two overcame ice and storms to become the first persons to reach the top of the highest mountain on earth.
NEW SNAKE EEL SPECIES FOUND IN THE PALUR CANAL IN ODISHA
A new species of eel has been discovered by scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in the Ganjam district of Odisha’s Palur canal. The eel, known as Pisodonophis kalinga after ancient Odisha, is a member of the Ophichthidae family and the Anguilliformes order. It may grow from 560 mm to 7 m in length and has a snake-like appearance. The largest brackish water lagoon in Asia, Chilika, and the neighbouring Palur are where the finding was found.
canal. The monsoon season, which lasts from September to November, is when the new species Pisodonophis kalinga is most prevalent in the area. Its distinctiveness from the supposed Pisodonophis boro (rice-paddy eel) was confirmed by DNA analysis. With the discovery, there are now three different Pisodonophis species known to exist in Indian waters.
TRANS-HARBOUR LINK IN MUMBAI
The Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL), which the Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised, is important for improving the “Ease of Living” for the populace. The Sewri-Nhava Sheva Trans Harbour Link, often known as the MTHL, is a spectacular infrastructure initiative that has the potential to revolutionise connectivity in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The MTHL is now under development and seeks to build India’s longest sea bridge, a 21.8 km, 6-lane access-controlled motorway grade road bridge. When the MTHL is finished, traffic congestion will be reduced and the travel time between Sewri and Chirle will be cut to just 15 to 20 minutes, giving commuters a much-needed break. MTHL is the first project in the nation to implement an open road tolling system, which allows for the collection of tolls without the need for slowing down or stopping traffic. By utilising electrical sensors and cameras, this creative method improves bridge efficiency and optimises traffic flow. The MTHL also makes use of Orthotropic steel deck technology, a type of design that blends flexibility and strength. With the use of this technology, the steel deck of the bridge can support huge weights like cars while still remaining a lightweight construction.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN INDIA IS DECLINING
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) identified several worldwide factors that contributed to the fall in foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into India during the fiscal year 2022–2023. Even though India is committed to having flexible FDI laws, the combination of rising interest rates and a deteriorating geopolitical environment has probably reduced investor confidence and interest in investing in the nation. This loss has been particularly noticeable in five important areas, including the metallurgical, construction, education, automobile, and computer hardware and software sectors. These sectors, which made up a sizeable portion of the total FDI of $30 billion USD in the previous fiscal year, demand a thorough examination to identify the precise causes of the reduction. The effects of diminishing FDI inflows are severe; in the fiscal year 2022–2023, FDI equity inflows decreased by 22% to a total of USD 46 billion. Notably, investments fell by a startling 40.5% during the January–March quarter, reaching USD 9.28 billion. A sharp decline in FDI inflows could have an impact on India’s economic development, employment prospects, and technical progress. Policymakers and stakeholders must perform a thorough examination of the factors affecting FDI inflows, taking into account both global and sector-specific issues, in order to address this issue.