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  • 01 May 2025
  • 50 min read
Social Justice

Digital Access as a Part of the Fundamental Right to Life and Liberty

For Prelims: Supreme Court of India, Right to life and liberty, Know Your Customer, Reserve Bank of India 

For Mains: Constitutional Interpretation of Article 21 in the Digital Age, Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 and Digital Access 

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

The Supreme Court (SC) of India in the case Amar Jain v. Union of India & Ors, 2025 ruled that inclusive digital access to e-governance and welfare systems is an integral part of the fundamental right to life and liberty, and issued directions to make the digital Know Your Customer (KYC) process more accessible for persons with disabilities (PwDs). 

  • This ruling comes in response to petitions filed by individuals facing challenges in completing the digital KYC process due to disabilities. 

What is the SC Ruling on Digital Access for Disabled Persons? 

  • Digital KYC Revisions: The SC directed the revision of digital KYC norms to accommodate individuals with PwDs under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, particularly those with vision impairments and facial disfigurements, such as acid attack survivors 
    • It instructed the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other public entities to ensure accessibility in KYC processes and mandated that all regulated entities, public and private, adhere to accessibility standards.  
    • It directed that departments must appoint nodal officers for compliance, conduct regular audits by certified professionals, and involve visually impaired individuals in the design phase of digital platforms. 
  • Addressing the Digital Divide: The Court also highlighted the persistent digital divide that excludes not only the disabled but also rural communities, senior citizens, and economically weaker sections. 
    • The court held that under Articles 21 (right to a dignified life), 14 (equality), 15 (protection against discrimination), and 38 (Directive Principles of State Policy), ensuring universal digital access for vulnerable groups is a constitutional obligation, not merely a policy choice, essential for equal participation in public life. 

What are the Other Key Judgements Related to Digital Empowerment? 

  • In Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), the Supreme Court held that any procedure restricting a fundamental right under Article 21 must be fair, just, and reasonable, not arbitrary or oppressive, laying the groundwork for inclusive digital rights jurisprudence. 
  • In Faheema Shirin RK v. State of Kerala (2019), the Kerala High Court became the first in India to recognize the right to access the Internet as part of the Right to Life under Article 21 and the Right to Education under Article 21A.  
    • The Court held that denying students internet access in hostels infringed upon their constitutional rights. 
  • In Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India (2020), the Supreme Court held that Article 19(1)(a) protects the freedom of speech and expression via the internet, and Article 19(1)(g) safeguards the right to trade and conduct business online.  
    • It emphasized that any restrictions on these rights must meet the tests of reasonableness and proportionality. 

What are the Key Hindrances in Digital Empowerment of PwDs in India? 

  • Digital Literacy Divide and Exclusion: A significant digital literacy gap excludes many PwDs from accessing essential services and economic opportunities. 
    • Despite schemes like PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), PwDs remain disproportionately underrepresented in digital literacy programs. 
  • Weak Enforcement of Accessibility Guidelines: Although the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016  mandates digital accessibility, its implementation remains inconsistent across sectors. 
    • Amendments in 2023 aimed to strengthen compliance, but enforcement remains fragmented in both government and private enterprises. 
    • Initiatives like Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign) aim to enhance accessibility of digital services, including education, yet face weak ground-level execution. 
  • Scarcity of Accessible Assistive Technologies (AT): There's a growing demand for assistive technologies tailored for PwDs, but India lacks affordable and need-based AT solutions. 
    • Acid attack survivors struggle with facial recognition tasks like blinking or face alignment, while visually impaired users face challenges in tasks like selfies, and document verification, making digital KYC exclusionary and discriminatory. 
      • This scarcity limits PwDs’ ability to effectively access and benefit from digital platforms, deepening their digital exclusion. 

What Measures can India Adopt for Active Digital Empowerment of PwDs? 

  • Inclusive Digital Infrastructure: Under Digital India, the government can promote assistive technologies like screen readers, voice commands, and AI-powered tools for real-time sign language translation and audio descriptions adhering to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines.  
    • Interfaces should avoid relying on facial cues, offering alternative audio, or haptic navigation for users with facial disfigurements. 
    • Integrating these features into existing digital portals will empower people with disabilities to navigate digital services. 
  • Improving Digital Literacy Among PwDs: The National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) can collaborate with organizations like Google or Microsoft to offer tailored courses that train PwDs in using assistive technologies and accessing digital and government services. 
  • Disability-Sensitive Urban Planning: Integrate assistive technology into public infrastructure, such as smart city initiatives where public transportation, smart street lighting, and urban spaces are designed with PwDs in mind. 
    • Install digital signage in public spaces that provide information in multiple formats—such as audio, Braille, and sign language videos—to ensure that PwDs can easily navigate. 
  • Inclusive Innovation Lab for PwD Empowerment: Create an Inclusive Innovation Lab through public-private partnerships to develop cutting-edge digital accessibility solutions for PwDs.  
    • This hub would bring together startups, tech companies, and NGOs to create innovative, scalable, and affordable technologies to improve accessibility. 

Know Your Customer 

  • KYC: The KYC process is a mandatory identity verification system used by financial and non-financial institutions before customers can invest or open accounts.  
    • It involves verifying a customer’s identity using reliable documents or data, such as proof of identity, address, and a recent photograph. Similar details are required for joint or mandate holders. 
  • Digital KYC: It is a process of verifying a customer’s identity using digital means, like e-documents, biometric data, or Aadhaar authentication, rather than traditional paper-based methods. 
  • Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCRR): The CKYCRR is a centralized repository that stores uniform KYC records, enabling reuse across financial institutions to reduce the need for repeated submissions.  
  • CERSAI: The Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI), a Government of India company under the Companies Act, 2013, operates from New Delhi and is responsible for maintaining the KYC Registry under the Prevention of Money Laundering Rules, 2005. 

Conclusion 

The Supreme Court affirms digital access for PwDs as a fundamental right under Article 21. However, bridging the digital divide requires inclusive infrastructure and targeted digital literacy. India must uphold its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), 2006 to ensure equal digital participation for all. 

Read more: Rights under Article 21 of the Constitution 

https://www.drishtijudiciary.com/en 

Drishti Mains Question:

Analyze the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing e-governance services. Suggest necessary regulatory reforms to address these challenges.

  

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Q. India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law? (2011)

  1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government run schools. 
  2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up business. 
  3. Ramps in public buildings. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

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

Ans: (d)

Mains 

Q. “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)



Facts for UPSC Mains

India's Struggles with Supporting Deep-Tech Startups

Source: TH 

Why in News?  

A study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) has revealed that India's public-funded Research and development (R&D) ecosystem offers limited support to deep-tech start-ups. 

What is Deep Tech? 

What are the Key Findings of the Study on R&D Organizations' Support for Startups? 

  • Limited Support for Deep Tech Start-Ups: Only 1 in 4 public-funded R&D organizations provide incubation support for start-ups, and just 1 in 6 focus on deep-tech startups. 
    • Only 15% of the institutions collaborated with foreign industry partners, limiting global exposure and technology co-development. 
  • Low External Collaboration: 50% of labs do not open their facilities to external researchers or students, limiting cross-pollination of ideas and knowledge-sharing. 
  • Skewed Budget Utilization: Central government expenditure on R&D was Rs 55,685 crore in 2020-21, but when excluding strategic sectors (defence, space, atomic energy), the spending on non-strategic sectors amounted to Rs 24,587 crore. 

institution_supporting_deep_tech_startups 

Why Does India Struggle to Support Deep Tech Start-Ups? 

  • Skewed Focus on Low-Tech Consumer Services: The majority of Indian start-ups cater to consumer-facing sectors such as food delivery, logistics, and fintech. 
    • This trend is driven by short-term profitability and low entry barriers, in contrast to the capital-intensive and high-risk nature of deep tech areas like semiconductors, robotics, and space tech. 
    • Venture capital in India heavily favours fast-scaling sectors like e-commerce, edu-tech, and digital payments. 
  • Underwhelming R&D Investment: India’s gross expenditure on R&D is only 0.64% of GDP, far below global leaders like China (2.43%). 
    • Most of this spending is concentrated in strategic sectors (defence, space, atomic energy) that are not accessible to private start-ups, restricting innovation spillovers. 
  • Lack of Risk-Tolerant Capital: Deep-tech ventures often operate in pre-revenue stages for extended periods due to the complexity of their technologies. They need substantial upfront investment in lab facilities, Intellectual Property protection, and a skilled workforce. 
    • Lack of predictable, long-term funding deters entrepreneurs from entering high-risk, high-reward sectors like AI, semiconductors, and space tech. 
    • The Startup India Seed Fund and other schemes provide early-stage funding, but fail to meet the sustained capital needs of deep-tech ventures. 
  • Insufficient Institutional Collaboration: A lack of robust industry-academic partnerships leads to gaps in applying research outcomes to real-world solutions, particularly in emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology. 
    • The absence of industry collaboration limits the ability of research labs to develop scalable and market-ready innovations. 
  • Infrastructure Bottlenecks: Many of India’s public-funded R&D labs lack the facilities necessary for incubating and nurturing deep-tech start-ups. 
    • High-tech startups often require reliable digital infrastructure, energy, and lab access, which remain limited in Tier II and III cities, where most new startups are emerging. 
  • Brain Drain of Research Talent: Due to the underfunded and less conducive ecosystem in India, many talented researchers in fields like AI, robotics, and semiconductors opt to move to countries like the US and Europe, where opportunities and funding are more readily available. 
    • Additionally, the lack of advanced skills in emerging technologies like quantum computing and AI, further weakens the deep-tech ecosystem. 
  • Policy and Regulatory Complexity: In 2024, the IndiaAI Mission was approved to promote indigenous AI capabilities. However, it wasn't until 2025 that the government selected Bengaluru-based startup Sarvam to develop India's first homegrown Large Language Model (LLM).  
    • This decision was largely reactive to China's rapid AI advancements, highlighting India's delayed recognition of deep-tech sectors like AI as crucial for national innovation and digital sovereignty. 
    • Additionally, India lacks a dedicated compliance framework tailored for deep-tech ventures. Navigating bureaucratic red tape, securing intellectual property, and accessing lab facilities remain challenging, discouraging serious investment in innovation. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Analyze the challenges faced by deep-tech startups in India and the role of public-funded research and development organizations in supporting them.

 

Read more: India's Startup Ecosystem 

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Questions (PYQ) 

Q. What does venture capital mean? (2014)

(a) A short-term capital provided to industries  

(b) A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs  

(c) Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses  

(d) Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries  

Ans: (b) 

Q. When the alarm of your smartphone rings in the morning, you wake up and tap it to stop the alarm which causes your geyser to be switched on automatically. The smart mirror in your bathroom shows the day’s weather and also indicates the level of water in your overhead tank. After you take some groceries from your refrigerator for making breakfast, it recognises the shortage of stock in it and places an  order for the supply of fresh grocery items. When you step out of your house and lock the door, all lights, fans, geysers and AC machines get switched off automatically. On your way to office, your car warns you about traffic congestion ahead and suggests an alternative route, and if you are late for a meeting, it sends a message to your office accordingly. (2018) 

In the context of emerging communication technologies, which one of the following terms best applies to the above scenario?  

(a) Border Gateway Protocol  

(b) Internet of Things  

(c) Internet Protocol  

(d) Virtual Private Network  

Ans: (b)



Science & Technology

Modern Technology for Sustainable Forest Management

For Prelims: 18th India State of Forest Report 2023, National Forest Policy 1988, RFID Tags, Geofencing, Invasive Plants, Carbon Sink, Greenhouse Gas, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Agroforestry, Carbon Credits, Paris Agreement. 

For Mains: Need and role of modern technology in sustainable forest management, Steps to improve sustainable forest management. 

Source: BS 

Why in News? 

Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to implement an AI-based Real-Time Forest Alert System (RTFAS) on a pilot basis for active forest management. 

Note: As per the 18th India State of Forest Report 2023, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in India (85,724 sq km) but also reported the highest deforestation (612.41 sq km lost in 2023). 

What is the Status of Forests in India? 

Click Here to Read: 18th India State of Forest Report 2023 

What is an AI-based Real-Time Forest Alert System? 

  • About: RTFAS is a cloud-based AI system that integrates satellite technology, machine learning, and real-time monitoring to combat deforestation. 
    • It uses Google Earth Engine to analyze multi-temporal satellite data and detect land use changes through a custom AI model. 
  • Key Features: 

RTFAS 

What is the Role of Technology for Sustainable Forest Management? 

  • Forest Carbon Management: High-resolution satellites like ISRO’s Resourcesat monitor forest health and deforestation, while hyperspectral imaging helps assess carbon stock and biodiversity. 
    • AI algorithms analyze historical and real-time data to predict deforestation trends. 
  • Preventing Forest Fires: AI Cameras & Thermal Sensors detect smoke and heat to trigger early fire alerts. E.g., FireSat is a constellation of satellites dedicated entirely to detecting and tracking wildfires. 
    • Drones provide live feeds to aid firefighting and monitor fire hazards like pine needle buildup. 
  • Combating Encroachment: Satellite-based systems like RTFAS send notifications to forest officers within 2-3 days when unauthorized activities (logging, farming, construction) are detected. 
  • Mitigating Human-Wildlife Conflict: AI-Enabled Camera Traps & GPS Tracking monitor animal movements near village borders, reducing conflicts.  
    • E.g., PoacherCam is an advanced camera equipped with a specialized human-detection algorithm that can remotely notify anti-poaching teams of nearby intruders. 
    • RFID tags and geofencing alert officials when elephants or tigers stray into human settlements. 
  • Forest Restoration and Afforestation: Green bots can be deployed during the afforestation process to track tree growth, soil health, and environmental changes, creating a comprehensive database of forest health. 
  • Biodiversity Monitoring: Acoustic sensors like Rainforest Connection use AI to recognize bird and frog sounds and track endangered species in the Amazon. 
    • Environmental DNA (eDNA) from water or soil samples detects genetic traces of species like fish and amphibians, helping monitor invasive or rare aquatic life. 

What is the Need of Sustainable Forest Management? 

  • Climate Change Mitigation: Afforestation acts as a carbon sink, absorbing CO₂ and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while promoting environmental sustainability alongside industrial growth. 
  • Industrial & Trade Necessity: The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), effective from 2026, will impose tariffs on carbon-intensive imports (steel, cement, aluminium) from India and other countries. 
    • Afforestation becomes vital for reducing the carbon intensity of exports, helping lower CBAM tariffs and sustain trade competitiveness. 
  • Ecosystem Health: Expanding tree cover enhances soil health, prevents soil erosion, recharges groundwater, retains water, and strengthens resilience to extreme weather events. 
  • Economic and Social Benefits: It supports industries like timber, fuelwood, and agroforestry, providing additional income sources for rural communities. 

What are Initiatives Taken by India for Sustainable Forest Management? 

  • Government-Led Programs: 
    • Green India Mission (GIM): Increased forest cover by 0.56% between 2017 and 2021. 
    • National Agroforestry Policy (2014): Encourages tree planting on private farmland to reduce pressure on natural forests. 
    • Trees Outside Forests in India Program: Encourages tree planting on non-forest lands by involving private stakeholders to boost green cover. 
    • Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): Funds reforestation where forests are diverted for industrial use. 
  • Corporate & Community Efforts: 
    • CSR-Driven Plantations: Companies in automobile, cement, and energy sectors undertake afforestation to offset emissions. 
    • Agroforestry for Livelihoods: Farmers integrate timber, fruit, and medicinal plants with crops for additional income. 
  • Carbon Credit Strategies: Industries invest in afforestation to earn carbon credits. 

How India Can Improve Sustainable Forest Management? 

  • Strengthen Carbon Markets: Establish a national carbon credit registry and regulatory framework under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to fully leverage its forest stored carbon in the global carbon market and incentivise both public and private afforestation efforts. 
  • Enhance Industry Participation: Mandate carbon-offset plantations for high-emission industries (steel, cement). 
    • Offer tax benefits for companies investing in sustainable forestry. 
  • Support Rural Communities: Expand Joint Forest Management (JFM) programs and provide training and market access for forest-based products. 
  • Improve Monitoring & Compliance: Use satellite technology to monitor afforestation progress and enforce strict penalties for violating forest conservation laws. 

Conclusion 

India’s integration of AI and satellite technologies in forest management marks a significant step toward sustainability. With proactive policies, industry participation, and community engagement, India can strengthen its forest ecosystems, mitigate climate change, and remain globally competitive. Continued innovation and robust implementation are key to long-term environmental and economic goals. 

Drishti Mains Question:

"Sustainable forest management is essential for balancing ecological preservation with industrial growth." Evaluate.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims

Q. At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? (2021)

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 

(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj 

(c) Ministry of Rural Development 

(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs 

Ans: (d) 

Mains

Q. “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (2022)



Governance

India’s Waste Management Challenge

For Prelims: E-waste, Biomedical waste, Central Pollution Control Board, Swachh Bharat Mission, Extended Producer Responsibility 

For Mains: Environmental governance and waste management in India, Extended Producer Responsibility and circular economy initiatives 

Source:TH 

Why in News?  

A Nature study reveals India as the world’s top plastic polluter, emitting 9.3 million tonnes annually, about 20% of global plastic emissions due to widespread mismanaged waste, highlighting the urgent need for systemic accountability. 

What is Waste Management? 

  • About: Waste management refers to the collection, treatment, and safe disposal of waste to reduce environmental pollution and health hazards. It also includes recycling, composting, and energy recovery, aiming to conserve resources and promote sustainability. 
  • Status of Waste Generation in India: India generates over 159,000 tonnes of waste each day. 
    • It is estimated that rural India generates 15,000 to 18,000 million liters of liquid waste (greywater) and 0.3 to 0.4 million metric tons of solid waste per day. 
    • According to a report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India, on average, generates 62 million tonnes (MT) of waste annually, including 7.9 MT of hazardous waste, 5.6 MT of plastic waste, 1.5 MT of e-waste, and 0.17 MT of biomedical waste.  
      • Only 43 MT of total waste generated gets collected, with 12 MT being treated before disposal, and the remaining 31 MT simply discarded in wasteyards. 
    • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) projects that India's waste generation will increase to 165 MT by 2030. 
  • India’s Key Initiatives Related to Waste Management: 

SBM_Waste_Management

What are the Challenges in India’s Waste Management System? 

  • Underreporting of Waste Generation: Official data suggests a plastic waste generation of 0.12 kg per capita per day, but studies estimate it at 0.54 kg per capita per day, indicating significant underreporting, especially in rural areas and informal sectors. 
  • Lack of Comprehensive Waste Audits: No clear methodology is in place for collecting or auditing waste data, especially in rural areas that fall under Panchayati Raj institutions and does not fall under the scope of municipal bodies or local self-governance agencies. 
  • Inadequate Infrastructure: Dumpsites outnumber sanitary landfills by a significant margin (10:1). While India claims a national waste collection coverage of 95%,, much of the waste is either burned or poorly handled. A lack of robust infrastructure to process and recycle waste further compounds the problem. 
    • In remote and rural areas, waste processing facilities like material recovery facilities (MRFs) and recycling units are limited.  
    • The establishment of kiosks for waste segregation and collection, as proposed for the EPR system, requires careful planning and significant investment in infrastructure, especially in areas with difficult access. 

What Measures Could Strengthen Waste Management in India? 

  • Judicial Mandates for Compliance: In the 2025 case Vellore District Environment Monitoring Committee vs. The District Collector, the Supreme Court of India emphasized the need for remediation programs to address environmental harm caused by industrial pollution.  
    • This approach can be similarly applied to waste management, where the "polluter pays" principle holds those responsible for pollution accountable for the costs of damage and restoration. 
    • The Supreme Court  has observed that environmental protection is not only a regulatory obligation but also a constitutional imperative aimed at safeguarding the fundamental rights of individuals and preserving ecological balance, including effective waste management. 
  • Third-party Scrutiny of Data and Practices: The Supreme Court’s insistence on transparency in reporting and monitoring of environmental data can be extended to waste management data as well, ensuring that such information is accurate, independently verified, and publicly accessible. 
  • Geotagging and Tracking: Geotagging waste management infrastructure under the EPR E-Waste portal would significantly enhance tracking, ensure greater accountability, and improve resource allocation. 
  • Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs): All local governments, urban and rural, must connect to MRFs, recyclers, and kiosks for EPR.  
    • Establishing kiosks for producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) to collect waste will aid in waste collection and segregation across India.  
    • These facilities should be customized based on the area's geographic and demographic characteristics. 
  • Redesigning Products for Circularity: Companies must move beyond single-use models and design products for recyclability. The integration of biodegradable, reusable, and modular components will help extend product life cycles and reduce waste. 
    • Additionally, Circularity requires active consumer participation. Industries must invest in campaigns to engage consumers, incentivize recycling, and promote sustainable consumption behaviours. 
  • International Cooperation: India can leverage its collaboration with the Global Alliance for Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency (GACERE) to adopt global best practices, attract green investments, and strengthen policy frameworks for sustainable resource use, paving the way for more effective waste management. 

Drishti Mains Question:

India’s waste management system is struggling to keep pace with the scale of urbanization." Critically analyze this statement with a focus on infrastructural gaps and policy measures.

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  

Prelims

Q.1 In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (2019)  

(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998  
(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999  
(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011  
(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011  

Ans: (c)  

Q.2 How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)? (2018)  

  1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.  
  2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.  

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  

(a) 1 only  
(b) 2 only  
(c) Both 1 and 2  
(d) Neither 1 nor 2  

Ans: (b) 

Mains

Q: What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018) 



Important Facts For Prelims

Global Call to Ban Chlorpyrifos

Source: DTE 

Why in News? 

The Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions in Geneva proposed the banning of toxic pesticide Chlorpyrifos by listing it under Annex A of Stockholm Convention (complete global ban without exemptions). 

  • However, India opposed the move, citing the absence of viable alternatives and the potential threat to food security. 

What is Chlorpyrifos? 

  • About: Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate (formed by esterifying phosphoric acid with alcohol) insecticide used in agriculture, public health to control pests like termites, mosquitoes, and roundworms.  
    • It works by inhibiting an acetylcholinesterase enzyme essential for nerve function, affecting both target pests and non-target species, including humans. 
  • Health Impact: Exposure (via skin, inhalation, or ingestion) can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, paralysis and breathing difficulty.  
    • It forms a toxic byproduct (chlorpyrifos oxon) in the body, which causes these effects. 
  • Environmental impact: It persists in soil for weeks to years, breaks down slowly in acidic conditions, and may contaminate water bodies through erosion.  
    • It is highly toxic to birds (e.g., robins, mallards), fish, bees, and earthworms, and can bioaccumulate in the food chain. 
  • Usage in India: 
    • Chlorpyrifos, a widely used pesticide in India (9.4% of total insecticide consumption in 2016-17) has been registered under the Insecticides Act since 1977.(IPEN Report) 
      • Classified as moderately hazardous by WHO and a possible carcinogen by EPA, its residues are found in produce, water, blood, and breast milk.  

What is the Stockholm Convention? 

  • About: The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a global treaty adopted in 2001 and came into force in 2004. Its main goal is to protect human health and the environment from (POPs). 
  • Key Features: 
    • Annex A: Elimination of listed chemicals  
      • Eg: Aldrin, Chlordane, Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor,Hexachlorobenzene, Mirex, Polychlorinated biphenyls 
    • Annex B: Restriction of listed chemicals 
    • Annex C: Reduction of unintentional release of listed chemicals 
  • Financial Mechanism: The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) serves as the designated interim financial mechanism for the Stockholm Convention, supporting developing countries in implementing its obligations. 
  • India and Stockholm Convention: India ratified the Stockholm Convention in 2006. To regulate Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the MoEFCC notified the 'Regulation of Persistent Organic Pollutants Rules, 2018' under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 

What are POPs?

  • About: Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are toxic, carbon-based chemical substances that persist in the environment for long periods, resist degradation, and accumulate in living organisms. 
  • Health & Environmental Impacts: Can cause cancer, immune suppression, neurotoxicity, reproductive disorders, and endocrine disruption and its exposure leads to both acute and chronic effects, even across generations. 
    • Bioaccumulation: POPs accumulate in the fatty tissues of living organisms over time. 
    • Biomagnification: Their concentration increases as they move up the food chain, affecting top predators and humans. 
  • Examples: 
    • Endosulfan: Banned in many countries; known for endocrine disruption. 
    • DDT: Banned for agriculture in India but still used for vector control (e.g., mosquito fumigation in malaria-prone areas). 
      • Others include Aldrin, Dieldrin, PCBs, and Toxaphene. 
Click Here to Read: Basel Convention and Rotterdam Convention 

 

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs) 

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2016)

 

Terms sometimes seen in the news 

Their origin 

1. 

Annex-I Countries 

Cartagena Protocol 

2. 

Certified Emissions Reductions 

Nagoya Protocol 

3. 

Clean Development Mechanism 

Kyoto Protocol 

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? 

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

Ans: (c) 

Q. Consider the following statements: (2016)

  1. The Sustainable Development Goals were first proposed in 1972 by a global think tank called the ‘Club of Rome’. 
  2. The Sustainable Development Goals have to be achieved by 2030. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 only 
(c) Both 1 and 2 
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (b)



Rapid Fire

Military Exercise Dustlik 2025

Source: PIB 

The 6th edition of Joint Military Exercise Dustlik 2025 between India and Uzbekistan concluded in Pune. The 2024 edition of the exercise took place in Termez, Uzbekistan.  

Exercise Dustlik 2025 

  • Exercise Dustlik (means 'friendship' in Uzbek) is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted alternately between India and Uzbekistan.  
  • The Indian contingent included a battalion of the JAT Regiment and the Indian Air Force, while the Uzbekistan Army represented the other side.  
  • The exercise focused on joint multi-domain sub-conventional operations in a semi-urban scenario, simulating responses to terrorist activities involving the capture of territory.  
  • It focused on counter-terrorism operations, Joint Operations Centre, population control, raids, search-and-destroy missions, and use of air assets with the aim to boost interoperability and strengthen India-Uzbekistan defence ties. 

Uzbekistan 

  • Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia, situated between the Syr Darya and Amu Darya rivers. It borders Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Turkmenistan. 

Uzbekistan

Read More: Exercise DUSTLIK, Major Military Exercises of India 


Rapid Fire

Birth Anniversary of Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh

Source: PIB 

The 106th birth anniversary of Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh was commemorated with the unveiling of his bust (stone model) at Astha Senior Citizen Home, Delhi.  

Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh 

  • He was born in 1919 in Lyallpur (now in Pakistan), was commissioned into the Royal Indian Air Force in 1939 and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) for his role in the Burma Campaign during World War II.  
    • He became Chief of Air Staff in 1964 at the age of 44.  
  • During the 1965 Indo-Pak war, his decisive leadership enabled the IAF to repel Pakistan’s offensive in Akhnoor within hours, earning him the Padma Vibhushan.  
  • In 2002, he became the only IAF officer to be conferred the Five-Star rank of Marshal of the Air Force.  
  • Post-retirement, he served as ambassador and Lt Governor of Delhi. 

Five-Star Ranks in the Indian Armed Forces 

  • The five-star ranks in the Indian Armed Forces- Field Marshal (Army), Marshal of the Air Force (Air Force), and Admiral of the Fleet (Navy) represent the highest military honours and are awarded for exceptional service.  
  • These ranks are rarely conferred and are held for life, with the officers considered serving personnel until death.  
  • Field Marshal has been awarded only to K.M. Cariappa and Sam Manekshaw, while Admiral of the Fleet, have not yet been awarded. 

Ranks_in_Armed_Force

Read More: Defence, Reforms in Defence Recruitment 


Rapid Fire

Caste Enumeration in the Upcoming Census

Source: IE 

The Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (chaired by Prime Minister) approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming population census. 

  • Historical Context of Caste Data: The last detailed caste data was recorded in the 1931 Census. Although the 1941 Census also collected caste information, it was not published due to the onset of World War II. 
    • Since 1951, India’s Census has included Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) data but the caste data for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has been largely absent. 
      • The absence of caste data has left estimates of OBC population unclear. The Mandal Commission (1979) estimated it at 52%. 
    • The 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) aimed at better welfare targeting, but much of its caste data remains unpublished, limiting its policy impact. 
  • Census: India's first synchronised census occurred in 1881 under W.C. Plowden, the then Census Commissioner of India. 
    • Currently, the Census is conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.  
    • While the Census of India Act, 1948 provides the legal framework, it does not mandate a specific frequency, making the decennial pattern a convention, not a constitutional requirement. 

Census

Read more: Uncertainty Regarding India’s Next National Census 


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