UPSC CSAT : June 2025

Tuesday, 10 June 2025

Maritime Security Belt 2025

Maritime Security Belt 2025

China, Iran, and Russia conducted the Maritime Security Belt 2025 naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, near the Strait of Hormuz, amidst ongoing tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.

About the Gulf of Oman:

Location: The Gulf of Oman is a western extension of the Arabian Sea, connecting it to the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
Bordering Countries: It borders Iran to the north, the UAE to the west, and Oman to the south.
Notable Islands: Sheytan Island, Al Fahal Island, Dimaniyat Islands, and Sawadi Islands.
Significance: This waterway is the sole maritime route for Iran to access the open seas, making it a key route for global trade and energy transport.
Strategic Importance: Around 20% of the world’s daily oil trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which opens into the Gulf of Oman, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The Strait lies between Iran, the UAE, and Oman.

The Jalanatheswarar Temple in Thakkolam, Ranipet district, Tamil Nadu, is in a state of disrepair. The temple is neglected, with a collapsed wall and an overgrown tank. Its last kumbabishekam (consecration) took place over 15 years ago.

About Jalanatheswarar Temple:

Historical Background: Originally built in 876 AD by Pallava King Aparajitha Varman, the temple's 3-tiered Rajagopuram was added in 1543 AD by Vijayanagara King Veera Prathaba Sadasiva Maharayar.
Location: Situated on the banks of the Kosasthalai river, the temple holds inscriptions from Pallava King Aparajita and Chola King Aditya I, which record grants of land, gold, and goats.
Architectural Style: The temple features Dravidian architecture, akin to the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
Temple Features: The 1.5-acre temple has a 3-tiered gopuram, granite walls, and a sand-based Prithvi Lingam (Theenda Thirumeni) of Lord Shiva, worshipped as Lord Jalantheeswarar.
Religious Significance: The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, celebrated in the Tevaram hymns by the Tamil Saivite Nayanar, Sambandar. He was a 7th-century poet-saint who composed 16,000 hymns, 383 (or 384) of which remain a part of Tamil Shaiva tradition.

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Sunday, 8 June 2025

Bongosagar 2025 Naval Exercise

Bongosagar 2025 Naval Exercise

The Indian Navy’s INS Ranvir and the Bangladesh Navy’s BNS Abu Ubaidah conducted the Bongosagar 2025 Naval Exercise in the Bay of Bengal, aimed at strengthening operational coordination, maritime security, and regional stability under India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.

INS Ranvir:

INS Ranvir is the fourth of five Rajput-class Guided Missile Destroyers, commissioned in 1986.

SAGAR:

Launched in 2015, SAGAR is India's foreign policy framework designed to boost cooperation, maritime security, economic growth, and regional trust, with a focus on the Indian Ocean region.

In 2025, India introduced MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions), a policy building on SAGAR, to promote security, trade, and development across the Global South.

India-Bangladesh Exercises:

India and Bangladesh regularly conduct joint exercises, including the Army's Exercise Sampriti, the Navy's Bongosagar and Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT).

Saturday, 7 June 2025

Transforming Northeast India into a Saffron Hub

Transforming Northeast India into a Saffron Hub

India has recognized Northeast India as the next potential saffron cultivation hub, following Jammu & Kashmir’s Pampore region. This initiative, part of the Mission Saffron project, was announced during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR) permanent campus in Shillong.

Mission Saffron:

Launched in 2010-11, Mission Saffron is a centrally-funded initiative to promote saffron cultivation in Jammu and Kashmir. Since 2021, the project has been extended to Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya under the "Saffron Bowl Project" by NECTAR.

Saffron:

Saffron is a highly valuable spice derived from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower, also known as the saffron crocus. It thrives at altitudes of around 2000m, in loamy, sandy, or calcareous soils with a pH level ranging from 6 to 8. It requires a dry to moderate climate, with summer temperatures not exceeding 40°C and winter temperatures as low as -20°C. The saffron from Kashmir has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

NECTAR:

AASHA Workers in India

ASHA Workers in India

Why in the News?

ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) in Kerala have recently staged protests, demanding higher wages and retirement benefits.

Who Are ASHA Workers?

About:
ASHAs are community health volunteers introduced under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in 2005 to provide essential healthcare services in rural areas. In 2013, NRHM merged with the National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) to form the National Health Mission (NHM).
ASHAs work alongside Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) to improve healthcare access.
An ASHA is typically a local woman (aged 25-45), preferably married, widowed, or divorced, with at least a Class 10 education. They are considered volunteers under NHM, receiving only task-based incentives, limiting their earnings.
There is one ASHA per 1,000 people, with 9.2 lakh ASHAs in rural areas and 79,900 in urban areas (as of 2022-23).

Key Responsibilities of ASHAs:

Ensure antenatal check-ups and postnatal care, and educate mothers on breastfeeding and infant nutrition.
Support immunization, tuberculosis (TB) treatment, malaria screenings, and disease prevention.
Provide basic healthcare services, essential medicines, first aid, and report births and deaths.

Concerns of ASHA Workers:

ASHAs receive low and irregular payments, ranging from approximately Rs 5,000 to Rs 15,000, with honorariums and task-based incentives that vary by state and are often delayed due to funding issues and Centre-State disputes.
Despite their vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned them the WHO’s World Health Leaders Award in 2022, ASHAs continue to face challenges.
ASHAs are not classified as government employees, so they are denied fixed wages, pensions, gratuity, provident funds, and medical insurance, although some states, like Andhra Pradesh, offer gratuity.
The 2020 Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour recommended formalizing their roles, but no action has been taken yet.
ASHAs, largely women from marginalized backgrounds, also face gender-based discrimination in the workforce.

How Can ASHA Workers Be Empowered?

Formalization: Recognizing ASHAs as government employees or at least contractual workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020, would ensure they receive essential labor rights and protections.
Skill Development: Offering training programs would help ASHAs enhance their skills and transition into higher healthcare roles, such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
Financial Security: In light of rising inflation, ASHA workers need financial security. A fixed salary, along with incentives, would ensure stability. Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) could prevent payment delays, empowering them to focus on healthcare without financial strain.

National Health Mission (NHM)

The NHM aims to ensure universal access to quality, affordable, and equitable healthcare services, contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Extended until 2026, NHM is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and assists States/UTs in providing accessible and affordable healthcare, with a focus on rural infrastructure, workforce, and service delivery.

Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss how ASHA workers contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 in India.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims
Q. With reference to the National Rural Health Mission, which of the following are the jobs of an ‘ASHA’, a trained community health worker? (2012)

Accompanying women to the health facility for antenatal care checkup
Using pregnancy test kits for early detection of pregnancy
Providing information on nutrition and immunization
Conducting the delivery of a baby

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

Thursday, 5 June 2025

Indian History

Indian History

Indian National Army's Legacy

For Prelims: Indian National Army (INA), Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Kartavya Path, Indian Independence League, Provisional Government of Free India, Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, INA Trials

Why in the News?

A veteran of the Indian National Army (INA) recently marked his 99th birthday by laying a wreath at the statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Kartavya Path. This veteran joined the INA on November 1, 1943, at the age of 17.

What Was the Indian National Army (INA)?

About INA:
The Indian National Army was a military force formed during World War II to challenge British rule in India. It played a significant role in India’s fight for independence.

Formation:

Mohan Singh proposed the formation of an army from Indian prisoners of war (POWs) and secured support from Japan. Initially, he led the INA, recruiting around 40,000 soldiers, but was later removed due to conflicts over troop numbers.
Rashbehari Bose, a revolutionary, mobilized support for the INA and established the Indian Independence League in Tokyo (1942).
Subhas Chandra Bose became the Supreme Commander of the INA on August 25, 1943, and established the Provisional Government of Free India in Singapore on October 21, 1943. The government was recognized by nine countries, including Japan, Germany, Italy, and China (under Wang Jingwei).
Under the Chalo Delhi campaign, the INA hoisted its flag on Indian soil at Moirang, Manipur, although their progress ended at Imphal due to Japan's defeat in World War II.
Collapse: The retreat of Japanese forces (1944-45) weakened the INA. After Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, the INA followed suit and surrendered. Subhas Bose reportedly died in a plane crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, leading to the disbandment of the INA.

INA Trials:
Following the INA’s defeat, many of its soldiers were court-martialed as POWs, leading to widespread protests that fueled the independence movement. The first trial, held at the Red Fort in November 1945, involved three officers: Prem Kumar Sehgal (a Hindu), Shah Nawaz Khan (a Muslim), and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon (a Sikh). Their unity represented the strength of the INA.
At the Bombay Congress session in September 1945, a resolution was passed in support of INA prisoners, with eminent leaders like Bhulabhai Desai, Tej Bahadur Sapru, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Asaf Ali defending them.

Major Nationalist Uprisings (1945–46):
Three key confrontations took place during this period:

November 21, 1945: Student protests in Calcutta against the INA trials led to police violence.
February 11, 1946: Demonstrations erupted in Calcutta in response to the sentencing of INA officer Rashid Ali.
February 18, 1946: The Royal Indian Navy (RIN) ratings mutinied in Bombay.

What is the Significance of the Indian National Army (INA)?

Direct Challenge to British Authority: The INA’s formation and military operations directly challenged British rule, aiming to liberate India with the support of Axis powers (Japan and Germany).
Nationalist Unity: The INA trials united Indians from various religious and political backgrounds, sparking nationwide protests and rallying different factions like Congress, the Muslim League, the Hindu Mahasabha, and Communists against British policies.
Impact on the Indian Armed Forces: The INA inspired Indian troops, contributing to the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of 1946, where 20,000 sailors revolted—marking a pivotal moment in the weakening of British control.
Forced British Withdrawal: In 1956, British Prime Minister admitted that the INA played a critical role in accelerating Britain’s exit from India, as fears grew that Indian forces would no longer remain loyal to the British Crown.
Legacy and Symbolism: The INA became a symbol of armed resistance, inspiring future generations in India’s defense and military outlook. Its slogan "Jai Hind" continues to resonate as a rallying cry for national unity.

Conclusion

The Indian National Army (INA) was instrumental in India’s independence struggle. By directly confronting British rule, fostering nationalist unity, and inspiring revolts within the armed forces, the INA played a crucial role in hastening British withdrawal from India. Its legacy continues to influence India's military ethos, strategic outlook, and national identity.

Drishti Mains Question:
Discuss the role of the Indian National Army (INA) in India’s struggle for independence.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims
Q. In the context of Colonial India, Shah Nawaz Khan, Prem Kumar Sehgal, and Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon are remembered as (2021)
(a) Leaders of the Swadeshi and Boycott Movement
(b) Members of the Interim Government in 1946
(c) Members of the Drafting Committee in the Constituent Assembly
(d) Officers of the Indian National Army

Ans: (d)

Q. During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called the 'Free Indian Legion'? (2008)
(a) Lala Hardayal
(b) Rashbehari Bose
(c) Subhas Chandra Bose
(d) V.D. Savarkar

Ans: (c)

Mains
Q. Many voices had strengthened and enriched the nationalist movement during the Gandhian Phase. Elaborate. (2019)

Q. Highlight the difference in the approach of Subhash Chandra Bose and Mahatma Gandhi in the struggle for freedom. (2016)

Q. How different would have been the achievement of Indian independence without Mahatma Gandhi? Discuss. (2015)

Q. In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014)

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

Mangroves in India

Mangroves in India

For Prelims: Mangroves, Indian State Forest Report 2023, Sundarbans, MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) Initiative
Why in the News?

A recent report by Anna University reveals a significant expansion of mangrove coverage in Tamil Nadu, with the area increasing from 4,500 hectares in 2021 to 9,039 hectares in 2024. This has brought mangroves back into public discussion.

What are Mangroves?
Overview:
Mangroves are coastal ecosystems made up of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones in tropical and subtropical regions. These plants are uniquely adapted to saline, low-oxygen environments with slow-moving waters, where fine sediments accumulate.
Common mangrove species include Red mangrove, Grey mangrove, and Rhizophora.

Key Characteristics:

Habitat & Growth Conditions: Mangroves flourish in tidal flats, estuaries, and deltas with high silt deposition, undergoing bi-daily tidal flooding. They adapt to intense solar radiation, anaerobic mud, and can extract freshwater from saline water.
Physiological Adaptations: Mangroves develop pneumatophores (in Avicennia) for respiration, prop roots (in Rhizophora) for stability, and lenticellated bark to prevent water loss and secrete salt. Their salt-secreting glands aid in excreting excess salt, and their roots trap sediments, stabilizing coastlines.
Reproductive Adaptations: Mangroves exhibit viviparity, where seeds germinate while still on the tree, ensuring survival in the harsh saline environment.
Distribution: Mangroves are found only in tropical and subtropical regions, as they cannot survive in freezing temperatures. According to the FAO (2023), global mangrove cover stood at 14.8 million hectares in 2020, covering less than 1% of all tropical forests. The largest mangrove areas are found in South and Southeast Asia, followed by South America, Africa, and Oceania. Countries like Indonesia, Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, and Australia account for 47% of the global mangrove cover.

Mangrove Coverage in India:
India’s mangrove cover, according to the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, is around 4,992 sq. km, which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area. Major mangrove ecosystems are found in Odisha (Bhitarkanika), Andhra Pradesh (Godavari-Krishna delta), Gujarat, Kerala, and the Andaman Islands.
The Sundarbans, the largest contiguous mangrove forest globally, and Bhitarkanika, the second-largest in India, are notable ecosystems.

Sundarbans:
The Sundarbans derive their name from the sundari tree (Heritiera fomes). This region extends from the Hooghly River in West Bengal, India, to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh, spanning the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna delta.
The Sundarbans are designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising four protected areas: Sundarbans National Park (India), and Sundarbans West, South, and East Wildlife Sanctuaries (Bangladesh). The region is a biodiversity hotspot, home to species like the Bengal tiger, estuarine crocodile, Indian python, and over 260 bird species.

Significance of Mangroves:

Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves store an average of 394 tonnes of carbon per hectare, making them efficient blue carbon sinks. Their unique environment slows decomposition, enabling effective carbon storage.
Coastal Protection: Mangroves serve as natural barriers, reducing storm surges, tsunamis, and coastal erosion. They can reduce wave energy by 5-35% and flood depths by up to 20% in some areas, playing a vital role in disaster risk reduction.
Biodiversity Hotspots: Mangroves support over 5,700 species across 21 phyla in India, including endangered species like Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodiles, and over 260 bird species.
Food Security & Livelihoods: Mangroves contribute to global fisheries, supporting 800 billion aquatic species annually. They also provide honey, fruits, and leaves, helping sustain coastal communities.

Major Threats to Mangroves:

Land Conversion: A significant cause of mangrove loss is land conversion for activities like aquaculture (26%), oil palm plantations, and rice cultivation (43%). Timber extraction and charcoal production also lead to mangrove degradation.
Pollution: Oil spills, especially in regions like the Niger Delta, threaten the health and regeneration of mangrove ecosystems.
Invasive Species: The spread of Prosopis juliflora, an invasive species, disrupts mangrove ecosystems in places like Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. It competes with native species, alters soil salinity, reduces freshwater availability, and hampers mangrove regeneration.

India’s Initiatives for Mangrove Conservation:

MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) and SAIME (Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem) initiatives aim to conserve and enhance mangrove habitats while supporting local economies.

Way Forward:

Strengthen Legal Framework: Implement stricter laws to curb deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable coastal development.
Community Involvement: Engage local communities in mangrove conservation, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities linked to the protection and restoration of mangroves.
Research & Technology: Support research into phytoremediation, medicinal uses, and sustainable practices. Use drone surveillance and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for real-time monitoring and protection against illegal activities.
Bio-Restoration: Employ bio-restoration methods to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas, enhancing biodiversity and resilience against climate change.
Sustainable Coastal Development: Encourage eco-friendly infrastructure, regulate aquaculture, and integrate mangrove conservation into urban planning.
International Cooperation: Strengthen global initiatives like the Ramsar Convention and the Blue Carbon Initiative for effective mangrove conservation.

Drishti Mains Question:
Examine the ecological and economic importance of mangroves in India. Suggest a holistic strategy for their conservation and sustainable management.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims
Q. Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest, and deciduous forest? (2015)
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Ans: (d)

Mains
Q. Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. (2019)

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Rise of Quick Commerce in India

Rise of Quick Commerce in India

For Prelims: Quick Commerce, E-commerce, Artificial Intelligence, Competition Commission of India, Open Network for Digital Commerce
For Mains: Impact of Quick Commerce on the Indian Retail Sector, Indian Retail Ecosystem

Why in the News?

Quick Commerce (Q-commerce) has revolutionized urban shopping habits by offering deliveries within minutes, providing consumers with unmatched convenience and access to a wide variety of products. However, concerns have emerged regarding issues such as predatory pricing, data privacy, and the potential harm to traditional retail businesses, which has drawn regulatory attention.

What is Quick Commerce?
Definition: Quick commerce is a subset of e-commerce that focuses on delivering goods and services within 10 to 30 minutes of an order being placed. It specializes in high-demand, smaller items like groceries, stationery, and over-the-counter medicines.

Working Model:
Q-commerce platforms operate using dark stores—local warehouses exclusively designed for online order fulfillment. These stores are strategically located in high-demand areas to facilitate faster deliveries.
Platforms utilize AI-driven analytics for demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and personalized recommendations, while automated supply chains help prevent stockouts. Unlike traditional retail, which depends on a fixed inventory model, Q-commerce adapts its inventory in real-time based on consumer trends.
Orders are assigned to delivery agents in high-density areas through proximity-based algorithms, ensuring efficiency. Q-commerce operates 24/7, unlike conventional stores with fixed hours, making it especially valuable for after-hours purchases.

Impact on Consumers:
Consumers prefer Q-commerce for urgent and impulse purchases, especially for food, beverages, and daily essentials. The ability to shop beyond traditional store hours, especially post-8 PM, has made these platforms vital for urban dwellers.
Offering minimal cart values for free delivery and aggressive discounts further boosts consumer adoption. A NielsenIQ survey (2024) indicates that 12% of urban consumers prefer quick commerce, up from 5% two years ago.

Growth & Expansion in India:
The Indian Q-commerce market is currently valued at USD 3.34 billion (FY 2024) and is projected to reach USD 9.95 billion by 2029, growing at an annual rate of 76%.
Major players like Flipkart, Ola, Blinkit, BigBasket, and Zepto have aggressively expanded their Q-commerce operations, investing in AI-driven inventory management. Q-commerce now accounts for 35% of total e-commerce sales for large Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands.
Note: In India, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is prohibited in inventory-based e-commerce models. However, Q-commerce platforms under the marketplace model are eligible for 100% FDI via the automatic route.

Feature	Traditional E-commerce	Quick Commerce
Delivery Time	3-4 days or more	10-30 minutes
Order Type	Bulk & planned purchases	Small, frequent, impulse buys
Product Range	Extensive catalog	Limited, high-demand essentials
Storage	Large warehouses	Local micro-fulfillment centers
Operational Model	Logistics-driven	Hyperlocal & AI-driven

Concerns Regarding Quick Commerce:

Predatory Pricing & Market Manipulation: The All-India Consumer Products Distribution Federation (AICPDF) has accused Q-commerce platforms of setting prices below landing costs to eliminate traditional retailers, only to later raise prices once competition weakens. This practice is known as price gouging.
Data Exploitation & Algorithmic Pricing: Q-commerce platforms use big data and AI to implement differential pricing, where consumers in affluent areas or with certain devices may face higher prices. Additionally, frequent buyers may experience different pricing compared to new users.
Impact on Small Retailers & Employment: Small retailers, especially kirana shops, struggle to compete with the deep discounts offered by Q-commerce platforms. This has raised concerns about widespread unemployment in the retail sector. Many small retailers call for a level playing field to survive alongside digital platforms.
Environmental Impact: The growth of Q-commerce leads to increased single-use plastic waste and pollution from delivery bikes, raising sustainability concerns.
Gig Worker Exploitation: Delivery agents often work under low wages, lack protective gear, face high-pressure targets, and have little to no social security benefits.
Urban-Centric Growth: While Q-commerce thrives in Tier-1 (particularly metropolitan) cities, it faces challenges in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities due to lower digital adoption, weaker demand, and logistical limitations.

How Can Q-Commerce Be Sustainable and Inclusive?

Regulatory Oversight & Market Fairness: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) should regulate unfair pricing practices and monopolistic behavior in Q-commerce. A National Q-Commerce Regulatory Authority could be established under the proposed National E-Commerce Policy to monitor pricing, data privacy, and competition.
Coexistence with Traditional Retail: Q-commerce platforms should partner with kirana stores rather than competing against them. Hybrid models, such as “Kirana-powered dark stores,” could blend local expertise with tech-driven logistics, creating a sustainable ecosystem where small retailers benefit.
ONDC Framework: The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) could help small retailers access digital platforms without relying on major Q-commerce players, fostering inclusivity.
Fair Wages & Social Security: The Code on Social Security, 2020, must be implemented to ensure gig workers receive minimum wages, insurance, and accident coverage. Non-essential goods should have reasonable delivery windows to prevent over-speeding and rider fatigue.
Sustainable Logistics: To reduce plastic waste, Q-commerce platforms should be required to use recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Additionally, promoting the use of electric vehicles for delivery through the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) Scheme would help reduce pollution.
Data Privacy: The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 should ensure that Q-commerce firms cannot misuse consumer data for unfair pricing practices.

Conclusion:
Quick commerce has reshaped urban retail by offering speed and convenience. However, to ensure its sustainable growth, it is crucial to address regulatory challenges, ensure fair labor practices, and create hybrid retail models that balance technological innovation with traditional business sustainability.

Drishti Mains Question:
Quick commerce is reshaping the Indian retail ecosystem. Critically analyze its impact and suggest regulatory measures.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Q. With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2022)

They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as market-places.
The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited.

Select the correct answer using the code below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Monday, 2 June 2025

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

For Prelims: Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme, Carbon Credit Certificate, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Carbon Market
For Mains: Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, Strengthening CCTS in India, Carbon Pricing
Why in the News?

The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023, introduced under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, replaces the Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) scheme and aims to establish the Indian Carbon Market (ICM), aligning with India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

What is the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)?
CCTS is a market-driven initiative designed to regulate and trade carbon credits within the Indian Carbon Market (ICM). The goal is to decarbonize India’s economy by pricing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and facilitating carbon trading.

Transition from PAT to CCTS:
While the PAT scheme focused on energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries using Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts), CCTS shifts the focus towards reducing GHG emissions. It tracks emissions per tonne of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) and issues Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC), with each certificate representing a one-tonne reduction in CO2 equivalent.

Mechanisms of CCTS:

Compliance Mechanism: Energy-intensive sectors, such as Aluminium, Cement, Fertilizers, and Iron & Steel, are mandated to meet GHG reduction targets. Entities exceeding targets earn CCCs, while those falling short must purchase credits.
Offset Mechanism: Allows voluntary participation from entities outside the compliance framework to earn carbon credits by reducing emissions.

Key Sectors Included:
CCTS targets energy-intensive industries responsible for 16% of India’s emissions, such as Iron & Steel, Aluminium, Cement, Fertilizers, Petroleum Refineries, Pulp & Paper, and Textiles. The power sector, which contributes 40% of India's GHG emissions, may be included in the future.

Regulatory Oversight:
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM) are responsible for the regulation of CCTS.

Significance of CCTS in India’s Climate Goals:
India aims to reduce emission intensity by 45% by 2030. CCTS encourages private sector participation, promoting clean technologies, renewable energy, and carbon capture.

What is Carbon Pricing?
Carbon pricing is an economic tool that assigns a cost to carbon emissions, reflecting the external costs associated with their impact, such as crop damage, healthcare costs, and property losses due to extreme weather. It shifts the financial responsibility to the polluters, incentivizing them to either reduce emissions, pay the penalty, or invest in cleaner technologies.

Current Global Carbon Pricing:
Carbon pricing mechanisms are operational in 89 countries, covering 25% of global emissions (12.8 gigatonnes of CO₂). The primary mechanisms used are:

Emissions Trading System (ETS): Includes Cap-and-Trade and Baseline-and-Credit approaches for trading emission units.
Carbon Tax: Imposes a fixed tax per tonne of CO₂, without guaranteeing specific reductions.
Crediting Mechanism: Generates carbon credits from GHG reductions, which can be traded for compliance or voluntary mitigation.

Challenges in Implementing CCTS:

Target Setting and Carbon Pricing: Striking a balance between emission reduction targets is crucial. Lenient targets may lead to oversupply of credits and lower prices, while stringent targets could increase compliance costs.
Compliance and Enforcement: Under the PAT scheme, 50% of required ESCerts were left unpurchased with no penalties, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement.
Delays in Credit Issuance: Delays in credit issuance under the PAT scheme have undermined market confidence, and similar delays in the CCTS could hinder clean energy investment.
Transparency Issues: A lack of publicly available data on emissions and compliance might reduce trust in the market.

How Can India Strengthen CCTS?

Align with International Best Practices: Learn from the EU ETS by tightening emission caps, ensuring carbon price stability, and establishing strong compliance frameworks.
Capacity Building: Enhance Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) to ensure credibility.
Robust Trading Platform: Implement digital registries to track credits and prevent fraud.
Cross-Border Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with international systems, such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), to avoid trade restrictions.
Encourage Industry Participation: Provide incentives, such as tax benefits, for companies that reduce emissions beyond their compliance obligations and promote investment in green technologies.

Drishti Mains Question:

Railways’ Role in Mission Amrit Sarovar

Railways’ Role in Mission Amrit Sarovar

Indian Railways has joined the Mission Amrit Sarovar initiative to support water conservation efforts by building and revitalizing ponds across the nation.

As part of the mission, Indian Railways will desilt, excavate, or develop water bodies near railway tracks in collaboration with district authorities and the Ministry of Rural Development.

About Mission Amrit Sarovar:
Launched in April 2022, the mission aims to construct or rejuvenate 75 ponds per district. By October 2024, over 68,000 ponds have been completed.

The initiative promotes long-term water availability through community involvement and enhances climate resilience, ensuring sustainable water resources. It is led by the Ministry of Rural Development, with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) as the technical partner.

Mission implementation is supported through convergence with programs like MGNREGA, 15th Finance Commission Grants, PMKSY, and various state schemes.

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Tuesday, 10 June 2025

About the Gulf of Oman:

Monday, 9 June 2025

About Jalanatheswarar Temple:

Sunday, 8 June 2025

INS Ranvir:

SAGAR:

India-Bangladesh Exercises:

Saturday, 7 June 2025

Mission Saffron:

Saffron:

NECTAR:

Friday, 6 June 2025

Who Are ASHA Workers?

Key Responsibilities of ASHAs:

Concerns of ASHA Workers:

How Can ASHA Workers Be Empowered?

National Health Mission (NHM)

Thursday, 5 June 2025

What Was the Indian National Army (INA)?

What is the Significance of the Indian National Army (INA)?

Conclusion

Wednesday, 4 June 2025

Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Monday, 2 June 2025

Sunday, 1 June 2025

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