July 09 – UPSC Current Affairs – PM IAS

India and Brazil Held Bilateral Talks: Forging a New Strategic Roadmap

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations (Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora); GS3/Economy (Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment); GS3/Internal Security (Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security).

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently undertook a State Visit to Brasilia, Brazil, where he held significant bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This visit followed PM Modi’s participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The discussions reaffirmed the robust India-Brazil Strategic Partnership, leading to the setting of ambitious targets and the signing of several key agreements across diverse sectors.

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• State Visit and Ceremonial Welcome: PM Modi was on a State Visit to Brasilia on July 8, 2025, upon the invitation of President Lula. He received a warm and colorful ceremonial welcome at Alvorada Palace. President Lula also conferred Brazil’s highest civilian honor, the “Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross,” upon PM Modi, acknowledging his efforts to deepen India-Brazil ties and strengthen cooperation in international forums.
• New Strategic Roadmap and Priority Pillars: The two leaders charted a new strategic roadmap to strengthen bilateral ties over the next decade, grounded in shared values and aiming for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. This roadmap is based on five key priority pillars:
  1. Defence and Security:
  2. Food and Nutritional Security:
  3. Energy Transition and Climate Change:
  4. Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies:
  5. Industrial Partnerships in Strategic Areas:
• Key Outcomes and Agreements Signed (Six MoUs):
  • Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Organized Crime: A significant agreement for cooperation in combating international terrorism and transnational organized crime was signed. Both leaders condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, emphasizing a “zero tolerance and zero double standards” approach. PM Modi thanked Brazil for its solidarity and support following the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April 2025. They called for concerted actions against UN-designated terrorist entities like Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
  • Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information: This agreement will enable deeper cooperation in various strategic areas, facilitating sensitive information sharing.
  • Agricultural Research: Aimed at enhancing cooperation in sustainable farming, joint research on crop productivity, animal genetics, and the application of biotechnology.
  • Renewable Energy: Reinforcing collaboration in clean and renewable energy, including bioenergy and biofuels. Both countries are founding members of the Global Biofuels Alliance.
  • Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): For cooperation in the field of intellectual property.
  • Digital Cooperation (India Stack/Digital Public Infrastructure): To share successful large-scale digital solutions for digital transformation. India offered to share its successful experience in areas like UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and other Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) with Brazil.
• Trade and Economic Cooperation:
  • Ambitious Trade Target: The leaders set an ambitious target to increase bilateral trade to USD 20 billion over the next five years, a significant jump from the current annual trade of around USD 12.2 billion (2024-25).
  • India-MERCOSUR PTA Expansion: Discussions included strengthening bilateral trade, specifically exploring the expansion of the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) to bring mutual benefits.
  • Investment Opportunities: Agreed to explore investment opportunities in hydrocarbon, renewable energy, mining (especially critical minerals like lithium, copper, rare earth elements), oil and gas, and carbon capture technologies.
  • Ministerial-level Mechanism: Welcomed the establishment of a Ministerial-level mechanism to discuss trade and commercial matters, aiming for higher-level oversight of economic ties.
• Defence Cooperation:
  • Growing Trust: PM Modi highlighted that growing cooperation in defence signifies “deep mutual trust,” and both nations would continue efforts to interlink their defence industries.
  • Despite Akash Missile Decision: While Brazil decided to halt negotiations to procure India’s Akash air defence missile system (preferring Italy’s EMADS for its longer range and proven performance), both leaders reaffirmed commitment to expand defence and security cooperation, including joint military exercises, high-level defence delegations, and joint R&D and co-development of military hardware. Brazil also expressed interest in other Indian defence equipment like coastal surveillance systems and the Garuda artillery gun.
  • Cybersecurity Dialogue: Established a Bilateral Cybersecurity Dialogue to deepen cooperation through information exchange on cybersecurity issues.
• Space Cooperation:
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in strategic areas, including the peaceful uses of outer space and maritime and oceanic cooperation.
  • Joint Efforts: Both sides agreed to explore more opportunities for collaboration between their respective space agencies, including satellite design, development, launch vehicles, commercial launches, control stations, and R&D and training.
• Global Governance and Multilateralism:
  • UNSC Reform: Reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent membership categories, with greater representation from developing countries (Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean). They reiterated mutual support for the permanent membership of their countries in an expanded Security Council.
  • Global South: Emphasized the importance of raising the concerns and priorities of the Global South at global forums. Both leaders stated that the India-Brazil partnership is a strong pillar of balance and stability in a world facing tensions and uncertainties.
  • Climate Change: Agreed to work together to strengthen global action to deal with climate change, with India expressing appreciation for Brazil’s invitation to join the COP30 Circle of Finance Ministers. They supported an international mechanism dedicated to the protection and preservation of tropical forests.
  • BRICS and G20: The discussions also leveraged their shared platforms like BRICS (India and Brazil are founding members) and G20 to foster cooperation on global issues.
• People-to-People Ties: Efforts to facilitate easier travel and interaction for tourists, students, businesspersons, and sportspersons were also discussed, with PM Modi expressing the desire for India-Brazil relations to be “as colourful as carnival, as passionate as football, and as connecting hearts as samba.”

Significance of the Bilateral Talks:

• Strengthening Strategic Partnership: The talks reinforced the strategic partnership established in 2006, positioning India and Brazil as key players in the Global South and on the world stage.
• Economic Diversification: The ambitious trade target and focus on new areas like critical minerals, digital transformation, and green energy will diversify and boost economic ties.
• Addressing Global Challenges: Joint commitment to counter-terrorism, climate action, and UN Security Council reform demonstrates a shared vision for a more stable and equitable international order.
• Technological Collaboration: India’s offer to share its DPI expertise and collaboration in AI and supercomputing highlights a growing technology partnership.
• Defence Diplomacy: Despite specific procurement decisions, the overall thrust on deepening defence industry linkages underscores growing mutual trust.
• Voice of the Global South: As two large democracies and influential members of BRICS and G20, their close coordination strengthens the voice of the Global South in global governance.

The bilateral talks between India and Brazil mark a significant step towards deepening cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development, economic prosperity, and a more balanced global order.

PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024: A New Era in Educational Assessment

Syllabus: GS2/Governance (Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation); GS2/Education (Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources).

Context: The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 marks a significant transformation in India’s approach to assessing educational outcomes. This nationwide student assessment survey, conducted by the National Assessment Centre (PARAKH) within NCERT under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, is a pivotal initiative strategically aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It has officially replaced the erstwhile National Achievement Survey (NAS).

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• Successor to NAS: PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 is the successor to the National Achievement Survey (NAS), which had been conducted periodically since 2001. The shift to PARAKH signifies a more holistic and system-level evaluation approach, moving beyond merely assessing individual student performance.
• Alignment with NEP 2020: The survey is meticulously designed to align with the ambitious objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes competency-based learning, holistic development, and a shift away from rote learning.
• Assessment Framework:
  • Grades Assessed: The survey assesses students in Grades 3, 6, and 9. This covers foundational, preparatory, and middle stages of education.
  • Subjects Covered:
    • Grade 3: Foundational competencies in Language, Mathematics, and “The World Around Us” (TWAU, which is similar to Environmental Studies).
    • Grade 6: Language, Mathematics, and “The World Around Us.”
    • Grade 9: Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.
  • Assessment Methodology: It employs a combination of paper-based assessments with modern OMR technology for efficient and accurate data collection. The assessment design focuses on evaluating core competencies and learning outcomes.
  • Scope and Scale: The survey, conducted on December 4, 2024, assessed approximately 2.1 million (21 lakh) students from 74,229 schools across 781 districts in 36 states and Union Territories. This includes state government schools, government-aided schools, private unaided schools, and central government schools.
• Key Findings (Preliminary Reports, July 2025):
  • Foundational Stage Improvement: The results show a significant improvement at the foundational level (Grade 3), suggesting that Covid-induced learning losses in language and mathematics may have been recouped.
    • Language: 57% of Grade 3 students showed proficiency or above, an 18% jump compared to NAS 2021.
    • Mathematics: 65% of Grade 3 students achieved proficiency or above, a 23% increase from NAS 2021.
    • Rural Students and State Government Schools: Rural students slightly outperformed urban peers in Grade 3. State government schools also performed well at this foundational level, indicating positive impacts of initiatives like the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
  • Decline in Higher Grades: A concerning trend of declining student performance as they progress to higher grades (Grade 6 and Grade 9) has been observed, particularly in conceptual subjects like Mathematics and Science.
    • Learning Gaps: Significant learning deficits were reported, with a large percentage of students in Class 6 struggling with reading comprehension and Class 9 students failing to grasp basic numerical patterns (fractions, integers) or meet minimum competency benchmarks in Science and Social Science.
  • Skill-based Courses: The survey highlighted low penetration of vocational education, with only 47% of schools offering skill-based courses for Class 9 and above, and just 29% of students opting for them.
  • Regional Variations: While some states like Punjab, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan consistently figured among top performers across grades, others like J&K and Meghalaya were among the worst-performing. Goa, for instance, performed below the national average in Class 3 but showed improvement in Classes 6 and 9.

What is PARAKH (Performance Assessment, Review, and Analysis of Knowledge for Holistic Development)? PARAKH is a national assessment regulator and a constituent unit of the NCERT, established in 2023 under the NEP 2020. Its core objectives go beyond just conducting large-scale surveys:

• Setting Norms and Guidelines: Establishing specific norms, standards, and guidelines for student assessment and evaluation across all recognized school boards in India.
• Improving Assessment Patterns: Moving away from rote learning and adopting unique assessment methods that evaluate higher-order skills, critical thinking, conceptual clarity, and relevant competencies.
• Reducing Evaluation Disparity: Establishing a uniform student evaluation system across state and central boards to reduce disparities in evaluation standards and examination results.
• Holistic Progress Cards: Developing 360-degree Holistic Progress Cards for all stages of schooling to provide a comprehensive assessment of student development, including academic, co-curricular, and socio-emotional aspects.
• Equivalence of School Boards: Working to bring equivalence across all school boards in India, allowing for credit points to be allocated to all forms of learning (academic, vocational, experiential).

Significance of PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024:

• Evidence-based Policy Making: Provides comprehensive, data-driven insights into the health of the nation’s education system at national, state, and district levels, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions and design targeted interventions.
• Alignment with NEP 2020: Directly supports the transformative vision of NEP 2020 by focusing on competency-based assessment and holistic development rather than just rote memorization.
• System-Level Evaluation: Shifts the focus from individual student performance to evaluating entire schools and the broader educational ecosystem, helping identify systemic strengths and weaknesses.
• Identifying Learning Gaps: Highlights specific learning gaps and areas where students struggle, particularly as they progress to higher grades, allowing for focused remediation efforts.
• Promoting Skill Development: The insights into skill-based course penetration will inform strategies to expand vocational education and enhance career readiness.
• Benchmarking and Quality Improvement: Helps in establishing benchmarks and fostering continuous improvement in teaching practices, curriculum design, and learning environments.
• Global Alignment: Aims to align India’s assessment practices with global standards, preparing students for an evolving world.

Challenges and Way Forward: While the PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan is a critical step, challenges remain:

• Addressing Learning Gaps in Higher Grades: The decline in performance in higher grades, especially in Mathematics and Science, necessitates urgent pedagogical and curricular reforms.
• Implementing Remedial Measures: The insights from the survey must translate into effective, on-ground remedial teaching programs and support for struggling students.
• Bridging Rural-Urban and Gender Gaps: Targeted interventions are needed to address persistent disparities in learning outcomes.
• Expanding Skill Education: Significant efforts are required to increase the availability, awareness, and uptake of skill-based courses in schools.
• Teacher Training: Equipping teachers with the necessary skills and training to implement competency-based assessment and address diverse learning needs is crucial.
• Data Utilization: Ensuring that the rich data collected by PARAKH is effectively analyzed, disseminated, and utilized by all stakeholders (policymakers, educators, parents, students) for continuous improvement.
• Continuous Monitoring: Regular and consistent assessment cycles will be essential to track progress and adjust policies.

The PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 is more than just a survey; it is a foundational step towards building a robust, data-informed, and equitable school education system in India, aiming to ensure that every learner can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Jal Jeevan Mission: Accelerating Towards ‘Har Ghar Jal’ with Renewed Focus

Syllabus: GS2/Governance (Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation); GS2/Social Justice (Issues relating to poverty and hunger); GS3/Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment).

Context: The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15, 2019, aims to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual functional household tap connections (FHTCs) to every rural household in India. While initially targeted for completion by 2024, the Union Budget 2025-26 has extended the mission till 2028, underscoring the government’s continued commitment to this ambitious goal and its focus on quality, sustainability, and citizen-centric service delivery.

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• Extension and Funding Model: The Jal Jeevan Mission has been extended until 2028. While the Central Government remains committed to the mission, recent reports indicate a refined funding approach. Central grants-in-aid for the extended period will be released for “eligible states only after getting approval from the competent authority” and will primarily cover “central liability” as defined under the scheme’s 50:50 Centre-State funding ratio. States are now expected to bear the full cost of “additional liabilities” or projects that do not conform to operational guidelines. This revised approach aims to ensure greater fiscal discipline and project adherence.
• Progress So Far (as of July 2025):
  • Significant progress has been made since 2019, when only about 3.23 crore (17%) rural households had tap water connections.
  • As of February 1, 2025, over 15.44 crore (79.74%) rural households have been provided with functional household tap connections. This means 12.20 crore additional rural households have gained access to tap water.
  • Several states and Union Territories, including Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Himachal Pradesh, as well as UTs like Puducherry, Daman & Diu, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands, have achieved 100% ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status.
  • Additionally, tap water connections have been provided to numerous schools and Anganwadi centres, improving hygiene and health for children.
• Focus on Quality and Sustainability: The mission’s extension emphasizes improving the quality of infrastructure, ensuring the operation and maintenance (O&M) of rural piped water supply systems, and strengthening public participation. This includes:
  • Source Sustainability: Mandatory measures like groundwater recharge, greywater management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: A network of over 2,162 water testing laboratories has been established, and over 24.80 lakh women have been trained to conduct water testing using Field Testing Kits (FTKs).
  • Community Ownership: Promotion of Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) or Pani Samitis, with at least 50% women members, to manage water supply systems and collect user charges for O&M.
• New Projects and Initiatives:
  • Andhra Pradesh’s Deputy CM recently laid the foundation for a ₹1,290 crore drinking water project under JJM in Prakasam district, aiming to provide piped water to nearly 10 lakh households.
  • The mission is also exploring technological interventions for contaminant removal in areas with water quality issues (e.g., fluoride, arsenic, iron contamination).

What is the Jal Jeevan Mission? The Jal Jeevan Mission is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aiming to provide 55 litres of potable water per person per day to every rural household through FHTCs by 2028 (extended target). It is a decentralized, demand-driven, and community-managed program, focusing on both hardware (infrastructure) and software (community participation, awareness) aspects of water supply.

Objectives of the Jal Jeevan Mission:

1. Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC): To provide FHTCs to every rural household, schools, Anganwadi centers, Gram Panchayat buildings, health and wellness centers, and other community buildings.
2. Prioritization: To prioritize FHTC provision in quality-affected areas (e.g., arsenic, fluoride contamination), drought-prone and desert areas, and Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) villages.
3. Source Sustainability: To ensure the long-term sustainability of water supply systems through mandatory measures like greywater management, water conservation, and rainwater harvesting.
4. Community Ownership: To promote voluntary ownership among the local community through contributions in cash, kind, or labour (Shramdaan), and by empowering Village Water & Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) to plan, implement, manage, operate, and maintain in-village water supply infrastructure.
5. Human Resource Development: To empower and develop human resources in the water sector, covering construction, plumbing, electrical work, water quality management, water treatment, and O&M.
6. Awareness and Stakeholder Involvement: To raise awareness about the significance of safe drinking water and involve all stakeholders to make water “everyone’s business.”
7. Quality Assurance: To ensure the supply of water is of prescribed quality (BIS standards) through regular testing and monitoring.

Significance of the Jal Jeevan Mission:

• Improved Public Health: Access to safe drinking water reduces waterborne diseases (e.g., diarrheal diseases), significantly improving health outcomes, especially for children. WHO estimates JJM could prevent nearly 400,000 deaths and save 14 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
• Women Empowerment and Ease of Living: The mission liberates women and girls from the arduous task of fetching water from distant sources, saving countless hours daily. This time can be utilized for education, skill development, employment, and economic activities, enhancing their dignity and quality of life.
• Reduced Regional Disparities: Aims to bridge the rural-urban divide in access to clean drinking water, fostering equitable development.
• Economic Impact: Generates significant direct and indirect employment opportunities in plumbing, construction, water management, and related sectors. Estimates suggest millions of person-years of employment.
• Sustainable Water Management: Emphasis on source sustainability, water conservation, and greywater management promotes responsible and long-term water resource management.
• Community Participation: The mission’s bottom-up, community-driven approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among villagers for their water supply systems.
• Achievement of SDGs: Contributes significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Challenges and Way Forward:

• Sustainability of Sources: Depleting groundwater levels, especially in water-stressed regions, pose a significant challenge to long-term supply. Solutions include integrating traditional water management systems (e.g., johads), scaling up greywater reuse, rainwater harvesting, and afforestation.
• Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Costs: Ensuring the financial viability and technical capacity of Village Water and Sanitation Committees (VWSCs) to manage recurring O&M costs (repairs, electricity for pumps, water quality testing) is crucial. Clear state policies on viability gap funding and integrating with schemes like MGNREGA for maintenance can help.
• Water Quality Monitoring and Remediation: Despite progress, contamination from fluoride, arsenic, and iron remains an issue in many areas. Strengthening laboratory infrastructure, ensuring NABL accreditation, and effective public awareness are essential.
• Data Discrepancies: Inconsistencies between reported and actual coverage in some areas, along with varying definitions across different data sources, can complicate monitoring and evaluation. Robust real-time fund tracking and regular audits are needed.
• Geographical and Climatic Barriers: Logistical hurdles in difficult terrains (hilly, tribal areas, deserts) and regions prone to natural disasters pose challenges. Tailored solutions, climate-resilient infrastructure, and flexible funding mechanisms are necessary.
• Behavioral Change: Instilling a sense of water conservation and responsible usage among communities, along with ensuring user charge collection, requires continuous awareness campaigns and community engagement.

The Jal Jeevan Mission is a transformative initiative with profound implications for rural India. While significant strides have been made, sustained effort, strategic planning, efficient fund utilization, and strong community participation will be critical to overcome the remaining challenges and achieve the vision of ‘Har Ghar Jal’ by 2028, ensuring safe and sustainable drinking water for every rural household.

Delhi’s Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles: A Postponed Measure Amidst Implementation Challenges

Syllabus: GS3/Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; pollution control measures); GS3/Internal Security (Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security; impact on common public).

Context: Delhi, grappling with severe air pollution, has long sought to restrict older, more polluting vehicles from its roads. A key measure in this direction was the planned implementation of a fuel ban on “End-of-Life” (EOL) vehicles. While initially set to begin on July 1, 2025, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has now decided to defer the full enforcement of this ban until November 1, 2025, primarily due to public outcry and operational challenges.

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• Definition of End-of-Life (EOL) Vehicles:
  • Diesel vehicles: Older than 10 years.
  • Petrol vehicles: Older than 15 years.
  • These age-based restrictions are based on previous directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2014 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, which also mandated their deregistration in Delhi-NCR.
• Initial Implementation and Deferral:
  • The fuel ban was initially slated to come into effect in Delhi from July 1, 2025, regardless of where the vehicles were registered. Fuel stations were directed to deny fuel to such vehicles.
  • This immediate rollout led to significant public discontent and opposition. Many citizens, particularly those from middle-class families reliant on older vehicles for their livelihoods, expressed concern about the sudden impact.
  • Following this backlash, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa wrote to the CAQM, requesting a delay. He cited “premature and potentially counterproductive” aspects, highlighting “operational and infrastructural challenges.”
  • Consequently, the CAQM reviewed the issue and decided to defer the enforcement of the directions for Delhi until November 1, 2025.
• Enforcement Mechanism:
  • To ensure compliance, fuel stations in Delhi have been equipped with Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
  • These cameras scan number plates and cross-reference vehicle details (fuel type, age, registration) with the VAHAN database.
  • If a vehicle is identified as EOL, the system is designed to alert fuel station staff to deny refueling, and the violation is recorded for enforcement agencies (who may then impound or scrap the vehicle).
• Challenges Leading to Deferral:
  • Technological Glitches: The ANPR camera system faced issues, including malfunctioning sensors, difficulty in reading High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), and a lack of integration with vehicle data from surrounding NCR regions.
  • Lack of Uniformity in NCR: A significant concern raised was that implementing the ban only in Delhi would be ineffective and potentially lead to an illegal cross-border market for fuel, as vehicle owners could simply refuel in neighboring NCR districts where the ban was not yet active.
  • Public Readiness: The government acknowledged that the public was not fully prepared for the immediate implementation of such a broad measure.
  • Alternative Suggestions: Critics, including environmentalists and automotive experts, argued that a blanket age-based ban might not be the most effective solution. They suggested focusing on actual emissions performance (through a more robust Pollution Under Control – PUC system or remote sensing technology), promoting public transport, and offering better incentives for vehicle scrappage. Some also questioned the selective targeting of personal vehicles while other aging modes of transport (like trains, buses, aircraft) remain in use.
• Phased Implementation and Wider Scope:
  • The deferred plan now aligns Delhi’s implementation date with five high-vehicle-density districts adjoining the capital: Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Sonipat. The drive against EOL vehicles, including the fuel ban, will now be launched across these areas simultaneously from November 1, 2025.
  • The restriction will further extend to the rest of the NCR from April 1, 2026. This phased approach aims to ensure proper installation of ANPR infrastructure and training of personnel across the wider region.
• Impact and Scale:
  • According to VAHAN data, Delhi alone has more than 62 lakh (6.2 million) End-of-Life vehicles, including 41 lakh two-wheelers and 18 lakh four-wheelers. Many of these continue to ply on city roads despite being officially deregistered.
  • The number of EOL vehicles in the entire NCR stands at around 44 lakh (4.4 million) and these are largely concentrated in the five high-density cities.

Significance of the Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles:

• Addressing Air Pollution: Vehicular emissions are a major contributor to Delhi’s severe air pollution. Older vehicles, particularly those operating under weaker emission norms, emit significantly more particulate matter (PM2.5) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) than newer ones. This ban is a direct effort to remove these high-polluting vehicles from the roads.
• Improving Public Health: Reduced vehicular pollution can lead to significant improvements in public health, lessening the incidence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Compliance with Judicial Orders: The move is in line with directives from the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court aimed at curbing pollution in the NCR.
• Fleet Modernization: It encourages the scrapping of old vehicles and the adoption of newer, more fuel-efficient, and less polluting vehicles (e.g., BS-VI compliant vehicles, electric vehicles), thereby modernizing the vehicle fleet.
• Circular Economy (Scrappage Policy): It complements the broader Vehicle Scrappage Policy, which aims to promote a circular economy by recycling materials from EOL vehicles, reducing raw material costs, and minimizing waste.

Challenges and Way Forward:

• Effective Enforcement: Ensuring consistent and loophole-free enforcement across Delhi and the entire NCR is crucial. This includes resolving ANPR system glitches and addressing the potential for an illegal fuel market.
• Public Support and Alternatives: The government needs to build public confidence and offer viable alternatives, such as improved public transport, incentives for vehicle scrappage, and financial support for lower-income families who rely on older vehicles.
• Beyond Age-Based Ban: Experts suggest that relying solely on age as a criterion might be insufficient. A more holistic approach integrating actual emission levels (through rigorous PUC checks or remote sensing), vehicle fitness, and maintenance records could be more effective.
• Comprehensive Pollution Control: Vehicular pollution is just one component of Delhi’s air quality crisis. The fuel ban must be part of a larger, integrated strategy addressing other major sources like industrial emissions, construction dust, biomass burning, and waste management.
• Inter-state Coordination: Effective coordination among the states in the NCR is paramount to ensure uniform implementation and prevent evasion of the ban.
• Scrappage Infrastructure: Building robust and easily accessible vehicle scrapping and recycling infrastructure is essential to manage the large number of EOL vehicles.

The deferred implementation of Delhi’s fuel ban on old vehicles highlights the complexities of environmental policy-making in a densely populated region. While the intent to combat pollution is clear, the success of the measure will depend on addressing operational challenges, ensuring fairness to citizens, and integrating it within a broader, multi-faceted approach to clean air.

Reforming the UNFCCC Process: Addressing a Credibility Crisis for Climate Action

Syllabus: GS2/International Relations (Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate); GS3/Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; Climate Change).

Context: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), established in 1992, serves as the primary international forum for addressing climate change. However, in recent years, the UNFCCC process, particularly its annual Conferences of the Parties (COPs), has faced a growing credibility crisis. Critics argue that its outcomes have been largely underwhelming, failing to deliver the ambitious action required to curb global warming and address the urgent needs of vulnerable nations. A renewed push for reform has gained significant traction ahead of COP30 in Brazil (2025).

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• Growing Disillusionment: There’s a widespread feeling that while the COPs generate much discussion and fanfare, they often fall short on concrete, transformative action. The gap between scientific urgency and political commitment remains wide.
• Recent Discussions in Bonn (June 2025): The annual mid-year climate meeting in Bonn, Germany, which concluded last month, explicitly discussed ideas and suggestions from countries, climate groups, and non-governmental organizations to reform the system and make it more effective. The discussions acknowledged the “growing scale and complexity” of climate negotiations and emphasized the need for “improving the efficiency of the UNFCCC process in a transparent and inclusive manner.”
• Brazil’s Role (COP30 Host): As the host of COP30, Brazil is under pressure to rebuild trust in the system. Brazil has acknowledged the need for reforms and has floated ideas for creating additional multilateral mechanisms to complement the UNFCCC process and accelerate the implementation of decisions.

Key Criticisms and Challenges Facing the UNFCCC Process:

1. Insufficient Ambition and Implementation of NDCs:
   • The Paris Agreement relies on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are voluntary and often fall short of the scientific recommendations needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C or even 2°C.
   • As of May 2025, only about 11% of countries had submitted their 2035 NDCs, with many lacking credible implementation plans. This raises concerns about the collective ambition and actual delivery.
   • There’s a significant disconnect between negotiation rhetoric and the reality of rising global emissions.
2. Consensus-Based Decision-Making (The “Veto” Problem):
   • Every decision under the UNFCCC requires consensus from all parties (currently 198 parties). This gives each country an effective veto power.
   • This often leads to watered-down agreements and lowest-common-denominator outcomes, as negotiations aim for what all parties can agree to, rather than what is scientifically necessary.
   • Civil society groups have strongly advocated for a shift to majority-based decision-making when consensus is elusive, though this remains highly controversial and unlikely to pass due to resistance from various nations.
3. Climate Finance Shortfalls and Inequity:
   • A major point of contention, particularly for developing countries, is the failure of developed countries to deliver on their climate finance commitments.
   • The long-standing pledge of $100 billion per year for developing countries (by 2020) was repeatedly missed. The new collective quantified goal, agreed upon at COP29 (Baku), set a target of $300 billion a year from 2035 onwards, which developing nations argue is still far too low (their assessed needs are at least $1.3 trillion a year).
   • Concerns persist about the transparency and accessibility of climate finance, particularly for adaptation efforts. Developed nations have been criticized for prioritizing mitigation over adaptation finance.
4. Influence of Fossil Fuel Industry and Conflicts of Interest:
   • There is growing criticism regarding the presence and influence of fossil fuel company representatives and other polluting industries at COP meetings. Allegations suggest these companies influence outcomes in their favor, leading to “greenwashing” and diluted commitments.
   • The choice of host countries for COPs (e.g., Dubai for COP28, Baku for COP29), whose economies are heavily reliant on fossil fuels, has also raised concerns about conflicts of interest. Civil society groups have proposed that countries with poor climate action track records should not be allowed to host COPs.
5. Procedural Inefficiencies and Growing Scale of COPs:
   • The annual COPs have become massive, unwieldy events, with tens of thousands of attendees. This scale can hinder effective negotiations.
   • Overlapping and redundant agenda items, lengthy statements from parties and observer groups, and the sheer number of issues being discussed create significant time constraints and make effective decision-making challenging, especially for smaller delegations.
   • The “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed” norm often prolongs negotiations and leads to exhaustion and sub-optimal outcomes.
6. Lack of Accountability and Independent Review:
   • There’s a perceived lack of robust mechanisms to independently assess the credibility and implementation of NDCs and to publicly flag underperformance.
   • The transparency framework, particularly the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under the Paris Agreement, introduces more stringent reporting requirements, but challenges remain in building capacity, training expert reviewers, and ensuring timely data submission.
7. Marginalization of Vulnerable Countries’ Concerns:
   • Developing countries, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other vulnerable nations, repeatedly complain that their specific concerns, especially on Loss and Damage and adaptation finance, are often ignored or inadequately addressed in the negotiations.

Proposals and Ideas for Reform:

1. Decision-Making:
   • Majority Voting (Controversial): Allow for majority-based decision-making when consensus cannot be reached after a defined negotiation period, preventing a single country from blocking progress.
   • Enhanced Consensus-Building: Strengthen the role of the COP Presidency in brokering deals and guiding consensus, potentially through informal soundings and strategic consultations.
2. Efficiency and Structure of COPs:
   • Streamlining Agenda Items: Consolidate or eliminate overlapping and redundant issues to focus negotiations.
   • Limiting Statements and Delegation Sizes: Encourage shorter, more focused interventions from countries and observer groups, and potentially cap the size of negotiating teams to make discussions more manageable.
   • Separating Functions: Consider separating the negotiation function from the “climate expo” and “summit” aspects of COPs, potentially decentralizing some events or holding them in different formats.
   • Permanent Host Country (AOSIS Proposal): One radical suggestion is to consider a permanent host country for COPs (e.g., Bonn) after 2025, allowing the COP Presidency to rotate regionally without the burden of hosting the massive event, thereby enabling smaller countries to take on the presidency.
3. Accountability and Implementation:
   • Independent Review of NDCs: Establish an independent technical body under the UNFCCC to assess the credibility of NDCs, track their implementation, and publicly report on underperformance. This would introduce reputational accountability.
   • Tie Finance to Transparency and Results: Link the disbursement of climate finance (e.g., from the Green Climate Fund) to transparent reporting and measurable progress on mitigation and adaptation.
   • Proactive Tracking of Initiatives: The UNFCCC could play a more proactive role in tracking and providing accountability for cooperative initiatives announced during COPs, beyond formal negotiations.
4. Addressing Finance and Equity:
   • Increased Developed Country Commitments: Push developed countries to meet and exceed their climate finance obligations, including increasing contributions to adaptation finance.
   • Addressing Loss and Damage Fund Accessibility: Ensure the operationalization and adequate capitalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, making it genuinely accessible to vulnerable nations.
   • New Finance Mechanisms: Explore innovative financing mechanisms and ensure a fair and equitable process for setting the new collective quantified goal on climate finance.
5. Participation and Inclusivity:
   • Reduced Fossil Fuel Lobbying: Implement stricter rules to reduce the participation and influence of representatives from fossil fuel companies and other polluting industries in COP meetings and negotiations.
   • Enhance Civil Society Engagement: Provide more meaningful avenues for civil society organizations, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to contribute to and influence the negotiation process.
   • Reframing Negotiations: Shift the focus of negotiations towards a human-needs-based framework, concentrating on low-carbon solutions for essential services like housing, food, health, and mobility.
6. Complementary Mechanisms:
   • Brazil’s idea of creating additional multilateral mechanisms that complement the UNFCCC process is gaining traction. This could involve specialized forums or initiatives to drive action on specific sectors or themes outside the main negotiation track, helping accelerate implementation.
   • Mainstreaming Climate Across UN: Integrating climate conversations more deeply across other UN agencies and financial institutions.

Challenges to Implementing Reforms:

• Consensus Requirement: Any significant reform of the UNFCCC process itself ultimately requires consensus among all parties, which makes fundamental changes extremely difficult to achieve.
• National Interests: Countries often prioritize their short-term national interests over collective long-term climate goals, leading to resistance to more ambitious proposals or changes in process.
• Complex Interdependencies: The UNFCCC is a highly complex and interconnected system; making changes to one part can have unintended consequences on others.
• Political Will: The ultimate success of any reform effort hinges on sustained political will from all major emitters and developed nations to push for and implement ambitious climate action.

Reforming the UNFCCC process is a monumental task, but the growing urgency of the climate crisis demands that the international community finds ways to make its primary climate negotiation forum more efficient, equitable, and effective in delivering the transformational action needed. COP30 in Brazil will be a crucial juncture for these discussions.

Dhammacakkappavattana Divas: Commemorating the First Turning of the Wheel of Dhamma

Syllabus: GS1/Indian History & Culture (Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times); GS2/International Relations (Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate).

Context: Dhammacakkappavattana Divas, observed on Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā (Full Moon day of the month of Ashadha), is one of the most sacred days for Buddhists worldwide, second only to Vaishakha Buddha Pūrṇimā. It commemorates a pivotal moment in Buddhist history: Lord Buddha’s First Sermon, which he delivered to his five ascetic companions at the ‘Deer Park’, Ṛṣipatana Mrigadāya, now known as Sarnath, near Varanasi.

More About the News:

• Date: In 2025, Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā—Dhammacakkappavattana Divas—is being commemorated on Thursday, July 10, 2025.
• Organizers: The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Mahabodhi Society of India, is commemorating this day with solemn spiritual programs.
• Venue: The main commemorative event in India is held at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the very place where the Buddha delivered his first discourse.
• Programme Highlights: The commemorations typically include a sacred Parikrama (circumambulation) and chanting ceremony at the historic Dhamek Stupa, led by the Venerable Sangha community. This is followed by Mangalacharan (auspicious invocations) and reflections by eminent monks, scholars, and dignitaries.
• International Recognition: This day holds deep spiritual significance across Buddhist nations and is observed as Esala Poya in Sri Lanka and Asanha Bucha in Thailand.
• Guru Purnima Connection: Additionally, Āshāḍha Pūrṇimā is also observed as Guru Purnima by both Buddhists and Hindus, a day to pay homage to one’s spiritual teachers, recognizing them as “dispellers of darkness through knowledge.”
• Start of Varsha Vassa: The sacred occasion also heralds the beginning of Varsha Vassa (Rainy Season Retreat), observed by monks and nuns across the Buddhist world. During this three-lunar-month period (typically July to October), monastics remain in a single place, often their temples, dedicated to intensive meditation and study. Lay people often serve the Sangha during this time.

What is the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta? The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (Pāli) or Dharmachakra Pravartana Sūtra (Sanskrit) literally translates to “The Setting in Motion of the Wheel of Dhamma” or “The Promulgation of the Law.” It is considered the very first discourse delivered by Gautama Buddha after attaining Enlightenment.

• Core Teachings: In this foundational sermon, the Buddha expounded the core principles of his teachings:
  1. The Middle Path: He introduced the concept of the “Middle Path” (Majjhima Patipada), which avoids the two extremes: the indulgence in sensual pleasures on one hand, and the practice of extreme asceticism and self-mortification on the other. He emphasized that true liberation lies in this balanced approach.
  2. The Four Noble Truths: These are the foundational tenets of Buddhist philosophy:
     • Dukkha (Suffering): Life involves suffering, dissatisfaction, and impermanence.
     • Samudaya (Origin of Suffering): Suffering arises from craving, attachment, and desire (tanha).
     • Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): Suffering can be ceased by eliminating craving and attachment.
     • Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering): The path to cessation of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.
  3. The Noble Eightfold Path: This practical guide to ethical and mental development comprises eight interconnected practices:
     • Right Understanding (Samma Ditthi)
     • Right Thought (Samma Sankappa)
     • Right Speech (Samma Vaca)
     • Right Action (Samma Kammanta)
     • Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva)
     • Right Effort (Samma Vayama)
     • Right Mindfulness (Samma Sati)
     • Right Concentration (Samma Samadhi)

Significance of Dhammacakkappavattana Divas:

• Birth of the Dhamma: It marks the official “turning of the Wheel of Dhamma,” signifying the beginning of Buddha’s teaching career and the formal establishment of the Buddha Dhamma (his teachings).
• Formation of the Sangha: It led to the ordination of the first five disciples (pañcavargiya), thus laying the foundation for the Buddhist monastic order, the Sangha.
• Foundation of Buddhist Philosophy: The sermon laid out the fundamental philosophical framework of Buddhism, providing a clear path to liberation from suffering.
• Spiritual Guidance: The teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path continue to serve as the guiding principles for millions of Buddhists worldwide, offering practical wisdom for ethical and spiritual development.
• Homage to the Teacher: Observing the day as Guru Purnima underscores the reverence for Lord Buddha as the supreme teacher who enlightened humanity.
• Cultural and Historical Importance: The celebration reinforces India’s profound historical and cultural connection to Buddhism, as the land where the Buddha attained enlightenment and delivered his first sermon.
• Global Buddhist Unity: Events like those organized by the International Buddhist Confederation foster unity and cooperation among Buddhist communities globally, promoting the shared values of peace, compassion, and spiritual dialogue.

The Dhammacakkappavattana Divas is a day of deep reflection, study, and practice for Buddhists, symbolizing the enduring legacy of the Buddha’s teachings and their relevance in navigating the complexities of human existence.

The Great Hornbill: A Majestic ‘Farmer of the Forest’ Facing Threats

Syllabus: GS3/Environment (Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment; important species in news); GS1/Indian History & Culture (Significance in tribal cultures).

Context: The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), also known as the Great Indian Hornbill or Great Pied Hornbill, is one of the largest and most iconic members of the hornbill family. Renowned for its striking appearance and crucial ecological role, it is a magnificent bird found in the dense evergreen and mixed deciduous forests of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its presence is often an indicator of a healthy forest ecosystem.

More About the Great Hornbill:

• Appearance:
  • It is a very large bird, typically measuring 95-130 cm (37-51 inches) in length with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet).
  • Its plumage is predominantly black and white, with a distinctive bright yellow and black casque (a hollow, bony structure) on top of its massive, downward-curving bill.
  • Males have black on the back and front underside of the casque, while females have a reddish back casque. Females are generally smaller and have bluish-white eyes, whereas males have red eyes.
  • Their “eyelashes” are actually modified feathers.
  • The powerful wing beat of a Great Hornbill can be heard from over half a mile away, often likened to the sound of a steam locomotive.
• Habitat and Distribution:
  • The Great Hornbill has a wide, albeit fragmented, distribution across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
  • In India, it is primarily found in the Western Ghats and the Himalayan foothills and northeastern states (Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram). It also occurs in Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Sumatra (Indonesia).
  • They prefer dense, old-growth, unlogged tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, especially hilly regions. They rely on large, tall trees for nesting and foraging.
• Diet and Ecological Role:
  • Great Hornbills are primarily frugivorous, with figs forming a significant part of their diet. They can consume up to 150 figs in one meal.
  • They also feed on a variety of other fruits, berries, and occasionally prey on small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
  • They are critical seed dispersers for many forest tree species, flying long distances and aiding in forest regeneration. This vital role earns them the moniker “farmers of the forest” or “engineers of the forest.”
• Unique Breeding Behaviour:
  • Great Hornbills are known for their monogamous pair bonds and a fascinating nesting ritual.
  • During the breeding season (January to April), the female seals herself inside a natural tree hollow (a large, tall tree is essential) using a plaster made primarily of her own feces and mud pellets provided by the male.
  • Only a narrow slit remains, through which the male feeds the female and later the chicks.
  • The female remains “imprisoned” for approximately 6-8 weeks, during which she undergoes a complete molt. She lays one or two eggs and incubates them for 38-40 days.
  • The male tirelessly brings food to the female and chicks. The female emerges only when the chicks are half-developed and have grown feathers, after which she re-seals the nest, and both parents continue to feed the young. Some males are so exhausted after this process that they may even die.
• Social Behaviour:
  • They are generally social birds, found in small parties, with larger groups sometimes congregating at fruiting trees or communal evening roosts. A congregation of up to 200 birds has been recorded in Bhutan.
  • They are very vocal, producing loud duets, roars, and barks.

Conservation Status (IUCN Red List):

• The Great Hornbill is currently listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (since 2018, uplisted from Near Threatened).
• Its population is considered decreasing globally.

Threats to the Great Hornbill:

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:
   • This is the primary threat. Extensive deforestation due to logging, agriculture (e.g., palm oil plantations), human settlements, and infrastructure development leads to the loss and fragmentation of their preferred dense, old-growth forests.
   • The specific requirement for large, mature trees with natural cavities for nesting makes them highly vulnerable, as these trees are often targeted by logging.
2. Hunting and Poaching:
   • Great Hornbills are hunted for various reasons, particularly in parts of Northeast India and Southeast Asia.
   • Their meat and fat are consumed, and their casques and tail feathers are highly prized for traditional adornments, head-dresses, and charms in tribal cultures.
   • The flesh and certain body parts are also believed to possess medicinal properties in some indigenous communities.
   • They are also captured for the pet trade.
3. Lack of Awareness and Cultural Practices:
   • While culturally significant (e.g., state bird of Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh, revered by some Naga tribes, with the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland celebrating tribal heritage), some traditional practices involving the use of hornbill parts pose a threat.
   • Superstitious beliefs can also lead to hunting.
4. Climate Change:
   • Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can affect the availability of fruiting trees, their primary food source, and impact breeding cycles.

Conservation Efforts and Way Forward:

• Habitat Protection: Establishing and enforcing protected areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves) and ensuring the integrity of existing forest patches are crucial.
• Afforestation and Reforestation: Initiatives to restore degraded forest areas and plant native fruit-bearing trees can help expand suitable habitat.
• Community Engagement: Working with local and indigenous communities to raise awareness about the hornbill’s ecological importance and provide sustainable alternative livelihoods.
  • Some conservation efforts provide artificial nesting cavities, offer feathers from captive birds, or provide ceramic casques to substitute real ones for traditional use.
• Anti-Poaching Measures: Strengthening law enforcement to combat illegal hunting and trade of hornbill parts.
• Research and Monitoring: Continuous research on hornbill populations, breeding success, diet, and movement patterns is essential for informed conservation strategies.
• Transboundary Cooperation: As their range extends across multiple countries, international cooperation in conservation efforts is vital.
• Ecotourism: Promoting responsible ecotourism can provide economic incentives for local communities to protect hornbills and their habitat.

The Great Hornbill stands as a symbol of the rich biodiversity of tropical forests. Its survival is intrinsically linked to the health of these ecosystems, making its conservation a priority for global environmental efforts.