1. Supreme Court to Examine Plea for Reviving the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC)
1. Syllabus
GS-II: Structure, organization and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary. Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
2. Context
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) stated that the Supreme Court will consider a plea seeking to revive the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and discontinue the existing Collegium system. The original NJAC Act (99th Constitutional Amendment) was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015, which deemed it a violation of the Basic Structure of the Constitution, particularly Judicial Independence.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The debate between the Collegium and the NJAC is essentially a contest over the primacy of the Judiciary versus the Executive in judicial appointments.
- The Collegium System: This system, evolved through the Three Judges Cases (1982, 1993, 1998), vests the power to appoint and transfer judges in a body of the CJI and the four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
- Argument for: It ensures Judicial Independence by shielding appointments from political interference, which is a facet of the Basic Structure.
- Argument against: Critics cite a lack of transparency, accountability, and the potential for nepotism (often referred to as ‘judge appointing judge’).
- The NJAC (The Alternative): The NJAC Act aimed to create a six-member body (CJI, two senior SC judges, Union Law Minister, and two eminent persons nominated by a committee) for appointments.
- Argument for: It would introduce Executive and legislative accountability and transparency into the appointment process.
- SC’s Reasoning for Striking Down: The SC ruled that the inclusion of the Law Minister and the veto power of the two eminent persons compromised the primacy of the judiciary and thus, judicial independence.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Collegium System | NJAC (Proposed/Revived) |
| Positives | Upholds Judicial Independence and separation of powers. Ensures judges with deep legal knowledge decide appointments. | Introduces transparency and executive accountability. Allows for political diversity in selection. |
| Negatives | Lacks transparency. Susceptible to allegations of nepotism. Prolonged appointments leading to judicial vacancies. | Risk of executive interference undermining judicial independence. Could politicise the judiciary. |
| Related Concepts | Article 124(2) (Appointment of SC Judges), Article 217 (Appointment of HC Judges), Basic Structure Doctrine (as defined in Kesavananda Bharati Case). | 99th Constitutional Amendment Act (Struck down in 2015). |
5. Examples
- The continued delay in finalizing the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for the Collegium is often cited by the government to highlight the system’s operational flaws.
6. Way Forward
A possible path forward lies in a reformed NJAC where the executive presence is advisory, or a reformed Collegium with clear, codified selection criteria, a dedicated secretariat, and enhanced public disclosure of reasons for recommendations to ensure accountability while preserving independence.
7. Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to revisit the NJAC question is highly significant, as it re-opens the debate on judicial reform. Any long-term solution must ensure a delicate balance: that judicial appointments are based solely on merit and integrity, free from external pressure, while simultaneously being subject to the necessary checks and balances expected in a democracy.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II: Critically examine the demand for the revival of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). How can the core conflict between judicial independence and accountability in the appointment of judges be resolved? (250 words)
2. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, 2025
1. Syllabus
GS-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Education.
GS-III: Indian Economy (Growth and Development).
2. Context
The government plans to table the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill, 2025, in the upcoming Winter Session of Parliament. The HECI is proposed to be a single, unified regulatory body for all higher education institutions in India (excluding medical and legal), replacing existing multiple bodies like the UGC (University Grants Commission) and AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The HECI is a key component of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to address the current regulatory fragmentation, over-centralization, and poor quality in higher education.
- Four Verticals: The NEP proposes four independent regulatory verticals under HECI to ensure a clear separation of functions:
- National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC): For regulation.
- National Accreditation Council (NAC): For accreditation.
- Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC): For funding.
- General Education Council (GEC): For academic standards and learning outcomes.
- Decoupling Functions: The core reform is to decouple the ‘grant-giving’ function from the ‘regulation’ function, which were conflated in the UGC. This is intended to eliminate the conflict of interest and reduce regulatory red tape.
- Focus on Autonomy and Quality: HECI intends to move away from inspection-based regulation towards self-disclosure and transparency based on outcome. The focus is on granting greater academic and administrative autonomy to well-performing institutions, allowing them to innovate and improve global rankings.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Streamlined Governance: Replaces multiple regulators with a single one, reducing administrative burden and overlap. 2. Academic Autonomy: Allows institutions to design curricula and assessments based on their strengths, fostering innovation. 3. Quality Assurance: Focuses on outcomes-based accreditation and ranking rather than input-based compliance. |
| Negatives | 1. Centralization Concerns: Critics argue that replacing multiple central bodies with a single, powerful central body will lead to excessive centralization of authority and uniformity, undermining the diversity of state universities. 2. State Autonomy: States fear that the HECI will infringe upon the concurrent nature of education and undermine the authority of state governments over their universities. 3. Implementation Challenge: Transitioning from the current system to the new structure, including managing staff and assets of the defunct bodies, will be a massive logistical task. |
| Government Schemes | 1. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The overarching reform document. 2. Institutions of Eminence (IoE) Scheme: Aims to create 20 world-class institutions, aligning with HECI’s focus on quality and autonomy. |
5. Examples
- The current system often forces universities to adhere to a rigid curriculum set by UGC, preventing specialization, a flaw HECI seeks to correct.
6. Way Forward
The final HECI Bill must include a clear mechanism for consultation with state governments and ensure state representation in the council to address federal concerns. A phased implementation, focusing first on high-quality regulatory oversight and then gradually taking over funding/grants, would ease the transition.
7. Conclusion
The HECI Bill is a transformative piece of legislation necessary to modernize India’s higher education system. By separating regulation, accreditation, and funding, and prioritizing institutional autonomy, it holds the potential to make Indian universities globally competitive. However, its success is contingent upon addressing the legitimate concerns surrounding over-centralization and maintaining the spirit of cooperative federalism.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II: The proposed Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) aims to dismantle the fragmented regulatory structure in higher education. Analyze the key objectives and challenges of establishing a single regulatory body in the context of the National Education Policy 2020 and the concurrent nature of education. (250 words)
3. Third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue
1. Syllabus
GS-II: 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.
2. Context
The Third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue was held in New Delhi, where both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The dialogue focused on deepening defence cooperation, especially in the maritime domain, military technology transfer, and counter-terrorism.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Indonesia, a key member of ASEAN and a large archipelagic nation bordering the Indian Ocean, is a critical partner for India’s strategic goals in the Indo-Pacific.
- Shared Maritime Space (Andaman Sea/Malacca Strait): Indonesia controls key chokepoints, particularly the Malacca Strait, which is vital for global trade and India’s energy security. Bilateral cooperation is essential for ensuring safe and secure sea lanes and exercising greater influence in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Defence Trade and Indigenous Production: The dialogue pushed for ‘Make in India’ defence exports to Indonesia, focusing on platforms like the BrahMos cruise missile and various naval patrol vessels. This aligns with India’s goal of becoming a major defence exporter and promotes its Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.
- Bilateral Mechanisms: Cooperation includes joint exercises like ‘Samudra Shakti’ (naval) and ‘Garuda Shakti’ (army). These exercises focus on interoperability, HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief), and combating maritime threats like piracy.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Indo-Pacific Strategy: Deepens India’s engagement with the key pillar of ASEAN, strengthening its Act East Policy and its role in the wider Indo-Pacific. 2. Maritime Security: Essential for coordinated patrolling, surveillance, and monitoring of crucial Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). 3. Defence Export Market: Opens up a significant market for Indian defence products, boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence. |
| Negatives | 1. China Factor: Both nations are keen to manage growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea/IOR, but Indonesia maintains a more non-aligned posture, which requires careful diplomatic navigation. 2. Trade Imbalance: Non-oil trade balance sometimes favours Indonesia, necessitating greater market access for Indian goods, including defence hardware. 3. Bureaucracy: Slow pace in finalizing large defence contracts and technology transfer agreements can be a hindrance. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Act East Policy: Focuses on comprehensive engagement with Southeast Asian countries. 2. SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Emphasizes India’s role as a security provider and partner in the IOR. |
5. Examples
- The Sabang port (Indonesia) development, which India has expressed interest in, is a key strategic project discussed in these dialogues to enhance regional connectivity.
6. Way Forward
India must move beyond traditional military cooperation to include joint development and production of defence equipment. Expediting the implementation of agreements on maritime domain awareness (MDA) and intelligence sharing is crucial for coordinated response to regional threats.
7. Conclusion
The Defence Ministers’ Dialogue is a critical step in cementing the strategic convergence between India and Indonesia. By focusing on maritime security and indigenous defence production, the partnership is not only mutually beneficial but also contributes significantly to maintaining a rules-based order and stability in the strategically vital Indo-Pacific region.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II: Evaluate the significance of the India-Indonesia Defence Ministers’ Dialogue in the context of India’s Act East Policy and its strategic interests in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region. (250 words)
4. Delivery of INS Taragiri: Fourth Indigenous Stealth Frigate
1. Syllabus
GS-III: Science and Technology – Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Achievements of Indians in science & technology; Defence Technology.
2. Context
INS Taragiri, the fourth warship of the Project 17A (P17A) class of Advanced Stealth Frigates, was delivered to the Indian Navy. Built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), this vessel represents a major milestone in India’s quest for self-reliance in defence production (Aatmanirbhar Bharat), with the frigate boasting an indigenization level of approximately 75%.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Project 17A is a follow-on to the Project 17 (Shivalik Class) Frigates, incorporating improved stealth features and advanced sensor and weapon systems.
- Stealth Technology: The design incorporates state-of-the-art features to reduce the vessel’s Radar Cross Section (RCS) through sloped sides, specific materials, and reduced infrared signature, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect. Stealth is critical for ensuring the ship’s survivability in high-threat environments.
- Warship Construction Ecosystem: The P17A project saw the concurrent construction of four frigates at two different shipyards (MDL and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)) using the Integrated Construction (IC) methodology. This modern method allows ship sections to be built and fitted out individually and then assembled, leading to faster completion times.
- Weapon Systems: INS Taragiri is designed to be a highly versatile platform, capable of carrying the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, advanced anti-air missiles, and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters, making it a powerful “blue water” capable asset.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Indigenization: Achieves a high level of indigenous content, saving foreign exchange and fostering domestic design and R&D capabilities. 2. Naval Power: Strengthens the Indian Navy’s capacity to operate across the entire IOR and defend India’s vast maritime interests. 3. Technology Base: Boosts India’s private sector and MSMEs involved in warship construction components, sensors, and weapon systems. |
| Negatives | 1. Time Overruns: Despite using IC, such complex projects often face delays in the delivery of foreign-sourced equipment and integrating complex indigenous systems. 2. Cost Escalation: Long gestation periods often lead to significant cost increases compared to the initial project estimates. 3. Technology Dependence: Critical systems like propulsion and some key sensors still rely on foreign collaborations/imports, indicating persistent gaps in core domestic manufacturing. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: The overarching mission to promote self-reliance in defence. 2. Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Mandates high indigenous content in defence procurements. |
5. Examples
- The IC methodology used is similar to the one employed in the construction of the INS Vikrant (India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier).
6. Way Forward
The focus must shift towards achieving complete self-reliance in critical, high-technology areas like specialized naval steel, propulsion systems, and advanced electronic warfare suites. Further standardization of equipment across different classes of frigates and destroyers is needed to streamline maintenance and training.
7. Conclusion
The delivery of INS Taragiri is a major demonstration of India’s indigenous shipbuilding prowess, securing a significant technological edge for the Indian Navy. It affirms India’s journey towards becoming a net security provider in the IOR and underscores the success of the policy emphasis on high-tech indigenous manufacturing under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat framework.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: The delivery of INS Taragiri marks a major milestone for Project 17A. Discuss the strategic significance of advanced stealth frigates for India’s maritime security and analyze the key achievements and persistent challenges in the indigenization of high-value naval platforms. (250 words)
5. India’s Host Confirmation for the 2030 Commonwealth Games
1. Syllabus
GS-II: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes. Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development.
2. Context
India has been formally confirmed as the host of the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG), with Ahmedabad, Gujarat, being the primary host city. The 2030 Games will mark the centenary edition of the event and would be the second time India hosts the CWG, following the 2010 Delhi Games.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Hosting a major international sporting event like the CWG has profound implications for a country’s soft power, infrastructure, and economy.
- Economic Impact and Infrastructure: The event will necessitate massive investment in sporting infrastructure (stadia, training facilities), as well as general public infrastructure (airport modernization, urban transport, and hospitality). This can create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and generate long-term economic dividends (the ‘legacy’ effect).
- Soft Power and Geopolitics: Hosting the CWG provides a global platform to project India’s image as a rising economic and sporting power, enhancing its soft power and diplomatic leverage, particularly with the 56 Commonwealth nations.
- Sporting Ecosystem: The CWG acts as a catalyst for developing grassroots sports, identifying and training talent, and improving the governance and professionalism of India’s national sports federations.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Urban Development: Accelerates planned urban development and infrastructure projects in Ahmedabad. 2. Tourism and Brand: Puts the city and India on the global tourism map, attracting foreign investment. 3. Youth Engagement: Promotes a sporting culture and national pride among the youth. |
| Negatives | 1. Cost Overruns: Major sporting events are notorious for cost overruns and financial mismanagement, as seen during the 2010 Delhi CWG. 2. Displacement/Environmental Cost: Large-scale construction can lead to displacement of local populations and significant environmental impact. 3. Underutilized Assets: Risk of creating “white elephants” (infrastructure assets that remain underutilized) after the event concludes. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Khelo India Scheme: A flagship scheme for the promotion of sports at the grassroots level, which will be the primary beneficiary of new infrastructure. 2. National Sports Policy: Aims to raise India’s profile in international sporting events. |
5. Examples
- The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Indira Gandhi Sports Complex (built for the 2010 CWG) are now used for a variety of national and international events, despite the initial controversies.
6. Way Forward
India must establish a single, empowered, transparent oversight body with a strict timeline and budget controls, learning from the governance failures of 2010. The infrastructure planning must adopt a clear ‘legacy use’ plan from the outset to ensure the facilities remain valuable community or training assets post-2030.
7. Conclusion
Hosting the centenary CWG is a golden opportunity for India to showcase its economic resurgence and organizational capabilities. By focusing on fiscal discipline, transparent governance, and sustainable legacy planning, India can ensure the 2030 Games become a symbol of national pride and a lasting catalyst for urban and sporting development, rather than a cautionary tale.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-II/III: Discuss the socio-economic and strategic implications of India hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games. What key governance lessons from the 2010 Delhi Games must be implemented to ensure the success and sustainability of the 2030 event? (250 words)
6. Ecological Concerns Over Prolonged Use of Defoamers in Yamuna River
1. Syllabus
GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
2. Context
Ecological concerns were raised regarding the prolonged and intensive use of silicone-based defoamers (or anti-surfactant solutions) to suppress the toxic frothing in the Yamuna River, particularly near the national capital. Environmental groups argued that while the foam is a visible sign of pollution, the chemical solutions themselves pose a serious threat to the river’s fragile ecosystem and the human population relying on the water.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The frothing in the Yamuna is a recurrent and highly visible sign of severe pollution caused by the discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage and industrial effluent.
- Cause of Frothing: The foam is primarily caused by surfactants (chemicals found in detergents and industrial cleaning agents) and high levels of phosphates and ammonia. These components lower the surface tension of the water, and when the water is agitated (e.g., near barrages), the foam is created.
- Impact of Defoamers: Silicone-based defoamers work by rupturing the air bubbles. While effective in the short term, the prolonged use of these chemicals introduces non-biodegradable, petroleum-based compounds into the river.
- Toxicity: They can coat and harm aquatic life, affecting the oxygen transfer mechanism in the water.
- Invisibility: They mask the real problem by making the pollution invisible, diverting attention from the urgent need to stop the discharge of untreated pollutants at the source.
- The Governance Failure: The reliance on short-term chemical fixes instead of long-term infrastructure solutions (like adequate Sewage Treatment Plants- STPs) highlights a significant governance failure in enforcing environmental regulations.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives (of Defoamer Use) | 1. Immediate Aesthetic Fix: Temporarily removes the visible toxicity, which is politically and socially necessary for public ceremonies (e.g., Chhath Puja). 2. Safety: Reduces the physical hazards posed by thick foam accumulation near embankments. |
| Negatives (of Defoamer Use) | 1. Chemical Pollution: Introduces more chemicals into an already polluted river, potentially disrupting the aquatic food chain. 2. Masking the Problem: Diverts resources and political will from addressing the core issue of untreated effluent discharge. 3. Human Health Risk: The water is used for irrigation and other purposes, raising long-term health concerns from silicone exposure. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Namami Gange Programme: The flagship mission for the rejuvenation of the Ganga river system, of which Yamuna is a part. 2. Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs): Infrastructure projects funded under Namami Gange for treating urban effluent. |
5. Examples
- Despite repeated directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court, the Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) and STP construction/upgradation remain delayed and insufficient to handle the volume of effluent discharge.
6. Way Forward
The immediate priority must be a zero-tolerance policy against the discharge of untreated sewage and industrial effluent into the Yamuna. The government must expedite the completion and operationalization of adequate capacity STPs and Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). The long-term solution lies in promoting decentralized wastewater treatment and ensuring industry compliance with the ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle.
7. Conclusion
The use of chemical defoamers is a superficial and environmentally counter-productive measure. Real river rejuvenation requires political commitment to address pollution at the source through robust and sustainable infrastructure and strict regulatory enforcement. The health of the Yamuna is not just an ecological issue, but a moral and governance challenge for the National Capital Region.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: The recurrent frothing in the Yamuna River and the use of chemical defoamers highlight a governance failure. Examine the causes of this pollution and critically evaluate the sustainability of short-term chemical solutions versus long-term infrastructure-based reforms. (250 words)
7. New Names Approved for Martian Landforms
1. Syllabus
GS-III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life. Awareness in the fields of Space.
2. Context
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved new names for landforms on Mars, including a 3.5-billion-year-old crater named after the pioneering Indian geologist M.S. Krishnan. The IAU also approved five Martian place-names based on locations in Kerala (e.g., Valiamala, Thumba, Bekal), following a proposal submitted by Kerala-based scientists.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
The naming of extraterrestrial features is a symbolic process managed by the IAU, the globally recognized authority for naming astronomical bodies and their surface features.
- The Naming Process: The IAU’s Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature (WGPSN) follows strict rules, often naming craters after distinguished scientists, artists, or human settlements on Earth. Naming a crater after M.S. Krishnan (the first Indian Director of the Geological Survey of India) is a recognition of India’s contribution to planetary geology and Earth sciences.
- Scientific Significance: The crater, located in Xanthe Terra, is a region of high scientific interest where evidence of ancient glacial and fluvial (river) activity has been identified. Naming these features provides scientists with standardized reference points for discussing geological processes and planning future missions.
- India in Planetary Science: The approval of names based on Indian locations and personalities highlights India’s growing stature in planetary exploration, following successful missions like Mangalyaan (MOM) and the active participation of Indian scientists in global space research.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives | 1. Global Recognition: Acknowledges India’s contribution to geology and space science on an international platform. 2. Scientific Communication: Standardized names (like the M.S. Krishnan Crater) are essential for global scientific collaboration and publication. 3. Inspiration: Inspires the next generation of Indian scientists and engineers to pursue careers in space and planetary sciences. |
| Negatives | 1. Resource Constraint: Planetary science often requires significant long-term investment, which must be carefully balanced with domestic development priorities. 2. Brain Drain: Maintaining a high-quality human resource base in planetary science is challenging without continuous, large-scale mission involvement. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): The primary national space agency responsible for missions like MOM and Chandrayaan. 2. New Space India Limited (NSIL): The commercial arm promoting industry participation in the space sector. |
5. Examples
- The Chandrayaan missions have led to the naming of features on the Moon after Indian scientists and locations, such as the site of the Vikram lander’s soft landing, which was named Shiv Shakti Point by the Prime Minister.
6. Way Forward
India should continue to invest in the Planetary Science and Exploration Programme (PlanEx), focusing on developing indigenous, high-resolution instrumentation for future planetary missions. Promoting inter-institutional collaborations between ISRO, academic institutions, and international partners will further solidify India’s position in this specialized field.
7. Conclusion
The approval of Indian names for Martian landforms is a quiet but profound achievement, symbolizing the reach of Indian science beyond the Earth. It acts as a powerful reminder of the global scientific legacy and the potential for Indian researchers to lead future explorations in the Solar System.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: Discuss the role of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the naming of planetary features. Analyze the significance of the IAU’s decision to name a Martian crater after M.S. Krishnan for India’s growing role in planetary science and research. (250 words)
8. Stubble Burning in Madhya Pradesh
1. Syllabus
GS-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country.
2. Context
Stubble burning has emerged as a significant environmental concern in new regions, with a rapid increase in paddy cultivation leading to high residue-burning incidents in districts of Madhya Pradesh (MP). This development highlights the complex regional dynamics of the environmental crisis, which was previously largely confined to Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
3. Main Body in Multi-Dimensional Analysis
Stubble burning is the practice of setting fire to crop residue after harvest, primarily to clear the fields quickly for the next crop.
- Shift in Cropping Pattern: The shift in MP from traditional crops like soybean and black gram to Paddy cultivation (often due to better Minimum Support Price – MSP assurance and better tolerance to erratic rainfall) is the main driver. Paddy residue is voluminous and takes longer to decompose naturally, pressuring farmers to burn it.
- Environmental Impact: Burning releases enormous amounts of Particulate Matter carbon monoxide (CO), methane , and nitrogen oxides (This severely degrades the air quality not only locally but also downstream, contributing to regional smog and increasing public health risks.
- Soil Degradation: Stubble burning destroys the beneficial microbial life in the topsoil and reduces the concentration of organic matter, making the soil less fertile and more vulnerable to wind and water erosion, thereby threatening long-term agricultural sustainability.
4. Positives, Negatives, Government Schemes
| Aspect | Description |
| Positives (of the Practice) | 1. Low Cost: It is the cheapest and quickest method for farmers to clear fields. 2. Pest Control: Can destroy pests and weeds on the field, though this is a marginal benefit. |
| Negatives (of the Practice) | 1. Air Pollution: Causes acute respiratory illnesses and contributes to the North Indian winter air quality crisis. 2. Loss of Nutrients: Burns up valuable organic carbon and nitrogen that would otherwise enrich the soil. 3. Policy Ineffective: The problem spreads to new regions, showing the existing central and state schemes are not achieving universal adoption. |
| Government Schemes | 1. Central Sector Scheme for In-Situ Crop Residue Management: Provides subsidies (50-80%) for the purchase of machinery like Happy Seeders, Super-SMS, and Rotavators. 2. Pusa Decomposer: A microbial solution developed by ICAR to rapidly decompose stubble in the field. 3. MSP Policy: MSP support for paddy is an unintended driver of the problem in non-traditional rice-growing areas. |
5. Examples
- The Pusa Decomposer has faced issues with timely distribution, field effectiveness under different weather conditions, and low farmer awareness, hindering its widespread success in states like MP.
6. Way Forward
A regional, holistic policy is needed, integrating the entire food-energy nexus. This includes: 1. Decentralized Bio-fuel Production: Incentivizing the collection of stubble for use in biomass power plants or bio-ethanol production. 2. Diversification Incentive: Adjusting MSP policies or offering direct income support to incentivize farmers in MP to shift back to low-residue crops like coarse grains (millets), oilseeds, and pulses. 3. Stronger Enforcement: Strictly implementing the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle while simultaneously providing affordable alternatives for residue management.
7. Conclusion
The spread of stubble burning to Madhya Pradesh signals the failure of a localized approach to an agricultural and environmental challenge. Combating the problem requires addressing the underlying economic incentives, promoting sustainable crop diversification, and making access to residue management machinery and bio-decomposers universal, timely, and free of bureaucratic hurdles.
8. Practice Mains Question
GS-III: Analyze the factors contributing to the rise of stubble burning incidents in non-traditional rice-growing states like Madhya Pradesh. Critically examine the effectiveness of existing government schemes in managing crop residue and suggest sustainable alternatives. (250 words)
