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Air pollution in India | Mains Prep Booster

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Millions of people die prematurely every year due to air pollution and it has health impacts like Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are exacerbated by pollutants like SO₂, NOx, black carbon, and NH₃. Key Pollutants and Their Sources:-Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂): Causes acid rain, harming ecosystems and infrastructure. Source: Burning of coal in energy production. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Acutely toxic, inflaming the lungs. Sources: Transport (vehicle emissions). Electricity generation using coal and gas. -Black Carbon: Fine soot particles contributing to air and lung pollution. Sources: Biomass and charcoal burning for cooking, open waste burning. -Methane (CH₄) Greenhouse gas impacting climate change. Sources: Agriculture (livestock and rice paddies) and waste decomposition in landfills. -Ammonia (NH₃): Contributes to formation of particulate matter, driving premature deaths. Source: Agriculture (fertilizers, livestock waste). -Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs): Toxic, contributing to ozone formation. Sources: Solvents from paints, cleaning products, and chemical industries. Broader Implications: -Socio-Economic Impact: Air pollution disproportionately affects low-income communities relying on biomass for cooking. Productivity and healthcare costs are heavily burdened. -Environmental Impact: Acid rain, smog formation, and climate change due to greenhouse gases and particulates. -Policy Challenges: Lack of strict regulation and enforcement for emissions. Inefficient waste management contributing to pollutants. Way Forward: Transition to clean energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. Invest in transport electrification to reduce NOx emissions. Promote sustainable agricultural practices and effective waste management systems. Encourage use of clean cooking alternatives(LPG, biogas) in low-income households. Enhance monitoring and regulation of industrial emissions.

Prelims Digest, Student Resources

Indus treaty with Pak put on hold | Prelims Digest

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-Year of Signing: The treaty was signed in 1960between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. – Rivers Involved: It governs the sharing of water from the Indus River system, which includes: – Eastern Rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej (allocated to India). – Western Rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab (allocated to Pakistan, with limited use for India). – Key Features: – India can use the waters of the Western Rivers for non-consumptive uses (e.g., irrigation, navigation, and hydropower generation under restrictions). – Pakistan receives 80% of the waters from the Indus River system. – Historical Significance: Despite tense relations, the IWT is considered one of the most successful water-sharing treaties in the world. – Geopolitical Importance: The treaty is often seen as a tool of diplomacy and has implications for India-Pakistan relations. – World Bank Role: It acts as a guarantor for the treaty and can be approached for dispute resolution under the treaty framework

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India’s push for equity in WTO fisheries subsidy rules | Mains Prep Booster

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India’s Position: Advocates for stricter regulations on fisheries subsidies to curb overfishing while ensuring the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in developing countries are protected. Global Efforts: Active participation in WTO negotiations to foster international cooperation for sustainable fishing practices. Key Issues Overfishing and Marine Ecosystems: Overfishing threatens marine biodiversity and global fishery resources; India stresses sustainable practices. Policy and Proposals Moratorium on Subsidies: India proposes a 25-year freeze on high-seas fishing subsidies to prevent overcapacity and resource depletion. Institutional Collaboration Challenges

Prelims Digest, Student Resources

India, China at 75 -a time for strategy, not sentiment | Prelims Digest

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WHY IN NEWS: As India and China mark 75 years of diplomatic ties, we find ourselves not merely at a commemorative sa milestone but also at a pivotal juncture in Asian and global geopolitics Historical Context: 1962 war as a traumatic marker; Galwan Valley clash (2020) catalyzed a policy shift Border Tensions: Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains militarized; permanent deployment of 60,000 troops in Eastern Ladakh. Trade Imbalance: India’s trade deficit with China reached nearly $100 billion (2024-25). Strategic Approach: India follows “competitive coexistence ” balancing deterrence with engagement. Regional Influence: China’s footprint in South Asia (Hambantota Port, Pokhara Airport, Maldives loans); India counters with development aid, defense cooperation. Geopolitical Factors: US-China Rivalry: Donald Trump’s second term revived unilateralism; implications for India’s strategic autonomy. Four Pillars of India’s China Policy:

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India ASEAN Relationship | Mains Prep Booster

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Policy Milestones: 30 years of ‘Look East’ and 10 years of ‘Act East’ policy. India’s engagement with ASEAN has strengthened over the decades. Economic Relations: – Trade has doubled to $130 billion, but the $44 billion trade deficit.remains a challenge. – ASEAN sees India’s policies as protectionist, while India blames China’s exports via ASEAN. – Need to expedite the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement for better economic cooperation. Security & Strategic Engagement: Geopolitical Challenges: Future Prospects:

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