Mains Preparation Booster

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.

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

Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Overview China’s Export Restrictions Impact on India

Objectives & Strategy Enhance market access: Implementation & Funding Current Dairy Sector Landscape

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:

Strengthening the Quad’s Role: PM Narendra Modi emphasized that the Quad is here to stay, partner, and complement global efforts in the Indo-Pacific. New Initiatives: The summit announced key programs like the Quad Cancer Moonshot, energy efficiency projects, and a Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network. Maritime Security Focus: The Maritime Initiative for Training in the Indo-Pacific (MAITRI)was launched to help regional partners monitor and secure their waters. Infrastructure Development: Growing Influence: Despite criticism, the Quad has gained relevance, shaping the Indo-Pacific security framework as an alternative to Chinese dominance.

Global AI Governance Trends India’s AI Governance Approach Concerns in AI Adoption No centralized governance framework, making AI oversight voluntary. Risks include: bias, privacy breaches, cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and exclusionary practices. Low public awareness of algorithmic use in banking, insurance, healthcare, education, and administration. Lessons from Global AI Policies Way Forward for India

COP29 Venue: Held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on COP29: 13 November 2024. Carbon Markets: Progress on Carbon Markets Finance Negotiations Challenges Statements by India and UN Officials