INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY
| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily:
Sacred Grooves and Champaran Satyagraha and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Tariffs , National Quantum Computing Mission , India’s electricity demand important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for April 19, 2025 |
🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the March edition of our comprehensive monthly guide. Access it to enhance your preparation. We value your input - share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section or via email at Support@upscexamnotes.com 🚨
Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on April 19, 2025
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
For Preliminary Examination: Champaran Satyagraha, mahad Satyagraha
For Mains Examination: GS I - Modern Indian History
Context:
Champaran Satyagraha was launched by Mahatma Gandhi in April 1917. This year marks the 108th anniversary of the movement. It was the first major act of Satyagraha by Gandhi. It is commemorated as an awakening of Indian peasants against the colonial planters and policies in India. To a large extent, it drew inspiration from Gandhi’s South African experience.
Read about:
Significance of Champaran Satyagraha
Key takeaways:
Champaran Satyagraha: A Brief Overview
In 1917, Mahatma Gandhi spearheaded the Champaran Satyagraha in Bihar, marking his first significant struggle in India. This movement was aimed at ending the exploitation of indigo farmers who were subjected to the unjust 'tinkathia' system, which mandated them to cultivate indigo on a portion of their land. Responding to the invitation from Rajkumar Shukla, Gandhi visited Champaran to assess the farmers’ hardships.
Resistance from Authorities and Legal Outcomes
Upon his arrival, Gandhi faced resistance from colonial officials but remained resolute in his efforts. His activism led to the formation of an official enquiry committee, which eventually resulted in the Champaran Agrarian Act of 1918. This legislation abolished the tinkathia system, providing substantial relief to the farmers and establishing the effectiveness of nonviolent protest in India
Historical Context
The Champaran uprising arose from the prolonged mistreatment of indigo cultivators under British rule. Champaran, in northwest Bihar, had been a major center of indigo production since the late 18th century. By the mid-1800s, indigo overshadowed even sugarcane as the primary crop.
The Tinkathia System Explained
Under the 'tinkathia' arrangement, European planters forced tenants (ryots) to grow indigo on three out of every twenty parts of their land. Initially, tenants had to allocate five Kathas per bigha, later reduced to three by 1867—thus the name 'tinkathia'.
Economic Decline and Farmer Distress
As synthetic indigo gained popularity in Europe after 1900, demand for natural indigo fell, prompting planters to terminate contracts with ryots and impose steep fines (tawan) for non-compliance. Farmers unable to pay these fines were burdened with high-interest loans, further deepening their debt.
Factory Owners and Exploitation
When indigo factories were first set up, the owners lacked permanent landholdings and took short-term leases from the Bettiah Raj estate. Many of these planters deceived the estate by paying minimal rent and compelled tenants to grow indigo for profit. Although the factory owners benefited financially, the tenants suffered. Agreements dictated that tenants grow indigo on a specific part of their land, chosen by the factory, for several years.
The payment system was flawed—if the crop yielded well, a fixed price was paid, but if not, the tenant received less. Failing to grow indigo could also lead to hefty fines for breach of contract.
Causes Behind the Satyagraha
The movement stemmed from increasing unrest among the ryots due to forced indigo cultivation, poor compensation, and constant harassment.
-
Early resistance emerged in 1867 and again during 1907-08 in areas like Sathi and Bettiah.
-
Farmers were pushed to use their best land for indigo rather than food crops.
-
Payments were area-based rather than production-based, leading to unfair earnings.
-
This systemic economic and social exploitation ultimately drew Gandhi into the fray.
Gandhi’s Role and Intervention
Gandhi’s entry into the Champaran movement was prompted by local leaders like Brajkishore Prasad and Raj Kumar Shukla, who approached him during the 1916 Lucknow Congress session. Gandhi initially expressed skepticism and insisted on witnessing the situation himself before taking action.
After reaching Muzaffarpur, he contacted the local Commissioner to work transparently. Despite Gandhi’s peaceful intentions, the British authorities issued a notice under Section 144 of the CrPC, asking him to leave.
However, Gandhi chose civil disobedience—he stayed, wrote to the magistrate, and expressed his readiness to face legal consequences. Summoned for trial on April 18, 1917, Gandhi refused to defend himself and stated he was willing to be jailed. This defiance confused colonial officials and led to the case being withdrawn by the Lieutenant Governor, who also permitted Gandhi to carry out his investigation
Support and Investigation
Gandhi conducted his inquiry in areas like Motihari and Bettiah, assisted by leaders such as Rajendra Prasad, Mazharul Haq, J.B. Kripalani, and others. Thousands of ryots came forward to share their experiences.
While the Bihar Planters' Association opposed the investigation, fearing it would provoke unrest, some European officials were worried about potential anti-British sentiments. The government, however, asked Gandhi to submit a preliminary report, which he did on May 13, 1917
British Government’s Response
Although initially dismissive, the British administration eventually acted due to growing pressure. A formal Committee of Inquiry was formed, with Gandhi as a member.
Key Recommendations of the Committee:
-
The Tinkathia system should be eliminated.
-
Ryots who paid Tawan would get back a quarter of it.
-
Illegal cesses (abwab) should be abolished.
-
Indigo cultivation should be voluntary, limited to three-year terms, with ryots choosing the land.
Significance of the Champaran Movement
The Champaran Satyagraha marked a pivotal moment in India’s independence journey. It introduced Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha—nonviolent civil resistance—as an effective tool against colonial oppression.
-
It was the first major civil disobedience movement that captured national attention and linked peasant struggles with the freedom movement.
-
It marked Gandhi’s political debut in Indian mass movements and laid the foundation for future campaigns like those in Ahmedabad and Kheda.
-
The movement also fostered cooperation between the peasantry and middle-class intellectuals, setting a new precedent for unity in India’s freedom struggle.
(b) its unprofitability in the world market because of new inventions
(c) national leaders’ opposition to the cultivation of indigo
(d) Government control over the planters
|
Answer (b)
|
— On April 2, US President Donald Trump declared the day as "America’s Liberation Day" and introduced a set of "reciprocal tariffs" targeting major trading partners. The tariff structure included two key components: a universal base tariff of 10% applicable to all nations—significantly higher than the average pre-Trump rate of 2.5%.
— Additionally, country-specific tariffs were introduced. These were calculated by examining the tariffs imposed by each country on American products, and then applying half of those rates as the "discounted reciprocal tariff" for imports into the US.
— However, on April 9, President Trump temporarily suspended these tariffs for 75 countries, including India, for a 90-day period. At the same time, he imposed a sharply increased tariff of 125% on Chinese imports, in retaliation for China’s countermeasures.
— Tariffs, essentially import taxes levied by governments, serve multiple purposes. They aim to make imported goods costlier compared to domestic alternatives, thereby promoting local production and protecting native industries from foreign competition. Tariffs also generate government revenue.
— During a speech at the Economic Club of Chicago, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell commented on the Trump administration’s trade strategies, stating that they posed significant challenges for the Fed in fulfilling its objectives related to inflation and employment. Powell remarked that such sweeping policy changes lacked recent precedents, making them difficult to assess.
— Powell also highlighted that the scale of tariffs introduced by the administration exceeded the Fed’s worst-case projections. The escalation in tariffs, especially against China, appeared to have no defined endpoint, and the situation for other nations remained uncertain pending the end of the 90-day reprieve.
— In recent weeks, financial markets in the US have shown an unusual trend. Normally, in uncertain times, investors flock to safer assets, which tends to lower US Treasury yields. However, despite growing uncertainty, yields on US Treasuries actually rose. Typically, rising yields attract capital into the US, strengthening the dollar.
— Strangely, the US dollar weakened even as Treasury yields climbed. Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen noted this anomaly during an interview on CNBC, suggesting that investors may be losing faith in dollar-based assets—undermining what has traditionally been considered the cornerstone of global financial stability. She warned that this shift reflected deeper concerns about the reliability of US economic policy.
— A mass selloff of US Treasury bonds could spell trouble for America’s economy, increasing the cost of borrowing needed to cover the federal deficit.
— For Powell and the Fed, the primary worry now lies in rising long-term inflation expectations. If these coincide with an economic slowdown, rising joblessness, and negative corporate earnings, Treasuries might remain a default safe asset. However, the inflationary pressures resulting from erratic tariff measures and broader de-globalisation trends are becoming a critical factor for monetary policymakers to consider
Why are tariffs imposed?
Protect Domestic Industries
-
Tariffs make imported goods more expensive, which encourages consumers to buy locally produced alternatives.
-
This helps protect domestic businesses and jobs from foreign competition, especially in emerging or vulnerable sectors.
Generate Government Revenue
-
Especially in developing countries, tariffs are a significant source of income for the government.
-
This revenue can be used to fund infrastructure, public services, or reduce fiscal deficits
Correct Trade Imbalances
-
Tariffs can help reduce a country's trade deficit by discouraging imports.
-
By taxing imports, the government can attempt to balance trade flows with specific countries
Retaliation or Negotiation Tool
-
Tariffs are sometimes used as leverage in trade negotiations or to retaliate against unfair trade practices (e.g., dumping, subsidies).
-
They are a form of economic diplomacy or pressure
Follow Up Question
1.Which of the following are valid reasons for a government to impose tariffs on imported goods?
-
To protect domestic industries from foreign competition
-
To generate revenue for the government
-
To reduce inflation by making imports cheaper
-
To retaliate against unfair trade practices
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
|
Answer (B)
|
Scientists demonstrate clear quantum advantage using simple game
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology
Context:
Previous attempts at showing quantum supremacy have used complicated problems. Google used random circuit sampling for its Sycamore processor, andChinese researchers used the Gaussian boson sampling problem for the Jiuzhang computer. Both require specialised equipment to perform, making it difficult to verify the results
Read about:
National Quantum Computing Mission
Quantum Computer
Key takeaways:
- For years, scientists have been seeking a task where quantum computers outperform classical computers, a benchmark known as quantum supremacy.
- Recently, researchers from the University of Oxford and Universidad de Sevilla achieved this milestone using a relatively simple game-based approach. Their findings, published in Physical Review Letters in February, are based on a problem involving odd-cycle graphs.
- The challenge is to colour a circle with an odd number of points using only two colours in such a way that no two adjacent points share the same colour—an outcome that is mathematically impossible.
- The researchers turned this puzzle into a test for quantum supremacy, moving away from earlier, more complex demonstrations. For instance, Google used a task known as random circuit sampling to demonstrate its Sycamore processor’s capabilities in 2019, while Chinese researchers employed Gaussian boson sampling on the Jiuzhang quantum computer. These methods, however, require intricate math and specialised tools, making external validation difficult.
The Colouring Challenge
- In the adapted experiment, the odd-cycle graph problem is used in a game format. Imagine a circle with three points—trying to colour them using only red and blue such that adjacent points don’t match will always lead to a contradiction.
- In this game, two players, Alice and Bob, who cannot communicate, respond to questions from a referee about the colours of points on the circle. To win, their responses must meet two criteria: they must give the same answer for the same point, and different answers for adjacent points.
- In a classical scenario, even with an agreed strategy beforehand, the best possible win rate for a 3-point circle is 83.3%.
Quantum Implementation
- In the quantum version, researchers used two strontium atoms placed two metres apart and entangled them using laser beams. Entangled particles behave in a way that classical physics cannot explain—measuring one instantly affects the other.
- A central computer (referee) sent queries to separate control systems representing Alice and Bob. Upon receiving a question, each system used quantum operations (rotations determined by the specific point on the circle) to manipulate their atom and derive a result—either 0 or 1, which was then translated into red or blue.
- The experiment was conducted over 101,000 rounds, covering odd cycles with 3 to 27 points, in just under a minute. The researchers also conducted rigorous tests to confirm the quantum nature of the correlations.
Proving Quantum Advantage
- The results were striking. For the 3-point scenario alone, the quantum strategy achieved a significantly higher win rate than 83.3%, demonstrating quantum supremacy up to 19-point circles. The overall win rate was 97.8%, with the 2.2% error attributed to noise during entanglement.
- Additionally, their test revealed the strongest correlation ever observed between two separate quantum systems, further validating the quantum nature of the experiment.
Significance of the Study
- This research presents a far simpler pathway to demonstrating quantum supremacy. While Google needed 53 superconducting qubits for its Sycamore processor, this experiment used only two entangled qubits, making it far less complex and resource-intensive.
- The method has practical implications. It could be useful in coordination problems where parties cannot communicate, such as the rendezvous task—determining a common meeting point without sharing information.
- Unlike classical systems that rely on exhaustive search methods, quantum entanglement enables faster, more efficient problem-solving. For example, identifying one correct option out of a million would take up to a million steps for a classical computer, whereas a quantum computer using Grover’s algorithm could do it in roughly 1,000 steps
1.Which one of the following is the context in which the term "qubit" is mentioned? (UPSC 2022)
A. Cloud Services
B. Quantum Computing
C. Visible Light Communication Technologies
D. Wireless Communication Technologies
|
Answer (B)
A qubit (quantum bit) is the fundamental unit of information in quantum computing, analogous to a bit in classical computing. Unlike a classical bit, which can be either 0 or 1, a qubit can exist in a superposition of both states, enabling quantum computers to perform complex computations much more efficiently in certain scenarios
|
How can India meet its rising power demand?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Power sector, Renewable Energy (Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, etc.), Energy Security, and Government Policies (such as UDAY, SAUBHAGYA, and National Electricity Policy)
Context:
As the fastest-growing major economy in a rapidly heating world, India’s electricity demand is growing fast. Since FY21, India’s electricity consumption has risen at approximately 9% per annum, compared to an average of 5% annually in the preceding decade. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had projected electricity demand to grow at a 6% CAGR between 2022 and 2030.
Read about:
What’s driving India’s electricity demand?
Why should India further raise its clean energy ambitions?
Key takeaways:
India’s Growing Electricity Demand and Renewable Energy Transition
As one of the fastest-expanding major economies in an increasingly warming world, India's electricity needs are rising at an unprecedented rate. Since FY21, power consumption has been increasing at nearly 9% annually, compared to an average of 5% in the previous decade. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) had estimated a 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in electricity demand between 2022 and 2030. However, recent trends indicate that actual demand may exceed these projections. The critical question remains: Can India's power sector meet this surging demand while simultaneously transitioning to renewable energy sources?
Key Drivers of India’s Electricity Demand
- In addition to economic growth and rapid urbanization, climate change-induced heatwaves are significantly influencing electricity consumption. Industries, households, and agriculture account for 33%, 28%, and 19% of India's total power usage, respectively.
- However, household energy consumption has expanded the fastest in the last decade. The summer of 2024 saw a 40-50% rise in air conditioner sales due to increasing temperatures and rising income levels.
- On May 30, 2024, the country's peak electricity demand surpassed 250 GW, exceeding forecasts by 6.3%. With February 2025 marking the warmest in 125 years, India faces prolonged heatwaves and an expected 9-10% growth in peak power demand.
India’s Response to Rising Power Demand
- Since the early 2000s, the nation’s power generation capacity has increased fourfold to 460 GW, making India the world's third-largest electricity producer. The energy sector is undergoing a transformation, shifting towards renewable sources like solar and wind.
- Initially, the government set a target of 20 GW of renewable energy (RE) by 2020. This was later revised to 175 GW by 2022, and in 2021, India set a more ambitious goal of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
- To handle rising demand, the government has implemented both short-term and long-term strategies. For instance, in 2022, coal allocation for power generation was increased, and railway transportation was prioritized to ensure adequate supply.
- Imported coal-based power plants were instructed to operate at full capacity. States with substantial solar installations leveraged surplus power to address daytime demand peaks, although nighttime peaks remain a challenge.
- The year 2024 was a milestone, with India adding a record 28 GW of new renewable energy capacity, pushing the share of RE in the electricity mix to 13.5%. While coal's contribution in capacity terms fell below 50%, it still accounts for 75% of power generation.
- Currently, India's RE capacity stands at 165 GW, with another 32 GW expected to be commissioned in 2025. To meet the 2030 target, an annual addition of about 50 GW of RE is necessary.
The Need to Expand Clean Energy Targets
- The increasing frequency of power shortages over the last two years raises concerns about how India can ensure a reliable and cost-effective power supply in the future.
- A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) explored six scenarios for India’s power sector in 2030. The analysis revealed that failing to meet the 500 GW clean energy target would lead to power deficits and higher costs, even under moderate demand growth.
- For example, if only 400 GW is achieved, approximately 0.26% of demand will remain unmet—potentially affecting nearly a million households for 2.5 hours daily. Northern states would be hit the hardest due to network limitations.
- If demand grows at a faster rate (6.4% CAGR from 2023-2030 instead of the projected 5.8%), even achieving the 500 GW target may not be sufficient. India would then have two options: either add 6 GW of additional coal-based power (beyond the under-construction projects) or increase renewable energy capacity by 100 GW beyond the stated target.
- While adding more coal-based power could meet demand, it would put immense strain on coal plants, increasing downtime risks and costs. In contrast, an additional 100 GW of renewable capacity, strategically distributed across states, presents a more sustainable and viable solution.
Achieving 600 GW of Clean Energy by 2030
- To keep pace with growing demand, India must target 600 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030. This would not only ensure a stable power supply but also result in significant cost savings—up to ₹42,400 crore ($5 billion) in procurement costs for 2030 alone. Additionally, this expansion would create around 100,000 new jobs (between 2025-2030) and cut air pollutant emissions by as much as 23% by 2030.
- However, achieving this ambitious target would require the installation of 70 GW of renewable energy annually, which poses several challenges. Land acquisition delays, transmission equipment shortages, uncertainties regarding incentives for inter-state RE projects, and grid-balancing issues are already slowing deployment.
- Given these hurdles, relying on coal-based plants might seem like a more practical option, but it is neither cost-effective nor reliable. Historically, coal projects take over seven years to become operational, whereas modular RE plants can be established much faster, providing cheaper electricity.
Accelerating Renewable Energy Deployment
Expanding clean energy capacity to 600 GW is both urgent and achievable with the right policy measures. Here are three key strategies to accelerate RE growth in India:
-
Diversifying Renewable Energy Projects Across States
Presently, five states account for nearly 75% of India's total renewable capacity. Investment concentration in these regions, driven by policies like state-agnostic reverse bids and inter-state transmission charge waivers, has led to land constraints. The government must collaborate with states like Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Punjab, and Kerala to foster RE adoption. Additionally, the inter-state transmission charge waiver should be phased out after June 2025, except for storage-based projects, encouraging decentralized RE development under schemes like PM-KUSUM and the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. -
Co-Locating Wind and Storage with Solar Projects
The Central and State governments should promote hybrid projects integrating solar, wind, and energy storage. This approach would optimize land and transmission networks while improving grid stability. A CEEW study projects that integrating 600 GW of renewable energy will require 280 GWh of battery energy storage (BESS) and 100 GWh of pumped hydro storage. Prioritizing BESS, which can be deployed within six months and is rapidly becoming cost-effective, should be a key focus. -
Innovating Procurement and Market Mechanisms
Enhancing RE procurement efficiency and availability in power markets is essential. Several large-scale solar and hybrid RE tenders in FY24, conducted by entities like the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI), failed to attract significant state participation. The government should collaborate with states to stimulate RE demand, streamline bidding processes, and address barriers proactively. Additionally, strengthening power exchanges for RE trading and introducing a Contract-for-Difference (CfD) mechanism could help mitigate financial risks for RE investors
Follow Up Question
1.With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: [UPSC 2018]
- India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
- The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Bothe 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
|
Answer (d)
|
-
A committee, chaired by former Mines Secretary Sushil Kumar, recently submitted its report. The ministry has announced plans to implement its recommendations, which include policy changes, structural reforms, and strict penalties to curb the practice of ‘Pradhan Pati’, ‘Sarpanch Pati’, or ‘Mukhiya Pati’.
-
Established in September 2023 as a response to a Supreme Court ruling dated July 6, 2023, the committee conducted four regional workshops across India to examine the issue. Key insights from these workshops, along with field visits and discussions with women panchayat representatives, revealed the following challenges:
-
Limited political leadership experience: The committee observed that newly elected women representatives often lack the necessary exposure and experience to effectively fulfill their roles in local governance, particularly at the gram panchayat level.
-
Gender discrimination: Women representatives frequently face exclusion in official and informal meetings, with male elected representatives and government officials preferring to engage with their male counterparts. This marginalization reinforces the dominance of male relatives in governance, undermining the constitutional rights of elected women representatives (EWRs).
-
Patriarchal social norms: Traditional rural communities still uphold deep-seated patriarchal mindsets, with rigid socio-cultural norms such as the observance of ‘purdah’—women covering their heads or veiling themselves in the presence of male peers, particularly elders and in public spaces.
-
Political pressure: Many EWRs face threats, coercion, and even violence from political opponents and dominant groups. The report highlights cases where ‘No Confidence Motions’ are strategically used as a tool to remove women representatives from office, cutting short their tenure.
-
Lack of strong deterrent laws: While some steps have been taken to introduce rules and legal provisions to penalize male relatives who unofficially run panchayats, the report notes that these measures remain insufficient. The dominance of male relatives continues to weaken the official authority of EWRs.
-
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts laid the foundation for local self-governance in India’s rural and urban regions. These amendments were added as Part IX (“The Panchayats”) and Part IXA (“The Municipalities”) of the Constitution.
-
With these amendments, panchayats and municipalities were officially recognized as institutions of self-government. The gram sabha became the primary democratic body at the village level, while ward committees played a similar role in municipalities. These bodies, composed of all adult registered voters, were responsible for holding panchayats and municipalities accountable.
-
The amendments introduced direct elections at all three levels of governance—gram panchayat at the village level, taluka/block panchayat at the intermediate level, and zila panchayat/parishad at the district level. States with a population under 20 lakh were exempted from this structure.
-
Women’s reservation was a key feature, ensuring that one-third of all seats, including those for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), were reserved for women. Additionally, one-third of leadership positions (chairpersons and office-bearers) at all levels had to be occupied by women.
-
The amendments also specified a five-year tenure for each elected body, with elections for successor bodies required before the term ended. In the event of dissolution, fresh elections had to be held within six months
|
Answer (b)
|
What are sovereign green bonds? Why is demand for such bonds weak in India?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Economy
Context:
While green bonds help governments raise capital for clean energy and infrastructure, India’s issues have struggled to secure a meaningful ‘greenium’— lower borrowing costs typically associated with such bonds
Read about:
What are green bonds?
Why green bonds?
Key takeaways:
What Are Green Bonds?
- Green bonds are financial instruments issued by governments, corporations, and international financial institutions to raise capital for environmentally sustainable projects. These projects focus on reducing emissions or improving climate resilience.
- Green bonds generally offer lower yields compared to traditional bonds, ensuring investors that the funds will be directed toward eco-friendly initiatives.
- The difference in yield, referred to as the green premium or greenium, determines the cost advantage of these bonds. A higher greenium enables issuers to secure funds at reduced costs, making such investments more attractive.
- Investors in green bonds typically seek stable, long-term returns and may also be guided by internal or external mandates that require a portion of their funds to be allocated toward sustainable finance.
- Despite their advantages, green bonds form a relatively small segment of the debt market and overall climate finance. However, governments are enhancing reporting standards and introducing incentives to encourage greater investor participation.
Why Green Bonds?
- Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are green bonds issued by national governments, such as the Government of India, which introduced a framework for their issuance in 2022.
- According to this framework, "green projects" are defined as those that enhance energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, promote climate resilience, and contribute to ecosystem restoration.
- Since 2022-23, India has issued SGrBs eight times, raising nearly ₹53,000 crore. Approximately 50% of these funds are allocated annually to the production of energy-efficient three-phase electric locomotives under the Ministry of Railways.
For the 2024-25 financial year, the revised allocations for projects eligible under SGrBs include:
- ₹12,600 crore for electric locomotive manufacturing
- ₹8,000 crore for metro infrastructure
- ₹4,607 crore for renewable energy projects, including the National Green Hydrogen Mission
- ₹124 crore for afforestation initiatives under the National Mission for a Green India
Why Is Investor Interest Low?
- Despite efforts to promote SGrBs, investor demand in India remains weak, making it challenging for the government to secure a greenium. Although regulations have been eased to encourage foreign investment, auctions have witnessed low participation, often leading to bonds being devolved to primary dealers.
- Globally, greenium has been observed at around 7-8 basis points, whereas in India, it remains limited to 2-3 basis points, reducing the attractiveness of SGrBs as a funding mechanism.
- One major concern is liquidity—green bonds in India tend to have small issue sizes, and many investors hold them until maturity, restricting secondary market activity.
- Additionally, the country lacks a well-developed ecosystem of social impact funds and responsible investment mandates, which are key drivers of green bond demand in international markets.
Why Does This Matter?
The government's inability to raise sufficient funds through SGrBs affects financing for eligible projects, increasing dependence on general revenue to compensate for funding gaps.
Initially, the projected funding requirement from SGrB proceeds for 2024-25 was estimated at ₹32,061 crore. However, due to challenges in selling these bonds at favorable yields, the revised estimate has been reduced to ₹25,298 crore. As a result, funding for grid-scale solar projects has been significantly reduced from ₹10,000 crore to ₹1,300 crore.
Follow Up Question
|
Answer (D)
Thus, option D is NOT true regarding Green Bonds. |
What is the SC directive on sacred groves?
For Preliminary Examination: Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006, Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
On December 18, 2024, the Supreme Court directed the Forest Department of Rajasthan to map on the ground and via satellite every ‘sacred grove’ in detail. They were to be identified irrespective of their size and based “solely on their purpose and their cultural and ecological significance to the local community”. After mapping, the court directed the department to classify them as ‘forests’ and notify them as ‘community reserves’ under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972
Read about:
Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA) 1972
Community reserves
Key takeaways:
- Sacred groves hold deep ecological, spiritual, and cultural significance for communities. These forested areas are often regarded as sacred spaces associated with deities, ancestral spirits, and local legends.
- Their conservation is traditionally guided by religious beliefs, rituals, and customary laws that prohibit or strictly regulate resource extraction, ensuring their protection over generations.
- For indigenous and rural communities, sacred groves serve as vital biodiversity hotspots, preserving rare and endemic flora and fauna. They also function as reservoirs of medicinal plants and traditional knowledge, supporting local healthcare systems.
- Additionally, these groves play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by preventing soil erosion, conserving water sources, and mitigating climate change impacts.
- Beyond their environmental importance, sacred groves foster a sense of identity, unity, and responsibility within communities. They reinforce traditional conservation ethics, strengthen cultural heritage, and provide spaces for communal gatherings, ceremonies, and spiritual practices. In many ways, sacred groves are living symbols of the harmonious relationship between humans and nature, emphasizing the value of community-led environmental stewardship
Community reserves
Community reserves are a category of Protected Areas under the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 2002, established on community or private land where local people voluntarily participate in habitat conservation. They complement national parks and wildlife sanctuaries by allowing communities to protect fauna, flora, and traditional conservation values while retaining ownership and management rights.
Key Features of Community Reserves:
- Voluntary Conservation: Landowners or communities willingly dedicate their land for conservation, ensuring biodiversity protection.
- Legal Protection: Once notified, the area is legally protected, and activities harming wildlife, boundary markers, or habitats are prohibited.
- Community Management: The Community Reserve Management Committee, comprising local representatives and Forest Department officials, oversees the reserve’s conservation efforts.
- Sustainable Use: While conservation is the primary goal, regulated traditional practices that do not harm biodiversity may continue.
- Government Support: State governments are responsible for assisting in the management and implementation of conservation plans.
- If sacred groves were included under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), they would be categorized as community forest resources. The FRA defines community forest resources as customary common forest land within a village’s traditional boundaries, encompassing reserved forests, protected forests, and other protected areas such as sanctuaries and national parks that the community has historically accessed.
- In such a scenario, gram sabhas would have statutory authority to protect, restore, conserve, and manage these forest resources, including their wildlife, flora, and biodiversity. They would also be responsible for preventing activities that could threaten the area’s cultural and ecological integrity.
- To achieve this, gram sabhas would need to establish Community Forest Resource Management Committees, tasked with developing and implementing conservation plans approved by the sabha. Additionally, State governments would be obligated to provide support for these initiatives.
- Currently, sacred groves located within forested areas are part of community forest resources and fall under the jurisdiction of gram sabhas, rather than the Forest or Wildlife Department. Any sacred groves outside forest land could also come under the FRA’s governance if they are designated as ‘forest land’ in the future.
- Overall, categorizing sacred groves as community reserves under the Forest Department’s control could conflict with traditional customs and the FRA’s approach, which aligns with community-led conservation by recognizing their self-governance and customary rights
(a) A licence is required to cultivate that plant.
(b) Such a plant cannot be cultivated under any circumstances.
(c) It is a Genetically Modified crop plant.
(d) Such a plant is invasive and harmful to the ecosystem.
|
Answer (a)
Under Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, certain plant species are listed to regulate their cultivation and prevent over-exploitation. If a plant is placed under this schedule:
Examples of plants in Schedule VI include species like Red Vanda (Renanthera imschootiana), Blue Vanda (Vanda coerulea), Kuth (Saussurea lappa), and Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes khasiana). |
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Centre and State relations | Centre State and interstate relations |
| Environment & Ecology | Marine Ecosystem | Marine Ecosystem |
| Economy | Consumer Rights | Consumer Rights |
| Ancient History | Buddhism | Buddhism |
|
UPSC EXAM NOTES will be conducting both Prelims and Mains exams every Sunday as part of the Integrated Mains and Prelims (IMPM) Program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to UPSC exam preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for both stages of the exam. Program Highlights:
Duration: The IMPM plan is a one-year program, ensuring continuous and structured preparation over 12 months. With regular testing and consistent study guidance, this program is designed to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC exams |