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| Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: small modular reactors (SMRs) and Right to Information Act (RTI) for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Indus Water Treaty important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for November 22, 2024 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on November 22, 2024
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- Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which have a capacity ranging from 30 MWe to 300 MWe per unit, are increasingly recognized as essential for ensuring that nuclear energy remains a viable and competitive option in the future.
- India aims to secure a leadership role in the SMR sector as part of its commitment to transitioning to clean energy and to leverage SMRs as a technology-driven aspect of its foreign policy.
- Countries are looking to SMRs to help achieve their energy transition goals, and Russia is reportedly interested in enhancing its nuclear collaboration with India to include SMR partnerships.
- Typically, an SMR produces about one-third of the capacity of most conventional nuclear reactors used in nations like France, Russia, and the United States. These reactors are crucial for providing baseload power, allowing grid operators greater operational flexibility.
- When aggregated, SMRs can generate a significant amount of electricity, assisting in meeting the demand for more baseload power to complement the inconsistencies of renewable energy sources. While thermal generation is important in this context, nuclear energy presents a more carbon-neutral option for baseload generation.
- India's civil nuclear program has gradually increased reactor sizes, moving from the earlier 220 MWe models to the current 700 MWe pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).
- However, the country maintains an advantage in the production and commercial operation of smaller reactors. The longstanding advocacy for SMRs is now poised to become mainstream, with potential backing from countries like the United States, particularly in financing and technology sharing.
- In the civil nuclear domain, India is promoting SMRs as a promising technology for industrial decarbonization, striving to take a leading role in the distribution of this technology. SMRs are viewed not only as effective for generating baseload power—where thermal energy is crucial—but also as a more carbon-neutral option alongside renewables.
- Designed for efficiency, SMRs have systems and components manufactured in a controlled factory setting and then transported to the installation site, which reduces construction time and costs—two significant issues associated with traditional large reactor projects.
- They offer deployment advantages, such as a smaller Emergency Planning Zone and passive safety systems, making them relatively safer compared to larger reactor projects
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Answer (B)
In India, the distinction between nuclear reactors under IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) safeguards and those not under such safeguards primarily relates to the sources of fuel used in these reactors.
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The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 is a landmark Indian legislation that empowers citizens to access information from public authorities, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in governance. The Act allows individuals to request information from government bodies, helping curb corruption and ensuring that citizens are informed about government activities and decisions.
Key Features of the RTI Act:
- The RTI Act grants citizens the right to request information from any "public authority," which includes government departments, ministries, public sector companies, and institutions that receive substantial government funding. Citizens can seek details related to policies, projects, public spending, and any other matter of public interest.
- Public authorities are obligated to respond to RTI applications and provide the requested information within a specified timeframe, typically 30 days. If the information concerns a person’s life or liberty, the information must be provided within 48 hours.
Exemptions:
Certain information is exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act. This includes:
- Matters related to national security and sovereignty.
- Personal information, unless it is related to public activity or interest.
- Information that could harm relations with foreign states, lead to the breach of parliamentary privileges, or endanger the life or safety of any individual.
- Cabinet papers and certain law enforcement or investigative records
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Answer (C)
This case is related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. In the Namit Sharma v/s Union of India case, the Supreme Court of India dealt with the qualifications and appointment processes of the Information Commissioners under the RTI Act. The judgment highlighted the need for transparency and qualifications of the commissioners to ensure the effective implementation of the RTI Act
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The Indus Water Treaty (IWT) is a water-sharing agreement signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, brokered by the World Bank, aimed at resolving disputes over the use of water from the Indus River system, which flows through both countries.
Key Features of the Indus Water Treaty:
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Rivers Involved: The treaty divides the control over six rivers in the Indus Basin between India and Pakistan.
- Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) were allocated to Pakistan.
- Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej) were allocated to India.
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India's Rights:
- India is permitted unrestricted use of the water from the Eastern Rivers for purposes such as irrigation, domestic use, and hydroelectric power generation.
- India is also allowed limited use of the Western Rivers for domestic needs, agriculture (limited irrigation), and hydropower generation, but it cannot store water or divert the flow in a way that harms Pakistan’s usage of the Western Rivers.
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Permanent Indus Commission: The treaty established a Permanent Indus Commission with commissioners from both countries to resolve disputes, share data, and monitor the implementation of the treaty.
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Dispute Resolution Mechanism: If disagreements arise, the treaty outlines a multi-stage process for resolving disputes, involving neutral experts, international arbitration, and, in some cases, intervention by the World Bank.
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Sustainability: The treaty has been largely successful in maintaining peace over water-sharing issues despite the often-tense relations between India and Pakistan. It has survived several wars and conflicts.
- The treaty has been a critical factor in maintaining peaceful cooperation over shared water resources between India and Pakistan, despite frequent political and military tensions. Even during times of conflict, such as the wars of 1965 and 1971, the two countries adhered to the treaty's provisions, avoiding water-related hostilities.
- It provides a clear and structured framework for the distribution of water from the Indus River System, ensuring that both countries have access to sufficient water resources for agriculture, drinking, and power generation. This helps prevent disputes over water-sharing, which can be a source of major conflict between nations
- Pakistan, being downstream, is highly dependent on the water of the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab). The treaty guarantees a steady supply of water to Pakistan, which is crucial for its agriculture-based economy. Without the treaty, Pakistan would be vulnerable to disruptions in water flow, potentially leading to economic and humanitarian crises
- The treaty allows India to develop hydropower projects on the Western Rivers, albeit under certain restrictions. These projects are critical for India’s energy needs, especially in states like Jammu and Kashmir. The treaty strikes a balance, allowing India to harness water for power generation without significantly affecting Pakistan's water supply
- The Indus Water Treaty is often cited as a successful example of an international agreement that helps resolve natural resource disputes. The involvement of the World Bank as a mediator and the establishment of the Permanent Indus Commission serve as models for resolving cross-border water conflicts worldwide
1.Consider the following statements regarding the Indus Water Treaty (IWT):
- The Indus Water Treaty was brokered by the World Bank and signed between India and Pakistan in 1960.
- Under the treaty, India has complete control over the waters of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers.
- The treaty establishes a Permanent Indus Commission to manage and resolve disputes between the two countries.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (B)
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India tops plastic pollution rankings, emitting a fifth of global plastic waste
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & ecology
Context:
India is now the biggest plastic polluter in the world, releasing 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) annually. This amounts to roughly one-fifth of global plastic emissions.
Read about:
What is a microplastic?
What is nanoparticle?
Key takeaways:
Microplastics refer to tiny plastic particles, usually less than 5 millimeters in diameter, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are produced as small particles in products like cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. They are a major environmental concern due to their persistence, widespread distribution, and impact on ecosystems
Key Aspects of Microplastics:
- Primary microplastics: These are manufactured as small particles, such as microbeads in personal care products or fibers from synthetic textiles.
- Secondary microplastics: These originate from the degradation of larger plastic products like bottles, bags, and fishing nets due to exposure to sunlight, ocean waves, and other environmental factors
- Marine pollution: Microplastics have been found in oceans, rivers, and even in polar regions, severely affecting marine life. Fish, birds, and marine mammals often mistake them for food, leading to ingestion and potential poisoning.
- Soil contamination: Microplastics are also found in agricultural soils due to the use of plastic mulch and sewage sludge. This can affect soil health and potentially enter the food chain.
- Microplastics have been found in drinking water, food, and even the air. While the full extent of their impact on human health is still under research, there are concerns about toxicity and the chemicals associated with plastics entering the human body
- Some countries have introduced bans on products containing microplastics, such as microbeads in cosmetics.
- International efforts are underway to reduce plastic pollution, including commitments to reduce single-use plastics and improve waste management systems
Types of Nanoparticles:
- Natural nanoparticles: These occur naturally in the environment, such as volcanic ash, ocean spray, and combustion by-products.
- Engineered nanoparticles: These are intentionally designed and manufactured for specific applications, including in medicine, electronics, and cosmetics. Examples include carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
- Incidental nanoparticles: These are by-products of industrial processes, such as those produced during fuel combustion or manufacturing
Environmental and Health Concerns:
- Toxicity: Due to their small size, nanoparticles can easily enter living organisms and tissues, potentially causing harm. Some nanoparticles may induce oxidative stress, inflammation, or other toxic effects in humans, animals, and plants.
- Environmental impact: Nanoparticles can accumulate in ecosystems, leading to unknown long-term environmental consequences. Their persistence and behavior in soil, water, and air need more research to understand their full ecological impact.
- Regulation: There is a need for strict regulation of the use and disposal of nanoparticles to mitigate potential risks. Governments and international organizations are still working on standard guidelines for nanoparticle safety
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Answer (D)
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The Loss and Damage Fund is a financial mechanism established to help developing countries cope with the adverse impacts of climate change. It was created as part of international climate negotiations, specifically under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), to provide compensation for losses and damages caused by climate-related disasters such as floods, storms, sea-level rise, and other extreme events.
The fund aims to address the consequences that are beyond the capacity of countries to adapt to, especially in vulnerable nations that contribute the least to global emissions but are disproportionately affected by climate change. The Loss and Damage Fund became a key outcome of the COP27 climate conference in 2022, where developed countries agreed to contribute financial resources to support this effort.
This fund acknowledges that even with mitigation and adaptation efforts, certain damages from climate change are inevitable and need to be addressed through financial aid.
More Information
India has played a significant role in advocating for the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund to address the impacts of climate change on vulnerable nations. As a developing country and a key player in global climate negotiations, India has consistently highlighted the need for a fair and equitable approach to climate finance, with an emphasis on the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR). This principle underscores that while all countries must act on climate change, developed nations, which have historically contributed the most to global emissions, should take greater responsibility in financing climate-related losses and damages.
Key aspects of India's role in the Loss and Damage Fund:
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Advocacy for Climate Justice: India has been vocal about the importance of climate justice, emphasizing that developing countries, which are the least responsible for global warming, should not bear the brunt of its impacts. India has consistently pushed for financial assistance to help vulnerable countries cope with irreversible losses from climate disasters.
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Supporting the Vulnerable: Although India itself faces significant climate risks, it has also supported the cause of smaller, more vulnerable nations, such as small island developing states (SIDS) and least developed countries (LDCs), that are at the frontline of climate change impacts. At COP27, India aligned with other developing nations in advocating for the creation of a Loss and Damage Fund to address the needs of these countries.
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Balanced Approach: While supporting the Loss and Damage Fund, India has also stressed the need for a balanced approach in climate negotiations, which should not detract from the importance of mitigation and adaptation efforts. India emphasizes that the Loss and Damage mechanism should complement, rather than replace, efforts to reduce emissions and invest in adaptation strategies.
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Focus on Implementation: After the Loss and Damage Fund was agreed upon at COP27 in 2022, India has continued to focus on the implementation phase. India calls for transparency and clarity in how the fund will be structured, governed, and financed, with a clear distinction between contributions from developed countries and developing nations
Follow Up Question
1.Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (2021)
2.Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
Governor gives the nod to prosecute Karnataka CM
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot sanctioned the investigation and prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in a case of alleged corruption in the allotment of land to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Read about:
Governor and discretion powers
Governors and States tussle
Key takeaways:
- Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot approved the investigation and prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over alleged corruption related to the allocation of land to his wife by the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA)
- The approval followed petitions from Bengaluru-based social activists Pradeep Kumar S.P. and T.J. Abraham, along with Mysuru-based Snehamayi Krishna.
- In a six-page communication to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, the Governor’s Secretariat stated that the approval was granted under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, for investigation, and Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarika Suraksha Samhitha, 2023, for prosecution, based on the offenses detailed in the petitions
- Siddaramaiah convened an emergency State Cabinet meeting, where members unanimously condemned the Governor’s decision, labeling it “illegal, unconstitutional, and contrary to the principles of democracy and federalism.”
- The Cabinet resolved to contest the matter legally. The Chief Minister ruled out resignation and expressed gratitude to his Cabinet colleagues for their support.
- In his communication, the Governor referenced a 2004 Supreme Court ruling by a five-judge Bench related to Madhya Pradesh, which stated that Governors must use their discretion based on facts and circumstances to prevent a breakdown of the rule of law, where governments might refuse sanction despite clear evidence of a prima facie case
- The Governor has the discretion to appoint the Chief Minister in situations where no single party has a clear majority in the Legislative Assembly. The Governor can choose the leader who, in their opinion, is most likely to command the confidence of the Assembly. This is often exercised in a hung assembly or post-election scenarios
- The Governor can dissolve the Legislative Assembly if the Chief Minister advises so, usually following a loss of majority. However, if the Governor believes the advice is motivated by improper considerations, they can exercise discretion in withholding dissolution, especially if an alternative government formation is possible
- The Governor has the power to reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the consideration of the President. This is particularly relevant when the bill in question may conflict with the laws of Parliament, the Constitution, or affect the position of the High Court, among other reasons
- The Governor can promulgate ordinances when the state legislature is not in session, but only on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, if there is no Council of Ministers in place (for instance, if the government has resigned), the Governor can use discretion in issuing ordinances
- The Governor has the right to seek information regarding the administration of the state and proposals for legislation. This can include requesting reports or specific clarifications on issues of governance
- While the Chief Minister advises the Governor on the appointment or removal of ministers, the Governor is not constitutionally obliged to accept the advice if they believe it’s not in the public interest or is constitutionally improper.
- If the Governor has reasons to believe that the government no longer has the confidence of the Assembly, they can ask the Chief Minister to prove the majority in the Assembly. If the Chief Minister fails to do so, the Governor can exercise their discretion to dismiss the government
- The Governor can send a report to the President under Article 356 of the Constitution, recommending President's Rule if they believe the governance in the state cannot be carried out according to the provisions of the Constitution. This power is discretionary and significant, as it can lead to the imposition of President's Rule in the state
Follow Up Question
1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President’s rule
2. Appointing the Ministers
3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India
4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government
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Answer (B)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
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