CURRENT AFFAIRS

Is GRAP Enough to Curb Delhi-NCR Air Pollution

Introduction

The Graded Response Action Plan is an emergency response mechanism implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It was introduced in 2017 and has been revised over time.

Four Stages of GRAP

Winter Air Quality Trends

CREA analysis of average winter AQI indicates that Delhi continues to face serious air pollution challenges.

Major Causes of Air Pollution

• Low wind speed during winter months.
• Temperature inversion, which traps pollutants near the ground.
• Stubble burning in neighbouring states.
• Vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.
• Construction dust and road dust.
• Firecrackers and waste burning.
• Geographical location of Delhi in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Additional Measures by Delhi Government

• Restrictions on non-Delhi registered vehicles below BS-VI standards.
• Increase in parking charges.
• Measures to discourage the use of private vehicles.

Way Forward

• Strengthen public transport and expand the bus network.
• Promote electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
• Provide practical alternatives to stubble burning.
• Improve coordination among NCR states through an airshed-based approach.
• Strengthen industrial pollution monitoring.
• Adopt year-round preventive measures instead of relying only on emergency restrictions.

How Neoliberalism Turned the World Against Its Young

Understanding Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism is an economic approach that emphasises free markets, privatisation, deregulation, competition and reduced government intervention in economic activities.

It promotes a greater role for the private sector in comparison to state-led planning and welfare-oriented economic policies.

Major Impacts on Young People

• Rising unemployment and underemployment.
• Declining access to public welfare services.
• Increasing cost of education.
• Wage stagnation and economic insecurity.
• Unstable employment opportunities in the gig economy.
• Increasing housing costs and affordability challenges.

Reasons Behind Youth Protests

• Unemployment and lack of secure jobs.
• Rising cost of living and economic inequality.
• Corruption and demand for government accountability.
• Limited social mobility and opportunities.
• Inadequate public services.
• Insufficient youth representation in decision-making.

Indian Context

India has a significant young population and the potential to benefit from a demographic dividend. However, several structural challenges affect the ability of young people to access productive employment.

• Educated unemployment.
• Skill mismatch between education and industry requirements.
• High dependence on the informal sector.
• Low female labour force participation.
• Regional disparities in employment opportunities.

Way Forward

• Promote employment-intensive economic growth.
• Strengthen public education and healthcare.
• Improve skill development and vocational training.
• Ensure social security for gig and informal workers.
• Promote entrepreneurship and decent employment.
• Increase youth participation in policy-making.

New Genetic Tools Are Breathing Fresh Life into India's Staple Crops

Introduction

Emerging genetic technologies are creating new possibilities for improving the productivity, quality and climate resilience of India's staple crops.

Apomixis - A Promising Genetic Tool

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction through seeds. It allows plants to produce seeds without the normal process of fertilisation.

Potential Benefits of New Genetic Technologies

• Development of high-yielding crop varieties.
• Improved resistance to climate-related stress.
• Better agricultural productivity.
• Potential reduction in recurring hybrid seed costs.
• Contribution towards long-term food security.

Major Challenges

• High research and development costs.
• Weak public laboratory infrastructure.
• Regulatory and biosafety concerns.
• Intellectual property rights and possible monopolisation of germplasm.
• Dependence on multinational seed companies.
• Need to protect indigenous crop diversity.
• Limited awareness and extension support for small farmers.

Way Forward

• Increase public investment in agricultural genetics research.
• Strengthen ICAR and State Agricultural Universities.
• Encourage transparent public-private partnerships.
• Protect farmers' rights under the PPVFR Act, 2001.
• Conserve seed banks and indigenous landraces.
• Ensure affordable and equitable access to improved seeds.

Naidu Seeks Central Assistance for Cyclone Damage in Andhra Pradesh

Why in News

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has sought continued assistance from the Central Government for cyclone damage assessment and relief operations.

He has also requested an early visit by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team to assess the extent of damage.

Extent of Damage

• More than 80,000 hectares of standing paddy and other crops affected.
• Major agricultural damage reported in the Godavari delta region.
• Damage to fishing boats, motors and fishing nets.
• Disruption of electricity and road infrastructure.
• Damage to houses and local livelihoods.
• Request for continued NDRF deployment and financial support.

Why Is the Bay of Bengal Vulnerable to Cyclones

• Sea surface temperatures generally above 26.5 degrees Celsius support cyclone formation.
• High moisture availability in the lower troposphere.
• Upper-level atmospheric divergence.
• Low vertical wind shear supports cyclone intensification.
• Shallow and funnel-shaped coastal bathymetry can amplify storm surges.

Disaster Management Framework in India

• Disaster Management Act, 2005: Provides the legal framework for disaster management in India.
• NDMA: National Disaster Management Authority provides policy direction and guidelines.
• SDMAs: State Disaster Management Authorities coordinate disaster management at the state level.
• NDRF: National Disaster Response Force provides specialised disaster response support.
• SDRF: State Disaster Response Force supports response operations at the state level. SDRF also refers to the State Disaster Response Fund in the financial assistance framework.
• NDMP: National Disaster Management Plan provides an organised approach to disaster preparedness and response.
• PMFBY: Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana provides crop insurance support to farmers.

Way Forward

• Strengthen early warning systems and last-mile communication.
• Improve coordination between Central and State Governments.
• Develop cyclone-resistant infrastructure in coastal areas.
• Ensure timely compensation and crop insurance settlement.
• Strengthen evacuation planning and community preparedness.
• Promote resilient agriculture and coastal ecosystem conservation.