INDIA’S PATH TO NET-ZERO AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
India has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, focusing on sustainable urban development and clean energy. The Economic Survey highlights key areas such as climate finance, energy transition, and public engagement for environmental conservation.

India’s Net-Zero Target by 2070
- India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
- Requires major investment in upgrading energy grids and securing essential minerals.
- The Economic Survey highlights insufficient climate finance mobilized under the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) at COP29.
- Global financial targets ($300 billion annually by 2035) fall short of the estimated $5.1-6.8 trillion needed by 2030.
- The burden of financing falls disproportionately on developing nations.
Sustainable Urban Development
- Vertical gardens (living walls) proposed as a solution for reducing urban heat and improving air quality.
- These gardens contribute to carbon absorption, enhance building aesthetics, and promote biodiversity.
- The Economic Survey suggests enhancing the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) with specific guidelines for vertical gardens.
- Helps mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhances urban sustainability.
Energy Transition and Reliable Power Sources
- Nuclear energy identified as a low-emission, stable alternative to fossil fuels.
- The Economic Survey calls for strategies to support a smooth transition to nuclear power.
- Use of advanced technologies like Super-Critical and Advanced Ultra Super Critical (AUSC) power plants recommended for coal-based thermal power.
- These technologies lower emissions and contribute to sustainable energy goals.
Mission LiFE and Public Engagement
- The Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) initiative promotes sustainable living habits.
- Encourages practices like resource conservation, waste reduction, and recycling.
- The Economic Survey suggests nationwide awareness campaigns to popularize Mission LiFE.
- Integration of environmental education into school curricula proposed.
- Support for initiatives such as Green Credit Rules to boost sustainability efforts.
Renewable Energy Growth
- As of November 2024, 46.8% of India’s total electricity generation capacity comes from renewable energy sources.
- The country is on track to meet its goal of generating 50% of electricity from renewables by 2030.
Conclusion
India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 requires significant policy support, investment in clean energy, and public participation. Sustainable urban planning, nuclear energy adoption, and promoting environmental awareness are key strategies for achieving this ambitious goal.
IMPACT OF TRUMP ADMINISTRATION POLICIES ON INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
The Trump administration’s executive actions on immigration, trade, and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to impact India’s economy, workforce, and diplomatic relations. India needs strategic adjustments to navigate these challenges effectively.
Trump’s Executive Actions and Initial Indicators
- Donald Trump issued multiple executive orders (EOs) after taking office, reversing several Biden-era policies and withdrawing from international agreements.
- The White House highlighted these actions as significant steps toward an economic revival.
- India received mixed signals, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attending Trump’s inauguration and meeting U.S. officials.
- Economic and trade policies under Trump’s leadership may pose hurdles for India.
Immigration Policies and Their Effects on India
- Focus on border security, illegal migration control, and stricter visa regulations.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified actions, leading to increased deportations.
- Approximately 7.25 lakh undocumented Indians in the U.S., with 18,000 awaiting deportation.
- Economic consequences:
- Loss of remittances affecting India’s economy.
- Trade challenges, as Trump might use tariffs to enforce deportation acceptance.
- Stricter visa norms for H-1B holders impacting Indian professionals.
Trade Policy and Tariff Challenges
- “America First” trade policy may increase tariff pressures on India.
- India previously lost GSP status and faced restrictions on oil imports from Iran and Venezuela.
- Trump’s economic focus may lead to tougher trade negotiations with India.
- Shifts in U.S.-China relations add uncertainty to trade policies.
U.S. Withdrawals from Global Agreements and Impact on India
- Exits from WHO, OECD Global Tax Deal, and climate change commitments.
- Reduced U.S. financial aid for India’s energy transition and infrastructure projects.
AI Developments and India’s Economic Challenges
- Trump’s administration prioritizes AI with a $500 billion Stargate AI project.
- AI growth aims to strengthen U.S. technology leadership and reduce dependency on foreign tech workers.
- Potential job losses in India’s IT sector:
- 25% of new coding tasks automated by AI (as per Google CEO Sundar Pichai).
- Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg predicts AI replacing mid-level engineers.
India’s Strategic Response
- Reform education and skill development to address STEM workforce challenges.
- Adapt policies considering Trump’s stance on trade, technology, and immigration.
- India’s IT-BPM sector, contributing 55% of GDP and 40% of exports, must evolve with AI and digital industry shifts.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s policies on immigration, trade, and AI will significantly affect India’s workforce and economy. India must proactively refine its economic and diplomatic strategies to mitigate these challenges.
INDIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AND POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
India’s economic growth is showing signs of slowing down amid weakening investment trends, increasing global uncertainties, and ongoing regulatory challenges. The Economic Survey 2024-25 emphasizes the need for deregulation, economic freedom, and structural reforms to ensure sustained long-term growth.
Current Economic Situation
- The Budget session of Parliament begins as India’s economic growth slows after a steady post-pandemic recovery.
- Stock markets are witnessing declines, the rupee is depreciating rapidly, and key economic drivers such as domestic demand and public sector capital expenditure are losing momentum.
Investment Trends Over the Past Five Years
- Government capital expenditure (capex) grew at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16% from 2019-20 to 2023-24.
- Household investments increased by 12%, whereas corporate investments lagged at just 6%, despite reductions in corporate tax rates.
- The weakness in private investments remains a key concern for economic growth.
Global Uncertainty and Its Impact on India
- The new U.S. administration’s proposed changes in global trade and taxation policies add to India’s economic uncertainties.
- The Economic Survey 2024-25 warns that as globalization declines, India must strengthen domestic growth drivers to stay competitive and attract foreign investments.
GDP Growth Projections and Challenges
- The Economic Survey projects India’s real GDP growth at 6.3% to 6.8% for 2025-26, slightly lower than the estimated 6.4% for 2024-25.
- To become a developed nation by 2047, India must maintain an annual growth rate of 8% for at least a decade.
- A lack of reforms could lead to economic stagnation, making bold policy measures essential.

Need for Economic Deregulation and Reform
- While past reforms have been praised, the Survey highlights that their impact will be limited unless regulatory burdens are reduced.
- The government is advised to cut unnecessary regulations and avoid excessive control over businesses.
- Bridging the trust deficit between the government, businesses, and citizens is crucial for economic growth.
Enhancing Ease of Doing Business
- The Survey suggests focusing on reducing market distortions caused by excessive government controls.
- It advocates a “minimum necessary, maximum feasible” regulatory approach.
- Regulators should be held accountable for their decisions, just as businesses are expected to comply with rules.
Supporting Small Businesses and Ensuring Economic Freedom
- The Survey stresses the need to empower small enterprises and create a fair business environment.
- It criticizes certain government policies, such as import restrictions, production-linked incentives (PLI), and unpredictable taxation, which resemble past economic approaches.
Conclusion
The Economic Survey urges the government to reduce unnecessary controls, build trust with businesses, and focus on long-term economic freedom. Whether the government will implement these recommendations will be seen in the upcoming Budget.
LOW-SODIUM SALT SUBSTITUTES
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of reducing sodium intake to tackle hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. To achieve this, WHO suggests using low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS), replacing regular salt with potassium chloride. This is particularly relevant for India, where salt consumption is high, leading to severe health risks.

Role of Salt in Public Health
- In the 1950s, India introduced iodized salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders like hypothyroidism.
- This public health initiative significantly improved the well-being of millions.
WHO’s New Guidelines on LSSS
- WHO advises replacing sodium chloride with potassium chloride in table salt.
- The goal is to keep daily sodium intake below 2 grams to prevent high blood pressure.
- These recommendations mainly focus on households, excluding processed and restaurant foods.
- The guidelines apply to adults but not to children, pregnant women, or individuals with kidney diseases.
Impact of Salt on the Body
- High sodium levels cause water retention, increasing blood volume and pressure.
- Lowering salt consumption reduces the risk of heart diseases and strokes.
- Potassium benefits the heart, improving blood vessel function and flexibility.
Global & Indian Health Concerns
- Excess sodium contributes to 1.9 million deaths annually worldwide.
- Studies reveal that reducing salt intake by 4.4g/day can lower blood pressure significantly.
Efforts to Reduce Salt Intake
- Organizations like Sapiens Health Foundation are spreading awareness through the ‘Losalter Group’.
- Experts emphasize a combined effort from individuals, the government, and the food industry.
Challenges in Implementing LSSS
- Higher cost makes low-sodium salt alternatives less affordable.
- Experts recommend government intervention to regulate prices and improve accessibility.
Concerns About Potassium-Based Salts
- While potassium is beneficial, it can be dangerous for individuals with kidney disease.
- Uncontrolled potassium intake may lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), causing severe health issues.
Conclusion
Reducing sodium consumption is essential to prevent hypertension, heart disease, and strokes in India. A successful approach requires government policies, industry cooperation, and public awareness to ensure affordability and safety for all.
YAMUNA RIVER CRISIS: KEY ISSUES & CHALLENGES
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
The recent claim by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal that Haryana is contaminating the Yamuna River has sparked political debate. However, beyond politics, the Yamuna crisis is a significant environmental and public health issue. The major concerns include drinking water supply, pollution, and environmental flow, all of which affect millions of people in Delhi.

Drinking Water Shortage & Haryana’s Role
- Delhi relies heavily on Haryana for its drinking water supply, mainly sourced from the Hathni Kund Barrage.
- Water is received at Wazirabad Barrage, where it is treated for public use.
- In dry seasons, water levels drop, causing high ammonia contamination, which disrupts treatment plants and leads to shortages.
- This forces people to depend on water tankers, creating panic during crises.
- A possible solution is joint monitoring by Delhi and Haryana, with an independent system ensuring both water quality and adequate supply.
- Ongoing disputes have resulted in legal battles, making cooperation essential for long-term solutions.
Pollution: Industrial Waste & Sewage
- Pollution in the Yamuna comes from untreated sewage, industrial discharge, and waste dumping.
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had set up the Yamuna Monitoring Committee (YMC) (2018-2021) to tackle pollution.
- Key agencies, including the Delhi Jal Board, Delhi Development Authority, and state governments, had pledged action, but many commitments remain unfulfilled.
- Major drains like Najafgarh, Shahdara, and Supplementary drains continue to release untreated sewage.
- Reports show 80 million liters of untreated sewage from Gurugram enters the Yamuna daily.
- Delhi’s interceptor sewage project aimed to reduce pollution but faced issues like incomplete sewer networks and inefficient treatment plants.
Environmental Flow & Policy Challenges
- The Yamuna’s environmental flow is crucial for maintaining water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
- The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) tasked the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH) with studying water flow.
- The study found that excessive upstream water withdrawals reduce water flow in Delhi, worsening pollution.
- The YMC recommended revising the 1994 water-sharing agreement between Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- However, due to political disagreements, policy changes have been slow, requiring intervention from the central government or judiciary.
Political & Governance Challenges
- Despite multiple recommendations, political conflicts and bureaucracy have hindered real solutions.
- The Yamuna crisis is both an environmental issue and a public health concern.
- Election campaigns focus on blame games rather than concrete solutions.
- Public awareness and citizen pressure on authorities are crucial to driving real change.
- Without coordinated efforts, mere promises and manifestos will not resolve the issue.
About the Yamuna River System
- The Yamuna River is an essential part of the Ganga River Basin in northern India.
- It is a major tributary of the Ganga, stretching over 1,300 km.
- The river and its tributaries support diverse ecosystems and play a crucial role in agriculture, drinking water supply, and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Yamuna crisis demands urgent cooperation among states, policy reforms, and strong environmental regulations. Political leaders must focus on implementing real solutions rather than using the issue for electoral gains. Citizens, too, must hold authorities accountable to ensure clean and sufficient water for Delhi’s future.
LEPROSY
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
World Leprosy Day is observed annually on January 30 to raise awareness about leprosy and eliminate misconceptions associated with it.

What is Leprosy?
- Leprosy, also called Hansen’s disease, is a long-term infectious illness caused by Mycobacterium leprae bacteria.
- It mainly affects the skin and peripheral nerves.
- If untreated, it can lead to permanent disabilities.
- Apart from physical issues, people with leprosy often face social stigma and discrimination.
- It is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) and remains prevalent in over 120 countries, with more than 200,000 new cases reported yearly.
- The disease affects individuals of all age groups, from young children to the elderly.
How is Leprosy Transmitted?
- It spreads through droplets from the nose and mouth of an untreated patient after prolonged and close contact.
- Casual interactions such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing meals, or sitting together do not cause transmission.
- A person undergoing treatment stops spreading the disease.
Symptoms of Leprosy
- Symptoms typically appear 3 to 5 years after exposure to the bacteria.
- Key signs include skin lesions, lumps, or bumps that persist for weeks or months.
- In severe cases, loss of sensation in affected areas increases the risk of injuries.
Treatment for Leprosy
- Leprosy is completely curable.
- The standard treatment is multi-drug therapy (MDT), which includes dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine.
GUANTÁNAMO BAY
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: TIMES OF INDIA
The US President recently signed an executive order to set up a large-scale migrant detention centre at the Guantánamo Bay Naval Base. This move aims to manage the growing number of migrants attempting to enter the US by sea.

About Guantánamo Bay
- Location: Situated in southeastern Cuba, Guantánamo Bay is an inlet of the Caribbean Sea.
- Geography: The bay has a narrow entrance but a spacious, well-sheltered harbour, allowing it to accommodate large ships.
- Ports: The region is served by the Caimanera and Boquerón ports.
- Strategic Importance:
- It is close to the Windward Passage, a key waterway between Cuba and Haiti, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea and Panama.
Guantánamo Bay as a Detention Facility
- Known as “Gitmo,” the naval base became a detention centre for terrorism suspects after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
- Apart from this, there is a Migrant Operations Centre, a separate facility within the base.
- This centre has historically housed migrants, mostly from Haiti and Cuba, who were caught trying to reach the US by boat.
- The current facility is small and lacks the capacity to detain 30,000 people, prompting the expansion plan.
HUMAN AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared that Guinea has successfully eliminated the gambiense form of Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) as a public health issue.

What is Human African Trypanosomiasis?
- Also called sleeping sickness, it is a parasitic disease transmitted by the bite of infected tsetse flies.
- The disease is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa.
Symptoms of Sleeping Sickness
- Early symptoms include fever, headaches, and joint pain.
- If untreated, it progresses to neurological problems like confusion, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes.
- The disease can be fatal if left untreated.
- Symptoms usually appear a few weeks to months after infection and rapidly affect multiple organs, including the brain.
Forms of the Disease
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
- Found in 24 countries in West and Central Africa.
- Causes 92% of reported cases.
- It progresses slowly, with symptoms appearing after months or years, often when the central nervous system is already affected.
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
- Found in 13 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Accounts for 8% of reported cases.
- Causes acute disease and is more common in rural populations engaged in agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry, or hunting.
Countries Eliminating HAT
- WHO has confirmed the elimination of gambiense HAT in seven countries: Togo (2020), Benin (2021), Ivory Coast (2021), Uganda (2022), Equatorial Guinea (2022), Ghana (2023), and Chad (2024).
CONTROLLED CANNABIS CULTIVATION IN INDIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: DOWN TO EARTH
The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet recently approved a pilot study by two universities on the controlled cultivation of cannabis for medicinal and industrial applications. This initiative aims to explore scientific and regulated use of cannabis while ensuring it is not misused.

What is Controlled Cannabis Cultivation?
- It refers to the regulated growth of cannabis varieties with low intoxicating effects.
- These special varieties are known as hemp and contain minimal psychoactive compounds.
- The tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content (the compound responsible for intoxication) must be 0.3% or lower.
- The focus is on non-narcotic uses, particularly in medicine and industry.
Uses of Hemp
- Industrial Applications: Hemp’s stalks, leaves, and seeds are used to produce textiles, paper, cosmetics, biofuel, and food products.
- Medical Benefits:
- Contains cannabidiol (CBD), which helps treat chronic pain.
- Used in pharmaceutical research for various health conditions.
Cannabis Cultivation Laws in India
- General Ban: Due to its psychoactive effects, cannabis cultivation is mostly illegal in India.
- NDPS Act, 1985:
- Section 2 bans the production and sale of cannabis resin and flowers.
- Charas (a form of cannabis resin) and hashish oil are strictly prohibited.
- Exceptions:
- Section 10 allows state governments to permit or regulate cultivation for scientific and medical purposes.
- Section 14 gives the Central Government the authority to approve cannabis farming for research.
POINT NEMO
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
Two women officers from the Indian Navy, aboard INSV Tarini, recently crossed Point Nemo in the southern Pacific Ocean as part of their Navika Sagar Parikrama-II mission, aimed at circumnavigating the globe.

What is Point Nemo?
- Point Nemo, also called the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, is the farthest point from any landmass on Earth.
- It is located in the South Pacific Ocean and is named after Captain Nemo, a fictional sailor from Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
- The nearest landmasses are about 2,688 km away. The closest inhabited humans are often astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
Nearest Landmasses to Point Nemo
- North: Ducie Island, part of the Pitcairn Islands (UK Territory).
- Northeast: Motu Nui, part of Easter Island (Chile).
- South: Maher Island, Antarctica.
Unique Features of Point Nemo
- The region has very little marine life due to its isolation.
- Located within the South Pacific Gyre, it has some of the clearest and least biologically active waters.
- Due to minimal human activity, space agencies use Point Nemo as a dumping ground for decommissioned satellites and space debris.
KARA SEA
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: INDIAN EXPRESS
Recently, a nuclear-powered icebreaker named “50 Let Pobedy” (50 Years of Victory) collided with a cargo vessel in the Kara Sea, amidst growing Russian activity in the Arctic region. The incident highlights the increasing importance of this area, especially with the expansion of maritime traffic in the Arctic.

Geography of Kara Sea
- The Kara Sea is part of the Arctic Ocean, located to the north of Siberia, Russia.
- It covers an area of 880,000 square kilometers.
- The sea is named after the Kara River, which drains into it.
- The sea is bordered by significant landforms:
- Franz Josef Land to the northwest
- Novaya Zemlya islands to the west
- Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago to the east
- The Kara Strait separates the Kara Sea from the Barents Sea in the west, and the Laptev Sea in the east.
Unique Features of Kara Sea
- Known as one of the coldest seas, it remains ice-covered from September to May.
- Several rivers, including the Kara, Ob, Pyasina, and Yenisei rivers, drain into the Kara Sea.
- Significant islands in the region include Bely, Dikson, Kamennyye, Oleni, and Taymyr Islands.
- The Nordenskiold Archipelago, with over 90 islands, is the largest group of islands in the Kara Sea.
F11 BACTERIA
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: INDIAN EXPRESS
A recent study highlights the Labrys portucalensis F11 (F11) bacteria, which has the ability to break down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals. This discovery offers potential solutions to manage these hazardous chemicals in the environment.
About F11 Bacteria
- F11 is an aerobic bacterium from the Xanthobacteraceae family.
- These bacteria are uniquely adapted to thrive in polluted, contaminated environments, where they use pollutants as an energy source.
- F11 was first discovered in industrial soil contaminated with pollutants in Portugal.
- The bacteria are capable of breaking down at least three types of PFAS, as well as transforming toxic byproducts produced in the process.
What Are Forever Chemicals (PFAS)?
- PFAS are synthetic, hazardous chemicals known for their toxicity and persistence in the environment.
- These chemicals are called “forever chemicals” because they linger in the environment for extended periods—in the air, water, and soil—without breaking down.
- PFAS are linked to environmental harm and pose serious risks to the health of humans and wildlife.
- These chemicals are listed under the Stockholm Convention, a treaty aimed at eliminating or reducing harmful chemicals globally.