Content : India’s Renewable Rise: Non-Fossil Sources Now Power Half the Nation’s Grid Noise brings quantum surprise from Indian Scientists India’s Renewable Rise: Non-Fossil Sources Now Power Half the Nation’s Grid Historic Milestone Achieved India now generates 50.08% of its installed power capacity from non-fossil sources—five years ahead of the 2030 Paris NDC target. This includes renewables (38.08%), large hydro (10.19%), and nuclear (1.81%), totaling 242.78 GW of clean energy out of 484.82 GW installed capacity. Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security , Environment and Ecology) Key Drivers of the Achievement Policy Push: Flagship schemes like PM-KUSUM, PM Surya Ghar, Solar Parks, and the National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy have accelerated clean energy adoption. PM Surya Ghar (2024): Enabled 1 crore households to install rooftop solar, promoting decentralised and citizen-owned energy. PM-KUSUM: Empowered lakhs of farmers with solar pumps, also pushing agrovoltaics and feeder-level solarisation. Bioenergy boom: From marginal role to mainstream contributor in rural livelihood and clean energy matrix. Sectoral Impact and Co-benefits Wind energy continues to support peak demand—especially in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Solar parks have driven record-low tariffs in utility-scale installations. Co-benefits include: Enhanced rural incomes Reduced air pollution and improved public health Job creation in green sectors Stronger local energy access and equity Global Climate Leadership India remains one of the few G20 nations on track to meet or exceed its NDC commitments. Advocates climate equity and low-carbon development at platforms like G20 and UNFCCC COPs. Low per capita emissions, yet high ambition—demonstrates growth with responsibility. Next Priorities for Energy Transition Universal access: Double per capita clean electricity access, especially in rural areas. Grid modernisation: Invest in a digitally integrated smart grid to handle: High RE variability Two-way power flows (prosumers) Real-time demand management Storage solutions: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Pumped hydro for round-the-clock reliability Circular economy focus: Recycling of solar panels, wind turbine blades, and batteries. Green Hydrogen Push Seen as a future-ready industrial fuel. Critical to sectoral decarbonisation—especially hard-to-abate industries (fertiliser, steel, refining). AI & Digital Transformation in Clean Energy AI’s role: Demand forecasting, predictive maintenance, automated grid control, and real-time market operations. Rise of ‘Prosumers’: Rooftop solar, EVs, and smart meters to integrate into AI-driven energy marketplaces. Cybersecurity: Increasing digital dependence demands robust data protection and infrastructure resilience. Installed Electricity Capacity by Source (as on 30.06.2025) (RE + Large Hydro Combined) Sector Capacity (in GW) Percentage Thermal 242.04 49.92% Nuclear 8.78 1.81% Renewable Energy + Large Hydro 234.00 48.27% Total 484.82 100% Challenges in India’s Clean Energy Transition (Crisp Version) Grid Bottlenecks RE-rich states face grid congestion; slow Green Energy Corridor expansion limits power evacuation. Storage & Intermittency BESS and pumped hydro remain underdeveloped; 24×7 RE still needs subsidies or hybrids. Access Divide Rooftop solar uneven due to low awareness, poor rooftop ownership, and rural financing gaps. Land & Ecology Issues Utility-scale RE projects face land conflicts; threaten biodiversity in ecologically sensitive zones. Offshore Wind & Green Hydrogen Lag Offshore wind untapped; green hydrogen hampered by high costs and weak demand ecosystem. Job Transition Gaps Fossil sector workers face reskilling issues; most RE jobs are informal and low-paid. Financing Hurdles High capital needs unmet; DISCOM dues delay payments, lowering investor confidence. Policy Instability Frequent changes in net metering/import duties; state-level inconsistency hampers scale-up. Road Ahead: Bold, Inclusive, Resilient Target: 500 GW non-fossil installed capacity by 2030 and Net Zero by 2070. Emphasis on: Equity in clean energy access Resilience in system design Quality and reliability of supply India’s clean energy leadership is now a global benchmark for combining development + decarbonisation. Noise brings quantum surprise from Indian Scientists What’s the Discovery? Scientists found that quantum noise, usually seen as harmful, can sometimes help. It can create or restore a special kind of quantum link called intraparticle entanglement—a big surprise in the quantum world. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Key Concepts Made Simple Quantum Entanglement: A mysterious connection between particles, even far apart. Used in quantum computers and secure communication. Intraparticle Entanglement: A link within a single particle (like between its spin and path), not between two particles. Quantum Noise: Disturbance from the environment that usually breaks down entanglement (called decoherence). What Did the Scientists Find? Noise can sometimes create entanglement, not just destroy it. This happens especially in intraparticle entanglement (within one particle), not between two separate particles. Under amplitude damping (a type of energy loss), noise can: Create entanglement in a particle that had none. Revive entanglement that had faded. Who Did the Research? Team from Raman Research Institute (RRI) with IISc, IISER-Kolkata, and University of Calgary. Supported by India’s Department of Science & Technology (DST) under National Quantum Mission. What Tools Did They Use? A mathematical formula to exactly predict how entanglement behaves when noise hits. A visual way (geometry) to understand how entanglement changes. Why This Matters Makes quantum systems more reliable in the real world, where noise is unavoidable. Could lead to better: Quantum computers Quantum communication Sensors and secure systems Works on different platforms: photons, trapped ions, neutrons—not limited to one lab setup. Types of Noise They Studied Type of Noise What It Does Amplitude Damping Models energy loss (like a cooling atom). Phase Damping Scrambles timing/phases of quantum states. Depolarizing Noise Randomly messes up the quantum state. What’s Next? RRI is now testing this with real photons in experiments. Future goal: use this idea in practical quantum machines. Challenges to Keep in Mind Still early stage—mostly theory so far. Only some types of noise help (like amplitude damping). Needs to be tested on large-scale systems for real-world use. Most current quantum tech uses interparticle entanglement, so applying this will take time. Why It’s Important for India Shows India is doing cutting-edge quantum research. Supports India’s push under the National Quantum Mission to lead in future tech. Can help build more robust quantum devices for global use

Content : Women, STEM careers and a more receptive industry Two Unequal Women, STEM careers and a more receptive industry Source : The Hindu Context: Why This Matters World Youth Skills Day (15 July) highlights the role of skilling in employment and economic development. India shows a paradox: high share of women STEM graduates (43%), yet only 27% of the STEM workforce is female. Despite rising Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR), there is a persistent education-to-employment gap, especially in technical sectors. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) ,GS 2(Social Issues) Practice Question : Despite a high share of female STEM graduates, women remain underrepresented in India’s STEM workforce. Discuss the structural barriers and suggest a multi-stakeholder strategy to close the education-to-employment gap for women in STEM. (15 marks) Key Data Points Indicator Value/Insight Women among STEM graduates (India) 43% – highest among major economies Women in STEM workforce (India) 27% – significant drop from education level Female Labour Force Participation (2023–24) 41.7% overall; 47.6% rural, 25.4% urban Global share of women researchers (UNESCO) 31.5% GDP gain from higher FLFP (McKinsey) $700 billion by 2025 if 68 million more women join work GDP boost (World Bank estimate) 1% increase if FLFP reaches 50% Government Efforts on STEM & Skilling 1. Policy Framework NEP 2020: Integrated academics with life skills & technical education. Skill India, Digital India, PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Expanding access to vocational training. Gender Budget (2025–26): Increased from 6.8% to 8.8%; ₹4.49 lakh crore towards gender-focused schemes. 2. Infrastructure Expansion New National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and revitalised ITIs, especially in rural areas. 3. Budgetary Incentives Term loans for women entrepreneurs. Technology-driven training support for high-tech careers. Challenges & Barriers 1. Education-to-Workforce Disconnect STEM education doesn’t translate to jobs due to workplace culture, societal roles, and lack of structured transitions. 2. Cultural & Social Norms Deep-rooted stereotypes: “Mechanical is masculine”, “Coding is for boys”. Women exit STEM not due to capability, but due to unwelcoming environments and lack of family awareness. 3. Urban-Rural Divide Rural FLFPR is higher, but urban areas face formal sector barriers and low representation in high-paying STEM roles. 4. Life-Cycle Career Transitions Lack of workplace policies for: Maternity & caregiving support. Career breaks and re-entry pathways. Industry as the Missing Link Current scenario: Industry is passive recruiter, not active enabler. Industry must: Provide mentorship, internships, and direct hiring pathways. Ensure workplace safety, flexible policies, and gender-sensitive HR practices. Partner with communities to challenge stereotypes and build aspirational role models. Good Practices: Case Study – WeSTEM UN Women’s WeSTEM, in partnership with Micron Foundation and state govts (MP & Gujarat): Provides STEM training to young women. Engages families, conducts safety sessions, introduces women role models. Aims to shift mindsets along with skill-building. Way Forward: Blueprint for Inclusive STEM Skilling For Government: Launch dedicated STEM transition schemes for women post-graduation. Incentivize private companies hiring women in core technical roles. For Industry: Integrate skilling with employment pipelines. Institutionalise return-to-work programmes. Invest in gender-sensitive design of workplaces (infrastructure, safety, flexibility). For Society: Promote community sensitisation around non-traditional roles for women. Break the stigma of technical/vocational jobs for women. Two Unequal Source : The Indian Express Context The article critiques recent claims that India is both: The most equal country in consumption inequality, and One of the most unequal in income inequality. These claims arise from data by World Bank (via PIP) and World Inequality Database (WID). Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) Practice Question : India is ranked among the most equal countries in consumption inequality, yet highly unequal in income estimates. Critically examine this paradox, and discuss the implications for welfare and taxation policy. (15 marks) Key Terms and Data Term Meaning India’s Value Consumption Gini Index Measures inequality in consumption expenditure 25.5 (2022–23) – lowest globally Income Gini Index Measures inequality in income distribution No official data available WID Estimate (Income) Synthetic, model-based estimation of income inequality High (among worst globally) PIP Database (World Bank) Survey-based global consumption data Used for Gini of 25.5 Key Insights from the Article 1. India’s Gini of 25.5 is based on consumption, not income It reflects relative equality in expenditure, not earnings. Consumption inequality is generally lower than income inequality in all countries. 2. No official data exists for income Gini in India India hasn’t conducted a national income distribution survey in recent years. All income inequality estimates for India are modelled or inferred from limited sources. 3. WID uses synthetic methods for income estimation Constructs income inequality from tax data, surveys, and assumptions. These methods are not directly comparable with survey-based consumption data. 4. Comparison between income and consumption Gini is flawed Comparing Gini values across different metrics (income vs. consumption) or sources (survey vs. synthetic) leads to misleading conclusions. Gini indices are only meaningful within the same category. Why the Confusion? The same term “Gini Index” is used for both consumption and income, though they capture different dimensions. The public and media often interpret Gini values without distinguishing the source or category. Conceptual Clarification for UPSC Consumption Inequality: Affects access to goods and services; reflects actual standard of living. Income Inequality: Captures earnings and wealth gaps; often higher than consumption inequality. Gini Index (0 to 1 or 0 to 100): Closer to 0 = more equal; closer to 1/100 = more unequal. Limitations of Global Comparisons WID estimates for India are not based on complete income data—rely on assumptions due to lack of official data. Cross-country inequality rankings vary based on whether income or consumption is measured. Implications for India India is indeed low on consumption inequality — based on credible, survey-based data. Income inequality remains unclear — due to absence of official nationwide income surveys. Policy relevance: Need for official income distribution surveys to assess inequality accurately. Better distinction and communication between types of inequality in public discourse. Reliable inequality metrics are crucial for targeting welfare and taxation policy. Additional Dimensions to consider 1. Triangulating Inequality: Income, Wealth, and Consumption Consumption inequality (lowest globally for India) measures day-to-day spending—less volatile, but doesn’t capture savings or asset accumulation. Income inequality measures earnings—subject to fluctuations and underreported in surveys. Wealth inequality (not discussed in the article) is often higher and more persistent. For example, Oxfam 2024 report estimated top 10% Indians own ~77% of wealth. 2. Implications for Welfare Policy Low consumption inequality may reflect effective welfare distribution (PDS, PM-KISAN, Ujjwala, etc.). But without income data, it’s hard to assess: Labour market inequality Effectiveness of direct benefit transfers (DBTs) Policy implication: Targeting may be suboptimal if based on outdated or indirect income estimates. 3. Data Governance Gap India lacks a regular, dedicated income and wealth distribution survey. NSSO collects consumption data, not detailed income data. Suggestion for reform: Conduct a Periodic Income Distribution Survey (PIDS). Integrate with e-Shram, Aadhaar-seeded economic profiles for targeted welfare design. 4. Global Comparability Challenges Different countries use different methodologies—some tax-based, some survey-based. For example: Nordic countries use income-tax records. Developing countries like India depend on household surveys. Implication: Global inequality rankings should be taken with caution. 5. Urban-Rural and Regional Inequality Even if national Gini is low, intra-state disparities (e.g., Bihar vs Kerala) may be high. Similarly, urban India may show rising income inequality due to informal sector stress and gig economy precarity. 6. Inequality and Growth Traditional view: Some inequality spurs growth by incentivising productivity. Modern consensus: High inequality hurts growth by reducing demand and increasing social conflict (OECD, IMF studies). India’s case: Balancing growth with equity remains key for inclusive development. Conclusion : While India’s low consumption inequality is backed by credible data, the lack of official income distribution surveys makes cross-metric comparisons misleading. A clear distinction between income, consumption, and wealth inequality is essential for designing equitable and evidence-based welfare policies. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE INDIAN EXPRESSand do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes.

Content : Kaziranga’s First Grassland Bird Survey Reveals High Avian Diversity Dowry Deaths in India: High Incidence, Slow Investigations, Rare Convictions SC Flags Misuse of Free Speech on Social Media, Calls for Regulatory Balance Denmark’s Copyright-Based Approach to Combat Deepfakes Environment Ministry’s New SO₂ Emission Framework for Thermal Plants Defended India Loses ₹7,000 Crore to Cyber Frauds in 5 Months: Cross-Border Scams Under Scanner Famous for its rhinos, Kaziranga records high diversity of grassland birds in survey Context & Significance A first-of-its-kind survey in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) (Assam) has recorded 43 species of grassland-dependent birds. Conducted between March 18 and May 25, 2025, it marks a milestone in the documentation of avifaunal diversity in the Brahmaputra floodplains. This is important for grassland ecosystem conservation, which remains under-researched in India compared to forests and wetlands. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) About Kaziranga National Park Feature Detail Location Assam, Brahmaputra floodplains Total Area 1,174 sq. km UNESCO World Heritage Site Yes, since 1985 Habitat Type Mix of wet grasslands, forests, and wetlands Known for One-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and now, grassland birds Key Findings from the Survey Species Category Example(s) Critically Endangered Bengal florican Endangered Finn’s weaver (locally: Tukura Chorai), confirmed breeding Vulnerable (6 species) Marsh babbler, Swamp francolin, Jerdon’s babbler, Bristled grassbird, etc. Others Total of 43 species documented across 3 divisions of Kaziranga Innovative Methodology Used Passive Acoustic Monitoring Use of passive acoustic recorders for: Non-invasive, continuous monitoring Detecting shy, cryptic, or nocturnal birds Coverage of inaccessible or high-risk areas Significantly improved the depth and accuracy of avifaunal detection. Why Grasslands Matter Wet grasslands, like those in Kaziranga, are ecologically rich but poorly studied. These ecosystems support unique, endemic, and endangered species. Serve as breeding grounds, foraging zones, and indicator habitats of environmental health. Comparative Significance Kaziranga’s grassland bird diversity is now comparable to dry grasslands of Gujarat and Rajasthan, known for species like: Great Indian Bustard (critically endangered) Lesser florican Highlights importance of wet grasslands in conservation discourse, which often emphasizes forests and dry grasslands. Policy & Conservation Implications 1. Need for Ecosystem-Specific Surveys Wet grasslands are under-surveyed across India. Targeted studies like this can guide species-specific conservation plans. 2. Grassland Management Presence of Finn’s weaver breeding suggests healthy grassland ecology. Conservation of such indicator species is critical to ecosystem stability. 3. Integration with Tiger Reserves Emphasizes multi-species management in Protected Areas (PA)—not just megafauna like rhinos or tigers. Enhances landscape-level conservation under CAMPA, Project Tiger, and Biodiversity Action Plans. Challenges & Way Forward Issue Suggestion Grasslands misclassified as ‘wastelands’ Reclassify and protect under eco-sensitive zones Limited research outside flagship fauna Expand surveys to birds, insects, amphibians Human pressure & encroachment Balance tourism, local livelihoods, and habitat protection Climate vulnerability Long-term monitoring using tools like acoustic sensors + AI Dowry deaths in India: Long investigations, rare convictions Context Despite being legally banned, dowry practices and related violence persist across India. A spate of recent cases — involving torture, suicides, and murders — underlines the systemic failures in prevention, investigation, and prosecution. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) Key Data: Dowry Deaths in India (2017–2022) Indicator Value/Insight Avg. Dowry Deaths Reported/Year ~7,000 (NCRB data, likely under-reported) Charge-Sheeted Cases/Year ~4,500 (rest delayed or closed for lack of evidence) Pending Investigation Cases (2022) ~3,000, of which 67% pending >6 months Delay in Charge-Sheet Filing (2022) 70% filed after >2 months of investigation Cases Sent for Trial/Year ~6,500 Convictions/Year ~100 (⟶ conviction rate < 2%) States with Highest Incidence UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Odisha, WB, Haryana, Rajasthan City with Most Cases (2017–22) Delhi (30%), followed by Kanpur, Bengaluru, Lucknow Key Insights 1. Dowry Violence Is Rampant and Under-reported The 7,000 annual cases represent only the tip of the iceberg — social stigma, family pressure, and fear of reprisal prevent reporting. Cultural normalization of dowry demands continues, especially in patriarchal setups. 2. Investigations Are Slow and Incomplete Nearly half of the reported cases are not charge-sheeted. Delays in charge-sheeting (70% take >2 months) weaken the case and reduce chances of conviction. 3. Convictions Are Rare Less than 2% conviction rate despite FIRs and trial initiation. Acquittals, withdrawals, and plea bargains are common due to weak evidence, societal compromise, or prolonged legal processes. 4. Geographic Concentration 80% of dowry deaths are concentrated in 9 states, largely in the Hindi heartland and eastern India. Delhi alone accounts for 30% of dowry death cases among cities—reflecting both high reporting and severity. Legal & Institutional Framework Law/Provision Relevance Section 304B, IPC Punishes dowry death (within 7 years of marriage) Section 498A, IPC Cruelty by husband/in-laws for dowry Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 Prohibits giving/taking dowry CrPC Sections 174 & 176 Mandate inquest/investigation into unnatural deaths of married women NCRB Data Captures only police-reported cases; no mechanism for socio-cultural reporting Challenges 1. Delayed Justice Investigation lags and evidence tampering compromise trials. Lack of forensic support and insensitive police response further aggravate the problem. 2. Social Pressures & Normalisation Silencing of victims due to family honour, fear, or economic dependence. Many families withdraw or settle cases informally, undermining justice. 3. Misuse vs Genuine Cases Debate Concerns over misuse of Section 498A IPC have led to dilution in enforcement. Judicial caution often overrides the urgency in genuine dowry harassment cases. 4. No Survivor-Centric Framework Lack of psychological, legal, and financial support for survivors and families. No centralised tracking of dowry cases from FIR to conviction. Policy Recommendations Domain Suggestions Criminal Justice Reform Fast-track dowry death cases; monitor time-bound charge-sheeting Police & Forensics Capacity-building in gender-sensitive investigation, forensic tools Social Reform Mass awareness campaigns; involve community leaders & youth groups Survivor Support Legal aid, rehabilitation funds, and safe shelter mechanisms Data Transparency Create a real-time national dowry case dashboard for monitoring Abuse of right to free speech increasing on social media, says SC Context The Supreme Court has flagged the increasing misuse of free speech on social media, especially when it incites division, hate, or undermines dignity. The Court called for a framework of regulation, not censorship, to balance constitutional rights with social responsibility. Relevance : GS 2(Fundamental Rights, Fake Speech, Misinformation) Constitutional & Legal Context Provision / Case Relevance Article 19(1)(a) Guarantees freedom of speech and expression Article 19(2) Allows reasonable restrictions for interests like public order, morality, etc. IT Act, Section 66A (struck down) Declared unconstitutional in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) IPC Sections 153A, 295A, 505 Punish speech that promotes enmity, religious insult, or false alarms Supreme Court’s Observations (July 2025) Free speech is being weaponized—particularly online—to fuel communalism, defame individuals, or erode public trust. Social media magnifies harm due to its viral nature and low accountability. The Court clarified: “We are not calling for censorship, but for self-restraint and regulatory balance.” Why the Concern Over Social Media Speech? 1. Unchecked Virality Harmful or hateful content spreads rapidly—amplifying misinformation and communal tensions. Algorithms favour sensational content, not responsible speech. 2. Weak Platform Accountability No uniform grievance redressal. Platforms often delay taking down harmful content unless legally compelled. 3. Fragmented Legal Response Multiple FIRs across states for the same post—leads to harassment, forum shopping, and misuse of law. 4. Polarising Content Politically or religiously divisive speech increases during elections, riots, or crises. Example: Communal trolling, deepfakes, disinformation campaigns. Challenges in Regulation Challenge Details Balancing Free Speech vs. Regulation Overregulation may lead to suppression of dissent or creativity Jurisdictional Conflicts Same post may invite FIRs in multiple states Platform Non-Compliance Tech giants are governed by foreign laws and may resist Indian rules Ambiguity in ‘Harmful Speech’ Difficult to define ‘hate’, ‘offensive’, or ‘divisive’ speech uniformly Lack of Digital Literacy Many users unknowingly spread false or hurtful content Policy & Institutional Framework Initiative Status & Gaps IT Rules, 2021 Mandate content takedown, grievance officers, traceability. Digital India Act (Drafted) Aims to replace IT Act, 2000 — but still under consultation. Social Media Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) Redressal mechanism lacks user awareness and enforcement teeth Judicial Guidelines (proposed) SC hinted at laying down uniform procedural safeguards Way Forward Priority Area Suggestions Regulatory Clarity Finalise and implement Digital India Act with free speech safeguards Self-Regulation & Platform Ethics Mandate code of ethics, transparency in moderation algorithms Judicial Framework SC to evolve guidelines on multi-state FIRs, content responsibility Digital Literacy Campaigns Public education on legal rights and responsible online behavior Stronger Civil Society Role NGOs, fact-checkers, and user groups to build counter-narratives How Denmark Plans to Use Copyright Law to Protect Against Deepfakes Context Denmark has proposed a new legal approach to combat the spread of deepfakes—synthetic media generated using AI—by extending copyright protections to individuals’ facial features, voice, and appearance, even if the manipulated media is not originally theirs. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations , Social Issues) Why This Matters Deepfakes are becoming more realistic and easier to create, posing serious risks to privacy, consent, democracy, and digital trust. India and many countries lack a specific legal framework to address deepfakes. Key Features of Denmark’s Proposal Provision Description Copyright-like Protection Individuals will get exclusive rights over their facial data, voice, etc., like authors have over their works. Criminalisation of Realistic Imitations Deepfakes mimicking a real person’s appearance/voice without consent will be illegal, even if not defamatory. Consent-Based Usage Platforms must obtain explicit permission from individuals before sharing their likeness. Platform Liability Social media platforms will face penalties for non-removal of deepfake content. Caveats & Limitations Limitation Explanation Scope Limited to Denmark Enforcement outside Danish jurisdiction will be difficult. Freedom of Expression Risks Risk of overblocking content; critics warn of unintended curbs on satire or art. Exemptions for News/Parody The bill doesn’t fully clarify if satire, journalism, or AI-generated art is protected. Global Relevance India’s Gap: India has no standalone law to regulate deepfakes. IT Rules 2021 address harmful content but don’t define deepfakes explicitly. Comparative Insight: EU AI Act: Classifies deepfakes as high-risk AI. US: Various state laws penalize deepfakes in elections or pornography. China: Requires labelling of all AI-generated media. Environment Ministry defends revised framework for thermal plants to meet SO₂ emission norms Context On July 11, 2025, the Union Environment Ministry issued a revised framework to regulate sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from thermal power plants. It has exempted many older coal-based plants from retrofitting Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) devices and staggered deadlines for compliance based on location-based categorisation. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)  Scientific & Technical Basis SO₂: Harmful gas emitted during coal combustion; causes acid rain and respiratory illnesses. Also contributes to secondary pollutants like particulate matter. Ministry claims: Framework is evidence-based, informed by: Ambient SO₂ studies from 7 cities. Inputs from CPCB, NEERI, and IITs. Scientific analysis across 537 thermal power plants (TPPs). Key Elements of the New Framework Category Description Deadline/Exemption A Within 10 km of Delhi-NCR or cities >1 million population Compliance by Dec 2027 B Within 10 km of polluted cities (non-attainment) Compliance case-by-case, based on expert review C Located outside polluted zones Fully exempted from SO₂ retrofitting, must meet stack height norms Plants retiring before Dec 2030 are also exempted, subject to ₹0.40/unit compensation if they continue operating beyond that date. Cost Implications Retrofitting FGD systems across 537 plants estimated to cost ₹2.54 lakh crore. Issues & Criticism Concerns Explanation “Regulatory dilution” Environmental groups fear that exemptions weaken pollution control and delay India’s clean energy transition. Health implications SO₂ is linked to asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular issues. Exemptions may worsen local air quality. Delayed action India committed to SO₂ norms in 2015, but deadlines have been repeatedly extended. Equity concern Populations near Category B/C plants may still face localized pollution, yet plants may escape full compliance. Concept Check Term Meaning FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurisation) A technology to remove SO₂ from exhaust flue gases of fossil-fuel power plants. Non-attainment cities Cities that consistently violate National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Stack height norms Chimneys must be tall enough to disperse pollutants and reduce ground-level concentration. Conclusion The revised SO₂ compliance framework reflects a balancing act between health, environment, and economic costs. While phased deadlines reduce retrofitting burdens, critics warn of potential dilution of environmental safeguards. Indians lost ₹7,000 crore to cyber frauds (Jan–May 2025) Context According to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Indians lost over ₹7,000 crore to cyber frauds in the first 5 months of 2025. More than 50% of this loss is linked to cross-border scams originating in Southeast Asia (especially Cambodia), with deep links to human trafficking and organised cybercrime. Relevance : GS 3 ( Cyber Security, Internal Security, Governance) Key Data Month Amount Lost (₹ crore) January 1,992 February 951 March 1,000 April 731 May 999 Total ~7,000 crore Source: Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFRMS) under Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) Key Issues Identified 1. Transnational Nature of Cybercrime Scams operated from high-security compounds in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand. Controlled by Chinese-linked operators. At least 53 scam centres identified (45 in Cambodia alone). 2. Human Trafficking Angle Thousands of Indians trafficked and forced to work in scam operations. Workers recruited via agents under the promise of overseas tech jobs. 3. Types of Scams Investment scams, digital arrest scams, and task-based scams (e.g., fake stock trading apps, online tasks-for-money cons). 4. Recruitment Hubs in India State Number of Agents Maharashtra 58 Tamil Nadu 51 Jammu & Kashmir 46 Uttar Pradesh 41 Delhi 38 Trafficking route: India → Dubai → China → Cambodia/Vietnam/Thailand. Other direct routes: Delhi/Lucknow/Jaipur/Kolkata/Kerala to SEA nations. Institutional Response Inter-Ministerial Panel formed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). CBI FIRs filed against SIM card sellers aiding ghost identities. Collaboration with Cambodian officials, who sought exact GPS coordinates of scam centres for enforcement action. Governance Gaps Sector Identified Issues Telecom Ghost SIM cards issued via fraud Banking Lax KYC enables mule accounts Immigration Trafficking routes exploit visa gaps Conclusion The ₹7,000 crore cyber fraud loss highlights India’s growing vulnerability to transnational digital crime networks. Urgent legal, diplomatic, and technological coordination is needed to plug recruitment, financial, and cyber loopholes.