Content:
When water standards don’t hold water
How is shipping industry tackling emissions?
On differences in clientelism, patronage and freebies
India engaged with China on germanium export restrictions, says embassy
Paddy, pulses acreage has increased this kharif season: Centre
U.S.-China pact a mixed bag for India’
Single-use food packaging 84% of Himalayan plastic waste
When water standards don’t hold water
Concept and Role of Per Capita Water Standards
India useslitres per capita per day (lpcd) as a benchmark for water allocation and planning.
This metric dictates how much water each person is entitled to, guiding infrastructure and policy decisions.
Despite its critical role, this standard lacks scientific or empirical backing.
Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues)
Lack of Uniformity and Evidence
Various agencies (e.g., BIS, CPHEEO) and cities (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi) prescribe different standards.
For example:
CPHEEO: 150 lpcd for megacities, 135 lpcd for others.
Jal Jeevan Mission: 55 lpcd for rural households.
No rationale, survey data, or regional adjustment supports these standards.
Discrepancy in Application
Standards are applied inconsistently:
Mumbai used 150 lpcd for the Gargai Dam to meet CPHEEO norms, though it uses 240 lpcd elsewhere.
These numbers are often manipulated to align with project requirements or funding guidelines.
Flawed Planning Implications
Water demand calculations using these standards influence:
Urban-rural water diversion.
Large-scale infrastructure like dams and pipelines.
Funding allocations from schemes like AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission.
Result: Overestimation or underestimation of actual needs, leading to inefficient investments.
Service Delivery Gap
No effective monitoring to ensure delivery of water as per prescribed standards:
Most cities lack household meters and bulk flow meters.
Supply zones are not isolated — water tracking is unfeasible.
MoHUA’s benchmarks measure per capita supply only at city-level, not individual level.
Impact on Equity and Rights
The human right to water is undermined due to arbitrary, non-transparent planning.
Without accurate metrics, marginalized populations may get less than the standard.
Standards serve planners and engineers, not end-users or citizens.
Recommendations and Conclusion
A call for evidence-based, region-specific per capita water standards.
Need for:
Functional water metering systems.
Transparent, decentralized monitoring.
Equitable distribution mechanisms.
Ensuring that standards translate into actual rights-based service delivery.
How is shipping industry tackling emissions?
Context & Significance
Shipping contributes ~2.8% of global GHG emissions (~1 billion tonnes/year).
If considered a country, shipping would be the 6th largest emitter globally.
Emissions could rise by 50–250% by 2050 if unregulated.
The IMO (UN body for shipping) is spearheading efforts to decarbonise the sector.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Key Outcome of MEPC-83
Voted 63-16 in favour of Singapore’s hybrid model, inspired by India’s ‘bridging mechanism’.
First global adoption of a mandatory emissions levy framework in any industry.
However, full implementation awaits amendment of Annex VI of MARPOL and further consensus.
Major Proposals Tabled
International Chamber of Shipping: Fixed levy per tonne of CO₂.
China: Market-based system for trading compliance units.
EU: Fixed GHG levy managed by IMO-administered fund.
India: Penalise underperformers; reward Zero/Near-Zero fuel users.
Singapore: Enhanced Indian model with GHG Fuel Standard (GFS) and surplus/remedial credit units.
Diverging Global Responses
Oil-exporting nations (e.g. Saudi Arabia): Opposed to green fuel shift.
Small Island States/LDCs: Favoured steep levies for green development funding.
China & Shipping Giants: Sought minimal levies; investment in clean fuels.
Scandinavian Nations: Wanted credits for early decarbonisation.
Traditional maritime powers (e.g. Greece): Sceptical of feasibility.
US Position
Did not participate under the Trump administration.
Opposed EU’s uniform carbon levy; warned of “reciprocal measures”.
India’s Role and Gains
Credited as co-architect of adopted Net Zero Framework.
Operates ~236 large vessels; MBM applies only to 135 international ships.
Limited impact on costs: +$108 million by 2030 (manageable).
Green Hydrogen Opportunity:
India’s National Hydrogen Mission aligns with IMO’s emissions threshold.
Ports preparing for green hydrogen bunkering.
Potential to emerge as a global green fuel hub.
Why Green Shipping Matters
Aligns with:
SDG 13 (Climate Action)
Paris Agreement targets
Helps avoid climate disasters while ensuring trade sustainability.
Ensures shipping doesn’t lag behind other sectors in emissions reduction.
Equity & CBDR Principle
Developed nations allegedly shifting responsibility to developing countries.
Violation of the Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC) principle.
Developing nations like India demand fairness in the transition.
Future Steps & Challenges
Requires two-thirds ratification of MARPOL amendment.
May face resistance if 1/3 of member states (with ≥50% of global tonnage) object.
Key test: balancing climate goals with economic competitiveness and equity.
On differences in clientelism, patronage and freebies
Clientelism:
Involves a reciprocal exchange between politicians and voters, where tangible benefits (money, gifts) are offered in exchange for electoral support.
Politicians ensure compliance through monitoring and local party networks (e.g., karyakartas), though this is more challenging in India due to high voter numbers and secret ballot systems.
Clientelism is asymmetrical, with wealthier politicians potentially exploiting poor voters, but the secret ballot system and deepening democracy make such exploitation less feasible.
Clientelism operates through individual targeting and is highly personalized (e.g., offering benefits to select voters), with the expectation of reciprocal votes or political support.
Relevance : GS 2 (Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice)
Patronage:
Involves the distribution of long-term resources like jobs, loans, or subsidies by politicians to build loyalty among voters.
Unlike clientelism, patronage relationships are ongoing and long-term.
Patronage networks foster a more permanent connection, creating a recurrent exchange between politicians and their constituents.
It represents a structural relationship that exists beyond the electoral cycle and typically affects larger groups.
Freebies:
Universally distributed goods, such as free bus rides or bicycles, are distributed without the need for electoral reciprocity.
Freebies are often aimed at broad segments of the population (e.g., women, youth), and do not require monitoring by political agents, thanks to advancements like Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).
While they do not directly demand electoral support, freebies are often designed to build goodwill and indirectly influence voting behavior.
Freebies can have positive societal impacts (e.g., increasing women’s participation in the workforce or education) and do not inherently violate voter autonomy.
Conflation Issues:
Critics often conflate clientelism, patronage, and freebies, overlooking the important distinctions between them.
While freebies have more inclusive, less personalized distribution criteria, clientelism is more exclusive and targeted, undermining democratic integrity.
The focus on freebies, rather than informal clientelistic practices, can distract from the negative impact of clientelism on democracy and long-term economic stability.
Freebies have positive effects in certain contexts (e.g., women’s empowerment), while clientelistic networks are exclusionary and detrimental to democratic processes.
Conclusion:
Clientelism and patronage are more problematic because of their personalized, hierarchical nature and their long-term effects on democracy and political autonomy.
Freebies, in contrast, can be viewed as a tool for inclusive welfare distribution that may positively affect the electorate, particularly if structured through DBT and other transparent mechanisms.
The real focus should be on the long-term, informal clientelistic practices that undermine democratic integrity, rather than targeting more universal and potentially beneficial schemes like freebies.
India engaged with China on germanium export restrictions, says embassy
Context of Export Restrictions:
China’s export restrictions on germanium and gallium have created challenges for global industries, including India’s, particularly in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing.
Germanium is a critical mineral used in semiconductors, fibre optic cables, and solar panels, making it vital for India’s tech and infrastructure sectors.
Over half of the world’s germanium production comes from China, and export restrictions have had a significant impact on India’s reliance on imports of this mineral.
Relevance : GS 3(Minerals ,Technology)
India’s Dependency and Issues:
India has no domestic production of germanium and is fully reliant on imports.
Due to export restrictions, India has been sourcing germanium through suppliers in the United Arab Emirates, leading to inflated costs for Indian businesses.
This dependency has exposed vulnerabilities in India’s supply chains, particularly in high-tech industries.
Grievances and Diplomatic Engagement:
The Indian Embassy in Beijing noted that germanium was the only element raised by Indian industry players in complaints about China’s export restrictions on rare earth elements (REEs).
While germanium is not classified as a rare earth element, it plays a critical role in technologies relying on advanced materials, adding complexity to India’s supply chain.
India is actively engaging with the Chinese government to resolve these issues through formal communications and meetings with Chinese officials, although details about specific negotiations remain undisclosed.
Impact on Electronics Manufacturing:
Germanium oxide is integral to the production of fibre optic cables used in global communications networks.
Restrictions on germanium exports have disrupted the availability of critical components needed for optical fibre production, affecting sectors beyond just electronics.
Broader Political and Economic Context:
The trade tensions with China come amid cooling relations and growing concerns over China’s trade practices, including export curbs and travel restrictions.
For example, Foxconn, Apple’s contract manufacturer for iPhones, faced obstacles with personnel travel and machinery transport between China and India, reflecting broader challenges in the bilateral relationship.
These issues underscore the growing complexity of India-China economic relations, which are being impacted by both geopolitical tensions and economic interdependencies.
Conclusion:
The export restrictions on germanium exemplify how resource control by China can affect India’s tech sector and supply chain stability.
As India navigates this challenge, its diplomatic engagement with China will be crucial in mitigating the effects of resource monopolies and ensuring more secure and diversified supply chains for essential raw materials like germanium.
Paddy, pulses acreage has increased this kharif season: Centre
Increase in Crop Acreage:
Paddy Sowing: Increased by 3.44 lakh hectares compared to last year, reaching 32.02 lakh hectares in 2024-25 from 28.57 lakh hectares in 2023-24.
Pulses Sowing: Expanded by 2.20 lakh hectares, from 18.47 lakh hectares in 2023-24 to 20.67 lakh hectares in 2024-25.
Specific pulses, such as moong and urad, saw significant increases, with moong rising by 1.70 lakh hectares and urad by 0.50 lakh hectares.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance) ,GS 3(Agriculture)
Increase in Other Crops:
Onion and Potato: Sowing of onion increased by 2.82 lakh hectares, reaching 12.58 lakh hectares in 2024-25 from 9.76 lakh hectares in 2023-24.
Potato: Sowing area increased by 0.47 lakh hectares.
Water Availability and Reservoir Storage:
Water Storage: Improved water storage conditions compared to last year, with 161 reservoirs having 117% of last year’s storage and 114% of the 10-year average.
This indicates better preparedness for the current sowing season due to favorable water availability.
Foodgrain Stocks:
Rice and Wheat Stocks: Stocks of rice (389.05 lakh tonnes) and wheat (177.08 lakh tonnes) are well above the buffer stock norms, ensuring food security.
The actual rice stock exceeds the buffer standard of 135.8 lakh tonnes, and wheat stock surpasses the standard of 74.6 lakh tonnes.
Impact of Weather Conditions:
The meeting confirmed there was no significant impact of the heatwave or high temperatures on the wheat harvest, ensuring stable foodgrain availability.
Promotion of Scientific Agriculture:
A campaign to promote scientific agriculture was planned, focusing on improving farming practices and efficiency.
Conclusion:
Kharif season sowing has been positive, with increased acreage for key crops, bolstered by favorable water storage conditions and adequate foodgrain stocks, enhancing India’s agricultural resilience.
‘U.S.-China pact a mixed bag for India’
Mixed Reactions to U.S.-China Trade Pact:
Opportunities for India:
Some experts see the agreement as beneficial for India, opening up export opportunities in sectors like pharmaceutical APIs, gems and jewellery, engineering goods, organic chemicals, and IT-enabled services.
These sectors remain less affected by the U.S.-China trade dynamics, allowing India to strengthen its export position.
Challenges for India:
Investment Shift Back to China: The reduction in tariffs could lead to a reversal of the investments that previously flowed into countries like India, Vietnam, and Mexico due to high U.S. tariffs on China.
Shift in Production: As tariffs decrease, companies that relocated their production outside China might consider returning, which could affect India’s manufacturing and investment inflows.
Impact on U.S.-China Bilateral Trade:
Increased Trade Between U.S. and China: The tariff reduction is expected to lead to a surge in high-value trade between the two countries, particularly in sectors like electronics, machinery, and chemicals.
This could intensify competition for India in these sectors, especially in terms of price and market share.
Unresolved Issues in the Trade Deal:
The deal does not address the high trade imbalance between the U.S. and China, which was a central concern for the U.S. under the previous administration.
Without addressing these underlying issues, the deal may have limited long-term impact on global trade dynamics.
Potential for Reduced Dumping:
Lower tariffs between the U.S. and China might lead to less dumping of Chinese goods in third-party markets, including India and Vietnam, providing some relief to these countries. However, this could also mean that India faces less competition from cheaper Chinese goods in its domestic market.
Single-use food packaging 84% of Himalayan plastic waste
Plastic Waste in the Himalayan Region:
84% of Plastic Waste from Single-Use Packaging: A significant portion (84.2%) of plastic waste in the Himalayan region is from single-use food and beverage packaging.
Non-Recyclable Plastics: 71% of the plastic waste collected was non-recyclable, primarily multilayered plastics and Tetrapak, which are difficult to process and are not collected by waste pickers or scrap dealers.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Environmental Impact:
Choking of Waterways and Landfills: Non-recyclable plastics, especially multilayered ones, contribute to environmental harm by clogging waterways and filling landfills, affecting the delicate ecosystems of the region.
Mountains and Tourist Spots Littered: Popular tourist destinations, villages, schools, and protected areas across the Himalayan states have seen significant plastic waste, especially in water bodies and rivers.
Waste Collection Efforts:
The Zero Waste Himalaya Alliance and The Himalayan Cleanup (THC) have been organizing large-scale cleanup campaigns since 2018 to tackle the plastic waste crisis across the region.
In 2024, over 15,000 volunteers from 350 organizations collected plastic waste from 450 sites across the Himalayan states.
Production and Systems Issue:
Root Cause Identified: The waste crisis in the Himalayan region is primarily a production and systems issue, not merely a post-consumer waste management problem. The focus needs to be on addressing the production of non-recyclable plastics, rather than only improving waste management systems.
Distribution of Plastic Waste:
Sikkim generated the most plastic waste (44% of total waste) followed by Darjeeling and Ladakh.
The regions most affected by plastic pollution include tourist hotspots and river areas, which see significant accumulation of waste, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Calls for Solutions Beyond Recycling:
Recycling Limitations: Due to the predominance of non-recyclable materials, relying solely on recycling is insufficient to solve the issue. The alliance advocates for solutions that address the root causes, such as reducing the production of single-use plastics and encouraging sustainable packaging alternatives.