Recently, the Supreme Court said continuing cases of stubble-burning and the “pick-and-choose” policy adopted by the Punjab and Haryana governments to penalise a few while letting many violators go “scot-free” after paying a nominal fine violated citizens’ right to live in a pollution-free environment.

Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana

• Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is a significant contributor to air pollution in Northern India, particularly in and around Delhi.
• The Supreme Court criticised both states for their lack of effective action in curbing stubble burning and prosecuting violators.

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Stubble Burning Violates Article 21: SC

• Defiance by States:
  • The court accused Punjab and Haryana of showing a “defiant attitude” by not taking penal action against offenders.
  • Haryana claimed they couldn’t detect fires despite information from ISRO pinpointing the exact locations.
  • Punjab prosecuted only a handful of violators, out of over 1,000 incidents detected.
• Lax Enforcement:
  • A nominal fine system allowed violators to escape serious penalties, undermining deterrence.
  • Penal provisions under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which include imprisonment and heavy fines, were not consistently enforced.
• Violation of Fundamental Rights:
  • The court said stubble burning is not merely an issue of breach of law but it constitutes violation of citizens’ fundamental right to live in a pollution-free environment, guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution (Right to Life).

• • It criticised the failure of the authorities to protect this fundamental right.
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM): 
  • The court questioned the effectiveness of CAQM, noting absenteeism among its members and doubts over their expertise in air pollution management.
• Government Accountability:
  • The court directed the Union government to:
    • Formulate proper machinery for penal action under the Environment Act.
    • Consider Punjab’s request for additional funds to tackle the issue.
    • Address urban air pollution, especially in Delhi, where garbage burning adds to air toxicity.

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About Stubble Burning

• It is a practice of removing agricultural waste from the field by setting on fire the straw stubble (Parali) that is left on the land after harvesting of grains like paddy, wheat etc.
• It is mostly practised  in the Indo-Gangetic plains of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh to clear the fields for rabi crop sowing in October and November.

Challenges Associated With Stubble Burning

• Air Pollution: Each year, air pollution levels rise and the AQI reaches a ‘severe’ and ‘hazardous’ level.
• Harmful Health Impacts: It emits toxic pollutants in the atmosphere containing harmful gases like Carbon Monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), NH3, SO2, carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds (VOC). 
• Heat Penetration: Heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes
  • For instance, the heat from burning paddy straw penetrates 1 centimetre into the soil, elevating the temperature to around 400 Celsius.
• Soil Fertility: Burning husk on the ground destroys the nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile.
• Global Warming: Greenhouse gases such as CO2, N2O, O3,etc are released during Stubble burning.

Ways to Eliminate Stubble Burning

In-Situ Management (On-Field Management)

• Utilising specialised machinery or bio-chemicals to manage crop residue directly on the field, reducing the need for burning.
• Pusa Decomposer: A microbial solution developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) that breaks down stubble into manure, enhancing soil fertility.
• Happy Seeder: A machine that cuts and lifts paddy straw, sows wheat, and spreads the straw as mulch.

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Ex-Situ Management (Off-Field Management)

• Transporting crop residue to other locations for alternative uses such as:
  • Composting: Converting stubble into organic compost.
  • Biogas Production: Using crop residue as feedstock for biogas plants.
  • Biochar: Converting stubble into biochar for soil improvement.
• Palletization: It is a technique that involves turning rice straw into usable boards for packaging, furniture, and other purposes.
• Co-Firing in Thermal Plants: Paddy straw is converted into pellets and used as fuel in thermal power plants, reducing dependence on coal.

Promotion of Alternative Crops

• Encouraging farmers to shift to crop varieties or farming systems that require less stubble removal.
• Promoting short-duration paddy varieties, pulses, oilseeds, or horticulture crops.

Techno-Commercial Pilot Projects

• Supply Chain Development: Establishing supply chains between farmers and industries for the sustainable utilisation of crop residue.
• Financial Assistance:
  • Government support covering up to 65% of machinery and equipment costs for stubble management.
  • Working Capital: Joint funding by the industry and beneficiaries, or through mechanisms like Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and NABARD.
• Land Arrangements: Farmers responsible for securing and preparing storage land for residue management.

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Policy Support

• Revised Crop Residue Management Guidelines: Issued by the Central Government to promote both in-situ and ex-situ management in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi.
• National Policy for Management of Crop Residues (NPMCR): This policy aims to prevent the burning of crop residue and the resulting environmental degradation and loss of soil nutrients. 
• Financial Incentives:
  • Project-Based Support: Financial assistance for specific machinery and equipment under government schemes.
  • State Government Approval: Projects must be approved by Project Sanctioning Committees.
• Convert into Organic Fertiliser: From parali, we can obtain high-grade organic fertiliser.
  • In Chhattisgarh, undertaken innovative experiment by setting up gauthans. 
  • A gauthan is a dedicated five-acre plot, held in common by each village, where all the unused parali (pairain Chhattisgarhi) is collected through parali daan (people’s donations) and is converted into organic fertiliser by rural youth.
  • the government supports only the transportation of parali from the farm to the nearest gauthan.
• Industry Contribution: Industry contributes 25% of the project cost.
• Farmer or Group Contribution: Farmers or groups contribute 10% of the project cost.

Other Measures

• Farmer Education and Awareness Campaigns: Increasing awareness about the adverse effects of stubble burning and the benefits of alternative methods.
• Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs): Providing easy access to machinery for crop residue management through CHCs.
• Subsidies and Incentives for Machinery: Offering subsidies for equipment like Happy Seeders, rotavators, and mulchers to reduce the cost burden on farmers.

Challenges in Eliminating Stubble Burning

• High Cost of Machinery: Farmers face significant financial constraints in purchasing or renting machinery like Happy Seeders and Super Straw Management Systems, even with subsidies. 
  • Smaller and marginal farmers, in particular, struggle to afford these technologies.
• Short Window Between Crops: The narrow time gap (10-15 days) between the harvesting of paddy and sowing of wheat leaves little time for alternative stubble management methods.
  • Leading farmers to opt for the quicker and cheaper method of burning.
• Lack of Awareness and Training: Many farmers are unaware of the long-term environmental impacts of stubble burning and the benefits of sustainable alternatives. 
  • There is also limited training on the use of new technologies for in-situ and ex-situ management.
• Weak Enforcement of Laws: Existing laws, such as penal provisions under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, are poorly enforced. 
  • Nominal fines and lack of consistent prosecution do not act as a sufficient deterrent to prevent stubble burning.
• Limited Infrastructure for Ex-Situ Management: Supply chains, storage facilities, and infrastructure for transporting crop residue to industries for alternative uses (e.g., biofuel, composting) are underdeveloped, limiting the scope of ex-situ management.
• Socio-Economic Pressures: Farmers face economic pressure to maximise yields and profits.
  • Often leading them to choose the most cost-effective and time-efficient methods like burning, especially when incentives for sustainable alternatives are insufficient or delayed.
  • Social Resistance: Some farmers may resist adopting new practices due to traditional farming methods and cultural beliefs.

Way Forward

• Strengthening Farmer Incentive Programs: Provide direct financial incentives to farmers for adopting eco-friendly alternatives, ensuring that support reaches marginal and small farmers quickly. 
• Improved Policy Coordination: Ensure better coordination between Central and State governments on stubble management policies. 
• Research and Development (R&D) in Affordable Technologies: Invest in R&D to develop low-cost, accessible technologies that small farmers can afford. 
• Expanding Custom Hiring Centers (CHCs): Scale up Custom Hiring Centers to improve the availability of crop residue management machinery on rent. 
• Community-Based Initiatives and Farmer Cooperatives: Promote community-led solutions by organising farmers into cooperatives or groups that can collectively manage crop residue. 

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Conclusion

• The Supreme Court criticised the Haryana and Punjab governments for their lenient approach toward stubble burning, which worsens air pollution in northern India. 
• It emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of laws to protect citizens’ right to a pollution-free environment under Article 21 of the Constitution.

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The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur between the Meiteis and Kukis, which began on May 3, 2023, poses a  significant challenge for All India Services (AIS) officers. 

About Ethnic Conflict

• Ethnic conflict refers to disputes or hostilities between different ethnic groups, often due to competition for resources, political power, cultural recognition, or historical grievances.
  • These conflicts can manifest as violence, discrimination, displacement, social unrest etc.

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Causes of Ethnic Conflicts

• Historical Grievances: Long-standing resentments and past injustices create deep-seated animosities. 
• Competition for Resources like land, water etc: Example: Conflicts in Darfur, Sudan, where competition over land and water resources between Arab and non-Arab groups has led to violence and displacement.
• Political Power Struggles: Disputes over representation and autonomy exacerbate tensions in multi-ethnic societies. 
  • Example: The South Sudan Civil War, where power struggles exists between the Dinka and Nuer ethnic groups.
• Cultural Differences: Divergent languages and customs foster misunderstandings and prejudice.
  • Example: Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Economic Factors: Example: The Kurdish conflict in Turkey, where economic marginalisation of Kurdish regions has fueled resentment and demands for greater autonomy.

Background Of Ethnic Conflict in Manipur, Conflict Between Meiteis and Kukis

• Geographical Divisions: Manipur, located in India’s Northeast, is home to various tribal groups, including the Meitei, Nagas, and Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes. 
  • The Meiteis, mostly Hindus, live in the Imphal valley.
  • The Kukis, primarily Christians, mostly inhabit the hills.
  • They have disputes over conflicting homeland demands and religious differences.
• Triggering Events 
  • Protests for Tribal Status: Tensions escalated when Kukis protested against Meitei demands for official tribal status, fearing it would enhance Meitei influence in government and society.
  • Illegal Migration: and concerns of demographic changes as well as marginalisation of the Meitei community has intensified tensions between communities.
    • Example: The higher decadal growth rate of the population in the hills compared to the valley in the 2011 Census has raised suspicions that people are illegally migrating from neighbouring countries like Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh. 
  • Drug Issue: Manipur shares a border with conflict-ridden Myanmar, which is infamous for poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. 
    • Poppy grown in Manipur’s hill areas feeds the drug trade and is an important source of livelihood for tribal groups living there.
    • The state government’s war on drugs has evoked resentment among the Kukis, who see it as a ploy to deprive them of their livelihood.
• Fatalities: At least 130 people have been killed and 400 wounded in violence that began in May. 
  • More than 60,000 have been forced from their homes as the army, paramilitary forces and police struggle to quell violence.

Ethical Dimensions Involved For the Administrative Officers in Conflict Zones

• Public Service Obligation: IAS officers must prioritise the welfare of the community, which entails working towards peace and stability while ensuring that their actions do not exacerbate existing tensions.
  • The conflict has created deep fault lines within the state’s administration, fragmented along the ethnicity of the officers, especially those from All India Services.
• Impersonality and Integrity: Maintaining impartiality is crucial. 
  • As per Max Weber Bureaucratic Theory: Bureaucracy should be characterised by impersonality, where decisions are made based on objective criteria rather than personal relationships or preferences.
  • In this Situation, Officers posted in Manipur must manage their personal identities while ensuring that they do not let ethnic affiliations cloud their judgement or professional responsibilities.
• Mental Health and Well-being: Officers are isolated in administrative cocoons, with geographical barriers and a pervasive fear dampening their willingness to take field postings.
  • This can lead to burnout and moral distress. 
  • Ethical leadership necessitates recognizing these challenges and seeking support for oneself and fellow officers.
• Collaboration and Unity: Fostering a spirit of collaboration among officers from different ethnic backgrounds is vital for effective governance. 
• Accountability and Transparency: Officers must be accountable for their actions, ensuring that decisions are made transparently and ethically, particularly in a context filled with hate speech, misinformation and propaganda.
  • As per Carl Friedrich’s Administrative Responsibility: Public administrators are accountable to the public they serve. 
• Cultural Sensitivity: Recognising the cultural dimensions of conflict and respecting the values and traditions of all parties involved is also a vital dimension.

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Challenges for IAS Officers In Managing Administration In Conflict Zones

• Safety Concerns: The physical safety of officers has become a significant issue, limiting their ability to engage with communities and conduct fieldwork, which is essential for effective governance.
  • Example: There are reports of government officials having been killed by mobs.
• Isolation and Fragmentation: Officers are increasingly confined to “safe districts,” leading to a lack of exposure to the realities on the ground. 
  • This isolation can hinder their ability to respond effectively to the needs of the people.
• Erosion of Relationships: The atmosphere of distrust and hostility can erode ‘esprit de corps’ (unity and mutual respect among officers) among officers, making collaboration and teamwork difficult.
• Administrative Barriers: Open access between hill and valley districts for All India Services (AIS) officers has been restricted due to the establishment of “buffer zones.
  • These buffer zones create physical and administrative barriers, which contradict the principles of federalism.
• Inadequate Training for Conflict Situations: Current training programs may not adequately prepare officers for the unique challenges posed by working in a conflict environment, necessitating a reevaluation of training curricula.

Way Forward

• Enhanced Training Modules: Developing specialised training on conflict management and reconciliation should be a priority for institutes like Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA)
  • Example: Incorporating real-life case studies from Manipur can help in better management of ethnocentric politics and conflicts.
• Regular Communication Channels: Establish clear communication channels and implement virtual meetings among officers from different ethnic backgrounds to facilitate dialogue, promote unity, and combat misinformation during crises.
• Support Systems for Officers: Establishing mental health support and peer counselling can help officers cope with the stresses of working in conflict zones, ensuring their well-being and effectiveness.
  • There is a need for fostering  a culture of continuous collaboration among officers from diverse backgrounds to reinforce a unified front in conflict management.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Officers should actively engage with local communities through outreach programs, promoting trust and understanding while working towards conflict resolution. 
  • There is a need to promote dialogue, peacebuilding, and reconciliation between the communities involved.
• Formation of High Level Committee: Forming a committee to look into the genuine development issues raised by different communities could be a positive step toward addressing the grievances and concerns of the affected communities.

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Conclusion

The ethnic violence in Manipur exposes weaknesses in India’s administrative system for handling communal conflicts, posing challenges to the All India Services while offering a chance to reform governance in conflict prone areas.

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Recently, India’s first study on ‘teal carbon’,  was undertaken at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district. 

Collaboration and Research

• The study was conducted by the Central University of Rajasthan, in collaboration with international researchers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Kenyon College.
• Research at KNP focused on assessing the status and role of teal carbon in combating climate change.

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About Teal Carbon

• Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
• It differs from black and brown carbon, which come from incomplete combustion of organic matter and contribute to global warming.

• Colour-Based Classification of Carbon

  • Scientists classify carbon into different types based on its function, characteristics, and location in the carbon cycle. Here are the main types:
  • Types of Carbon
    • Purple Carbon: Carbon from air or industrial emissions.
    • Blue Carbon: Carbon stored in marine plants and sediments.
    • Teal Carbon: Carbon stored in freshwater and wetland environments.
    • Green Carbon: Carbon stored in terrestrial plants and forests.
    • Black Carbon: Carbon emitted from burning fossil fuels.
    • Grey Carbon: Carbon from industrial emissions.
    • Brown Carbon: Carbon from the incomplete combustion of organic matter.
    • Red Carbon: Carbon released through biological particles on snow and ice, reducing albedo.

• Challenges Faced by Teal Carbon Ecosystems

  • Anthropogenic activities: Pollution, construction, and land use changes threaten wetland health.
  • Methane emissions: Wetlands can emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
  • Hydrological fragmentation: Many wetlands are being degraded and fragmented.
• Teal Carbon’s Role in Climate Change Mitigation
  • Effective Carbon Storage
    • Wetlands, especially peatlands, store carbon more efficiently than forests.
    • Peatlands can store up to 40 times more carbon than tropical forests.
    • This helps lower CO2 levels in the atmosphere, reducing global warming.
  • Regulating Greenhouse Gases
    • Wetlands both absorb CO2 and emit methane, a powerful greenhouse gas.
    • The overall impact depends on the type and condition of the wetland.
    • Properly managed wetlands act as carbon sinks, aiding climate mitigation.
  • Enhancing Climate Resilience
    • Wetlands influence temperature, rainfall, and humidity, helping to regulate local climate.
    • They provide protection from floods and droughts, acting as natural buffers.
    • Wetland conservation increases resilience against climate change impacts.
  • Supporting Biodiversity
    • Wetlands are home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

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• • Conserving wetlands helps protect biodiversity and keeps ecosystems healthy.
• Providing Ecosystem Services
  • Wetlands offer services like water filtration, flood control, and nutrient cycling.
  • Protecting wetlands ensures the continuation of these vital services for humans and nature.

Key findings of the study

• Methane Emissions

  • The study found high levels of methane emissions in the wetlands at KNP.
  • The use of specialised biochar, a type of charcoal, could help reduce these emissions.
    • Biochar is a carbon rich material made from organic sources like wood and plants. 
      • It is produced through a process called “pyrolysis”. 
        • Pyrolysis is a process of heating organic matter at a low temperature. 

• Environmental Threats

  • Degraded wetlands can release harmful gases like methane and carbon dioxide.
  • Urgent conservation efforts are needed to prevent further degradation.

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• Conservation Recommendations

• • Effective water management and planting of suitable vegetation are necessary to sustain teal carbon pools.
  • Proper conservation would also benefit groundwater levels, flood control, and help reduce urban heat islands.

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The Prime Minister  visited Russia from October 22-23 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, capital of Tatarstan.

BRICS Summit 2024

• Theme of the BRICS Summit 2024: Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.
• Bilateral Meetings: PM Modi also took part in bilateral meetings with BRICS leaders and invited dignitaries during the summit.
• Strengthening Relations: The visit was  aimed to further strengthen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.
• BRICS Expansion: India welcomes the inclusion of new members, which has enhanced BRICS’ inclusivity and global influence.

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Key Highlights of the BRICS Summit 2024 in Kazan

• BRICS Solidarity: Reaffirmation of strategic cooperation based on mutual respect, inclusiveness, and consensus.
• Global Governance: Commitment to a fairer, multipolar world order, advocating UN reform, and greater inclusion of developing nations in decision-making.
• Sustainable Development: Support for the 2030 Agenda, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and human rights.
• Outreach: Engagement with the Global South to foster international cooperation and inclusivity.

Concerns Over Unilateral Coercive Measures

• The Kazan Declaration at the BRICS Summit 2024 condemned unilateral coercive measures, including illegal sanctions.
• These measures are seen as disruptive to the world economy, global trade, and progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• They undermine the UN Charter, multilateral trade systems, and international environmental agreements.

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Call for Peaceful Conflict Resolution

• The declaration expressed concern over rising global violence and ongoing armed conflicts.
• It stressed the importance of diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and consultations for peaceful dispute resolution.
• Emphasis was placed on conflict prevention by addressing root causes.

Palestinian and Lebanese Crises

• The declaration voiced “grave concern” over escalating violence in Gaza, the West Bank, and southern Lebanon.
• It condemned Israeli military actions that caused mass civilian casualties, displacement, and infrastructure destruction.
• BRICS called for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza.

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Strong Stance Against Terrorism

• BRICS condemned all forms of terrorism, calling it a global threat needing a comprehensive, balanced response.
• Terrorism was described as criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of motives.
• The declaration called for decisive action against cross-border terrorist movements, financing, and support, stressing the importance of no double standards in addressing terrorism

Areas of Cooperation under Kazan Declaration

• Cybersecurity and Data Governance: It highlighted financial sector cyber resilience through BRICS Rapid Information Security Channel drills, while calling for equitable global frameworks on data governance and digital economy growth.
• Trade and Economic Cooperation: The declaration stressed the need for secure supply chains, fair agricultural trade, Special Economic Zones, and support for MSMEs, especially in high-tech sectors.
• Energy and Climate: It highlighted cooperation in just energy transitions, sustainable agriculture, and the importance of carbon markets, rejecting unilateral protectionist measures.
• Health and Science: The declaration supported initiatives against AMR, TB, and enhancing nuclear medicine, alongside cooperation in public health, space, and tourism.
• Competition and Tax Cooperation: It advanced BRICS competition law, mutual customs recognition, and enhanced tax cooperation frameworks.

What is BRICS?

BRICS is an acronym representing five of the world’s leading emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. 

• The term BRIC was first coined by British economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe the economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
• The grouping was formalised at the 2006 BRIC Foreign Ministers’ meeting, and in 2010, South Africa joined, expanding the acronym to BRICS.

Expansion of BRICS

• The Johannesburg Declaration (2023) invited Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to become full members from January 2024.
  • Argentina withdrew in December 2023 after President Javier Milei took office.
• Currently BRICS has a total 9 members comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates.
• With the expanded group, BRICS would represent 45% of the world’s population and economies worth $28.5 trillion (28% of global GDP). 
• Saudi Arabia has been invited but has yet to formally join.
  • If Saudi Arabia joins, BRICS would control 44% of the world’s crude oil production.

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Major Initiatives of BRICS

• Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA): Established in 2015, this framework provides financial support to member countries facing short-term liquidity crises.
• New Development Bank (NDB): A multilateral development bank designed to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable projects in emerging markets and developing countries.
  • It is headquartered in Shanghai, with regional offices in South Africa and Brazil. New members include Bangladesh, UAE, Egypt, and Uruguay.
• Medical Cooperation: The Ufa Declaration promotes collaboration to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• BRICS Payments Task Force: An initiative for cooperation among central banks and financial institutions to enhance national payment systems.

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A Constitution Bench of nine judges, in an 8:1 majority judgement, upheld the State legislatures’ right to regulate industrial alcohol.

States vs. Centre: Jurisdiction over Industrial Alcohol

• Union vs. States: Jurisdictional Dispute: Multiple States had challenged the Centre’s position that it had exclusive control over industrial alcohol.
  • The Centre claimed that it had exclusive control over industrial alcohol under Entry 52 of the Union List (which deals with industries of national importance) and the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act of 1951.
• The Ruling set aside the SC’s 1990 judgement in Synthetics & Chemicals Ltd. v State of Uttar Pradesh.
• The Court upholds the power of state States to regulate ‘denatured spirit or industrial alcohol’.
• The court expanded the definition of ‘intoxicating liquor’ to include not only alcohol intended for human consumption (potable alcohol) but also industrial alcohol that could be used noxiously, impacting public health.
• CJI stated that Entry 8 in the State List was based on public interest and that alcohol is inherently a noxious substance prone to misuse, thereby justifying the States’ regulatory control over industrial alcohol.
• The Court also stated that when there are two possible interpretations of the entries, the court must choose the one that maintains the federal balance.

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Industrial Alcohol Vs Potable Alcohol

Battle on Regulatory control over industrial alcohol

• Ch. Tika Ramji vs State of Uttar Pradesh (1956): The validity of UP legislation regulating sugarcane supply and purchase was challenged based on the argument that under Section 18-G of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act (IDRA), 1951, the Centre had exclusive jurisdiction over the sugar industry.
  • The Supreme Court upheld the UP law, stating that Section 18-G did not intend to “cover the entire field” of the sugar industry. It held that the state could still legislate on matters relating to the sugar industry under Entry 33 of the Concurrent List.
• Synthetics & Chemicals Ltd. vs State of Uttar Pradesh (1989): The case concerned the regulation and taxation of industrial alcohol, with the question being whether states had authority under Entry 8 of the State List to regulate industrial alcohol.
  • The Supreme Court held that the States’ powers under Entry 8 were limited to regulating “intoxicating liquors” meant for human consumption, and industrial alcohol was outside this scope. Only the Centre had jurisdiction to regulate industrial alcohol and impose taxes on it.
• Allahabad High Court Decision (2004): The UP government introduced a 15% fee for the sale of alcohol to licence holders under the UP Excise Act, 1910, which was challenged on the grounds that industrial alcohol was under the exclusive control of the Centre via Section 18-G of IDRA, 1951.
  • The High Court declared the UP notification invalid, holding that the state’s power extended only to potable alcohol, not industrial alcohol or denatured spirits, reaffirming the Centre’s jurisdiction over industrial alcohol.
• Supreme Court Referral (2007): The 2004 Allahabad High Court decision was appealed in the Supreme Court.
  • The Court referred the case to a larger bench, noting that the Tika Ramji case (1956) had not been considered by the seven-judge bench in the Synthetics & Chemicals case (1989), and this needed further examination.
  • This referral was intended to clarify the regulatory framework regarding industrial alcohol and its classification under the Constitution.

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Jurisdiction of Liquor ‘Overlapping’ Entries

• Entry 33 of the Concurrent List : Both the state and Union governments can make laws on the products of any industry, even if Parliament has granted control to the Union in public interest.

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Indians are likely to lose over ₹1.2 lakh crore over the next year to cyber-frauds, shows a projection made by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which runs under the Union Home Ministry.

Key Highlights of the Projections

• Projected Losses: Losses through cyber fraud is expected  to be 0.7% of the country’s GDP.
• Mule Bank Accounts: These accounts, used to facilitate illegal transactions and launder money, are significant contributors to online financial scams.
  • Around  4,000 mule accounts were identified each day that are involved in facilitating fraud.
• ATM Fraud Hotspots: I4C has identified 18 ATM hotspots across India where money is fraudulently withdrawn, and withdrawals have been traced to overseas ATMs in Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Russia.
• Scam Compounds: Fraud compounds resembling call centers have been identified in Southeast Asia (Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos), and recently, in Azerbaijan, from where scammers target people in India using Indian mobile numbers.
• Crypto-linked Money Laundering: Between March and May, cryptocurrency worth ₹5.5 crore was laundered out of the country through international crypto exchanges using over 350 transactions.
• Total Losses Reported: Financial fraud losses reported through the MHA’s cybercrime portal and helpline until June 30, 2023, totaled ₹11,269 crore, though unreported cases exist.

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Action suggested to avoid such frauds

• Banking System Vulnerabilities: The government emphasises that banks should improve their systems to detect and flag unusual transactions.
  • Special monitoring of high-value transfers in accounts with low balances, multiple account logins from single IP addresses, and sudden increases in transaction volume.
• Action Plans: The MHA is set to meet with the Union Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India to develop mechanisms to curb mule accounts and prevent further losses.

What is cyber fraud?

• Cyber fraud is a blanket term to describe crimes committed by cyberattackers via the internet. 
• These crimes are committed with the intent to illegally acquire and leverage an individual’s or business’s sensitive information for monetary gain.

Examples of Cyber Fraud Threats

• Phishing Scams: Fake emails from seemingly trusted sources trick users into revealing sensitive data, like passwords or financial information.
• Malware Attacks: Malicious software designed to harm systems, steal data, or create backdoor access for attackers.
• Ransomware: Criminals encrypt files and demand payment for decryption, often through email attachments or malicious links.
• DDoS Attacks: Overwhelm servers or networks to disrupt services, using botnets or exploiting protocol vulnerabilities.
• Social Engineering: Manipulating individuals emotionally to extract confidential information through personalised contact.

About Mule bank Account

• Money mule account : Refers to a bank account that is used to receive and transfer funds acquired illegally on behalf of others. 
• Money Mule: Someone who transfers or moves illegally acquired money on behalf of someone else.
• Person may become a money mule intentionally or unintentionally by receiving illegally acquired funds and helping in its transfer to others. 
  • For Example: Fraudsters may approach prospective victims (mule account holders) with some offers and ask the victims to lend, share or rent their bank accounts/ cards.
• Money mules add  layers of distance between crime victims and criminals, which makes it harder for law enforcement to accurately trace money trails.
• Mode of transactions: Move funds in various ways including through bank accounts, cashier’s checks, virtual currency, prepaid debit cards, or money service businesses.

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International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System

Context: International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System has been launched collaboratively by the Department of Communications (DoT) and Telecom Service Providers  (TSPs). 

Background

• Cybercriminals are manipulating the Calling line identity (CLI) or commonly known as phone number to make international calls appear as if they originate from within India (e.g., +91-xxxxxxxxx).
• Spoofed calls have been used in various scams, such as:
  • Financial Scams: Impersonating officials or relatives for unauthorised payments.
  • Extortion: False accusations to extort money or coerce victims etc.

About the International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System

• Aim:  To track and block international calls disguised as local Indian numbers.
• The implementation of this system is expected to lead to a significant reduction in spoofed calls using +91-xxxxxxx numbers for Indian telecom subscribers.
  • It marks a significant step in the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) efforts to protect citizens from cybercrime and financial fraud.
• Within 24 hours of its implementation, the system identified and blocked 1.35 crore spoofed calls, representing 90% of all international calls posing as Indian numbers.

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Other Initiatives by the Department of Telecommunications to protect citizens from cyber-crime

• Chakshu Facility:  Chakshu facilitates citizens to report suspected unsolicited fraud communications, including calls, SMS, or WhatsApp, that involve cybercrime, financial fraud, impersonation, or misuse targeting telecom users.
• Sanchar Saathi Platform: Sanchar Saathi, a citizen-centric initiative by the Department of Telecommunications, empowers mobile subscribers by enabling them to:
  • View mobile connections issued in their name
  • Disconnect unwanted connections
  • Block or trace lost phones
  • Verify the authenticity of devices when purchasing new or used phones.
• Cybercrime Reporting Helpline (1930): A dedicated helpline for reporting cybercrime incidents.

Amazon Future Engineer Program’ For Eklavya Model Residential Schools

Context: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in collaboration with Amazon, launched the third phase of the ‘Amazon Future Engineer Program’ in 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

About Amazon Future Engineer

• It is a comprehensive childhood-to-career program aimed at increasing access to computer science education for children and young adults who typically lack these opportunities.
• Focus States: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana and Tripura.
• Focus Areas: The new phase includes training on blockchain, artificial intelligence, coding, and block programming.
• Empowerment of Tribal Educators: Emphasis on equipping tribal educators with necessary skills to teach emerging technologies.

About National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) 

• It is an autonomous organisation that has been set up under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
• Aim:  To foster technological literacy among tribal students, preparing them for future careers in STEM fields and contributing to India’s technological advancement.

Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa

Context: Scientists studied an ancient meteorite impact in the Barberton Greenstone Belt (BGB) that acted like a “fertiliser bomb.”

Historical context

• A meteorite, 50-200 times bigger than the one that wiped out the dinosaurs, struck Earth about 3.26 billion years ago.
• It landed in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa, triggering widespread destruction.
  • The meteorite brought essential nutrients like phosphorus and iron, which boosted microbial life.
    • Phosphorus aided genetic processes, while iron-rich waters supported energy sources for microbes.
  • It also mixed iron-rich deep waters with shallower waters, creating a suitable environment for microbial growth.

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About Barberton Greenstone Belt

• Location: Eastern edge of the Kaapvaal Craton, South Africa
• Key Features:
  • Gold deposits: Rich in gold mineralization.
  • Komatiites: Contains unique ultramafic volcanic rocks.
  • Ancient rocks: Contains some of the Earth’s oldest rocks, over 3.6 billion years old, found in the Barberton and Eswatini areas.
  • Early life evidence: These rocks hold some of the earliest traces of life on Earth, second only to the Isua Greenstone Belt in Greenland.
  • Makhonjwa Mountains: Form 40% of the Barberton Belt.
• Significance:
  • Understanding Earth’s early history: Provides insights into the planet’s formation and evolution.
  • Mineral resources: Important source of gold and other valuable minerals.
  • Studying life’s origins: Offers clues about the emergence and development of early life forms.

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