20 November 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. The AQI we choose

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Editorial Page; Page: 12)

Topic: GS2 – Governance GS3 – Environment

Context:

The article highlights the urgent need for scientifically driven, health-focused strategies to tackle worsening air pollution in India amidst climatic anomalies and monitoring challenges.

What is air Pollution and how is it measured in India?

• Air Pollution- Air pollution is the introduction of chemicals, particulates or biological materials into the atmosphere that cause discomfort, disease, or death to humans.

Measurement of Air Pollution in India

• In India, air pollution is measured according to the National Air Quality Index developed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in 2014.
• The measurement of air quality in the NAQI framework is based on eight pollutants, namely-
• Particulate Matter (PM10), Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Ammonia (NH3) and Lead (Pb).

Air Pollution and the Role of Long-Term Scientific Strategies

• The debate on combating air pollution, especially during high-profile global events like COP29 in Baku, underscores the critical need for sustainable, science-driven approaches.
• Addressing air quality requires moving beyond political and regional constraints to focus on “airsheds”—geographical areas defined by airflow rather than administrative boundaries.
• This systemic approach can integrate short-term interventions with a broader strategy rooted in environmental science.

Record-Breaking Pollution in Northern India

• Northern India’s air quality deteriorated dramatically in November 2024, surprising experts despite reduced stubble burning and favorable early winter conditions.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassed 500 µg/m³ for PM2.5, far exceeding the “severe” threshold of 400 µg/m³.
• The phenomenon reveals complex factors at play: atmospheric conditions such as a descending polluted air layer from 500 meters above ground and external pollution sources exacerbated local emissions.
• These factors challenge the accuracy of predictive models and emphasize the need for robust forecasting tools.

Unusual Climatic Patterns and Their Impacts

• Climate change compounds air quality challenges, as seen in the warmest October on record and delayed La Niña onset.
• Typically associated with improved winter wind circulation, La Niña’s absence may have contributed to pollution stagnation in northern India.
• The intricate interplay of global weather phenomena and local emissions highlights the importance of integrating climate considerations into air quality management.

Data Discrepancies and Monitoring Challenges

• Disparities in AQI readings between official agencies and private monitors reveal gaps in India’s air quality guidelines.
• India’s AQI framework, less stringent than WHO standards, sets a cap at 500 AQI regardless of actual concentrations, creating confusion.
• Additionally, claims of altered stubble-burning practices to evade NASA satellite detection further complicate monitoring efforts.
• These issues stress the need for leveraging indigenous satellite technology, such as INSAT-3D/3DR, for continuous and accurate air quality assessments.

The Way Forward: A Science-Driven Resource Framework

• India must invest in health-centric, multidisciplinary solutions to address its air quality crisis.
• Strengthening satellite-based monitoring, developing independent fire count data, and incorporating climate variables into pollution mitigation strategies are essential.
• Recent stakeholder meetings convened by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India offer a promising platform to integrate scientific insights into policy.
• A long-term, transparent approach will ensure better air quality management and protect public health, especially for vulnerable populations like children.

In conclusion, Delhi’s recurring air quality crisis serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive, science-led interventions.

What are the reasons for the rise in air pollution in Delhi?

1. Stubble Burning– Stubble burning in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere. These pollutants contain harmful gases like methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The IIT consortium report (IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, TERI, and Airshed, Kanpur) have estimated that stubble burning contributed up to 35% of Delhi’s PM 2.5 levels during the peak October-November season. 2. Reduced Wind Speed– Low-speed winds in winters are unable to disperse these pollutants effectively. Further, Delhi lies in a landlocked region and does not have the geographical advantage of sea breeze to disperse the suspended pollutants. 3. Effect of Northwesterly winds– After the withdrawal of monsoons, the predominant direction of winds in northern India is northwesterly. These northwesterly winds bring the dust from the gulf region, northern Pakistan and Afghanistan. 4. Dip in Temperatures lowers the inversion height- With the decrease in temperature, inversion height lowers down, leading to concentration of pollutants in the lower atmosphere. (Inversion height is the layer beyond which pollutants cannot disperse into the upper layer of the atmosphere). 5. Vehicular Pollution– Delhi has one of the highest number of registered private vehicles in India. Official emissions inventories of 2018 show that vehicles emit about 40 per cent of the particulate load in the city of Delhi. 6. Construction Activities and Open Waste Burning– Pollution due to landfill burning and construction debris enhances the pollution levels in the Delhi NCR region. 7. Firecrackers– Firecrackers burning during Diwali further adds to the increase in air pollution levels. 8. Urban development strategy in India– The current strategy focuses on real estate development, a widening of roads and allowing large fuel guzzling vehicles which are major reasons for increased pollution. 9. Expansion of ‘Grey’ infrastructure — Water bodies, urban forests, green cover, and urban agriculture have all reported shrinkage, and “grey” infrastructure has seen rapid expansion. 10. Land use change– The handing over of open spaces to real estate developers and lack of any meaningful afforestation affects the city’s ecology. 11. Promotion of car sales– Widening roads induces people to buy more cars, thus leading to more pollution levels. 12. Construction activities– It contributes roughly 10% of air pollution in Delhi-NCR. There are hardly any steps being taken to monitor construction activities.

PYQ: Describe the key points of the revised Global Air-Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve these revised standards? (150 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2021)

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges in tackling air pollution in India with. Suggest scientifically driven solutions to address these issues effectively. (250 words/15 m)

 2. Building on Goodwill     

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 13)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context:

The article highlights the historical and contemporary significance of India-Nigeria relations, emphasizing opportunities for enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, healthcare, and education following PM Modi’s recent visit.

Historical Context of India-Nigeria Relations

• India and Nigeria share a relationship rooted in mutual cooperation and goodwill, dating back to Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The first high-level interaction was in 1962, when Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Nigeria.
• This partnership was shaped by India’s contribution to Nigeria’s nation-building efforts, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance.
• Over decades, Indian teachers, doctors, and engineers helped address Nigeria’s developmental needs, creating strong goodwill among Nigerians.

PM Modi’s Visit and Its Significance

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Nigeria on November 16-17, 2023, was a landmark event as it marked the first Indian PM visit to the country since 2007.
• His meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led to the signing of three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and discussions to strengthen bilateral ties.
• PM Modi was also honored with Nigeria’s highest civilian award, highlighting the strong historical and contemporary connections between the two nations.

Economic and Trade Relations

• Nigeria has traditionally been India’s largest trading partner in Africa, though trade volumes have declined recently due to changes in crude oil sourcing.
• Indian companies have invested heavily in Nigeria, with a cumulative investment of $27 billion, making India the second-largest employer in the Nigerian industrial sector.
• The establishment of an India-Nigeria Business Council could unlock new opportunities in trade, investment, and business cooperation.

Defence Cooperation and Training

• India has played a significant role in Nigeria’s military development, notably establishing the National Defence Academy in Kaduna in 1964.
• Over 27,500 Nigerians, including military leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo and Muhammadu Buhari, have been trained in Indian institutions.
• Strengthening this cooperation, such as increasing Nigerian seats in premier Indian defence colleges and providing military equipment, could enhance Nigeria’s capacity to tackle security challenges like Boko Haram.

Healthcare and Education Opportunities

• India remains a top destination for Nigerians seeking medical care due to its skilled doctors, advanced hospitals, and affordable costs. Restoring air connectivity between the countries has further eased access.
• There is also potential for Indian companies to set up hospitals and wellness centers in Nigeria to serve the local population.
• In education, India’s expertise and existing goodwill present vast opportunities for collaborative ventures.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• PM Modi’s visit and the signed MoUs signify a renewed focus on expanding India-Nigeria relations.
• Sectors such as healthcare, education, defence, and trade present promising areas for collaboration.
• With the right policy framework, initiatives like an India-Nigeria Business Council and increased capacity-building programs can help both nations achieve their shared developmental goals.

What are the challenges in India-Nigeria Relations?

1. Declining Bilateral Trade– The Bilateral trade volume between Nigeria and India has fallen from US$ 14.95 billion in 2021-22 to US$ 11.8 billion in 2022-23, due to a decrease in the volume of oil purchase from Nigeria. 2. Lack of significant upstream energy assets– India remains a mere buyer rather than a strategic investor in Nigeria’s energy sector. India lacks significant upstream assets in Nigeria, unlike China, which holds substantial production rights. 3. Sparse High-Level Engagements– The absence of regular Joint Commission meetings limits strategic dialogues on areas like defence and economic cooperation. Further limited diplomatic interactions at the level of heads of states (with the last Prime Ministerial visit 17 years ago) has weakened political ties. 4. Increasing Chinese footprint– The increase in Chinese footprint in Nigeria through the Belt and Road Initiative projects, is challenging India’s position as a key partner in Nigeria. 5. Lack of Economic Partnership Frameworks– The absence of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement has limited the potential for trade diversification and industrial collaboration. 6. Nigeria’s Political Instability and Economic Reforms– Recent political and economic reforms like President Tinubu’s subsidy cuts and currency devaluation, has created uncertainity and has impacted the Indian investments.

Practice Question:  Examine the historical evolution of India-Nigeria relations and discuss the potential areas for enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, healthcare, and education in light of recent developments. (250 words/15 m)