Current Affairs 24 March 2026

Content

1. Early Delimitation & Women’s Reservation
2. Rejection Rate of Right to Information Applications in 2024–25
3. Assam Rifles Celebrates 191st Raising Day
4. India’s Longest-Serving Head of Government
5. Hope Builds for Nations to Save Bird that Flies 30,000 km
6. Anti-Dumping Probe on Ethyl Chloroformate
7. “Smog-Eating” Photocatalytic Coatings

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Early Delimitation & Women’s Reservation

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Why in News ?

• The Union Government has indicated early delimitation based on Census 2011 to implement the Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 (106th Constitutional Amendment) before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
• Proposal includes increasing Lok Sabha strength from 543 → ~816 seats, with ~273 seats (≈33%) reserved for women, ensuring no displacement of sitting MPs.
• The move attempts to balance women’s representation with federal concerns, especially Southern States’ fear of losing seats due to population control success.

Relevance

• GS II (Polity & Governance): Representation, delimitation, federalism, electoral reforms
• GS IV (Ethics): Gender justice, substantive equality
• Essay: Representation vs equity; federal balance

Practice Question

Q. “The proposed early delimitation to implement women’s reservation reflects a trade-off between gender justice and federal equity.” Critically examine.(250 Words)

Basics 

Delimitation

• Delimitation is the process of redrawing boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure equal representation based on population.
• Conducted by Delimitation Commission (independent statutory body) under:
  • Article 82 (Lok Sabha)
  • Article 170 (State Assemblies)
• Last delimitation exercise based on 2001 Census (2008 order); next scheduled after 2026 Census (freeze under 84th Amendment, 2001).

Women’s Reservation Act, 2023 (106th Amendment)

• Provides 1/3rd reservation for women in Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and Delhi Assembly.
• Key provisions:
  • Article 330A → Women reservation in Lok Sabha
  • Article 332A → Women reservation in State Assemblies
  • Article 239AA amendment → Delhi Assembly inclusion
  • Article 334A → Implementation post-delimitation + 15-year sunset clause
• Implementation conditional upon:
  • Census + Delimitation exercise completion

What is the 2026 “Strategic Shift”?

• Government proposes delinking implementation from upcoming Census (2024–25) and instead using Census 2011, enabling faster rollout before 2029 elections.
• Suggests ~50% increase in seats (543 → 816), ensuring:
  • No existing constituency is removed
  • Women’s quota implemented through expansion, not displacement
• Pro-rata seat distribution among states to maintain current state-wise representation ratios, addressing federal imbalance concerns.

Constitutional & Legal Implications

• Requires amendment under Article 368 (special majority) to:
  • Modify condition of “post next Census” in Article 334A
• Interacts with:
  • 84th Amendment (2001) → Freeze on seat redistribution till post-2026 Census
  • 87th Amendment (2003) → Allowed delimitation without altering number of seats
• Raises issue of whether delimitation using older Census (2011) aligns with constitutional spirit of equal representation.

Data & Evidence

• Current Lok Sabha strength: 543 seats
• Proposed strength: ~816 seats (≈50% increase)
• Women’s reservation: ~273 seats (33%)
• Current women representation (17th LS): ~14.4% (78 MPs) → significant jump post-implementation
• India ranks ~140th globally in women parliamentary representation (IPU data) → highlights urgency of reform

Key Issues & Challenges

Federal Concerns (North–South Divide)

• States like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka fear loss of representation if population-based redistribution occurs, due to successful family planning policies.
• Northern states (UP, Bihar) could gain disproportionately under pure population-based delimitation, altering political balance of power.

Constitutional & Democratic Concerns

• Using 2011 Census data instead of latest population data may dilute principle of “one person, one vote, one value”.
• Raises question of temporary political expediency vs long-term representational justice.

Design Issues in Women’s Reservation

• Rotation of seats may:
  • Disrupt constituency linkages
  • Reduce accountability of elected representatives
• Risk of proxy representation (Sarpanch Pati phenomenon) where male relatives exercise actual power.

Political Economy Concerns

• Expansion of Lok Sabha to 816:
  • Requires new Parliament infrastructure (already expanded building)
  • May affect legislative efficiency and debate quality
• Potential political resistance from incumbents and parties due to seat reconfiguration.

Case Studies

• Panchayati Raj (73rd–74th Amendments):
  • Women’s reservation (33% → 50% in many states) led to:
    • Increased female political participation
    • Improved outcomes in health, education, sanitation (Esther Duflo studies)
• Rwanda (Global Example):
  • Highest women representation (>60% Parliament) due to reservation → improved gender-sensitive policymaking

Way Forward

• Build political consensus through all-party consultations, ensuring cooperative federalism in delimitation decisions.
• Develop transparent delimitation formula balancing population + equity considerations, avoiding regional imbalance.
• Complement reservation with:
  • Capacity building of women leaders
  • Political financing support
• Consider sub-quotas for OBC women to ensure intersectional representation.
• Ensure gradual and evidence-based implementation, avoiding abrupt structural disruptions.

Prelims Pointers

• Delimitation Commission: Independent statutory body
• Articles: 82, 170 (delimitation), 330A, 332A, 334A (women reservation)
• 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 → Women’s reservation
• 84th Amendment (2001): Freeze on seat redistribution till post-2026 Census

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Rejection rate of Right to Information applications in 2024-25

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Why in News ?

• Government informed Parliament that RTI rejection rate has declined to 3.26% in 2024–25 from 7.21% in 2013–14, indicating improvement in transparency and information access mechanisms.
• Central Information Commission (CIC) annual reports show enhanced compliance, along with third-party transparency audits of suo motu disclosures (Section 4) being monitored by the Centre.

Relevance

• GS II: Transparency, accountability, RTI regime
• GS IV: Ethics in governance, citizen empowerment

Practice Question

Q. “Declining RTI rejection rates indicate improved transparency, yet systemic challenges persist.” Analyse.(250 Words)

Basics 

RTI Act, 2005

• A landmark legislation enabling citizens to access information held by public authorities, thereby strengthening transparency, accountability, and participatory democracy.
• Rooted in Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech & Expression) → interpreted by Supreme Court as including Right to Know (Raj Narain case, 1976).
• Applies to:
  • All public authorities (government bodies, PSUs, bodies substantially financed by government)
• Timeline:
  • 30 days → normal cases
  • 48 hours → life & liberty cases

Key Provisions

• Section 3: Every citizen has the right to information without giving reasons.
• Section 4: Mandatory proactive disclosure of information (budgets, decisions, functions) to reduce RTI burden.
• Section 6: Simple application procedure (written/electronic).
• Section 7: Time-bound disposal (30 days).
• Section 8: Exemptions (national security, privacy, cabinet papers, etc.).
• Section 19: Two-tier appeal:
  • First Appeal → Departmental authority
  • Second Appeal → CIC/SIC
• Penalty: Up to ₹25,000 on PIO for delay/denial.

Institutional Framework

Central Information Commission (CIC)

• Apex appellate body under RTI Act.
• Composition:
  • Chief Information Commissioner + up to 10 Commissioners
• Appointment:
  • By President on recommendation of PM, LoP, and Cabinet Minister committee
• Functions:
  • Adjudicate appeals, enforce transparency, monitor compliance, publish annual reports

Data & Evidence

• Rejection rate declined: 7.21% (2013–14) → 3.26% (2024–25) → indicates improved disclosure practices and administrative responsiveness.
• India files ~60–70 lakh RTI applications annually, making it the largest transparency regime globally.
• However, pendency remains high (lakhs of appeals in CIC/SICs) → delays undermine effectiveness.

Evolution & Judicial Backing

• Raj Narain v. State of UP (1976): RTI recognised as part of Fundamental Rights.
• CBSE v. Aditya Bandopadhyay (2011): Students can access answer sheets.
• RBI v. Jayantilal Mistry (2015): Financial regulatory transparency upheld.
• CJI under RTI (2019): Judiciary included under RTI → strengthens accountability.

Key Challenges

Institutional & Governance Issues

• High pendency and backlog in CIC/SICs, leading to delayed justice (often 1–2 years for appeals).
• Vacancies and understaffing weaken enforcement capacity.

Weak Enforcement

• Penalties imposed in very few cases (~2%), reducing deterrence against PIO non-compliance.
• Increasing tendency of bureaucratic resistance and delays.

Legal Dilution Concerns

• RTI Amendment Act, 2019:
  • Gave Centre power over tenure and salary of CIC/SIC
  • Raised concerns about reduced autonomy and independence
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023:
  • Expanded “personal information” exemption, limiting public interest disclosures

Transparency Deficit

• Poor implementation of Section 4 (proactive disclosure) → citizens forced to file RTIs unnecessarily.
• Weak record management and digitisation, especially at local levels.

Social & Ethical Concerns

• Threats, harassment, and even killings of RTI activists, especially in corruption-related cases.
• Low awareness among rural and marginalised groups, limiting inclusivity of RTI regime.

 Case Studies

• MKSS Movement (Rajasthan):
  • Grassroots demand for wage transparency → led to birth of RTI movement in India.
• RTI exposing scams (2G, Adarsh Housing, PDS leakages):
  • Demonstrates RTI’s role in anti-corruption and accountability mechanisms.

Recent Government Measures

• Third-party transparency audits of proactive disclosures, monitored by CIC, to ensure Section 4 compliance.
• Promotion of online RTI portals and digital filing, improving ease of access and efficiency.
• Continuous assessment of RTI framework effectiveness, as stated in Parliament.

Way Forward

• Fill vacancies and strengthen CIC/SIC capacity to reduce pendency and ensure timely justice.
• Strictly enforce penalty provisions on PIOs, enhancing accountability.
• Strengthen Section 4 proactive disclosures, reducing need for RTI applications.
• Ensure balance between privacy (DPDP Act) and transparency, protecting public interest disclosures.
• Provide legal protection for RTI activists, including whistleblower safeguards.
• Accelerate digitisation and record management reforms, especially at grassroots level.

Prelims Pointers

• RTI rooted in Article 19(1)(a)
• Time limits: 30 days / 48 hours
• Penalty: ₹25,000
• Appeal: First → FAA, Second → CIC/SIC
• Section 8 & 24 → Exemptions

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Assam Rifles celebrates 191st Raising Day

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Why in News ?

• Assam Rifles celebrated its 191st Raising Day (March 24, 2026), with homage paid at the war memorial in Shillong, highlighting its legacy as India’s oldest paramilitary force.
• Renewed focus due to:
  • Ongoing counter-insurgency operations in Northeast India
  • Policy discussions such as relocation of Assam Rifles battalions (e.g., Mizoram)
• Reinforces its role as “Sentinels of the Northeast”, critical for internal security and border management.

Relevance

• GS III: Internal security, border management
• GS II: Federal security architecture

Practice Question

Q. “Assam Rifles plays a unique role in India’s internal security architecture, but institutional challenges limit its effectiveness.” Discuss.(250 Words)

Basics

What is Assam Rifles?

• Assam Rifles is the oldest Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), functioning under Ministry of Home Affairs (administrative control) but with operational control of the Indian Army.
• Unique dual structure:
  • Administrative → MHA
  • Operational → Indian Army (Lt General rank officer as DG)
• Headquarters: Shillong (Meghalaya), unlike other CAPFs headquartered in Delhi.

Historical Evolution

• Originated in 1835 as “Cachar Levy” to protect British tea estates from tribal raids, later evolving into a frontier security force.
• Renamed Assam Rifles in 1917, and contributed troops in World War I (Europe & West Asia).
• Post-independence:
  • Played role in 1962 Sino-India War
  • Participated in IPKF (Sri Lanka, 1987)
  • Expanded from 17 battalions (1960) → ~46 battalions today

Core Functions & Mandate

• Conducts counter-insurgency operations in Northeast India, tackling groups in states like Manipur, Nagaland, Assam.
• Guards Indo-Myanmar border (~1,643 km), crucial for:
  • Preventing insurgency spillover
  • Checking smuggling, illegal migration, arms trafficking
• Provides:
  • Internal security support
  • Civic action programmes (medical camps, infrastructure support)
• Acts as link force between military and civil administration in remote regions.

Strategic Importance

• Northeast India shares ~5,300 km international borders with 5 countries (China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal) → high strategic sensitivity.
• Indo-Myanmar border is porous and unfenced, making Assam Rifles crucial for:
  • Act East Policy connectivity
  • Countering cross-border insurgency networks
• Region hosts multiple insurgent groups (NSCN, ULFA factions, PLA-Manipur) → requires sustained low-intensity conflict management.

Institutional & Governance Context

• Assam Rifles is part of CAPFs (6 forces):
  • CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, Assam Rifles
• Unique model:
  • Combines military discipline (Army control) with policing functions (MHA)
• Falls within:
  • Union List (Defence, Armed Forces, Border Security)

Key Challenges

Operational Challenges

• Difficult terrain (hills, forests, remote borders) limits surveillance and rapid deployment.
• Porous Indo-Myanmar border facilitates:
  • Insurgent movement
  • Drug trafficking (Golden Triangle proximity)

Institutional Issues

• Dual control (MHA vs Army) leads to:
  • Coordination challenges
  • Administrative ambiguities (pay, service conditions)

Human Security Issues

• Allegations under AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) raise concerns about:
  • Human rights violations
  • Civil-military trust deficit

Geopolitical Concerns

• Increasing China’s influence in Myanmar and Northeast region heightens strategic importance of Assam Rifles.
• Border instability impacts Act East Policy and regional integration efforts.

Case Studies

• Counter-insurgency success in Mizoram (1980s–90s):
  • Assam Rifles played key role in peace accord and stabilisation
• Civic Action Programmes:
  • Infrastructure, healthcare, and education support in remote villages → winning “hearts and minds” strategy

Way Forward

• Resolve dual control issue through clearer institutional framework ensuring operational efficiency and administrative clarity.
• Strengthen border infrastructure (fencing, smart surveillance, drones) along Indo-Myanmar border.
• Enhance civil-military engagement and accountability mechanisms to address human rights concerns.
• Integrate Assam Rifles role with Act East Policy, improving connectivity and regional security cooperation.

Prelims Pointers

• Oldest CAPF (1835 origin)
• HQ: Shillong
• Administrative control: MHA; Operational control: Indian Army
• Guards Indo-Myanmar border
• Known as “Sentinels of the Northeast”

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India’s Longest-Serving Head of Government

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Why in News ?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become India’s longest-serving head of an elected government, completing 8,931 days in office, surpassing Pawan Chamling (former Sikkim CM: 8,930 days).
• The milestone reflects ~25 years of continuous executive leadership (Gujarat CM + PM) and comes after three consecutive Lok Sabha victories (2014, 2019, 2024), highlighting political continuity and sustained mandate.

Relevance

• GS II: Parliamentary system, executive dominance
• GS IV: Ethics of power, institutional balance

Practice Question

Q. “Long tenure of executive leadership strengthens policy continuity but may raise concerns for democratic balance.” Examine.(250 Words)

Basics 

Head of Government vs Head of State

• Head of Government → Prime Minister (real executive authority under Article 74–75)
• Head of State → President (constitutional head under Article 52)
• PM exercises:
  • Policy leadership
  • Council of Ministers control
  • Executive decision-making authority

Tenure of Prime Minister

• No fixed tenure; governed by:
  • Article 75(3) → Collective responsibility to Lok Sabha
• Continues as long as:
  • Enjoys majority support in Lok Sabha
• Hence, long tenure reflects:
  • Electoral success + political stability + party dominance

Key Facts & Records

• Total tenure: 8,931+ days (~24.5 years)
  • Gujarat CM: 2001–2014 (~13 years)
  • PM: 2014–present (~12 years)
• First PM:
  • Born after Independence (1950)
  • With longest prior CM experience before becoming PM
• Electoral record:
  • Led party to 3 consecutive majority mandates (2014, 2019, 2024)
• Global comparison:
  • Among longest-serving democratic leaders in contemporary politics

Constitutional & Political Significance

• Demonstrates stability of parliamentary democracy, where leadership continuity depends on popular mandate rather than fixed tenure.
• Reflects shift toward dominant-party system, contrasting earlier coalition-era politics (1989–2014).
• Raises debate on:
  • Centralisation of executive power
  • Balance between strong leadership vs institutional autonomy

Critical Issues & Debates

Democratic Concerns

• Long tenure may lead to:
  • Centralisation of power in executive
  • Weakening of institutional checks and balances
• Debate on:
  • Role of Parliament vs executive dominance

Federal Concerns

• Strong central leadership may affect:
  • Centre–State relations
  • Perception of cooperative vs competitive federalism

Electoral & Political Concerns

• Dominant-party system may:
  • Reduce effective opposition space
  • Impact pluralism and deliberative democracy

Comparative Perspective

• Jawaharlal Nehru: ~17 years as PM (longest PM tenure)
• Indira Gandhi: ~15+ years
• However, Modi’s record is unique because:
  • Combines state + central executive leadership
  • Represents continuous uninterrupted governance across levels

Way Forward 

• Strengthen institutional checks (Parliamentary committees, judiciary independence) to balance strong executive leadership.
• Promote intra-party democracy and leadership diversity to sustain democratic vitality.
• Enhance federal consultation mechanisms (Inter-State Council, GST Council) for cooperative governance.

Prelims Pointers

• PM tenure: No fixed term, depends on Lok Sabha majority
• Article 75 → Council of Ministers responsible to Lok Sabha
• Longest-serving PM (only PM tenure): Jawaharlal Nehru
• Longest-serving head of government (combined): Narendra Modi  

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Hope builds for nations to save bird that flies 30,000 km

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Why in News ?

• At the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) meeting in Brazil (March 2026), Hudsonian godwit and 42 migratory species have been proposed for international protection due to rapid population decline.
• The godwit’s population has declined by ~95% over four decades, highlighting a global biodiversity crisis driven by climate change and habitat disruption across borders.

Relevance

• GS III: Environment, biodiversity, climate change
• GS II: International environmental governance

Practice Question

Q. “Decline of migratory species reflects systemic ecological stress requiring global governance solutions.” Discuss.(250 Words)

Basics

Hudsonian Godwit (Limosa haemastica)

• A long-distance migratory shorebird, breeding in the Arctic and wintering in Patagonia (South America).
• Undertakes:
  • ~30,000 km annual migration
  • Non-stop flights up to ~11,000 km, among the longest in the animal kingdom
• Depends on precise ecological timing (“geological clock”) and predictable food availability across multiple ecosystems.

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)

• Also called Bonn Convention (1979) under UNEP.
• Objective:
  • Conserve migratory species across international borders
• Key obligations for member countries:
  • Protect endangered migratory species (Appendix I)
  • Promote international cooperation (Appendix II)
  • Conserve habitats and remove migration barriers

Key Data & Evidence

• 49% of CMS-listed migratory species are declining (2024 report) → worsening from 44% earlier, indicating accelerating biodiversity loss.
• Migratory birds show steepest decline among taxa, signalling ecosystem-level stress.
• Hudsonian godwit population:
  • ~95% decline in 40 years, making it a flagship indicator species for climate and habitat disruption.

Ecological Significance of Migratory Species

• Maintain ecosystem connectivity across continents, linking Arctic, temperate, and tropical ecosystems.
• Provide critical services:
  • Pollination and pest control
  • Nutrient transport across ecosystems (marine–terrestrial linkages)
• Serve as bio-indicators of climate change and environmental health.

Major Threats

Climate Change Impacts

• Phenological mismatch:
  • Arctic warming shifts insect emergence timing, while birds’ migration timing remains fixed → food shortage for chicks.
• Altered migration cues, evidenced by godwits migrating ~6 days later than a decade ago.

Habitat Loss Across Flyways

• Chile (Patagonia):
  • Expansion of salmon and oyster farming disrupting intertidal feeding grounds.
• USA:
  • Agricultural changes reducing wetlands and shallow water habitats.
• Demonstrates “multiple stressors across migration routes” → cumulative ecological collapse.

Anthropogenic Disturbances

• Infrastructure development in coastal zones and wetlands
• Increased human presence in feeding areas, disturbing critical stopover sites

Systemic Ecological Stress

• Species can adapt to single stressor, but not simultaneous multi-factor disruptions (climate + habitat + human activity) → leading to rapid collapse.

Governance & Institutional Issues

• Migratory species conservation suffers from:
  • Fragmented governance across countries (flyway problem)
  • Lack of binding enforcement mechanisms under CMS
• Requires multi-country coordination, unlike national conservation efforts

Case Studies

• Hudsonian Godwit → indicator of flyway collapse, showing how disruptions across continents affect a single species.
• Snowy Owl & Hammerhead Shark (also under CMS list):
  • Highlight cross-ecosystem vulnerability (Arctic + marine ecosystems)
• Pantanal (Brazil meeting site):
  • One of world’s largest wetlands → crucial for migratory biodiversity conservation

India Context   

• India lies on Central Asian Flyway (CAF) → supports ~370 migratory bird species.
• Threats in India:
  • Wetland loss (urbanisation, pollution)
  • Hunting and disturbance
• Initiatives:
  • National Action Plan for Migratory Birds (2018)
  • Ramsar Convention wetlands protection (75+ sites)

Way Forward

• Strengthen international cooperation under CMS, including data sharing, joint conservation strategies, and funding mechanisms.
• Protect critical habitats across flyways (wetlands, intertidal zones, Arctic breeding grounds) through ecosystem-based approach.
• Integrate climate adaptation into biodiversity policies, addressing phenological mismatches and habitat shifts.
• Promote nature-based solutions and sustainable coastal management, balancing economic activities with conservation.
• Enhance monitoring using satellite tracking, AI, and ecological modelling for better migration mapping.

Prelims Pointers

• Hudsonian Godwit: Migratory shorebird (~30,000 km migration)
• CMS (Bonn Convention): 1979, UNEP treaty
• Appendix I → endangered species; Appendix II → cooperation required
• India part of Central Asian Flyway

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Anti-Dumping Probe on Ethyl Chloroformate 

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Why in News ?

• India has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of ethyl chloroformate from China, following a complaint by Paushak Ltd., alleging price undercutting and material injury to domestic industry.
• The probe is being conducted by the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), signalling tightening scrutiny on cheap imports amid rising trade tensions and push for domestic manufacturing.

Relevance

• GS III: Economy, trade policy, WTO
• GS II: International relations (trade tensions)

Practice Question

Q. “Anti-dumping measures protect domestic industry but may create downstream inefficiencies.” Analyse.(250 Words)

Basics 

What is Anti-Dumping?

• Dumping occurs when a country exports goods at prices lower than normal value (domestic price or cost of production), leading to unfair competition and injury to domestic industry.
• Governed by:
  • WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement (GATT Article VI)
• India imposes anti-dumping duty (ADD) to:
  • Level the playing field (not protectionism)
  • Offset price distortion caused by dumping

DGTR (Directorate General of Trade Remedies)

• Apex body under Ministry of Commerce & Industry dealing with:
  • Anti-dumping, countervailing, and safeguard measures
• Functions:
  • Investigates dumping margin, injury, and causal link
  • Recommends duties → final decision by Ministry of Finance

Ethyl Chloroformate

• A chemical intermediate used in:
  • Pharmaceutical manufacturing (drug synthesis)
  • Agrochemicals (pesticides, crop protection chemicals)
• Strategic importance:
  • Critical input for India’s pharma industry (global generic leader)

Key Facts from the Case

• Investigation period: Oct 2024 – Sept 2025
• Domestic producer:
  • Paushak claims to be sole manufacturer in India
• DGTR preliminary findings:
  • Dumping margin above de minimis threshold → indicates significant price undercutting
• Parallel probe:
  • Hexamine imports from China, Russia, UAE → indicates broader scrutiny of chemical sector imports

Legal & Trade Framework

• Conditions for imposing anti-dumping duty:
  • Existence of dumping
  • Material injury to domestic industry
  • Causal link between dumping and injury
• De minimis rule:
  • If dumping margin < 2%, no duty imposed
• Time-bound process:
  • Investigation → provisional duty → final duty (usually for 5 years)

Economic Implications

Positive (Domestic Industry)

• Protects infant/single domestic producers from predatory pricing
• Supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India in chemical sector
• Prevents market capture by foreign exporters

Negative (Downstream Impact)

• Higher costs for:
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Agrochemical manufacturers
• May increase:
  • Drug prices (indirectly)
  • Input cost inflation in agriculture sector

Broader Trade Context

• India increasingly using trade remedy measures against China, especially in:
  • Steel (11–13% duty in 2025)
  • Chemicals and intermediates
• Reflects:
  • Concerns over Chinese overcapacity and dumping practices
  • Strategic shift toward supply chain resilience and domestic capability building

Key Challenges

Trade-Off Dilemma

• Balancing:
  • Protection of domestic industry vs
  • Cost competitiveness of downstream sectors

WTO Compliance Issues

• Risk of:
  • Retaliation or disputes at WTO if duties seen as excessive or unjustified

Industrial Structure Issues

• Over-reliance on:
  • Single domestic producer (Paushak) → raises concerns about:
    • Monopoly pricing
    • Supply constraints

Input Dependency

• India still dependent on China for bulk chemicals and APIs, making:
  • Complete decoupling difficult

Case Study

• API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) dependence on China:
  • COVID-19 exposed vulnerability → led to PLI schemes for domestic pharma manufacturing
• Similar pattern seen in:
  • Chemical intermediates sector → triggering anti-dumping measures

Way Forward

• Combine trade remedies with industrial policy (PLI schemes, R&D support) to build competitive domestic capacity.
• Ensure time-bound and evidence-based anti-dumping duties, avoiding long-term inefficiencies.
• Promote diversification of import sources, reducing over-dependence on a single country.
• Balance consumer interest and industry protection, especially in critical sectors like pharma.
• Strengthen global trade diplomacy to avoid retaliatory measures and disputes.

Prelims Pointers

• DGTR → Anti-dumping investigations body
• Dumping margin >2% → actionable
• Anti-dumping duty ≠ protectionism (WTO-compliant corrective measure)
• Ethyl chloroformate → pharma & agrochemical intermediate

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“Smog-Eating” Photocatalytic Coatings

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Why in News ?

• Delhi Government + IIT Madras (March 2026) launched a 6-month pilot project to test “smog-eating” photocatalytic coatings on roads, pavements, and tiles to reduce NO₂ and VOCs, key contributors to urban air pollution.
• The project will begin with laboratory simulation of Delhi air conditions, followed by field trials, reflecting a shift toward technology-driven urban air pollution mitigation strategies.

Relevance

• GS III: Environment, pollution control, technology
• GS III: Science & Tech (nanotechnology)

Practice Question

Q. “Technological solutions like photocatalytic coatings can complement but not replace structural pollution control measures.” Critically analyse.(250 Words)

Basics

What are Photocatalytic “Smog-Eating” Coatings?

• These are coatings (often using Titanium Dioxide – TiO₂ nanoparticles) that, under sunlight (UV radiation), trigger photocatalysis, breaking down pollutants.
• Mechanism:
  • Sunlight activates catalyst → generates reactive oxygen species (ROS)
  • ROS convert:
    • NO₂ → nitrates (less harmful)
    • VOCs → CO₂ + water
• Can be applied on:
  • Roads, pavements, buildings, tiles

Urban Air Pollution Context 

• Delhi is among the most polluted cities globally (PM2.5 levels often 5–10 times WHO limits).
• Major pollutants:
  • PM2.5/PM10, NO₂, SO₂, VOCs, ozone
• Sources:
  • Vehicular emissions (~30–40%)
  • Construction dust, industries, biomass burning, stubble burning
• Health impact:
  • Air pollution causes ~16–17 lakh deaths annually in India (Lancet estimates)

Scientific & Technological Significance

• Represents nature-based + tech-enabled solution, combining:
  • Nanotechnology
  • Environmental chemistry
• Already tested globally:
  • Italy, Netherlands, Mexico → showed 5–30% reduction in NOx levels locally
• Advantage:
  • Works passively (no energy input beyond sunlight)
  • Can be integrated into urban infrastructure

Policy & Governance Context

• Aligns with:
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) → target 20–30% PM reduction by 2024 (extended timeline)
  • GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) in Delhi-NCR
• Reflects shift toward:
  • Innovative, decentralised pollution control methods beyond traditional regulation

Potential Benefits

• Localized pollution reduction, especially along:
  • High-traffic corridors
• Low maintenance and scalable, if proven effective
• Supports smart city infrastructure integration
• Can complement:
  • EV transition, emission control norms (BS-VI)

Challenges & Limitations

Scientific Limitations

• Works primarily on:
  • NOx and VOCs, not directly on PM2.5 (major pollutant in Delhi)
• Efficiency depends on:
  • Sunlight availability (reduced in winter smog conditions)
• Risk of:
  • Secondary pollutants (nitrates accumulation)

Implementation Challenges

• Durability of coatings under:
  • Traffic load
  • Dust accumulation
• Need for periodic reapplication and maintenance
• Limited real-world evidence in Indian conditions (dust-heavy environment)

Policy Concerns

• Risk of over-reliance on techno-fixes, ignoring:
  • Root causes like vehicular emissions, industrial pollution
• Cost-effectiveness compared to:
  • Emission reduction policies

Case Studies

• Italy (Milan roads):
  • TiO₂ coatings reduced NOx levels by ~20% in localized zones
• Mexico City buildings:
  • Photocatalytic surfaces equivalent to removing thousands of vehicles’ emissions annually (symbolic impact)

India-Specific Relevance

• Suitable for:
  • Urban hotspots (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru)
• Needs adaptation for:
  • High dust load and tropical climate conditions
• Can complement:
  • Urban planning reforms (green buffers, dust control measures)

Way Forward

• Conduct rigorous field trials with real-time air quality monitoring, ensuring evidence-based scaling.
• Integrate with holistic pollution control strategy:
  • Vehicular emission reduction
  • Dust management
  • Clean energy transition
• Develop Indian standards and certification for photocatalytic materials.
• Encourage public-private partnerships and urban innovation labs for scaling.

Prelims Pointers

• Photocatalysis: Light-driven chemical reaction using catalysts
• TiO₂ (Titanium Dioxide): Common photocatalyst
• Targets NOx and VOCs (not PM directly)
• Linked to NCAP and urban air quality management

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