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July 28th Current Affairs

Home / UPSC / Current affairs / UPSC Current Affairs – July 28th

Table of Contents

India’s Road to Cleaner Mobility

Why in News?

The article discusses how India is transitioning toward cleaner and sustainable transport to reduce pollution, lower dependence on imported crude oil, and achieve its climate commitments. Rather than relying only on electric vehicles (EVs), India is adopting a multi-technology approach that includes EVs, biofuels, hydrogen, CNG, and improved public transport.

What is Clean Mobility?

Clean Mobility refers to transportation systems that:

  • Produce less air pollution.
  • Emit lower greenhouse gases (GHGs).
  • Use cleaner or renewable energy sources.
  • Improve energy efficiency while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Examples

  • Electric Vehicles (EVs)
  • Hydrogen-powered vehicles
  • CNG/LNG vehicles
  • Ethanol-blended fuel vehicles
  • Biofuel-powered buses
  • Metro rail and electric buses
  • Cycling and walking infrastructure

Why Does India Need Cleaner Mobility?

  1. Air Pollution
  • Transport is one of the largest contributors to urban air pollution.
  • Major pollutants include:
    • PM2.5
    • Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
    • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  1. Climate Change

Transport contributes significantly to carbon emissions.

Cleaner transport helps India achieve its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

  1. Energy Security

India imports a large share of its crude oil.

Cleaner fuels reduce:

  • Oil imports
  • Import bill
  • Dependence on foreign energy
  1. Public Health

Reduced pollution means:

  • Fewer respiratory diseases
  • Lower healthcare costs
  • Better quality of life

India's Multi-Technology Strategy

The article emphasizes that India is not depending only on EVs.

Instead, it is using multiple technologies:

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

  • Best for urban transport
  • Two-wheelers
  • Cars
  • Buses

Hydrogen Fuel

Suitable for:

  • Heavy trucks
  • Railways
  • Long-distance transport

India has recently advanced hydrogen-powered rail technology as part of this transition.

Biofuels

Includes:

  • Ethanol
  • Biodiesel
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Benefits:

  • Supports farmers
  • Uses agricultural waste
  • Lowers crude oil imports

CNG & LNG

Still important as transitional fuels.

Especially useful for:

  • Buses
  • Taxis
  • Commercial vehicles

Government Initiatives

2. National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)

Promotes EV manufacturing and adoption.

3. FAME Scheme

FAME = Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles

Provides:

  • Purchase incentives
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Support for electric buses

4. PM E-Drive Scheme

Supports:

  • Electric buses
  • Charging stations
  • Electric two-wheelers
  • Public transport electrification

5. National Green Hydrogen Mission

Focus:

  • Green hydrogen production
  • Hydrogen mobility
  • Hydrogen-powered heavy transport

6. Ethanol Blending Programme

Target:

  • Increase ethanol blending in petrol
  • Reduce crude oil imports
  • Lower emissions

7. Vehicle Scrappage Policy

Encourages replacement of:

  • Old
  • Polluting vehicles

with newer and cleaner vehicles.

Challenges

Charging Infrastructure

  • Limited charging stations
  • Rural connectivity issues

Battery Dependency

India imports:

  • Lithium
  • Cobalt
  • Nickel

Need domestic battery manufacturing.

High Initial Cost

EVs remain expensive for many consumers despite lower running costs.

Power Supply

Greater EV adoption requires:

  • Reliable electricity
  • Cleaner electricity generation

Recycling

Battery disposal and recycling remain key environmental challenges.

Way Forward

India should focus on:

  • Expanding EV charging networks
  • Developing indigenous battery technology
  • Promoting hydrogen mobility
  • Improving public transport
  • Encouraging non-motorized transport (cycling and walking)
  • Increasing renewable energy use for charging EVs

Supporting research and innovation in clean mobility

Sarnath Becomes India's 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site

Why in News?

Sarnath, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 45th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The recognition was granted during the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea. This marks a significant milestone in preserving India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

What is Sarnath?

Sarnath is located about 10 km from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. It is one of the four most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites, as it is the place where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. This event is known as the “First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma” (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta). 1. Birthplace of the Buddhist Sangha

  • Buddha preached the Four Noble Truths.
  • He taught the Eightfold Path.
  • His first five disciples became the foundation of the Buddhist Sangha (monastic order).
  1. Emperor Ashoka’s Contribution

After embracing Buddhism, Emperor Ashoka developed Sarnath by constructing:

  • Dhamek Stupa
  • Dharmarajika Stupa
  • Monasteries
  • The famous Ashokan Pillar

The Lion Capital of Ashoka, discovered at Sarnath, was adopted as the National Emblem of India, while the Ashoka Chakra on the Indian National Flag is also derived from this pillar.

Why Did UNESCO Recognize Sarnath?

UNESCO recognized Sarnath because of its:

    • Outstanding universal cultural value.
    • Association with the origin and spread of Buddhism.
    • Ancient stupas, monasteries, temples, and sculptures.
    • Exceptional archaeological remains dating back over 2,000 years.
    • Continued importance as a global pilgrimage destination.

Major Monuments at Sarnath

Dhamek Stupa

  • Built to commemorate Buddha’s first sermon.
  • One of the most important Buddhist monuments in India.

Chaukhandi Stupa

  • Marks the place where Buddha met his first five disciples before delivering his sermon.

Ashokan Pillar

  • Erected by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
  • The Lion Capital from this pillar is India’s National Emblem.

Archaeological Museum, Sarnath

    • India’s first site museum established by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
    • Houses the original Lion Capital and numerous Buddhist sculptures.

Importance for India

  • Enhances India’s global cultural prestige.
  • Promotes Buddhist heritage tourism.
  • Strengthens conservation of archaeological monuments.
  • Reinforces India’s cultural diplomacy with Buddhist-majority countries such as Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, Vietnam, and Mongolia.
  • Supports local employment through tourism and heritage management.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a place recognized for its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) and protected under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

India's Position

  • 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (after Sarnath’s inclusion).
  • India ranks among the countries with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally

Forced Labour Farce: Trade, Human Rights, and the New U.S. Tariff Policy

Why is it in News?

The editorial discusses the United States’ decision to impose a 10% tariff on imports from India and several other countries, citing concerns that these countries have not done enough to prevent imports of goods produced through forced labour. The editorial argues that the move is less about human rights and more about using labour standards as a tool for trade protectionism.

What is Forced Labour?

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), forced labour is:

Any work or service extracted from a person under the threat of punishment and without that person’s voluntary consent.

Examples

  • Bonded labour (debt bondage)
  • Human trafficking for labour
  • Forced domestic work
  • Forced factory or agricultural work
  • Labour obtained through coercion or violence

Why has the U.S. imposed tariffs?

  • The U.S. has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from India and several other countries after a Section 301 investigation, alleging inadequate action against forced labour in supply chains. The objective stated by the U.S. is to discourage trade in goods linked to forced labour.

India's Response

  • India has amended its Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 to prohibit the import of goods produced wholly or partly through forced labour. This creates a legal mechanism to investigate and ban such imports if evidence is found.

Why does the editorial call it a "Farce"?

The editorial argues that:

  • The tariff functions as a trade barrier rather than a purely human rights measure.
  • Human rights concerns may be used selectively while economic interests remain the primary motivation.
  • Such unilateral tariffs can disrupt global trade and weaken multilateral trade rules under the WTO.

India's Legal Framework Against Forced Labour

Constitutional Provisions

  • Article 23 – Prohibits human trafficking, begar (forced labour), and other forms of forced labour.
  • Article 24 – Prohibits employment of children below 14 years in hazardous occupations.

Important Laws

  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976
  • Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (as amended)
  • Relevant provisions under labour and anti-trafficking laws.

Challenges

  • Hidden labour exploitation in informal sectors.
  • Weak monitoring of complex global supply chains.
  • Poverty, migration, and debt bondage increase vulnerability.
  • Difficulty in tracing the origin of imported goods.

Way Forward

  • Strengthen labour inspections and supply-chain transparency.
  • Improve rehabilitation of rescued bonded labourers.
  • Cooperate internationally through the ILO and WTO-consistent mechanisms.
  • Ensure labour standards are promoted without becoming disguised trade restrictions.
  • Enhance digital traceability and corporate due diligence.

Supreme Court to Examine Loopholes in the Anti-Defection Law

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition seeking a fresh interpretation of the Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule). The petition argues that the merger provision under the law is being misused to facilitate political defections and destabilize elected governments. The Court observed that there are “enormous issues” in the working of the Tenth Schedule and sought to examine these concerns.

What is the Anti-Defection Law?

The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through the:

  • 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985
  • Added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution.
  • Strengthened by the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003.

Objective

The law aims to:

  • Prevent political defections (“Aya Ram, Gaya Ram”).
  • Ensure stability of elected governments.
  • Maintain party discipline.
  • Protect the mandate given by voters.

When can a Member be Disqualified?

A Member of Parliament (MP) or State Legislature (MLA/MLC) can be disqualified if:

  1. Voluntarily gives up party membership

This includes conduct indicating that the member has left the party, even without a formal resignation.

  1. Votes or abstains against the party whip

If a member votes contrary to the party’s direction without prior permission and the party does not condone it within the prescribed period.

Exceptions to Disqualification

Merger Provision

A member is not disqualified if:

  • At least two-thirds of the members of a legislature party agree to merge with another political party.

This exception is at the heart of the present legal challenge, as critics argue that it has become a loophole enabling mass defections.

Who Decides Disqualification?

  • The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (or the respective Presiding Officer in State Legislatures) decides disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule.
  • Their decisions are subject to judicial review, as held by the Supreme Court in Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992).

Important Supreme Court Judgments

Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992)

  • Upheld the constitutional validity of the Anti-Defection Law.
  • Allowed judicial review of the Speaker’s decision after it is made.

Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker, Manipur (2020)

    • Directed that disqualification petitions should ordinarily be decided within three months unless exceptional circumstances exist.

Criticisms of the Law

Delay by the Speaker

  • Decisions on disqualification petitions are often delayed, allowing defecting legislators to continue in office.

Restricts Free Debate

  • Legislators may be compelled to follow the party whip even on policy issues, reducing independent legislative deliberation.

Merger Loophole

  • The two-thirds merger exception is alleged to facilitate engineered defections and political instability.

Limited Internal Party Democracy

    • The law strengthens party leadership but may weaken the autonomy of elected representatives.

Significance of the Current Case

If the Supreme Court narrows the interpretation of the merger provision:

  • Political defections may become more difficult.
  • Greater stability in elected governments may be ensured.
  • The Tenth Schedule could be strengthened to better reflect the intent of the Constitution.
  • It may influence future electoral and parliamentary reforms.

To Fix Unemployment: India Needs More Than Economic Growth

Why in News?

The editorial argues that high economic growth alone is not sufficient to solve India’s unemployment problem. Despite being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, India continues to face jobless growth, especially among youth and educated graduates. It emphasizes the need for structural reforms that generate quality employment alongside economic expansion.

What is Unemployment?

Unemployment refers to a situation where people who are willing and able to work cannot find suitable employment.

Types of Unemployment in India

  • Open Unemployment – People actively seeking work but unable to find jobs.
  • Disguised Unemployment – More workers are employed than actually needed, common in agriculture.
  • Seasonal Unemployment – Employment is available only during certain seasons.
  • Structural Unemployment – Workers’ skills do not match market requirements.
  • Educated Unemployment – Qualified graduates remain without suitable jobs.

Why is Unemployment a Major Concern?

  1. Demographic Dividend at Risk
  • India has one of the youngest populations in the world.
  • Without adequate employment, the demographic dividend can become a demographic burden.
  1. Jobless Growth
  • GDP has grown faster than employment.
  • Growth has been concentrated in sectors that create relatively fewer jobs.
  1. Rising Educated Youth Unemployment
  • Many graduates struggle to find jobs matching their qualifications.
  • Skill mismatch remains a major challenge.

Causes of Unemployment

Skill Gap

  • Industry requires skills that many graduates lack.

Slow Manufacturing Growth

  • Manufacturing has not expanded sufficiently to absorb large numbers of workers.

Automation and Technology

  • Automation reduces demand for routine labour in some sectors.

Informal Economy

  • A significant share of workers are employed in low-productivity, informal jobs with limited security.

Low Female Labour Force Participation

  • Social norms, safety concerns, and limited opportunities reduce women’s participation in the workforce.

Government Initiatives

Skill India Mission

  • Enhances employability through vocational training.

PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

  • Provides industry-relevant skill development and certification.

Make in India

  • Promotes manufacturing and investment to create jobs.

Startup India

  • Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

MGNREGA

  • Provides guaranteed wage employment in rural areas.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme

  • Encourages domestic manufacturing in strategic sectors, with the potential to generate employment.

What Does the Editorial Suggest?

The editorial recommends a comprehensive employment strategy:

    • Promote labour-intensive manufacturing such as textiles, footwear, food processing, and electronics.
    • Improve the quality of education and align it with industry needs.
    • Expand apprenticeship and vocational training.
    • Increase investment in MSMEs, which are major employment generators.
    • Encourage greater participation of women in the workforce.
    • Support entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly among youth.

Challenges

  • Large informal workforce.
  • Regional disparities in employment opportunities.
  • Rapid technological change requiring continuous reskilling.
  • Slow growth in labour-intensive sectors.
  • Weak links between education and industry requirements.

Way Forward

  • Create employment-intensive growth, not just GDP growth.
  • Strengthen manufacturing under Make in India.
  • Improve ease of doing business for MSMEs.
  • Expand digital and vocational skills.
  • Increase public investment in infrastructure to generate jobs.
  • Improve labour market data and employment monitoring.
  • Encourage women’s economic participation through supportive policies.

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