Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 31st March 2025) - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India’s Automobile Sector

Why in News?

• India’s automobile sector, under the Make in India initiative, has seen unprecedented growth in the 2023-24 period, with total vehicle production reaching 28 million units. The sector is evolving into a global manufacturing hub, particularly for Electric Vehicles (EVs).

Key Takeaways

• Record vehicle production growth from 2 million units in 1991-92 to 28 million in 2023-24.
• Automotive industry turnover stands at USD 240 billion, contributing approximately 6% to India’s GDP.
• Electric Vehicle registrations crossed 4.4 million by August 2024.
• India attracted USD 36 billion in FDI from 2020 to 2024.
• Export of auto components reached USD 21.2 billion in FY24.

Additional Details

• Growth Trajectory: The automobile industry was de-licensed in 1991, allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) through the automatic route. This facilitated global manufacturers like Suzuki, Hyundai, and Honda to establish production units in India.
• Auto Component Industry: Contributes 2.3% to GDP and directly employs 1.5 million people, with a turnover of Rs. 6.14 lakh crore (USD 74.1 billion) in FY24.
• Trade Surplus: The auto component industry exported USD 21.2 billion and imported USD 20.9 billion worth of components, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 300 million.

Challenges Facing the Sector

• Import Dependency: Reliance on imports for key EV components like lithium-ion cells and semiconductors, exposing costs to global disruptions.
• Limited EV Penetration: EV adoption remains low at 6.6% compared to 12% globally and 30% in China, impacted by high costs and inadequate charging infrastructure.
• Skilled Workforce Shortage: A lack of skilled workers in automation and hydrogen technology hampers progress in sustainable mobility.
• Emission Norms: Upcoming stricter emissions standards may increase costs for manufacturers as they transition to cleaner technologies.

Strategies for Accelerating Growth and Sustainability

• Localization of Components: Enhance domestic production of rare earths and lithium to reduce import reliance.
• Infrastructure Development: Integrate EV charging infrastructure with urban planning to support increased EV adoption.
• Policy Harmonization: Streamline EV policies across states to align with the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan.
• Transition Support: Provide financial and technological assistance to support the shift from internal combustion vehicles (ICVs) to EVs.

This transformation of India's automobile sector under the Make in India initiative demonstrates a commitment to becoming a leading global hub for automobile manufacturing, especially in electric vehicles, while addressing associated challenges and fostering sustainable growth.

Lead Poisoning

Why in News?

• Lead poisoning continues to pose a significant yet often neglected public health crisis in India, predominantly impacting children. Despite the presence of multiple regulations aimed at controlling lead contamination across various sectors, the lack of a comprehensive legal framework for its prevention and mitigation severely limits effective enforcement and policy coherence.

Key Takeaways

• Lead poisoning affects approximately 1/3 of all children worldwide.
• A 2020 UNICEF-Pure Earth report indicated that half of India's children have elevated blood lead levels (BLL).

Additional Details

• Status of Lead Poisoning: Around 275 million children in India exceed the WHO's safe limit of 5 µg/dL, with 64.3 million having levels above 10 µg/dL. A report by CSIR-NITI Aayog states that 23 states exceed the recommended BLL limit, contributing to an estimated 5% loss of India's GDP due to lead poisoning.
• Symptoms & Effects: Common symptoms of lead poisoning include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anemia, muscle weakness, and a distinctive dark line along the gums.
• 

Existing Policy Measures/Legal Provisions

• Ban on Leaded Petrol (2000): The phased-out use of leaded petrol in India has significantly reduced airborne lead pollution and health risks.
• Environment Protection Act, 1986: This act empowers the central government and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to regulate lead contamination by establishing permissible limits for pollutants.
• Factories Act, 1948: Ensures the health and safety of workers, indirectly addressing lead poisoning in industries that utilize lead.
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Regulates food safety and sets lead limits in various food products and drinking water.
• Batteries Waste Management Rules, 2022: Regulates the recycling of lead-acid batteries under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Challenges to Implementation in Lead Regulations

• Lead in Insecticides: Despite its ban under the 2019 list of prohibited pesticides, lead is still listed as an insecticide.
• Lead in Food Products: While banned, lead content up to 10 ppm is still permitted, creating regulatory loopholes.
• Lead in Paints: Existing rules address new paints but do not manage lead-based paint already present in homes.

Way Forward

• Stronger Legal Framework: Introduce dedicated regulations under the Environment Protection Act to govern lead production, recycling, and disposal comprehensively.
• Establish Safe Blood Lead Level (BLL): Define and implement a national BLL threshold in line with WHO recommendations to guide policy interventions.
• Public Awareness & Market Incentives: Promote lead-free products through tax incentives and large-scale public awareness campaigns to foster safer alternatives.

In conclusion, effectively combating lead poisoning necessitates a comprehensive regulatory framework, stringent enforcement of existing laws, and robust public awareness initiatives. Given the severe health risks associated with lead exposure, it is crucial to prioritize lead poisoning as a significant public health issue in India.

Need of Reforms in Judicial Appointments

Why in News?

• The recent discovery of cash at a Delhi High Court judge's residence has reignited discussions surrounding judicial appointments and raised concerns about the effectiveness of the collegium system. This incident has led to renewed focus on the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) and the All India Judicial Service (AIJS).

Key Takeaways

• The appointment of Supreme Court judges is made by the President under Article 124(2) of the Constitution.
• High Court judges are appointed by the President under Article 217 after consulting the Chief Justice of India and relevant authorities.
• The collegium system, developed through Supreme Court judgments, lacks formal structure and transparency.
• Challenges include lack of executive involvement, merit-based selection issues, and delays in appointments.

Additional Details

• Collegium System: This system governs the appointment and transfer of judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts and has evolved without legislative backing, leading to concerns over transparency and accountability.
• Challenges of the Current System:
  • No executive involvement creates secrecy and risks overlooking deserving candidates.
  • Lack of defined criteria for selecting judges can lead to favoritism and nepotism, known as the "Uncle Judge Syndrome."
  • The absence of a transparent decision-making process hampers public trust, as decisions are made behind closed doors.
  • There is a significant delay in appointments, averaging 285 days since 2015, which is detrimental to the judicial system.
• National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC): This proposed body aimed to create a more transparent and accountable system for judicial appointments, including representation from both the judiciary and the executive.
• Constitutional Basis: The NJAC was established under the 99th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2014, but was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2015 for undermining judicial independence.

The ongoing debate regarding judicial appointments underscores the flaws inherent in the collegium system, intensifying calls for reforms such as the NJAC and AIJS. Ensuring transparency, merit-based selection, and a balance between the executive and judiciary is crucial for maintaining public trust and upholding judicial independence while adhering to constitutional principles.

Revised Priority Sector Lending Guidelines

Why in News?

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced revised Priority Sector Lending (PSL) guidelines under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. These updates are designed to enhance the flow of credit to priority sectors and foster inclusive growth across the economy.

Key Takeaways

• Loan limit for education increased from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 25 lakh per individual.
• Loan limits for renewable energy projects raised from Rs 30 crore to Rs 35 crore per borrower.
• PSL target for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) reduced to 60% from 75% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC).
• Increased loan limits for affordable housing in Tier-III to Tier-VI cities.
• Expanded definition of 'Weaker Sections' to include transgenders for improved financial inclusion.

Additional Details

• Priority Sector Lending (PSL): PSL is a mandate from the RBI requiring banks to allocate a portion of their loans to crucial sectors that encounter credit shortages but are essential for inclusive economic growth.
• Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLCs) are tradable certificates issued against loans allocated to priority sectors.
• The evolution of PSL includes recommendations from various committees, such as the Gadgil Committee (1969) and the Usha Thorat Committee (2009), which have shaped its development and implementation.
• PSL Targets for Banks: Different categories of banks have specific PSL targets, with Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) and Foreign Banks (with over 20 branches) expected to meet 40% of ANBC or CEOBE.
• Consequences for banks failing to meet PSL targets include mandatory contributions to the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to ensure support for priority sectors.

Overall, the revised PSL guidelines are crucial for promoting financial inclusion and ensuring that essential sectors receive the necessary credit support for sustainable economic growth.

Barriers to Abortion Access in India

Why in News?

• The recent decision by the Supreme Court (SC) denying late-term abortions in cases of borderline fetal viability (24–30 weeks) has reignited discussions concerning reproductive rights in India. Despite existing legal reforms, ethical dilemmas and procedural delays continue to hinder timely access to abortions.

Key Takeaways

• The SC ruling impacts women’s reproductive rights, particularly those in the 24–30 week range.
• Legal reforms have not eliminated barriers to safe abortion services.
• Access to abortion remains conditional and varies significantly across different states.

Additional Details

• What is Abortion? Abortion refers to the medical termination of a pregnancy. The legal framework surrounding abortion in India has evolved significantly over the years.
• Pre-1971 Legal Position: Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 312 and 313, abortion was classified as a criminal offense.
• Shantilal Shah Committee: In response to rising unsafe abortions and maternal mortality, this 1966 committee proposed a broadening and rationalization of abortion laws to enhance women’s health protections.
• MTP Act, 2021:The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, initially enacted in 1971 and amended in 2021, permits abortion under certain conditions:
  • Up to 20 weeks with the approval of one registered medical practitioner (RMP).
  • Between 20 and 24 weeks with the approval of two RMPs.
  • Beyond 24 weeks, a state medical board evaluates eligibility based on specific conditions.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: Formerly the IPC, continues to criminalize abortion outside the exceptions provided in the MTP Act, 2021.
• Judicial Interventions: The 2017 ruling in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India affirmed that abortion falls under a woman’s right to privacy and liberty as per Article 21.

What are the Barriers to Abortion Access?

• State Mandated Policies: Mandatory pregnancy registration in states like Haryana compromises confidentiality and may push women toward unsafe abortions.
• Lack of Abortion-on-Demand: Abortion rights in India are conditional and differ from more permissive jurisdictions, affecting women's reproductive autonomy.
• Medical Board Delays: Case-by-case decisions can delay access, as boards may apply subjective ethical considerations over clinical evidence.
• Specialist Shortage: Rural areas face a significant shortage of qualified gynecologists, limiting access to safe abortion services.
• Legal Fear: Healthcare providers often experience fear of legal repercussions, leading to hesitancy in providing care, especially in complex cases.
• Stigma: Women, particularly those seeking late-term abortions, face judgment and intrusive questioning, exacerbating barriers.

What Can Be Done to Improve Access to Abortion Care?

• Abortion as a Healthcare Right: Transition to a rights-based framework to recognize abortion as essential healthcare within legal gestational limits.
• Enhance Privacy Protections: Reinforce confidentiality and avoid mandatory pregnancy registration to protect women's rights.
• Medical Abortion (MTP) Pills: Ensure widespread availability of MTP pills across pharmacies and health centers under regulatory oversight.
• Expand Provider Base: Train general physicians and mid-level providers to perform early-stage MTPs, especially in rural areas.
• Improve Sex Education: Provide accurate, stigma-free information about contraception and abortion to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

In conclusion, addressing the barriers to abortion access in India requires comprehensive reforms that prioritize women's health, rights, and autonomy. Legal, social, and infrastructural changes are essential to ensure reproductive justice.

India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Progress Report 2024

Why in News?

• India has demonstrated significant improvement in its Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) index ranking for 2024, moving up to 109th place among 166 countries. Additionally, individual states have shown better performance, with an average increase of five units in the composite index over the last three years.

Key Takeaways

• India’s SDG index score rose from 57 in 2018 to 71 in 2023-24.
• Kerala and Uttarakhand lead with 8 goals each, scoring above 80—an indicator of achievement.
• However, 9 states reported a decline in critical goals: No Poverty (Goal 1), Gender Equality (Goal 5), Reduced Inequality (Goal 10), and Strong Institutions (Goal 16).

Additional Details

• SDG-3 (Good Health and Well-Being): The maternal mortality ratio has decreased from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20) per 100,000 live births.
• SDG-4 (Quality Education): The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for higher education increased from 23.7% to 28.4% between 2014-15 and 2021-22.
• SDG-6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Access to improved drinking water sources is 95% in rural areas and 97.2% in urban areas as of 2020-2021.
• SDG-7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): India’s renewable energy capacity grew from 180.80 GW in December 2023 to 209.44 GW in December 2024.
• Some states like Haryana, Odisha, and Meghalaya have begun publishing SDG-specific budgets.
• It is estimated that developing nations require USD 4 trillion annually to meet their SDGs.

The 2024 SDG Report highlights India's progress and challenges while emphasizing the need for continued efforts to achieve sustainable development across all sectors.

What are Sustainable Development Goals?

SDGs are 17 interconnected goals that address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation. These goals were adopted in 2015 by 193 UN Member States as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Aim

The aim of the SDGs is to achieve peace, prosperity, and sustainability through global partnerships.

Core Principles of SDGs

• Universality: SDGs apply to all countries, both developed and developing.
• Integration: Progress in one goal can positively affect others (e.g., poverty reduction can enhance education).
• Leave No One Behind: Focus on marginalized and vulnerable groups is essential.
• Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Achieving SDGs requires collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and citizens.

Monitoring and Supporting Agreements

The Global Sustainable Development Report (GSDR) evaluates progress every four years. Supporting agreements include:

• Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, aiming to enhance disaster resilience.
• Addis Ababa Action Agenda, which focuses on financing sustainable development.
• Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which addresses climate change challenges.

Challenges in Implementation of SDGs

• War & Political Instability: Conflicts in resource-rich nations, such as Russia and Ukraine, have led to global food shortages, making basic needs like healthcare (SDG 3) and education (SDG 4) unattainable.
• Economic Disparities: Developing nations often depend on industries like forestry and mining, which can conflict with climate goals (SDG 13).
• Governmental Challenges: Some governments prioritize short-term economic benefits over sustainability, which can lead to increased unemployment (SDG 8) and poverty (SDG 1).
• Poverty & Inequality: Approximately 650 million people still face hunger, and 10% lack electricity, hindering progress towards SDG 1 and SDG 7.
• Global Economic Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic has reversed years of progress, with millions pushed into poverty.

Way Forward

• Conflict Resolution: Enhance UN-mediated negotiations to resolve ongoing conflicts.
• Finance for SDGs: Developed nations should meet their 0.7% GDP aid commitment to support developing nations.
• Country-Specific SDG Strategies: Nations should target their most urgent SDGs for focused improvement.
• Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration: Implementing ESG reporting can strengthen corporate commitments to SDGs.

The challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require coordinated global efforts and innovative solutions to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Reassessing Food Subsidies in India

Why in News?

• The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24 reveals a significant rise in household incomes, reduced poverty levels, and improved food expenditure capacity. This situation prompts a reassessment of the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, which was established based on 2011-12 data and currently provides highly subsidized food to over 81 crore people.

Key Takeaways

• Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) has significantly risen in both rural and urban areas.
• A decline in poverty levels indicates that many beneficiaries of the NFSA may no longer require subsidies.
• The government spends Rs 2 lakh crore annually on the NFSA, highlighting an opportunity for resource reallocation.
• The Shanta Kumar Committee (2015) recommended reducing the PDS coverage to 40% to better target subsidies.

Additional Details

• Rising Consumption: In 2023-24, rural MPCE increased to Rs 4,122 (a 45% rise from 2011-12 levels), while urban MPCE reached Rs 6,996 (a 38% increase).
• Decline in Poverty Levels: A study by SBI estimates India's poverty ratio to be around 4-4.5% in 2024, with extreme poverty affecting about 6.7 crore people.
• Discrepancy in NFSA Beneficiary Coverage: With poverty around 10%, the current coverage exceeds actual need, suggesting many Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries may not require assistance.
• Opportunity Cost of Food Subsidy: Rationalizing beneficiary coverage could free up resources for key sectors like employment generation and industrial growth.

The significant reduction in poverty levels and enhanced household consumption capacity indicate that the expansive coverage of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) may require reassessment. Optimizing the food subsidy program can help reallocate resources towards employment generation and economic growth, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive welfare system for India.