21st February 2025-Current Affairs

1. President’s Rule and the Road Ahead – Key Insights & Implications – Polity

Why in News?

• President’s Rule was imposed in Manipur on February 13, 2024, following 21 months of ethnic violence and the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.
• The decision marks a major political shift, raising concerns over governance, state legitimacy, and institutional trust.
• Highlights issues such as:
  • Erosion of public trust in government institutions.
  • Challenges in maintaining law & order.
  • Political and ethnic tensions in the Northeast.

What is President’s Rule?

1. Constitutional Basis (Article 356)

• President’s Rule is imposed when:
  • A state government fails to function as per the Constitution.
  • Breakdown of law and order, political instability, or failure to comply with central directions.
• The Governor recommends President’s Rule to the President of India, who approves it.
• Duration:
  • Initially 6 months, can be extended up to 3 years (with Parliamentary approval every 6 months).

2. What Happens Under President’s Rule?

• The state legislature is suspended or dissolved.
• Governor directly administers the state on behalf of the President.
• Central government exercises full control over the state.

Key Issues in Manipur Leading to President’s Rule

1. Erosion of Trust in Governance

• Ethnic violence (Meitei vs. Kuki communities) has deeply divided the state.
• Perceived government bias toward the Meitei community fueled mistrust among tribal groups.
• Citizens lost faith in state institutions like the police and administration.

2. Politicization of Law Enforcement

• Law enforcement agencies failed to remain neutral, worsening the crisis.
• Reports suggest that Meitei ultranationalist narratives were promoted, alienating tribal communities.

3. Administrative & Political Challenges

• ‘Infrastructural power’ of the state weakened, meaning the government could not effectively enforce policies or maintain stability.
• Calls for declaring Manipur a ‘hill state’ emerged, which would significantly alter constitutional and administrative structures.

4. Need for Decentralization & Equitable Representation

• Marginalized tribal communities demand better political representation and fair allocation of resources.
• Decentralization could improve governance, ensuring that tribal and hill areas get adequate political voice and autonomy.

Implications of President’s Rule in Manipur

1. Short-Term Stabilization

• Direct central rule may temporarily restore order and prevent further violence.
• Deployment of neutral security forces (e.g., Central Armed Police Forces – CAPF) to ensure law enforcement is unbiased.

2. Political Fallout

• The BJP’s governance model in Manipur has been criticized for its handling of the crisis.
• Opposition parties may use this as a political issue in upcoming elections.

3. Constitutional & Federalism Debate

• Raises concerns about the overuse of Article 356, which has been misused in the past to destabilize opposition-led state governments.
• Will President’s Rule resolve the crisis, or is it just a temporary fix?

4. Future Course – Need for Structural Reforms

• Institutional audit needed to assess governance failures.
• Decentralization, better representation of all communities, and constitutional safeguards for tribal rights.

Way Forward – What Needs to be Done?

1. Strengthening Law Enforcement Neutrality

• Deploying neutral forces (CAPF, CRPF) instead of local law enforcement.
• Ensuring strict action against communal violence and biased governance.

2. Promoting Decentralization & Power Sharing

• Greater autonomy to tribal regions through constitutional reforms.
• Balanced representation in governance to avoid majoritarian dominance.

3. Restoring Trust in Institutions

• Ensuring transparent administration under President’s Rule.
• Addressing grievances of all ethnic communities through dialogue.

4. Roadmap for Political Stability

• Holding free and fair elections once stability is restored.
• Implementing long-term development programs to rebuild trust and ensure economic opportunities.

Conclusion

The imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur is a temporary solution to an ongoing governance crisis. While it may help restore order, the long-term solution requires institutional reforms, decentralized governance, and fair representation of all communities. The way the central government manages this crisis will have political and constitutional implications for federalism in India.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: President’s Rule (Article 356), federalism, constitutional provisions.
• Internal Security: Ethnic violence, law enforcement challenges.
• Current Affairs: North-East issues, central intervention in state governance.

2. National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) – Role & Significance – Polity

Why in News?

• The Supreme Court has directed a supervisory committee led by the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) to examine concerns raised by Tamil Nadu against Kerala over the maintenance of the 125-year-old Mullaperiyar Dam.
• This highlights the role of NDSA in regulating dam safety, resolving inter-state dam disputes, and ensuring dam maintenance compliance.

What is the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)?

• Established under: National Dam Safety Act, 2021
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Jal Shakti
• Objective: Regulation, oversight, and inspection of dams to ensure their structural integrity and operational safety.

Key Functions of NDSA

1. Regulation & Oversight of Dams

• Formulates policies & guidelines for dam construction, maintenance, and operation.
• Ensures compliance with safety standards across large dams in India.

2. Conflict Resolution (Inter-State Dam Disputes)

• Mediates and resolves disputes between State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) or between dam owners and regulatory bodies.
• Example: Mullaperiyar Dam dispute between Tamil Nadu & Kerala.

3. Public Awareness & Preparedness

• Conducts nationwide awareness programs about dam safety and emergency preparedness.
• Educates local populations about potential dam-related risks.

4. Emergency Response & Disaster Management

• Ensures that emergency response plans are in place for natural disasters, dam failures, or other crises.
• Works closely with disaster management agencies to mitigate risks.

NDSA Organizational Structure

• Chairman – Leads the authority.
• Five Members, each handling:
  1. Policy & Research
  2. Technical Oversight
  3. Regulation & Compliance
  4. Disaster Resilience & Emergency Response
  5. Administration & Coordination

Why is NDSA Important for India?

1. Large Number of Ageing Dams

• India has over 5,700 large dams, many over 50–100 years old.
• Risk of structural failure increases with ageing infrastructure.
• Example: Mullaperiyar Dam (125 years old) and Tehri Dam (Uttarakhand).

2. Climate Change & Increasing Risks

• Unpredictable rainfall, floods, and extreme weather increase dam failure risks.
• Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in Himalayan regions threaten dam safety.

3. Inter-State Water Disputes

• Many major dams are controlled by one state but located in another, leading to disputes.
• Example: Mullaperiyar Dam (Kerala-Tamil Nadu), Krishna-Godavari Dispute (Andhra-Telangana).

4. Disaster Preparedness & Risk Mitigation

• NDSA ensures proper risk assessment and prepares evacuation plans to reduce damage from dam failures.

Challenges Faced by NDSA

1. Compliance & Implementation Issues

• States often do not fully comply with dam safety guidelines.
• Older dams lack proper maintenance, increasing risks.

2. Political & Inter-State Disputes

• Dam management often becomes a political issue, delaying necessary safety upgrades.
• Example: Mullaperiyar Dam dispute between Tamil Nadu & Kerala remains unresolved for decades.

3. Climate Change Impact

• Unpredictable weather patterns make dam safety planning difficult.
• Many Indian dams were not designed to handle extreme climate variations.

4. Funding & Resources

• Modernizing ageing dams requires huge investments.
• Many state governments lack funds to upgrade dam infrastructure.

Way Forward – Strengthening Dam Safety in India

1. Strict Implementation of National Dam Safety Act, 2021

• Ensure state compliance with dam inspection, monitoring, and maintenance protocols.
• Empower State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSOs) to act more effectively.

2. Strengthening Infrastructure & Modernization

• Upgrade ageing dams using advanced monitoring technologies (AI, IoT sensors, real-time data tracking).
• Strengthen dam spillways and drainage systems to handle flood surges.

3. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness

• Conduct regular dam safety drills in vulnerable areas.
• Improve early warning systems and evacuation strategies.

4. Promoting Inter-State Cooperation

• Centralized dam monitoring system for better coordination between states.
• Use mediation & legal frameworks to resolve water-sharing disputes peacefully.

Conclusion

The National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) plays a crucial role in ensuring dam safety and resolving inter-state disputes. Given India’s large number of ageing dams and increasing climate risks, effective implementation of dam safety policies is essential. Strengthening dam infrastructure, inter-state cooperation, and disaster preparedness will help prevent dam failures and safeguard lives and livelihoods.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: Role of NDSA, National Dam Safety Act, 2021.
• Environment & Disaster Management: Climate risks to dam safety & water resource management.
• Current Affairs: Mullaperiyar Dam dispute, Supreme Court intervention.

3. Global Warming Exacerbating Water Gaps – Key Insights & Implications – Environment

Why in News?

• A recent study in Nature Communications highlights that global water gaps (the difference between water demand and renewable supply) are worsening due to climate change.
• Current Water Gap: 458 billion cubic meters per year.
• Future Projections:
  • 1.5°C temperature rise → Water gap increases by 6%.
  • 3°C temperature rise → Water gap increases by 15%.
• Regions affected: India, Mediterranean, Eastern US, and other water-stressed areas.

Understanding Water Gaps

What is a Water Gap?

• The difference between available renewable freshwater and total human consumption, while maintaining sufficient water for aquatic ecosystems.
• Occurs due to over-extraction, climate change, inefficient water use, and population growth.

Projected Impact of Climate Change on Water Scarcity

1. Global Impact

• 1.5°C warming scenario:
  • Eastern US, Mediterranean, and parts of India will experience more severe water shortages.
• 3°C warming scenario:
  • Expands water stress to new regions, including currently water-secure areas.

2. India’s Situation – A Critical Concern

• India faces the highest projected increase in water gaps:
  • Additional 11.1 km³ per year shortfall under a 1.5°C rise scenario.
  • Further increase expected if temperatures rise beyond this level.
• Main affected regions:
  • Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin – This region will see the largest increase in water gaps, affecting agriculture, drinking water supply, and ecosystem balance.
  • Northwest India (Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan) already experiencing groundwater depletion.

Causes of Increasing Water Gaps in India

1. Climate Change & Erratic Rainfall

• Unpredictable monsoons and shifting rainfall patterns reduce water availability.
• More frequent droughts & floods disrupt water storage and distribution systems.

2. Over-Exploitation of Groundwater

• India is the largest user of groundwater, with unsustainable extraction rates.
• Overuse in agriculture (especially for water-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane).

3. Poor Water Management & Wastage

• Leakages in water distribution systems cause wastage.
• Lack of efficient irrigation techniques leads to high water losses.

4. Population Growth & Urbanization

• Rising demand for water in urban areas is straining water resources.
• Expanding cities and industries increase water pollution, further reducing usable water supply.

Solutions & Strategies for Sustainable Water Management

1. Strengthening Water Conservation Policies

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Government initiative to improve water conservation & rainwater harvesting.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY) – Focus on sustainable groundwater management.

2. Efficient Agricultural Water Use

• Promote drip irrigation & micro-irrigation to reduce wastage.
• Crop diversification – Shift from water-intensive crops (like rice, sugarcane) to less water-demanding crops.

3. Enhancing Water Infrastructure & Storage

• Building new reservoirs and rejuvenating traditional water bodies (lakes, stepwells, tanks).
• Upgrading urban water supply systems to prevent leakages and improve efficiency.

4. Technological Solutions & Innovation

• Desalination plants for coastal cities.
• Use of AI & IoT for smart water management and leakage detection.
• Recycling & reuse – Wastewater treatment for industrial & irrigation use.

5. Community-Based Water Management

• Promoting local water conservation initiatives in villages.
• Encouraging public participation in water resource management.

Conclusion

• Climate change is worsening India’s water crisis, making sustainable water management crucial.
• Urgent government interventions, technological advancements, and efficient policies are needed to close the water gap and ensure long-term water security.
• The Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin and water-scarce states must be the focus areas for immediate action.

Relevance HAS Exam

• Environment & Climate Change: Impact of global warming on water resources.
• Government Schemes & Policies: Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana.
• Disaster Management: Solutions to droughts, floods, and water crises.
• Geography: Water-stressed regions like Ganges-Brahmaputra Basin, Punjab, Rajasthan.

4. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) – Role, Functions & Recent Developments – Environment

Why in News?

• The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recently submitted a report to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), highlighting poor water quality in rivers around Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela.
• The report raises concerns over rising pollution levels in Ganga and Yamuna rivers, prompting the need for stricter pollution control measures.

What is CPCB?

• Statutory Body, established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• Also empowered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• Functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Acts as a technical advisory body to the Central Government for pollution control.

Key Functions of CPCB

1. Regulation & Monitoring

• Monitors and regulates air & water pollution levels across India.
• Conducts environmental surveys and studies, reporting findings to the government.

2. Standard Setting & Compliance

• Develops Minimal National Standards (MINAS) for air, water, and industrial pollution control.
• Sets national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and water quality criteria.

3. Coordination with State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

• Supervises and provides technical guidance to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).
• Helps resolve inter-state environmental disputes.

4. Delegation of Powers

• Grants pollution control authority to regional offices in Union Territories.
• Advises municipal bodies on waste management, sewage treatment, and pollution reduction.

5. Industrial Pollution Control

• Regulates emission and discharge standards for industries.
• Ensures compliance with environmental laws for industries like thermal power plants, chemical factories, and mining.

6. Water Pollution Control

• Conducts river water quality assessments.
• Identifies polluted river stretches and recommends remedial measures.

7. Air Pollution Control

• Implements the National Air Quality Monitoring Program (NAMP).
• Regulates air pollution in highly polluted cities (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Kolkata).
• Oversees the implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR.

Why is CPCB’s Role Important?

1. Rising Pollution in Rivers

• Maha Kumbh Mela 2024 (Prayagraj): CPCB’s report warns of severe water pollution in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, due to:
  • Increased sewage discharge.
  • Industrial waste dumping.
  • High levels of BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and Coliform bacteria, indicating unsafe water for human use.
• National Concern: Over 351 polluted river stretches have been identified across India, requiring urgent attention.

2. Air Pollution Crisis in India

• CPCB plays a major role in monitoring and controlling air pollution, especially in Delhi-NCR and other polluted cities.
• Key Initiatives:
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) – aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels in 132 cities.
  • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) – emergency measures during high pollution episodes.

3. Industrial & Urban Waste Management

• CPCB sets emission limits for industries like thermal power plants, cement factories, and mining units.
• Regulates solid waste management, plastic waste, and hazardous waste disposal.

Challenges Faced by CPCB

1. Poor Implementation of Environmental Laws

• State agencies often fail to enforce pollution control regulations effectively.
• Industrial pollution continues due to lack of compliance and weak penalties.

2. River Pollution Despite Cleanup Efforts

• Despite programs like Namami Gange, many rivers remain heavily polluted due to:
  • Unchecked industrial effluents.
  • Sewage overflow from urban areas.
  • Lack of efficient wastewater treatment facilities.

3. Air Pollution in Major Cities

• Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities experience severe air quality issues, requiring stronger implementation of anti-pollution measures.
• Vehicular emissions, stubble burning, and construction dust remain major challenges.

4. Limited Resources & Funding

• CPCB needs more financial and technical resources to strengthen monitoring & enforcement mechanisms.

Way Forward – Strengthening CPCB’s Role

1. Stricter Enforcement of Environmental Laws

• Imposing heavier penalties on polluting industries.
• Ensuring strict monitoring & compliance checks.

2. Strengthening Water Pollution Control

• Expanding sewage treatment infrastructure to reduce urban wastewater discharge into rivers.
• Promoting zero-liquid discharge technology for industries.

3. Tackling Air Pollution More Effectively

• Expanding National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to cover more cities.
• Encouraging electric mobility and renewable energy adoption.

4. Public Awareness & Community Participation

• Encouraging local bodies & NGOs to participate in pollution control efforts.
• Promoting citizen science initiatives for air & water quality monitoring.

Conclusion

• CPCB plays a crucial role in India’s pollution control framework, ensuring environmental safety and public health protection.
• The recent findings on river pollution at the Maha Kumbh Mela highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of pollution control measures.
• Addressing water pollution, air quality issues, and industrial waste management should be top priorities for CPCB moving forward.

Relevance for Exam

• Environment & Ecology: Role of CPCB, river pollution, air quality standards.
• Government Policies: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), Namami Gange.
• Current Affairs: CPCB report on Maha Kumbh Mela pollution, increasing air & water pollution concerns in India.

5. Manipur’s Worsening Humanitarian Crisis – Causes, Impact & Solutions – Governance

Why in News?

• The India-Myanmar border region, particularly Manipur, is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to armed conflict, displacement, and resource scarcity.
• Key Concerns:
  • 58,000+ displaced individuals, many unregistered.
  • Breakdown in communication and data collection due to physical segregation of communities.
  • Healthcare crisis, worsening the situation for displaced populations.
• Immediate humanitarian intervention is required to address the growing challenges.

Key Issues in Manipur’s Humanitarian Crisis

1. Large-Scale Displacement & Data Deficiency

• 58,000+ individuals displaced, with many unaccounted for as they stay with relatives or in temporary shelters.
• Lack of comprehensive research & data makes assessing the true extent of the crisis difficult.

2. Deteriorating Healthcare Access

• Major hospitals and healthcare facilities inaccessible due to conflict.
• Displaced individuals forced to take longer, unsafe routes for medical care.

3. Mental Health Crisis

• Many displaced individuals suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
• Rising suicide rates among affected populations.

4. Poor Relief Camp Conditions

• 22,000+ children affected due to lack of proper food, water, and shelter.
• Basic necessities remain inadequate, worsening malnutrition and disease spread.

5. Communication Breakdown & Security Concerns

• Ethnic violence (Meitei vs. Kuki communities) has created deep physical & social divisions.
• Breakdown of law enforcement has led to a rise in armed groups and localized violence.

Causes of the Crisis in Manipur

1. Ethnic Conflict & Violence

• Ongoing Meitei vs. Kuki clashes have led to a breakdown of social order.
• Militant groups & armed factions have escalated the violence.

2. Geopolitical & Border Security Issues

• Manipur shares a 400+ km porous border with Myanmar, leading to illegal migration, drug trafficking, and insurgency spillover.
• The 2021 Myanmar military coup has led to an influx of refugees, increasing resource strain.

3. Weak Governance & Administrative Failures

• Failure of state administration to control violence has led to military and central intervention.
• Lack of coordination between government agencies and humanitarian organizations.

4. Climate & Resource Scarcity

• Floods, deforestation, and land degradation have worsened food and water scarcity in relief camps.

Impact of the Crisis

1. Humanitarian Catastrophe

• Tens of thousands remain displaced, facing extreme hardships in relief camps.
• Food, clean water, and medical care shortages put women, children, and elderly populations at risk.

2. Economic Consequences

• Disruptions in trade, agriculture, and local businesses due to violence and migration.
• Loss of livelihoods, pushing more people into poverty and economic instability.

3. National Security Risks

• Rising insurgent activities & cross-border smuggling.
• Potential spillover into neighboring states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Assam.

Way Forward – Urgent Measures Required

1. Humanitarian Assistance & Relief Efforts

• Improved Relief Camp Facilities: Ensure adequate food, water, and healthcare access.
• Mental Health Support: Provide counseling & psychological aid for displaced persons.
• Humanitarian Corridors: Establish safe zones for delivering relief supplies.

2. Restoring Law & Order

• Neutral Law Enforcement Deployment: More CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) to control ethnic violence.
• Community Policing Initiatives: Strengthen trust between security forces and local communities.

3. Strengthening Border Security & Refugee Management

• Better Border Management: Stricter surveillance along the Myanmar border.
• Refugee Policy: Clear guidelines for handling migrants from Myanmar.

4. Long-Term Governance & Political Solutions

• Dialogue & Peace Talks: Between Meitei & Kuki groups, ensuring equitable representation.
• Decentralization of Power: Strengthen local governance for better crisis management.

Conclusion

The Manipur humanitarian crisis is both a governance and security challenge. Addressing it requires a multi-pronged approach, including humanitarian aid, conflict resolution, and long-term political stability measures. Coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, and international organizations are necessary to ensure relief, security, and long-term peace in the region.

Relevance for Exam

• Polity & Governance: Role of state & central agencies in managing crises.
• Internal Security: Border security, insurgency, and ethnic conflicts in Northeast India.
• Disaster Management & Humanitarian Aid: Addressing displacement and refugee crises.