Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (07-07-2025)
UN Rapporteur: Global Firms Aiding Israel ‘Profiting from Genocide’ in Gaza
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: UN Rapporteur Report
Why in News
UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese’s 2025 report to the UN Human Rights Council accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Introduction
In a landmark development, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, has released a detailed report to the UN Human Rights Council calling for:
- Sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel, and
- Legal accountability of corporate entities involved in supporting what she terms a “genocide” in Gaza.
The report titled “From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide” highlights the economic and corporate structures enabling Israel’s military campaign in Gaza since October 2023.
Key Highlights of the Report
1. Genocide Allegations
- Albanese reiterates her earlier stance from January 2024, asserting that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
- Over 56,000 Palestinians have been killed (as per Gaza’s health ministry), with estimates possibly higher due to unrecovered bodies under rubble.
- Destruction includes:
- 80% of homes,
- Widespread lack of food and water,
- Systematic displacement.
- These actions align with genocidal acts as defined by international law, including:
- Killing members of the group,
- Creating conditions intended to destroy the group.
2. Corporate Involvement and Profiteering
Albanese’s report accuses multinational corporations of enabling and profiting from Israeli military operations.
a) Defence and Arms Sector
- Lockheed Martin: Supplier of F-35 fighter jets to Israel, used in “beast mode” (carrying 18,000 lbs of bombs).
- Over 1,600 manufacturers across 8 countries involved.
- Palantir: US-based tech firm, accused of aiding Israeli military decision-making through AI platforms.
- Caterpillar & Volvo: Accused of supplying heavy machinery used to demolish Palestinian homes and infrastructure.
- Volvo claimed many units were second-hand and outside its control.
b) Agricultural and Transport Sector
- Companies selling agricultural goods from illegal Israeli settlements are enabling the occupation economy.
- Merkavim, an Israeli bus assembler working with Volvo, is listed in the UN database of companies operating in occupied territory.
c) Financial Sector
- Global financial institutions and investors are allegedly enabling the war economy:
- BNP Paribas, Barclays: Underwrote Israeli treasury bonds.
- PIMCO, Vanguard: Large-scale bondholders.
- Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global (GPFG): Increased investment in Israeli firms by 32% post-October 2023.
Legal and Moral Grounds for Corporate Accountability
1. UN Principles on Business & Human Rights (2011)
- Emphasize corporate due diligence to avoid infringing on human rights.
- Corporates must remediate harm caused by their operations.
2. Historical Precedents
- Nuremberg Trials: IG Farben executives prosecuted for aiding Nazi war crimes.
- South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission: Held companies accountable for sustaining apartheid.
3. International Court of Justice (ICJ)
- ICJ has acknowledged the plausibility of genocide in Gaza and issued provisional measures (January 2024).
- Israel has largely ignored these calls.
- Albanese argues that legal delay at ICJ should not deter immediate international action.
Recommendations by the Rapporteur
1. International Actions
- Sanctions and arms embargo on Israel.
- Investigations and prosecutions of complicit companies by:
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- National judiciaries
2. Corporate Responsibility
- Corporations must:
- Withdraw from business that supports illegal occupation or genocide,
- Be held accountable for aiding international crimes and laundering war profits.
Counter-Responses and Defences by Companies
- Lockheed Martin: Referred questions to the US government as part of foreign military sales.
- Palantir: Denied involvement in specific controversial programs (e.g., Lavender).
- Volvo: Claimed second-hand sales and cited adherence to legal and ethical standards.
- Vanguard: Emphasized compliance with sanctions and human rights due diligence.
- ThyssenKrupp and Oshkosh: Cited compliance with respective national laws.
Significance of the Report
a) Global Political Implications
- Puts pressure on Western governments to re-evaluate military and economic ties with Israel.
- Challenges neutrality of corporate involvement in armed conflicts.
b) Legal Precedent for Corporate Accountability
- May trigger criminal investigations into corporate complicity in war crimes.
- Adds to growing advocacy around “business and human rights” accountability.
c) Humanitarian Advocacy
- Reframes Gaza’s crisis from a conflict to an international criminal issue, placing moral responsibility on global actors.
Conclusion
- Francesca Albanese’s report marks a significant intervention in global discourse by connecting state violence to global capitalism.
- It calls not only for governmental responsibility but also for the private sector to uphold international law and human rights standards.
- While controversial, it amplifies urgent calls for justice, accountability, and reparations for Palestinians and places the economic enablers of war under the legal spotlight—potentially reshaping the future of corporate conduct in conflict zones.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. The 2025 report titled “From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide” is associated with:
A. The economic blockade of North Korea |
Q. Which one of the following launched the ‘Nature Solutions Finance Hub for Asia and the Pacific’? (2025)
(a) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) (b) The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) (c) The New Development Bank (NDB) (d) The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) Ans: a |
| Answer 1- C
Explanation
|
Brazil Hosts BRICS Summit Amid Caution Over Trump’s Tariff Threats
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: BRICS Summit 2025 in Brazil
Why in News
The 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil reflects growing internal divergences within the bloc amid global tensions, with member countries opting for a cautious agenda to avoid provoking the U.S.
Introduction
- Brazil is hosting the BRICS Summit 2025 on July 6–7, amidst geopolitical tensions and institutional challenges faced by the bloc.
- The summit comes at a time when BRICS has recently undergone rapid expansion, doubling its size with the addition of new members in 2024.
- The event is being shaped by caution, strategic restraint, and internal division within the group.
Key Facts
- Venue: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Host Country: Brazil (Chair for 2025)
- Major Absentees:
- Xi Jinping (China) – Not attending for the first time since 2012
- Vladimir Putin (Russia) – Participating virtually due to ICC arrest warrant
- Masoud Pezeshkian (Iran) & Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi (Egypt) – Not attending
- Expanded Membership: New members in 2024 — Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, UAE. Saudi Arabia invited but yet to confirm membership.
- Trump Factor: Caution due to the return of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they challenge the U.S. dollar.
Brazil’s Strategic Priorities for the 2025 Summit
Brazil, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has identified six key agenda areas:
- Global Cooperation in Healthcare
- Trade, Investment, and Finance
- Climate Change
- Governance for Artificial Intelligence
- Peace-Making and Security
- Institutional Development (to integrate new members and improve cohesion)
Major Themes and Issues Discussed
1. Geopolitical Tensions: Middle East and Ukraine
- The summit will cautiously address sensitive geopolitical issues:
- Israel’s attack on Iran
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- Russia’s war in Ukraine
- Brazil and India have opted for a non-aligned approach, while Russia and China advocate a stronger anti-Western tone.
- The final declaration is expected to be vague and non-controversial due to internal divisions.
2. Trade Tariffs and Trump’s Return
- A significant concern is the return of Trump, who has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS members challenging U.S. monetary dominance.
- BRICS nations are expected to jointly denounce protectionist trade measures, but avoid provoking the U.S. directly.
- Brazil is especially wary of attracting U.S. economic retaliation.
3. Absence of Anti-Dollar Initiatives
- Unlike the 2023 summit in Russia which emphasized de-dollarisation, Brazil has clarified that there is no plan to create a BRICS currency.
- Focus remains on deepening trade ties and technical cooperation, rather than developing alternative financial mechanisms.
Challenges for BRICS 2025
1. Internal Divisions Post Expansion
- Rapid enlargement has diluted unity:
- Uncertainty over participation from new members like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran.
- Institutional development is now necessary to integrate new members.
- Cohesion is weakened, making it hard to present a unified front in global politics.
2. Leadership Vacuum and Low Attendance
- The absence of key leaders like Xi, Putin, and others reduces the summit’s impact.
- Diplomats and analysts suggest that the summit missed the opportunity to show BRICS as a viable alternative global pole.
3. Lack of Strong Outcomes
- Expected declarations:
- 3 Joint Statements
- 1 Final Declaration
- All documents are expected to be technical and diplomatic, avoiding strong stances on geopolitical issues.
Significance of the Summit
For Brazil:
- A diplomatic balancing act to promote multilateralism without risking economic ties with the U.S.
- Lula sees the summit as a platform to project leadership and revive Brazil’s global influence.
- It offers Brazil a stage ahead of COP30 in Belem, allowing it to push for climate commitments.
For India:
- India supports non-alignment and multipolarity.
- Opportunity to strengthen South-South cooperation and push for reform in global governance institutions (e.g., UNSC, WTO, IMF).
For Emerging Economies:
- A chance to discuss alternatives to U.S.-dominated systems in trade and technology.
- Provides a forum for shared concerns on healthcare, climate, and technology governance.
Conclusion
- The BRICS 2025 Summit in Brazil, though significant in terms of timing and global context, has opted for a cautious and technical approach.
- The lack of internal cohesion, driven by rapid expansion and geopolitical divergence, has limited the bloc’s ability to act as a unified counterweight to the West.
- Brazil’s diplomatic strategy reflects a pragmatic foreign policy, focused on avoiding friction with major powers while advancing development-focused cooperation.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements:
Assertion (A): The 2025 BRICS Summit in Brazil adopted a cautious and technical agenda despite pressing global crises. Select the correct answer using the code given below: |
Q.Consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 2- A
Explanation
|
Agriculture Can Employ Youth, Boost Global GDP by 1.4% Amid Labour Shortage Risk
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Economy
Why in News
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s 2025 report highlights the potential of agrifood systems to address global youth unemployment.
Introduction
- The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations released its report titled “The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems” on July 3, 2025.
- The report underscores the urgent need to address global youth unemployment by tapping into the transformative potential of agrifood systems.
- It highlights how agriculture and allied sectors can be instrumental in generating employment, enhancing food security, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Key Findings of the Report
Rising Youth Unemployment
- According to the report, over 20 percent of the world’s 1.3 billion youth (aged 15–24) are classified as NEET – Not in Employment, Education, or Training.
- This issue is particularly acute among youth aged 20 to 24 years, who are transitioning from education into the workforce.
Untapped Potential of Agrifood Systems
- The FAO estimates that increasing youth engagement in agrifood systems could lead to a 1.4 percent increase in global GDP.
- Notably, about 45 percent of this GDP boost would come directly from increased employment and productivity in agriculture and related food systems.
- Agrifood systems are defined broadly to include:
- Crop and livestock production
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Food storage, processing, distribution, and marketing
- Supporting services such as agri-tech, logistics, and finance
Declining Youth Participation in Agriculture
- Despite its potential, the share of working youth engaged in agrifood systems has declined from 54 percent in 2005 to 44 percent in 2025.
- Nevertheless, a higher proportion of youth (44 percent) than adults (38 percent) still rely on agrifood systems for their livelihoods.
Major Concerns Raised
Looming Labour Shortage in Rural Agrifood Systems
The report warns of a significant labour shortage in rural agricultural areas. As of 2025:
- 54 percent of youth live in urban areas, especially in regions such as East Asia.
- In countries with industrialised agrifood systems, rural youth represent only 5 percent of the population.
- This demographic shift raises concerns about the future sustainability of agricultural production, especially in developing countries.
High Levels of Youth Food Insecurity
Food insecurity among young people is rising at an alarming rate:
- It increased from 16.7 percent during 2014–16 to 24.4 percent during 2021–23.
- Youth living in low- and lower-middle-income countries are the most affected, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
Exposure to Climate Risks
The report estimates that 395 million rural youth are living in areas expected to suffer from climate change-induced declines in agricultural productivity. These include:
- Regions vulnerable to droughts, floods, and heatwaves
- Economies dependent on traditional and subsistence agriculture
- Areas in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia
FAO’s Recommendations
1. Transform Agrifood Systems
The report calls for a transformation of agrifood systems from traditional, labour-intensive models to modern, climate-smart, technology-driven systems. This transformation should include:
- Access to education and vocational training in agriculture
- Improved land rights and access to productive resources
- Affordable finance, digital tools, and market linkages
2. Targeted Policy Measures for Youth
Governments are urged to introduce policy incentives that:
- Make agriculture an attractive career option for youth
- Support youth entrepreneurship and agri-startups
- Ensure youth participation in policy-making and decision-making related to food systems
3. Climate Resilience and Green Jobs
To adapt to the worsening climate crisis, youth must be equipped with:
- Skills in sustainable agriculture and resource management
- Knowledge of climate-resilient crop varieties and water-efficient techniques
- Opportunities in green jobs and circular economy models
Implications for India
Youth Demographics and Agrarian Economy
India has one of the largest youth populations in the world, with nearly 50 percent of its population under the age of 25. However, the country also faces:
- Persistent rural unemployment
- Declining interest in agriculture among the youth
- Distress migration from villages to urban centres
Relevant Government Schemes and Programs
Several Indian policies and schemes align with FAO’s recommendations:
- PM-KUSUM: Promotes solar energy use in agriculture
- Agri-Clinics and Agri-Business Centres (ACABC): Encourages agri-entrepreneurship
- Skill India Mission and PMKVY: Provides vocational training
- Start-up India and Stand-up India: Supports innovation and youth-led agritech ventures
- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): Focuses on youth self-employment in rural areas
Suggested Way Forward
India needs to:
- Modernize agriculture through digital technologies, AI, drone use, and precision farming
- Provide targeted subsidies, training, and incentives for young farmers and entrepreneurs
- Strengthen rural infrastructure and supply chains
- Promote climate-adaptive and low-carbon agricultural practices
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q3. With reference to the FAO’s 2025 report titled “The Status of Youth in Agrifood Systems”, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: (2021)
Which of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
| Answer 3- C
Explanation
|
Indian agriculture’s prospects depend on innovating and adopting genetic tech
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Economy
Context: India and GM Crops
Why in News?
India’s resistance to genetically modified (GM) food crops amid growing global adoption and trade negotiations reflects a deeper conflict between agricultural innovation, farmer welfare, and regulatory inertia.
Introduction
- As the July 9, 2025, trade deadline nears, U.S. negotiators are pressuring India to allow access to its agricultural market for genetically modified (GM) crops.
- However, India has drawn clear red lines, especially in agriculture and dairy, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterating concerns about food safety and the livelihood of Indian farmers.
- Globally, GM crop adoption has surged since 1996, with over 200 million hectares under cultivation across 76 countries as of 2023.
- India, however, remains largely resistant to commercialising GM food crops, even though it has allowed GM cotton since 2002.
- This contradiction, and the broader implications of the GM debate, are crucial for India’s agriculture, trade, and innovation policies.
What are GM Crops?
Genetically Modified (GM) crops are plants whose DNA has been artificially altered using biotechnology to give them traits such as:
- Resistance to pests (e.g., Bt cotton against bollworms),
- Tolerance to herbicides (e.g., HT-Bt cotton),
- Resistance to diseases or droughts.
The goal of GM technology is to improve productivity, reduce chemical pesticide use, and increase farmers’ incomes. Countries like the United States, Brazil, and Argentina have widely adopted GM crops such as soybean, maize (corn), and canola.
GM Crop Status in India
Bt Cotton: The Only Approved GM Crop
- Introduced in 2002 under the Vajpayee government, Bt cotton remains the only GM crop officially permitted in India.
- More than 90% of India’s cotton area is under Bt cotton cultivation today.
- Cottonseed oil, derived from Bt cotton, enters the human food chain, while the seed itself is used in cattle feed.
This means GM crops have already entered the Indian food system, albeit indirectly.
Achievements of Bt Cotton (2002–2014)
The introduction of Bt cotton led to significant gains in production, productivity, and exports:
- Cotton production rose from 13.6 million bales (2002–03) to 39.8 million bales (2013–14) — an increase of 193%.
- Productivity improved from 302 kg/ha to 566 kg/ha, a jump of 87%.
- Cotton cultivated area expanded by 56%.
- Farmers’ incomes grew, particularly in Gujarat, which experienced an agrarian boom and achieved over 8% annual growth in agricultural GDP.
- By 2011–12, India became the second-largest cotton producer after China and the second-largest exporter after the United States.
This period showcased the transformative potential of biotechnology in agriculture.
Decline of Bt Cotton Since 2015
However, the Bt cotton success story lost momentum post-2015:
- Productivity fell to around 436 kg/ha in 2023–24, down from 566 kg/ha in 2013–14.
- India’s yield now lags behind the global average of 770 kg/ha, as well as countries like China (~1,945 kg/ha) and Brazil (~1,839 kg/ha).
- The decline has been accompanied by a 2% average annual drop in production, driven by:
- Pest outbreaks (e.g., pink bollworm, whiteflies),
- Lack of access to newer-generation seeds (such as HT-Bt cotton),
- Inflexible regulations and policy stagnation.
Illegal Spread of Unapproved GM Seeds: HT-Bt Cotton
HT-Bt cotton (Herbicide Tolerant Bt cotton), which can survive herbicide spraying for weed control, has not received official approval in India. However, its seeds have:
- Spread illegally across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab,
- Covering 15–25% of India’s total cotton area, according to industry estimates.
This illegal proliferation shows the mismatch between farmer demand and regulatory policy. Farmers, desperate for relief from weeds and pests, are using unapproved seeds with no formal quality assurance or accountability. This also creates a shadow seed economy, undermining legal seed suppliers and putting farmers at greater risk of crop failure.
Regulatory and Policy Roadblocks to Innovation
Several regulatory decisions have discouraged biotech innovation in India:
The Cotton Seed Price Control Order (2015)
- Drastically reduced Bt cotton seed royalties, cutting trait fees from ₹180 to just ₹39 per seed packet.
- Made investment in research and development financially unattractive for biotech firms.
2016 Regulations
- Mandated that trait licensors transfer technology within 30 days.
- Capped trait fees at 10% of MSP for five years, with further cuts thereafter.
By 2020, regulatory restrictions became even tighter, forcing global firms to withdraw and discouraging the development of next-generation GM crops.
Missed Opportunities in Other GM Crops
India’s restrictive approach has stalled commercialisation of several important biotech innovations:
- Bt Brinjal:
- Developed by Mahyco, approved by GEAC in 2009,
- Placed under a moratorium due to public opposition.
- GM Mustard (DMH-11):
- Developed by Delhi University,
- Received conditional environmental clearance in 2022,
- Commercialisation still pending due to additional reviews and potential legal hurdles.
Despite scientific approval, these crops have not reached farmers, denying them access to higher-yielding and pest-resistant varieties.
Trade Implications
- India’s reluctance to open its market to GM crops is now a sticking point in bilateral trade negotiations, particularly with the United States.
- While Indian policy maintains a cautious stance, India’s import of GM soybean and corn for poultry feed, and indirect consumption of cottonseed oil, reveal inconsistencies in its position.
- India has even become a net importer of raw cotton in 2024–25, with imports valued at $0.4 billion — a reversal from its status as a major exporter in the early 2010s.
What Needs to be Done?
India must adopt a science-led, farmer-centric policy approach. Suggested steps include:
1. Scientific and Transparent Regulation
- Reform the GEAC and ensure approvals are time-bound, evidence-based, and insulated from political or ideological pressures.
2. Commercialisation of Approved GM Crops
- Allow field-level rollout of crops like HT-Bt cotton, Bt brinjal, and GM mustard.
3. Monitor and Legalise Proven Technologies
- Prevent the unregulated spread of illegal seeds and provide quality-certified alternatives.
4. Encourage Private Investment
- Reassess royalty caps and price controls to revive biotech R&D.
- Promote public-private partnerships for seed innovation.
5. Public Awareness Campaigns
- Educate citizens about the science, safety, and benefits of GM crops.
- Address misinformation spread by activist groups.
The Vision of Science-Led Agriculture
Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had extended the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” by adding “Jai Vigyan” — hailing the role of science in national development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has further extended this with “Jai Anusandhan” (Hail Innovation).
To make this vision a reality, India must:
- Unlock its biotech potential,
- Tap into the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) fund,
- Build a policy ecosystem that encourages scientific entrepreneurship and rural prosperity.
Just as information technology (IT) transformed urban India, biotechnology (BT) can transform rural Bharat.
Conclusion
- India’s stance on GM crops reflects the broader tension between precaution and progress.
- While legitimate concerns around safety, biodiversity, and farmer welfare must be addressed, blanket resistance risks stalling innovation, crippling exports, and depriving farmers of much-needed technological solutions.
- The path forward lies in balancing risk with opportunity, building robust institutions, and embracing the transformative potential of science.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q4. With reference to GM crops in India, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements are correct? |
Q. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (2012)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (c) |
| Answer – 4 – B
Explanation –
|
Centre moots ‘AVAS’ sound alerts for e-vehicles
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/business/e-vehicles-avas-centre-sound-alert-10108224/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Economy- Infrastructure
Context: ‘AVAS’ system
Why in News
To enhance pedestrian safety, the Government of India has proposed mandating Acoustic Vehicle Alerting Systems (AVAS) in electric vehicles moving at speeds below 20 kmph due to their low sound emissions.
Introduction
- The Central Government of India is in the process of introducing a new safety regulation for electric vehicles (EVs), which mandates the installation of a device called the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS).
- This step is being taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in response to the growing number of electric vehicles on Indian roads, particularly two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and e-rickshaws, and the associated risk of silent movement at low speeds.
The Core Issue:
- Electric vehicles, by design, operate almost silently at lower speeds. Unlike conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines, EVs do not emit engine noise, especially when moving at speeds below 20 km per hour.
- This silent movement poses a serious safety hazard for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users, particularly in densely populated urban and residential areas.
- At low speeds, even tyre noise is minimal, making it difficult for people to detect the presence of an approaching electric vehicle.
- This significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, particularly in areas where visibility is limited or where there is heavy foot traffic.
What is AVAS?
- The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) is a sound-emitting device that produces a non-intrusive artificial noise when an electric or hybrid vehicle is moving at speeds between 0 and 20 kmph.
- The purpose of this artificial sound is to alert pedestrians and other road users to the presence of the vehicle, thereby preventing accidents.
- The sound generated by AVAS is not a horn, but a continuous, low-volume sound that is carefully designed to be both audible and non-disruptive.
- Once the vehicle exceeds 20 kmph, it naturally generates sound from tyres and aerodynamic friction, so AVAS is not required beyond that speed.
Policy Initiative:
- The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has already published a draft guideline under the framework of Automotive Industry Standards (AIS), proposing the mandatory installation of AVAS in electric vehicles.
- This proposal was discussed in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules – Technical Standing Committee (CMVR-TSC), which is the apex authority responsible for motor vehicle safety standards in India.
- Once the consultation process is completed, a final regulation is expected to be notified soon.
International Precedents:
India is not the first country to consider the need for AVAS. Many advanced countries have already implemented similar safety norms:
- In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requires all electric and hybrid vehicles to produce warning sounds at speeds up to 30 kmph.
- Japan has also mandated AVAS in electric and hybrid vehicles through its Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
- These international practices have set a benchmark for India’s regulatory approach, ensuring that the country keeps pace with global road safety standards.
Scientific Research and Industry Involvement
- In parallel with policy development, a scientific study is being conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, to assess the need for AVAS in Indian conditions.
- The study was commissioned by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex industry body representing vehicle manufacturers in India.
- According to Dr. Anoop Chawla, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Delhi, the study is still ongoing and aims to explore:
- Human auditory perception of different types of vehicle sounds
- The extent to which lack of sound contributes to accidents
- Appropriate volume and frequency of the artificial sound
- Whether different vehicle types require different AVAS configurations
- This research will help refine the design parameters of AVAS systems and guide their implementation in a way that is effective, scientifically validated, and suited to Indian road environments.
Rising Need for AVAS in India’s Mobility Ecosystem
- The need for such a regulation is particularly urgent given the rapid increase in the number of electric vehicles, especially e-rickshaws, in urban and semi-urban areas.
- These vehicles are widely used for last-mile connectivity, school transport, local deliveries, and public mobility in small towns and city colonies.
- Given that these areas are often congested with pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles, the risk of collision increases significantly when electric vehicles approach silently.
- Vulnerable groups such as children, senior citizens, and people with visual impairments are particularly at risk.
Impact of the Regulation
The proposed AVAS regulation will help bridge the gap between the environmental benefits of electric vehicles and the need for ensuring pedestrian safety. Once implemented, the rule would:
- Mandate all new electric and hybrid vehicles to be equipped with AVAS, especially in the two- and three-wheeler segments
- Establish technical standards for sound levels and operational conditions
- Encourage manufacturers to develop standardized yet customizable AVAS solutions.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q5. With reference to the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer – 5 – B
Explanation –
|
Environment impact study for Great Nicobar project
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Environment and Ecology
Context: Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project
Why in News?
The ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP), though strategically significant, faces criticism for downplaying seismic and tsunami risks in a highly earthquake-prone zone.
Introduction
- The ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP) aims to transform the southernmost tip of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands into a strategic economic and logistical hub through the construction of a trans-shipment port, international airport, gas and solar-based power plant, and urban townships.
- While this project has received environmental and forest clearances, it has come under scrutiny from geoscientists, environmentalists, and tribal rights activists due to potential ecological damage and the underplayed threat of tsunamis and earthquakes in one of the world’s most seismically volatile zones.
Seismic Vulnerability of Great Nicobar Region
1. Tectonic Setting
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located along the Andaman-Sumatra subduction zone, where the Indian Plate subducts beneath the Burmese Microplate.
- This region lies in seismic zone V, the highest category for earthquake vulnerability in India.
- The 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake (Magnitude 9.2), with its epicenter near Banda Aceh, Indonesia, originated from this fault line and caused massive tsunamis that devastated the Nicobar Islands and killed over 10,000 Indians, including 1,500 lives in the A&N Islands.
The EIA Report and Downplaying of Risk
1. Key Observations
- The 900-page Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, prepared by Vimta Labs, downplays the risk of another catastrophic earthquake and tsunami.
- It cites a low probability of mega earthquakes and refers to the return period of such events to be 420–750 years (for magnitude 9+ events) and 80–120 years (for magnitude 7.5+ events), based on a 2019 IIT-Kanpur study.
2. Missing Critical Findings
- The EIA omits key warnings from the same IIT-Kanpur study, which had:
- Identified seven large tsunamigenic events in the last 8,000 years from sediment analysis at Badabalu Beach.
- Noted a 2,000-year gap in sediment data, increasing uncertainty in predicting the next event.
- Warned that the Andaman Segment still has enough accumulated strain to trigger a major earthquake.
Expert Criticism and Scientific Concerns
1. Prof. Javed Malik (IIT-Kanpur)
- Emphasized the need for site-specific studies in Car Nicobar and Campbell Bay to understand inundation patterns and fault behavior.
- Warned that seismic effects could differ depending on the epicenter’s location — a quake under Great Nicobar could be more devastating locally than one in Banda Aceh.
2. Prof. C.P. Rajendran (NIAS, Bengaluru)
- Highlighted parallel rupture lines in the south Andaman–Nicobar region whose seismic history is unknown.
- Asserted that earthquake recurrence is non-linear — centuries of calm can be followed by sudden large events.
- Criticized placing critical infrastructure like ports and airports in such an unstable geodynamic zone.
3. Government Position
- A senior scientist from the Ministry of Earth Sciences acknowledged the lack of site-specific studies but termed the project a “calculated risk,” noting that design codes would be integrated into infrastructure to mitigate earthquake damage.
Implications for Development Planning
1. Strategic vs Environmental Trade-off
- The project is part of India’s broader strategy for Blue Economy development, countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific and boosting logistics capacity via a trans-shipment port.
- However, such gains come at the cost of:
- Seismic vulnerability.
- Biodiversity loss (home to endemic species and protected tropical rainforests).
- Tribal displacement and ecological disruption, especially affecting the Shompen tribe.
2. Environmental Governance Issues
- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised concerns over the lack of comprehensive disaster risk assessment.
- The precautionary principle and environmental justice call for a robust disaster impact study, especially in regions with historical precedence of large-scale disasters.
Way Forward
- Mandatory Site-Specific Seismic and Tsunami Studies
- Comprehensive micro-zonation studies in Car Nicobar, Campbell Bay, and Great Nicobar to identify rupture potential and inundation models.
- Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure Design
- Incorporate IS Codes for Earthquake Resistant Design (IS 1893) and Tsunami Resilience Plans for all critical infrastructure.
- Integrated Island Management Plan (IIMP)
- Align developmental projects with climate change adaptation, natural hazard mapping, and tribal community consent.
- Environmental and Social Impact Monitoring Mechanism
- Establish an independent expert panel to periodically assess ecological damage, seismic activity, and tribal well-being.
Conclusion
- The Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project, while holding strategic and economic potential, is situated in one of the most seismically volatile and ecologically sensitive regions of India.
- The downplaying of seismic risks in the EIA reflects a critical gap in disaster-resilient development planning.
- In light of India’s commitment to sustainable development and disaster risk reduction under the Sendai Framework, a course correction is necessary.
- Only a scientifically-informed, ecologically-sensitive, and socially inclusive approach can ensure that development in Great Nicobar is not a disaster in the making.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q6. With reference to the Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project (GNIP), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1, 2 and 3 only |
Q. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (2014)
(a) Andaman and Nicobar Ans: (a) |
| Answer – 6 – B
Explanation –
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