UPSC CARE 8th July 2025 Current Affairs

Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (08-07-2025)

News at a Glance

Polity and Governance: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar

Economy: Postponement of BIS Quality Control Order on Cotton Bales

Disaster Management: Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Eruption

Typhoon Danas (2025): A Multi-Nation Impact Storm

Social issues: Maternal Mortality in India

Environment and Ecology: Bonn Climate Conference 2025: Key Takeaways and Implications for COP30

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/bihar/why-are-bihars-electoral-rolls-being-revised-explained/article69779885.ece

UPSC Relevance: GS-2 Polity and Governance

Context: Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

Why in News

The Election Commission of India has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the 2025 Assembly elections to ensure accuracy.

Introduction

• The Election Commission of India (EC) has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in Bihar ahead of the Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for November 2025.
• This large-scale verification exercise aims to correct inaccuracies in the voter list that have arisen due to migration, urbanisation, and the passage of time since the last SIR held in 2003.

Constitutional and Legal Provisions

• Article 324 of the Constitution entrusts the superintendence, direction, and control of the preparation of electoral rolls, and the conduct of elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures, to the Election Commission.
• Article 326 provides for universal adult suffrage, stating that every citizen of India who is not less than 18 years of age shall be entitled to be registered as a voter.

Under the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (RP Act):

• Section 16 disqualifies non-citizens from being enrolled in electoral rolls.
• Section 19 states that a person must be not less than 18 years old on the qualifying date and should be ordinarily resident in a constituency.
• Section 20 elaborates on the term “ordinarily resident”. Merely owning property does not establish ordinary residency, but temporary absence from the place of residence does not break ordinary residency.
• Section 21 allows the Election Commission to order a special revision of the electoral roll at any time, provided reasons are recorded.

Purpose of the SIR 2025

• The need for this Special Intensive Revision arises from the significant demographic changes over the past two decades, particularly in Bihar.
• The EC has observed substantial additions and deletions in the electoral rolls due to migration and urbanisation, increasing the risk of duplicate and ineligible entries.
• As the custodian of free and fair elections, the EC is constitutionally obligated to maintain accurate and citizen-only electoral rolls.
• Since the Bihar Assembly elections are approaching, the EC has selected Bihar as the starting point for this nationwide exercise. The qualifying date for the revision is July 1, 2025.

Process and Key Changes in the 2025 SIR

The 2025 SIR differs from the 2003 process in that it shifts from a house-to-house verification model to a self-declaration model. Every voter must now submit an enumeration form to their Booth Level Officer (BLO).

Requirements by Voter Category:

• Voters registered as of January 2003 need to submit only an extract from the 2003 electoral roll.
• Voters registered after January 2003 must additionally submit documents establishing the date and place of birth for themselves and their parent(s).
• All voters must submit an enumeration form regardless of registration date.

Arguments Supporting and Opposing the Current SIR

Arguments in Support

1. Efficiency of the Process Proponents argue that the 2003 SIR was completed in 31 days without technological support. The 2025 revision, equipped with digital tools and a large human resource base, is similarly feasible. The exercise is supported by more than one lakh BLOs, nearly four lakh volunteers, and over 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties.
2. Legal Exclusion of Aadhaar Aadhaar is not a proof of citizenship or date of birth. The Aadhaar card itself carries a disclaimer stating it is not to be used for citizenship verification. Hence, excluding it from valid documents complies with constitutional and legal requirements.
3. Proper Treatment of Migrants The law provides that voters must be ordinarily resident in a constituency. Migrants who have shifted for long periods can register in their current place of residence. The EC’s approach is therefore in line with the RP Act and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.

Arguments Against the Current Format

1. Logistical Challenges The requirement for over eight crore voters to submit forms is unprecedented. About three crore of them must also produce documentary proof of their and their parents’ birth details. Migrant labourers and students may miss deadlines due to mobility. There is a risk of omission or inclusion errors despite large field-level staffing.
2. Exclusion of Aadhaar Affects the Poor
   Aadhaar has become the most accessible identity document, especially for marginalised populations. Form 6 under the RER 1960 allows Aadhaar as proof of residence and date of birth. The EC’s additional documentation requirement may exclude genuine voters who lack alternative records.
3. Risk of Excluding Migrant Workers
   The RP Act clearly states that temporary absence does not disqualify a person from being considered ordinarily resident. Migrants often return home periodically and maintain ties to their native constituencies. Excluding them without careful consideration may disenfranchise many. The EC itself proposed remote voting for migrants in January 2023, indicating policy inconsistency.

Way Forward

1. Extending Timelines and Ensuring Accuracy
   The EC must adopt a flexible timeline for the completion of this large exercise. Adequate safeguards, proper supervision, and active participation by BLAs are essential to prevent wrongful inclusion or exclusion.
2. Reconsidering the Aadhaar Exclusion
   While Aadhaar is not proof of citizenship, it may be the only document available to many poor and marginalised citizens. The EC should consider accepting Aadhaar provisionally during the claims and objections phase, especially in cases where no other document is available.
3. Protecting the Voting Rights of Migrants
   Migrant workers often retain strong socio-political links with their native places. They should not be excluded solely due to their absence during enumeration. As per the 2010 amendment to the RP Act, even Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are allowed to vote from their native constituencies. A similar approach should be applied to internal migrants. Duplicate voter entries can be addressed through Aadhaar seeding, which the EC has already initiated consultations for in March 2025.

Conclusion

• A clean, accurate, and inclusive electoral roll is fundamental to the democratic process. While the Special Intensive Revision aims to eliminate ineligible names and ensure integrity, it must not result in the disenfranchisement of genuine voters.
• Balancing electoral security with inclusive access, and adopting a citizen-centric approach, is essential for ensuring democratic legitimacy.
• The EC must remain flexible and adaptive in its implementation to protect both the sanctity of the voter list and the rights of the citizens.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q1. With reference to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, consider the following statements: As per the Representation of the People Act, 1950, only citizens who are ordinarily resident in a constituency are eligible to be enrolled in its electoral roll. Aadhaar is legally recognised as proof of citizenship and date of birth for electoral registration under the SIR guidelines. Voters who were registered before January 2003 in Bihar are exempted from submitting additional documentary proof during the current SIR. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 3 only (B) 1 and 2 only (C) 2 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Q.  Consider the following statements: (2021) In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies. In the 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies. As per the existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her winning in all the constituencies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3 Ans:(b)

Answer 1- A Explanation Statement 1 is Correct – The Representation of the People Act, 1950 mandates that only citizens who are ordinarily resident in a constituency are eligible to be enrolled in its electoral roll. This is defined in Section 19 and further clarified in Section 20, which excludes mere property ownership as a sufficient condition for residency. Statement 2 is Incorrect – Aadhaar is not accepted as proof of citizenship or date of birth under the SIR guidelines. Although Aadhaar is widely used as an identity document and is mentioned in Form 6 under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the SIR specifically excludes it due to its disclaimer that it is not proof of citizenship. Statement 3 is Correct – As per the guidelines of the 2025 SIR in Bihar, voters who were already registered as of January 2003 are not required to submit any new documents. They only need to provide an extract from the 2003 electoral roll as proof of prior inclusion. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Postponement of BIS Quality Control Order on Cotton Bales

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/business/implementation-of-qco-for-cotton-bales-postponed-to-august-2026/article69784585.ece

UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy

Context: BIS Quality Control Order

Why in News

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has postponed the implementation of the Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023 from August 2024 to August 27, 2026, amid industry concerns.

What is the Quality Control Order (QCO) on Cotton Bales?

• The Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023 was issued by the Ministry of Textiles under the BIS Act, 2016.
• It mandates that cotton bales must conform to BIS specifications and carry the Standard Mark under a BIS licence.
• Aim: To ensure uniform quality and reduce contamination in Indian cotton, which is a major issue in the global market.

Reason for Postponement to 2026

• The QCO was originally set to be implemented from August 2024.
• It has now been postponed by two years to August 27, 2026, following industry representations to the government highlighting practical challenges in compliance and global trade disruptions.

Concerns Raised by the Textile Industry

1. No BIS Norms for Contamination Levels

• The BIS standard for cotton bales does not define permissible contamination levels, despite this being a major quality parameter in global trade.
• Indian cotton is known to have high contamination levels (plastic, dust, leaves), affecting its competitiveness.

2. Global Suppliers Will Not Comply

• Indian textile manufacturers import high-quality, contamination-free cotton from countries like the U.S., Egypt, and Australia.
• These foreign growers and exporters are unlikely to seek BIS certification, leading to trade disruptions.

3. Risk of Losing International Orders

• Many international garment brands nominate specific raw material suppliers (including cotton growers and yarn spinners).
• If these suppliers are not BIS-registered, Indian manufacturers may lose export orders, affecting foreign exchange earnings and employment.

4. Logistical and Operational Challenges

• Cotton is grown by millions of small farmers and sold through a decentralized system.
• Enforcing BIS certification at this level poses enormous administrative and technical challenges.

Arguments in Favour of QCO Implementation

Point	Explanation
Standardisation	BIS certification can help create uniform quality standards for Indian cotton, boosting its international reputation.
Value Addition	Reducing contamination and increasing quality may help in premium pricing for Indian cotton globally.
Traceability & Branding	Certified cotton bales can support initiatives like “Brand India Cotton” for marketing Indian cotton internationally.

Policy Dilemma and the Way Forward

Challenges	Possible Interventions
BIS norms do not address contamination	BIS should revise its standards to include detailed contamination norms in consultation with the industry.
Resistance from international suppliers	Allow exemptions for imports and recognise equivalent foreign standards temporarily.
Implementation difficulty at farmer level	Use a phased approach and build capacity through farmer training and incentivisation.
Fear of export loss	Engage with global brands and WTO to ensure that BIS certification does not become a barrier to trade.

Backward Linkages

• The move relates to the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat campaigns by promoting quality and self-reliance in cotton production.
• India is the largest cotton producer and the second-largest exporter of textiles, hence such regulation impacts a key economic sector.

Forward Linkages

• BIS-compliant cotton could eventually feed into high-value segments like organic cotton exports, technical textiles, and sustainable garments.
• It may also support initiatives under PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel) parks.

Conclusion

• While the aim of standardizing cotton quality through BIS certification is laudable, the current approach lacks sensitivity to the complex global supply chain, local farming realities, and international trade norms.
• The postponement till 2026 provides an opportunity for course correction, stakeholder consultation, and creation of a realistic and inclusive framework.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q2. With reference to the Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023, recently in news, consider the following statements: The order mandates that all cotton bales sold in India must conform to BIS standards and carry a Standard Mark. The BIS specification for cotton bales currently includes clear norms for contamination levels. The implementation of the order has been postponed to August 2026 due to industry concerns regarding global supply chain disruptions. Which of the statements given above are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only (B) 2 and 3 only (C) 1 and 3 only (D) 1, 2 and 3

Q.  Consider the following statements: (2017) 1. The Standard Mark of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes. 2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). 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 Answer: (a)

Answer 2- C Explanation Statement 1 is Correct – The Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023 mandates that all cotton bales in India must conform to the quality and safety standards laid down by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and must bear the BIS Standard Mark. This is aimed at ensuring uniform quality and reducing contamination in cotton supplied to the textile industry. Statement 2 is Incorrect – The BIS specification currently does not include specific norms for contamination levels in cotton bales. This is a key criticism by the textile industry, as contamination (from plastic, foreign fibres, etc.) is a serious issue affecting cotton quality and global competitiveness. Statement 3 is Correct – The implementation of the order has been postponed to August 27, 2026, primarily due to practical difficulties in implementation, reluctance of international suppliers to seek BIS registration, and the risk of losing orders from global garment brands that rely on nominated suppliers. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

 

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Eruption

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/indonesias-mount-lewotobi-laki-laki-volcano-erupts-sending-ash-cloud-18-kilometres-in-air/article69782863.ece

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Disaster Management, GS 1 Physical Geography

Context: Volcanic Eruption

Why in News

Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted violently prompting renewed concerns over volcanic hazards in the Pacific Ring of Fire region.

Introduction

• Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, an active stratovolcano on Flores Island, erupted violently.
• The eruption released a plume of volcanic ash and gas reaching 18 kilometers into the atmosphere, the highest since the November 2024 eruption that claimed nine lives.
• The event triggered pyroclastic flows, lava movement, and widespread ash fall in surrounding villages.
• While no casualties were immediately reported, authorities began reassessing exclusion zones and aviation risks.
• This incident underscores the persistent threat of volcanic activity in tectonically active regions, particularly along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where Indonesia is situated.

Why Do Volcanoes Erupt?

• Volcanic eruptions are geological processes resulting from the movement of magma (molten rock) beneath the Earth’s crust.
• The primary cause is the build-up of pressure due to gas and magma accumulation in underground chambers.
• When the pressure exceeds the strength of the overlying rock, magma is forced upward through fissures and vents, erupting at the surface.
• As magma ascends, the decreasing pressure causes volatile gases (e.g., water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide) to expand rapidly, often explosively.
• This sudden release of pressure can produce lava flows, ash columns, pyroclastic flows, and volcanic earthquakes.

Key Features of the Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki Eruption

Parameter	Details
Location	East Flores, Indonesia
Volcano Type	Stratovolcano (Twin system with Lewotobi Perempuan)
Elevation	1,584 metres above sea level
Eruption Date	July 7, 2025
Ash Column Height	Approximately 18 kilometers
Pyroclastic Flow	Travelled up to 5 kilometers down slope
Lava Activity	Lava observed filling the crater via drone monitoring
Alert Level	Highest (raised on June 18, 2025)
Exclusion Zone	7-kilometre radius declared around the crater
Evacuation History	Over 6,500 people evacuated after 2024 eruption
Airport Impact	Frans Seda Airport remains closed due to seismic risk

Geological and Tectonic Context

Indonesia is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a seismically active belt encircling the Pacific Ocean where multiple tectonic plates converge. In this region:

• The Indo-Australian Plate is subducting beneath the Eurasian Plate, causing frequent volcanic and earthquake activity.
• Indonesia has more than 120 active volcanoes, making it the most volcanically active country globally.

Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is one of many stratovolcanoes in this region, characterized by steep-sided cones and periodic explosive eruptions.

Hazards Posed by the Eruption

1. Volcanic Ash Clouds and Aviation Risk
Ash clouds reaching 18 kilometers pose a severe threat to aircraft. Volcanic ash can:

• Damage jet engines and avionics systems
• Reduce visibility and interfere with flight navigation
• Cause large-scale disruptions to air traffic

Historical parallel: The Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland (2010) led to the closure of European airspace, affecting millions of passengers.

2. Pyroclastic Flows and Lava

• Pyroclastic flows are deadly mixtures of hot gases, ash, and rock that descend slopes at high speeds (often exceeding 100 km/h). They are extremely destructive, capable of incinerating everything in their path.
• Drone observations in this eruption confirmed lava accumulation in the crater, a sign of increasing internal pressure and magma movement.

3. Public Health and Livelihood Impacts

• Ash fall can contaminate water sources, damage crops, affect air quality, and lead to respiratory diseases. Prolonged exposure poses serious threats to human health, agriculture, and local ecosystems.

Comparison with Past Major Eruptions in Indonesia

• Mount Merapi, 2010 (Java Island):
  • Claimed 353 lives
  • Over 350,000 people evacuated
  • Demonstrated the lethal potential of explosive eruptions on populated islands
• Mount Lewotobi, November 2024:
  • Killed 9 people and injured dozens
  • Triggered large-scale evacuation and long-term disruption of air traffic

The July 2025 eruption is among the most powerful since the 2010 Merapi disaster and underlines Indonesia’s continued vulnerability to volcanic risks.

Disaster Preparedness and Risk Mitigation

Indonesia’s Response:

• Deployment of drones to monitor crater activity and lava movement
• Expansion of the danger exclusion zone to a 7-kilometre radius
• Coordination between the Geological Agency, local government, and aviation authorities
• Evacuation preparedness in high-risk zones

Importance of Early Warning Systems:

• Volcanic seismology, thermal imaging, and satellite monitoring help track magma movement
• Public awareness campaigns and community drills enhance evacuation efficiency
• Integration of scientific data with policy decisions reduces casualties and damages

Global and Indian Relevance

Although India does not lie in an active volcanic belt, the Barren Island Volcano in the Andaman Sea is India’s only active volcano. Lessons from Indonesia’s response can be useful for Indian disaster planning:

• Strengthening of multi-hazard early warning systems
• Investment in remote sensing and geospatial monitoring
• Capacity building of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local disaster management authorities

Globally, volcanic eruptions pose a transnational threat, particularly to aviation and climate stability. Large eruptions can inject sulphur dioxide into the stratosphere, potentially affecting global weather patterns and agricultural productivity.

Conclusion

The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki illustrates the dynamic and volatile nature of earth’s geological systems. It highlights the necessity for:

• Constant monitoring of volcanoes in seismically active regions
• Investment in scientific research and early warning infrastructure
• Effective coordination between disaster management agencies and local communities
• International cooperation on managing aviation and environmental impacts

With increasing human settlement in high-risk areas and climate-linked vulnerabilities, building resilient communities through technology, awareness, and governance is the key to minimizing loss from such disasters.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q3. With reference to the volcanic activity of Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki, consider the following statements: It is located on the island of Java, Indonesia. The eruption released pyroclastic flows and ash columns reaching up to 18 km in height. Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. It is a shield volcano composed mainly of basaltic lava flows. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 2 and 3 only B. 1 and 4 only C. 2, 3, and 4 only D. 1, 2, and 3 only

Q.  Consider the following: (2013) Electromagnetic radiation Geothermal energy Gravitational force Plate movements Rotation of the earth Revolution of the earth Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth? (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Ans: (d)

Answer 3- A Explanation Statement 1 is Incorrect – Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is situated on Flores Island, not Java. Java is home to other major volcanoes like Mount Merapi, but not Lewotobi Laki Laki. Hence, the geographical detail is inaccurate. Statement 2 is Correct – The eruption on July 7, 2025, produced a volcanic ash column that rose approximately 18 km into the atmosphere and triggered pyroclastic flows up to 5 km down the slopes. This indicates a highly explosive event. Statement 3 is Correct – Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is located in Indonesia, which lies along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a tectonically active belt known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Thus, the volcano is part of this geologically significant region. Statement 4 is Incorrect – Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki is a stratovolcano, not a shield volcano. Stratovolcanoes are steep, conical, and known for explosive eruptions due to their high-viscosity magma, unlike the gentle-sloped basaltic shield volcanoes. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

 

Typhoon Danas (2025): A Multi-Nation Impact Storm

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/typhoon-danas-crosses-taiwan-killing-two-injuring-more-than-300-people/article69782603.ece

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Disaster Management

Context: Typhoon Danas (2025)

Why in News?

Typhoon Danas struck Taiwan on July 6–7, 2025, causing deadly flooding, power outages, and regional disruption before heading toward China.

Introduction

• Typhoon Danas struck Taiwan on July 6–7, 2025, bringing deadly winds, torrential rain, landslides, and widespread power outages.
• It later moved toward eastern China after intensifying seasonal monsoon effects in the Philippines.
• The storm’s regional impact highlights vulnerabilities of densely populated and economically critical coastal areas in East and Southeast Asia.

Meteorological Profile

• Storm Name: Typhoon Danas
• Status at Landfall: Typhoon (later downgraded to a tropical storm)
• Landfall Location: West coast of Taiwan (unusual; typically, east coast is impacted more)
• Maximum Sustained Winds: 144 km/h (89 mph)
• Rainfall: Over 60 cm (24 inches) in some areas
• Impact Zone: Taiwan → Taiwan Strait → Eastern China

Impact in Taiwan

Human Toll

• Fatalities: 2 (in Tainan – due to falling tree and respirator failure from power outage)
• Injuries: Over 334
• Evacuations: Over 3,400 (mostly from mountainous southern Taiwan)

Infrastructure Disruption

• Power Outages: Affected over 580,000 households
• Transport Halted:
  • Flights and ferry services suspended
  • Thousands of tourists stranded in Penghu, Matsu, Green Islands
• Closures: Offices and schools in southern/central Taiwan shut

Environmental Hazards

• Landslides and Flash Floods in mountainous terrain
• Urban flooding due to extreme precipitation

Response and Preparedness

• Taiwan’s Disaster Management:
  • Timely evacuations
  • Closure of public institutions
  • Mobilization of emergency services
• However, power infrastructure vulnerabilities were exposed, especially for life-critical devices like respirators.

China’s Preparedness Measures

As Danas moved toward eastern and southern China, multiple provinces initiated emergency measures:

• Guangdong Province:
  • Hundreds of vessels called to port
  • Over 2,000 workers evacuated from offshore facilities
• Zhejiang Province:
  • Ferry services suspended
  • Construction halted
• Storm expected to reach mainland China on July 8, 2025

Impact on the Philippines

• Northern Philippines saw enhanced seasonal monsoon rains triggered by Danas.
• Low-lying villages flooded
  • Over 3,000 people displaced to emergency shelters
  • Demonstrates how typhoons in nearby seas can amplify monsoons in the region

Strategic and Security Context

• On the same day Taiwan faced the storm, it also reported detection of 50 Chinese military aircraft near its airspace—highlighting the interplay between natural disasters and geopolitical stress in the Taiwan Strait.

Typhoon Season in Taiwan

• Duration: July to October
• Typical Entry Point: Eastern Taiwan (facing Pacific)
• Danas, unusually, made landfall on the western coast, where population density and infrastructure are higher, increasing vulnerability.

Typhoon Characteristics

• Typhoons are tropical cyclones formed over the northwest Pacific Ocean.
• Characterized by:
  • Low pressure cores
  • Warm, moist air
  • Strong rotational winds
  • Heavy rainfall

Disaster Management Lessons

1. Critical Infrastructure Resilience

• Backup power systems (especially for medical equipment) need better safeguards.

2. Urban Planning

• Taiwan’s dense western cities require improved stormwater drainage and landslide mitigation.

3. Regional Coordination

• With effects in Taiwan, China, and the Philippines, Danas underscores the need for ASEAN-China-Taiwan disaster preparedness collaboration.

4. Climate Change Linkage

• Warmer oceans can increase frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones, a concern for island and coastal states.

Conclusion

• Typhoon Danas (2025) was a high-impact event demonstrating the compound risks of extreme weather, infrastructural vulnerabilities, and geopolitical tension.
• As climate risks increase, East Asia’s coastal and island nations must strengthen their disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, build resilient infrastructure, and enhance regional cooperation to manage shared environmental threats.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q4. Match the following tropical cyclones (typhoons) with the ocean/seas over which they typically originate: Typhoon / Cyclone Name Ocean / Sea A. Typhoon Danas 1. North Atlantic Ocean B. Hurricane Katrina 2. Northwest Pacific Ocean C. Cyclone Amphan 3. Bay of Bengal D. Cyclone Freddy 4. Southwest Indian Ocean Select the correct match using the code below: A B C D (A) 2 1 3 4 (B) 1 2 4 3 (C) 2 3 1 4 (D) 3 1 2 4

Q.  Consider the following statements: (2020) Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only. Only some cyclones develop an eye. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only Ans: C

Answer – 4 – A Explanation – Typhoon Danas – Northwest Pacific Ocean (Common typhoon basin affecting Taiwan, Philippines, etc.) Hurricane Katrina – North Atlantic Ocean (Hit the USA in 2005) Cyclone Amphan – Bay of Bengal (Hit India and Bangladesh in 2020) Cyclone Freddy – Southwest Indian Ocean (Affected Madagascar, Mozambique in 2023) Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

Maternal Mortality in India

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/fostering-a-commitment-to-stop-maternal-deaths/article69784339.ece

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 Social Justice, Public Health

Context: Maternal Mortality in India

Why in News

Despite a decline in India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio to 93 (2019–21), preventable deaths persist due to systemic delays and regional healthcare disparities.

Introduction

• India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR)—defined as the number of maternal deaths per 1,00,000 live births—stood at 93 for the period 2019–21, as per the Sample Registration System (SRS).
• This implies that 93 women die for every one lakh live births, despite many having access to safe deliveries.

MMR Trends: A Declining but Uneven Pattern

• Progress:
  India has witnessed a steady decline in MMR:
  • 103 (2017–19)
  • 97 (2018–20)
  • 93 (2019–21)
• Disparities among States:
  To understand the regional differences, states have been categorized into three groups:

Category	States	MMR Range
EAG States	Bihar, UP, MP, Odisha, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Assam	High (100–175)
Southern States	Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, AP, Karnataka	Low to Moderate (20–63)
Other States	Maharashtra (38), Gujarat (53), Punjab (98), Haryana (106), WB (109)	Mixed

• Best performer: Kerala (MMR: 20)
• Worst performer: Madhya Pradesh (MMR: 175)

Understanding Maternal Death: Definition

• Maternal death is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy, from causes related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management.

Three Delays Model: The Root Causes of Maternal Deaths

As conceptualized by Deborah Maine and adopted in India’s Safe Motherhood initiatives, maternal deaths are often caused by “three delays”:

1. Delay in Decision to Seek Care

• Social stigma and beliefs about childbirth being a natural process.
• Low literacy, poverty, and gender inequality delay timely decisions.
• However, community-based interventions like:
  • Self-help groups
  • ASHA workers (since 2005 under NRHM)
  • Financial incentives for institutional delivery
    have improved awareness and increased hospital births.

2. Delay in Reaching the Health Facility

• Geographic barriers: Remote areas, tribal belts, and poor road connectivity.
• Emergency transport systems like the 108 ambulance under NHM have improved access but gaps remain.

3. Delay in Receiving Adequate Care at Facility

• Shortage of specialists: 66% vacancies in Community Health Centres.
• Non-functional First Referral Units (FRUs).
• Lack of:
  • Obstetricians, anaesthetists, blood banks.
  • Operation theatres.
  • Emergency drugs and trained personnel.

Medical Causes of Maternal Deaths

1. Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

• Biggest killer.
• Bleeding after delivery due to failure of uterus to contract.
• Need for urgent blood transfusion and surgical care.

2. Obstructed Labour

• Occurs in malnourished, stunted young mothers with contracted pelvis.
• Requires emergency C-sections.

3. Hypertensive Disorders

• Conditions like eclampsia lead to seizures, coma, and sudden death.
• Timely diagnosis and medication is essential.

4. Unsafe Abortions and Sepsis

• Due to failure of contraceptives and unsafe methods used by quacks.
• Lack of antibiotics and delayed hospital admissions worsen the outcome.

5. Associated Diseases in EAG States

• Malaria, TB, chronic UTIs aggravate risks during pregnancy.

Best Practices and Models to Emulate

Kerala Model

• Confidential Review of Maternal Deaths: Identifies gaps and tailors interventions.
• Advanced clinical practices:
  • Uterine artery clamps
  • Suction canula to manage uterine atonicity
  • Management of rare complications (e.g., amniotic fluid embolism, hepatic failure)
• Mental health addressed: antenatal depression, postpartum psychosis.

Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu

• Have met UN SDG goals on MMR, Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), and Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR).

Way Forward: A Differential Strategy

1. Tailored Approach

• EAG States: Focus on strengthening basic health infrastructure, human resources, and blood banks.
• Southern & Other States: Focus on quality of care, emergency management, and training.

2. Health System Strengthening

• Operationalise minimum 4 FRUs per district.
• Fill specialist vacancies in CHCs.
• Ensure blood storage and 24/7 emergency surgical care.

3. Preventive Measures

• Universal early antenatal registration.
• Routine check-ups and nutritional supplementation (Iron, Folic Acid).
• Promotion of institutional deliveries through schemes like Janani Suraksha Yojana.

4. Monitoring and Accountability

• Mandatory maternal death audits under NHM.
• Real-time data use for corrective interventions.

Conclusion

• Despite improvements, 93 maternal deaths per lakh live births is a stark reminder that safe motherhood remains an unfulfilled promise for many Indian women, especially in the poorer states.
• With a committed, decentralised and evidence-based strategy, India can eliminate preventable maternal deaths and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of MMR < 70 by 2030.

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q5. With reference to maternal mortality in India, consider the following statements: India’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has shown a declining trend and stood at 93 per 1,00,000 live births during 2019–21. Kerala has the highest MMR among all southern states. Postpartum haemorrhage is one of the leading medical causes of maternal deaths in India. The “three delays” model includes delay in recognising danger, delay in transportation, and delay in receiving adequate care at the facility. Which of the above statements are correct? (A) 1, 2 and 3 only (B) 1, 3 and 4 only (C) 2 and 4 only (D) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q.  The total fertility rate in an economy is defined as: (2024) a. the number of children born per 1000 people in the population in a year. b. the number of children born to a couple in their lifetime in a given population. c. the birth rate minus death rate. d. the average number of live births a woman would have by the end of her child-bearing age. Ans: (b)

Answer – 5 – B Explanation – Statement 1 is Correct – India’s MMR has been declining and stood at 93 per 1,00,000 live births during the period 2019–21, according to the Sample Registration System (SRS). Statement 2 is Incorrect – Kerala has the lowest MMR (20) among the southern states, not the highest. Karnataka has the highest MMR (63) among them. Statement 3 is Correct – Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading direct cause of maternal deaths in India, due to excessive bleeding following delivery. Statement 4 is Correct – The “three delays” model, developed by Deborah Maine, includes: Delay in recognising danger and deciding to seek care, Delay in reaching a healthcare facility, and Delay in receiving adequate treatment at the facility. Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Bonn Climate Conference 2025: Key Takeaways and Implications for COP30

Source: The Hindu

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and-environment/months-ahead-of-cop30-bonn-climate-talks-fumble-pressure-test/article69779982.ece

UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Environment and Ecology

Context: Bonn Climate Conference 2025

Why in News?

The Bonn Climate Conference 2025 revealed deep North-South divides over climate finance, adaptation metrics, and mitigation responsibilities ahead of COP30 in Brazil.

Introduction

• Held annually in Bonn, Germany, the Subsidiary Bodies (SB) meeting acts as a technical and political staging ground for the year-end Conference of Parties (COP).
• The 2025 Bonn session assumed special significance ahead of COP30 in Brazil, expected to deliver on crucial agendas like adaptation, finance, and the Global Stocktake.
• However, the session was marred by delays, disagreements, and diplomatic deadlocks, reflecting deep divides on implementation pathways and historical responsibilities.

Delayed Start and Procedural Gridlocks

• Key Issue: Agenda adoption was delayed by nearly two days due to disagreements over climate finance (Article 9.1 of Paris Agreement) and unilateral trade measures (e.g., Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms – CBAMs).
• India & LMDCs’ Stand:
  • Sought explicit discussion on developed countries’ legal obligations to provide finance.
  • Opposed carbon border taxes as violating equity and Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR).
• EU & Developed Countries: Rejected standalone finance discussions; agreed only to informal consultations.

Significance: This early standoff reflected continued North-South tensions and foreshadowed a tough road ahead at COP30.

Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA): Metrics Without Money?

• Objective: To measure progress on adaptation capacity, vulnerability reduction, and resilience building.
• Progress:
  • 490 indicators shortlisted (from 9,000); aim to consolidate to ~100.
  • India emphasized flexible, context-sensitive indicators.
• Flashpoint:
  • Disputes over including indicators for means of implementation (finance, tech transfer).
  • Developed nations (e.g., Japan, Australia) opposed finance-linked metrics.
  • African Group, AILAC demanded finance indicators but rejected tracking domestic finance.

Outcome: Agreement on a globally applicable headline indicator set with region-specific sub-indicators; no consensus on finance metrics.

Mitigation Work Programme (MWP): Facilitation or Pressure?

• Background: MWP is designed to scale action to meet the 1.5°C Paris target.
• Core Debate:
  • Developing countries: Emphasized that many already have ambitious NDCs but lack support to implement.
  • Warned against MWP becoming a new commitment regime.
• India, LMDCs, African Group: Advocated a non-punitive, facilitative role.
• Innovation: Proposal to create a digital platform for sharing tools (supported by Brazil, Egypt) met with concerns over duplication.

Outcome: Support for continuing dialogues; limited consensus on scope expansion.

Loss and Damage (L&D): Progress with Persistent Gaps

• Warsaw Mechanism Review: Proposals to integrate L&D into NDCs and enhance technical assistance.
• Key Concerns:
  • Functioning of the Santiago Network remains unclear.
  • Funding gaps remain a major barrier.
• India and G77/China: Demanded streamlined access and scaled-up funding.
• Observers’ Input: Called for inclusion of non-economic losses, human rights focus, and increased finance.

Outcome: Some progress, but operational clarity and financing remain sticking points.

Just Transition and Gender Action Plan: Equity at the Core

• Just Transition Discussions:
  • Emphasized equity, labour rights, national context.
  • Highlighted impacts of CBAMs, trade barriers, and critical mineral sourcing.
• Gender Plan Controversies:
  • Disputes over terms like gender diversity and intersectionality.
  • Key priorities: unpaid care work, reproductive health, gender-based violence.
• Outcome: Issues to be carried forward to COP30; showed growing intersection of climate with social justice.

Climate Finance: The Elephant in the Negotiating Room

• Baku to Belém Roadmap: Meant to operationalise the $1.3 trillion/year climate finance goal.
• Major Points of Contention:
  • Grants vs. Loans
  • Public vs. Private Sources
  • Adaptation vs. Mitigation Bias
• Developing Countries’ Stand:
  • G77 and China demanded transparent burden-sharing.
  • SIDS (AOSIS): Called for tailored, fast-track funding.
  • LDCs: Asked for tripling adaptation finance, grants-based instruments.
• Innovations Proposed: Taxes on financial transactions, carbon taxes, and non-debt instruments.
• Concerns Raised:
  • Credibility of ex-ante finance reporting under Article 9.5.
  • Discrepancies between promised vs. disbursed funds.

Outcome: No agreement on structure; debate to intensify at COP30.

7. Adaptation Fund Governance

• Proposal: AOSIS demanded the World Bank (currently interim trustee) be designated permanent trustee of the Adaptation Fund.

Implications for India

• Staunch opposition to carbon border taxes reinforces India’s role as a leader in championing CBDR.
• Support for context-sensitive adaptation metrics aligns with India’s development-first climate vision.
• Advocacy for just transition, accessible finance, and gender inclusion projects India as a responsible yet assertive climate negotiator.

Conclusion:

The Bonn Climate Conference 2025 revealed both the incremental progress in technical areas and the deep-rooted political fault lines that continue to plague global climate action. Issues around:

• Equity
• Historical responsibility
• Finance delivery
• Unilateral trade measures

CARE MCQ

UPSC PYQ

Q6 With reference to the Bonn Climate Conference 2025, consider the following statements: The Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDCs), including India, pushed for including discussions on carbon border taxes and climate finance obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement. The Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA) reached full consensus on including finance-related indicators to track means of implementation. Under the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), developing countries emphasized that many of them have already committed ambitious NDCs but lack sufficient financial and technical support for implementation. 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

Q.   With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016) The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: B

Answer – 6 – C Explanation – Statement 1 is Correct – India and the LMDC group demanded the inclusion of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement (which obligates developed countries to provide climate finance) and carbon border taxes on the agenda, citing concerns over equity and CBDR. Statement 2 is Incorrect – The GGA did not reach consensus on including finance-related indicators. While some indicators were agreed upon, means of implementation (finance, tech transfer) remained unresolved. Statement 3 is Correct – Under the Mitigation Work Programme, developing countries, including India, emphasized that they have ambitious NDCs but face a lack of financial and technical support, urging that the MWP remain non-punitive and facilitative. Therefore, option C is the correct answer.