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Topic – Cloud seeding in India

Source: The Indian Express

Q1. “The recent cloud seeding experiment over Delhi marks a scientific attempt to mitigate air pollution. Discuss the science, feasibility, and challenges of using weather modification technologies like cloud seeding for air quality improvement in India.” (15 marks, 250 words)

IntroductionRecently, a Cessna 206H aircraft conducted a cloud seeding trial over Delhi, flying from IIT-Kanpur to Meerut and covering Burari, Mayur Vihar, and north Karol Bagh. The experiment, coordinated by IIT Kanpur, sought to induce light rainfall to wash away pollutants during a period of severe air pollution. While hailed as India’s first large-scale scientific effort to use artificial rain for pollution control, it also raises crucial questions about efficacy, atmospheric suitability, and environmental ethics.
Body
  • The Science Behind Cloud Seeding
  • Preconditions and Atmospheric Constraints
  • Environmental Rationale and Potential Benefits
  • Limitations and Ethical-Environmental Concerns
  • The Way Forward: Integrative and Scientific Pollution Mitigation
ConclusionCloud seeding represents a technological experiment, not a permanent remedy. While its scientific merit lies in atmospheric innovation, true air quality improvement in India demands addressing structural sources of pollution. Artificial rain may cleanse the air for a day, but sustainable policy must clean the air for generations.
UPSC SyllabusPollution Control
Why was this question asked?Q. What are the possible mitigation measures to reduce the impact of anthropogenic air pollution in major cities of India? (2023)
IntroductionRecently, a Cessna 206H aircraft conducted a cloud seeding trial over Delhi, flying from IIT-Kanpur to Meerut and covering Burari, Mayur Vihar, and north Karol Bagh. The experiment, coordinated by IIT Kanpur, sought to induce light rainfall to wash away pollutants during a period of severe air pollution. While hailed as India’s first large-scale scientific effort to use artificial rain for pollution control, it also raises crucial questions about efficacy, atmospheric suitability, and environmental ethics.
BodyThe Science Behind Cloud Seeding

 

  • Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique that injects condensation nuclei such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, or sodium chloride into clouds.
  • These particles promote droplet formation, leading to precipitation when clouds reach saturation.
  • According to the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM, 2024), seeding can be done using aircraft, drones, or ground generators, and has been in practice globally since the 1940s.

Preconditions and Atmospheric Constraints

  • Successful seeding requires adequate cloud cover, vertical depth, and sufficient moisture content.
  • During Delhi’s winter, western disturbances are the main source of cloud formation, but these clouds are often shallow and low in liquid water content, limiting effectiveness.
  • Experts from IIT-Kanpur have noted that continuous meteorological monitoring is essential to determine optimal timing.

Environmental Rationale and Potential Benefits

  • Rainfall can temporarily reduce particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) by wet deposition, a natural cleansing process where raindrops capture and remove aerosols.
  • Similar trials have shown rainfall increases of up to 24% in favorable conditions (Murthy et al., 2000).
  • In the short term, this can break the pollution cycle, offering brief respite to residents and helping emergency air quality management.

Limitations and Ethical-Environmental Concerns

  • The effect is temporary, not addressing root causes like vehicular emissions, industrial pollution, and stubble burning.
  • Overuse of chemicals like silver iodide raises concerns about ecotoxicity and long-term soil or water contamination.
  • High costs, unpredictable weather, and dependence on favorable cloud conditions make large-scale replication challenging.
  • Some experts call this a “reactive” rather than “preventive” approach to pollution control.

The Way Forward: Integrative and Scientific Pollution Mitigation

  • Cloud seeding should be part of a broader strategy including clean fuel adoption, waste management, stubble solutions, and urban green buffers.
  • The System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) and National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) can integrate geoengineering trials with predictive modeling.
  • Collaboration among IITs, IMD, and CPCB can refine scientific parameters for responsible use.
ConclusionCloud seeding represents a technological experiment, not a permanent remedy. While its scientific merit lies in atmospheric innovation, true air quality improvement in India demands addressing structural sources of pollution. Artificial rain may cleanse the air for a day, but sustainable policy must clean the air for generations.

Topic – Indian Diaspora – Role and Engagement with India

Source: The Hindu

Q 2. “PIO and OCI were merged as OCI. India presents this arrangement as ‘dual citizenship in spirit, but not in law.” In this context, discuss the challenges and opportunities of engaging the Indian diaspora amid rising nationalism in host countries. (15 marks, 250 words)

IntroductionThe Indian diaspora—comprising over 32 million people spread across various countries—has been a vital bridge between India and the world. To institutionalize this relationship, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was launched in 2003, inspired by the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora (L.M. Singhvi Committee Report, 2001). Celebrated every year on 9th January, the day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa in 1915, PBD symbolizes India’s recognition of its overseas community’s contribution. The merger of the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) schemes in 2015 further strengthened this engagement—embodying “dual citizenship in spirit, but not in law.”
Body
  • Evolution of India’s Diaspora Policy and PIO–OCI Merger
  • Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): Institutionalizing Diaspora Diplomacy
  • Dual Citizenship – The Legal and Political Balance
  • Challenges Amid Rising Host-Country Nationalism
  • Opportunities and Way Forward
ConclusionIndia’s approach—merging PIO and OCI and celebrating Pravasi Bharatiya Divas—reflects a mature diaspora policy that blends emotional connection with constitutional prudence. As “dual citizens in spirit,” overseas Indians embody India’s global identity. However, as host-country nationalism rises, India must recalibrate its outreach to emphasize mutual respect, people-to-people ties, and inclusive global partnerships, ensuring the diaspora remains a bridge, not a battleground, in world politics.
UPSC SyllabusIndian Diaspora – Role and Engagement with India
Why was this question asked?Q. “Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European countries. Comment with examples.” (2020)
IntroductionThe Indian diaspora—comprising over 32 million people spread across various countries—has been a vital bridge between India and the world. To institutionalize this relationship, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was launched in 2003, inspired by the recommendations of the High-Level Committee on the Indian Diaspora (L.M. Singhvi Committee Report, 2001). Celebrated every year on 9th January, the day Mahatma Gandhi returned from South Africa in 1915, PBD symbolizes India’s recognition of its overseas community’s contribution. The merger of the Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) schemes in 2015 further strengthened this engagement—embodying “dual citizenship in spirit, but not in law.”
BodyEvolution of India’s Diaspora Policy and PIO–OCI Merger

 

  • Early engagement with the diaspora was symbolic, focusing on emotional and cultural linkages rather than policy frameworks.
  • The PIO Card (1999) and OCI Scheme (2005) provided structured privileges to overseas Indians, later merged in 2015 to simplify administration.
  • The merger offered lifelong visa, parity in education and economic rights, and recognition of the diaspora’s cultural roots while maintaining India’s sovereignty.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD): Institutionalizing Diaspora Diplomacy

  • Objective: To connect India with its global community, acknowledge their achievements, and involve them in nation-building.
  • Key initiatives: Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards, Youth PBD Conferences, and sectoral collaborations.
  • The PBD platform also facilitated the creation of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) (later merged with MEA in 2016) and laid the foundation for policy instruments like OCI cards.

Dual Citizenship – The Legal and Political Balance

  • The Indian Constitution (Articles 5–9) prohibits dual citizenship to prevent divided loyalties.
  • The OCI card functions as a “soft citizenship”, allowing diaspora members to stay connected culturally and economically without political rights.
  • This model safeguards national sovereignty while nurturing emotional ties—a balance between belonging and legal separation.

Challenges Amid Rising Host-Country Nationalism

  • In countries like the U.S., U.K., and Australia, concerns over foreign interference have intensified scrutiny of multiple citizenships.
  • U.S. lawmakers, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene, have demanded tighter checks on individuals holding foreign ties, reflecting fears of dual loyalties.
  • Diaspora advocacy for Indian policies sometimes triggers political backlash in host nations, revealing the limits of multi-alignment for diaspora communities.

Opportunities and Way Forward

  • Leveraging soft power: Diaspora professionals strengthen India’s image through science, culture, and entrepreneurship.
  • Policy support: The government’s Global Pravasi Rishta Portal and Know India Programme deepen engagement.
  • Future path: Promote non-political cooperation—innovation, startups, education, and cultural diplomacy—while avoiding partisan mobilization abroad.
ConclusionIndia’s approach—merging PIO and OCI and celebrating Pravasi Bharatiya Divas—reflects a mature diaspora policy that blends emotional connection with constitutional prudence. As “dual citizens in spirit,” overseas Indians embody India’s global identity. However, as host-country nationalism rises, India must recalibrate its outreach to emphasize mutual respect, people-to-people ties, and inclusive global partnerships, ensuring the diaspora remains a bridge, not a battleground, in world politics.
UPSC CARE Mains Practice 30th October 2025
UPSC CARE Mains Practice 27th October 2025
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