Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Editorial Topic : Balancing Competition and Sustainability for India

 GS-3 Mains Exam : Economy

Revision Notes

Introduction

• Markets have evolved from the barter system to complex digital platforms, driven by the forces of supply and demand.
• However, climate change is disrupting supply chains, leading to market imbalances and economic challenges.

Regulatory Frameworks for Sustainability Reporting

• To promote transparency and combat greenwashing, regulatory bodies like SEBI are mandating sustainability reporting by corporates.
• This requires companies to account for their environmental impact throughout the value chain.

Global Initiatives on Competition and Sustainability

• Globally, competition authorities are grappling with the balance between fostering competition and encouraging sustainable practices.
• Some jurisdictions, like Japan and the EU, are exploring guidelines to facilitate cooperation among businesses for sustainability goals while safeguarding competition.

Indian Initiatives on Competition and Sustainability

• India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has recognized the challenges posed by the pandemic and has taken steps to facilitate information sharing among businesses for fair distribution.
• However, there is a need for more comprehensive policies to support sustainable business practices.

Legislative and Policy Recommendations

To foster both competition and sustainability, the CCI can:

• Promote competition advocacy and awareness.
• Issue guidelines on sustainability agreements and exemptions.
• Conduct comprehensive studies on green initiatives and market feasibility.
• Integrate sustainability considerations into existing policies like the National Telecom Policy and National Competition Policy.

Conclusion

Competition and sustainability are interconnected. To achieve net-zero emissions, India needs to promote greener technologies and practices while maintaining a competitive market. By integrating sustainability into competition policies, the CCI can create a win-win situation for both the environment and the economy.

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Analysis

Editorial Topic : Stalked by polio, Gaza faces another siege

 GS-2 Mains Exam : IR

Revision Notes

Introduction

War brings extensive devastation, leading to the mass destruction of humans, animals, and plants. This destruction disrupts ecosystems, as animals are vital for maintaining ecological balance and plants play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. The aftermath of war, characterized by incendiary explosives and building debris, leaves behind long-lasting toxic effects. Additionally, the movement and operations of military forces contribute significantly to carbon emissions, further impacting the environment.

Impact of War on Ecosystems and Health

• War Consequences: War causes mass destruction of humans, animals, and plants, disrupting ecosystems and carbon sequestration processes.
• Long-term Toxic Effects: Incendiary explosives and building debris leave toxic residues affecting generations.
• Carbon Footprint: Armies generate significant carbon footprints during movement and operations.

Biological Weapons and War-related Concerns

• Biological Weapons: Defined by the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs as agents that spread disease-causing organisms or toxins to harm humans, animals, or plants.
• Climate Change and Disease:
  • Disease Spread: Climate change creates conditions conducive to spreading disease-causing microbes.
  • Impaired Response: Wars create chemically toxic environments, hampering the ability to respond to climate change and disease.

Gaza War and Polio Outbreak

• Critical Infrastructure: Bombing hospitals, blocking medical aid, and cutting off water and electricity cripple infrastructure, particularly in Gaza.
• Disease Spread: Poliovirus found in Gaza’s sewage indicates increasing virus dissemination.
• Healthcare Accessibility: Only one-third of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are functional, making healthcare inaccessible for many.
• Medical Aid Restrictions: Israeli bombings and ground forces limit medical aid access, increasing the risk of undiagnosed poliovirus infections.
• Sanitation Issues: Overcrowded and unhealthy conditions in Gaza heighten disease risks and hinder disease surveillance.

Poliovirus in Gaza

• Vaccine-derived Poliovirus Type 2: The circulating virus in Gaza is believed to be of this type.
• Global Efforts at Risk: Allowing virus spread undermines three decades of efforts; wild poliovirus type 1 is currently limited to rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Regional Threat: Poor medical conditions in Gaza could endanger the Israeli population.
• Vulnerable States: Conflict-affected states like Malawi and Mozambique reported wild poliovirus cases after disrupted immunisation drives during COVID-19.
• Declining Immunisation Rates: Gaza’s immunisation rate dropped from 99% to 89% between late 2022 and 2023 (WHO data).

Recommended Actions

• Vaccination Drives:
  • Israel has delivered 300,000 vaccines to Gaza since its offensive.
  • Israel instructs soldiers to avoid Gaza’s water, supplying millions of bottled water units instead.
• Wastewater Treatment: Israel must stop damaging water infrastructure in Gaza to enable wastewater treatment and prevent polio spread.
• Ceasefire Calls:
  • Public health experts in Israel urge a ceasefire to prevent a polio epidemic among Gazan and Israeli babies.
  • Ceasefire would allow for early rehabilitation and recovery.
• Multilateral Support: WHO is sending over one million polio vaccines to the region.

Immediate Actions Required

• Israel’s Response:
  • Avoid denying international pleas and sustain humane living conditions for Gazans.
  • Facilitate rehabilitation and humanitarian assistance immediately.
  • Ensure access to healthcare and improved living standards to prevent outcomes akin to biological warfare.