Topic-1 : The Hindu Editorial Summary : Curbing Black Carbon Emissions in India
Question : Discuss the significance of curbing black carbon emissions in India’s efforts towards climate mitigation and sustainable development, highlighting challenges and potential solutions.
India’s Climate Goals
- Net-zero emissions by 2070 (pledged at COP26).
- Focus on renewable energy:
- Achieved 180 GW capacity by 2023.
- Targeting 500 GW by 2030.
Black Carbon – A Threat
- Emitted from incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels.
- Contributes to global warming and health risks like heart disease, birth complications, and premature death.
- Major sources in India (2016 study):
- Residential sector – 47%
- Industries – 22%
- Diesel vehicles – 17%
- Open burning – 12%
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
- Launched in 2016 to provide free LPG connections to poor households.
- Aims to reduce black carbon by offering a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels.
- Challenges:
- Up to 50% of PMUY beneficiaries still use traditional fuels due to:
- Shortage of LPG.
- High cost of LPG compared to free alternatives like firewood.
- Women and children disproportionately affected.
- Up to 50% of PMUY beneficiaries still use traditional fuels due to:
Government’s Role
- Increasing LPG subsidy: ₹300 from ₹200 (Oct 2023).
- However, LPG prices still high even with subsidy.
- Need to address:
- Affordability – make clean fuel accessible.
- Availability – improve last-mile connectivity in rural areas.
Potential Solution: Local Production of Coal-Bed Methane (CBM) Gas
- Cleaner fuel with lower black carbon emissions.
- Panchayats can take initiative for local production through composting biomass.
- Ensures access to clean cooking fuel for rural households.
Conclusion
- Prioritizing black carbon reduction helps India:
- Address regional health concerns.
- Achieve Sustainable Development Goal of clean energy access.
- Become a leader in climate mitigation.
Topic-2 : The Hindu Editorial Summary : Sickle Cell Disease and Treatment Challenges in India
Question : Discuss the challenges associated with the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in India, highlighting issues of inadequate access to essential therapies and the potential of CRISPR gene-editing technology.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
- Inherited blood disorder causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped.
- Reduces oxygen flow, leading to pain, organ damage, and early death.
- India has the third highest number of SCD births globally.
- Recognized as a disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016.
Treatment Issues
- National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission (2023):Aims to eliminate SCD by 2047.
- Current treatment and care are inadequate and inaccessible, especially for marginalized communities.
Examples of Limited Access:
- Hydroxyurea:Reduces pain and improves survival rates, but only available in some tertiary-level facilities.
- Blood Transfusions:Essential therapy, but limited availability at district-level facilities.
- Pain Medication:Painkillers, anti-inflammatories, and opioids are often scarce.
- Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT):Previously the only cure, but limited by:
- Difficulty finding matched donors.
- High cost in private facilities.
- Long waiting times in public hospitals.
CRISPR Gene-Editing Technology
- Offers potential cure for SCD, but faces challenges:
- High cost ($2-3 million) makes it out of reach for most patients in endemic countries.
- Requires advanced care in well-resourced hospitals, further limiting access.
CRISPR in India
- Ethical and legal concerns regarding its use:
- National Guidelines for Stem Cell Research (2017) prohibits commercialization of stem cell therapies.
- Gene editing allowed only for in-vitro studies.
- Government initiatives:
- Five-year project to develop CRISPR for SCD.
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research is developing gene-editing therapies.
Way Forward
- Comprehensive approach needed to address multiple issues:
- Improved access to diagnostics, essential drugs, health information, and community support.
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