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UPSC Key: Vice President of India, MiG-21 and Biostimulants
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 23, 2025. If you missed the July 22, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here FRONT PAGE Dhankhar accepting Opposition notice to impeach judge rubbed Govt 'wrong way' Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Parliament and State legislatures—structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these. What's the ongoing story: With no word from the government on the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, barring an acknowledgement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday noon, what precipitated his sudden move is being attributed to two signature-collection drives to move a motion to impeach Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma for the alleged cash found in his premises. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the term of office of the vice president of India? • What happens if the Vice-President of India resigns mid-term? • Who does the Vice-President of India tender his resignation to? • How electoral college for the election of the Vice President is different from the President? • To be eligible for election as Vice President, a person should fulfil certain qualifications-What are they? • The oath of office to the Vice President is administered by Whom? • Know Powers And Functions of the Vice President • What are the constitutional and statutory framework governing mid-term Vice Presidential elections in India? • What is the distinction between 'submission' and 'admission' of an impeachment notice? • What are the constitutional gap that arises due to the absence of a Vice-President and Chairman during an ongoing session? • The office of the Indian Vice President and the American Vice President-Compare and Contrast • 'The independence and neutrality of parliamentary presiding officers are critical for the smooth functioning of democracy.'-Discuss Key Takeaways: • The first of these was by the Opposition which started two weeks ago but picked up momentum Sunday, to collect at least 50 signatures – the minimum needed to move a motion in the Rajya Sabha – to initiate the removal of Justice Varma. • The government saw this as a move by the Opposition to undercut its own motion in this regard in the Lok Sabha, for which it had collected 145 signatures – the minimum for Lok Sabha is 100 – including those of the Opposition. Incidentally, in the run-up to the monsoon session, the Government had made it clear that it would move a motion to impeach the judge. • The Modi government hoped that the removal of Justice Varma then would be by 'consensus' and not seen as partisan. (The motion to remove a judge can be initiated in either House.) • According to sources, the government was not too happy about Dhankhar accepting the motion, upstaging its own initiative in the Rajya Sabha. A frantic exercise began allegedly then to rustle up signatures of NDA MPs. Do You Know: • Article 63 of the Constitution states that 'there shall be a Vice-President of India'. Under Article 64, the Vice President 'shall be ex officio Chairman of the Council of the States' (Rajya Sabha). • The Vice President holds the nation's second-highest office. In the official warrant of precedence, he is given a rank next to the President. The design of this position is based on the American vice president. • Article 65 says that 'in the event of the occurrence of any vacancy in the office of the President by reason of his death, resignation or removal, or otherwise, the Vice-President shall act as President until the date on which a new President…enters upon his office'. • The Vice-President shall also discharge the functions of the President when the latter is unable to do so 'owing to absence, illness or any other cause'. • Article 66 lays down the process of the election of the Vice-President. • The Vice-President serves a term of five years from the date he assumes office. However, he may resign at any time by submitting a resignation letter to the President. He can also be removed from office before the completion of his term without the need for a formal impeachment process. Removal requires a resolution passed by the Rajya Sabha with an absolute majority (a majority of the total members of the House) and approved by the Lok Sabha. Such a resolution can only be moved after providing at least 14 days' prior notice. Importantly, the Constitution does not specify any grounds for the Vice-President's removal. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why RS may not see a new Chairman before Monsoon Session ends 📍A very political V-P Previous year UPSC Main Question Covering similar theme: 📍Discuss the role of the Vice –Presidents of India as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha. (2022) IAF to retire MiG-21 fighter jets in Sept, after six decades of service Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: • General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. • General Studies III: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate. What's the ongoing story: After protecting the Indian skies through all major conflicts over more than six decades, the legendary MiG-21 fighter jets are set to retire in September. Key Points to Ponder: • What is MiG-21 Bison? • What is the phase-out plan of the aircraft? • Why does the IAF continue flying the MiG aircraft? • How many MiG-21 are there in Indian Air Force? • Why so many MiG-21 crashes in India? • Why MiG-21s have earned the nicknames 'flying coffin' and 'widow maker'? • What are the policy paralysis with which Indian Air Force taking time to replace MiG-21 fighter jets with more capable aircraft like the SU-30? • A soldier serves with the concept of unlimited liability-What do you understand by this statement? • Can you recall Flt Lt Abhijit Gadgil case in 2001? (Hint: The movie 'Rang de Basanti' was loosely based on him) • Air safety measures for Pilots in defence-Know in detail Key Takeaways: • Sources in the military told The Indian Express that the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to retire the remaining Russian-origin MiG-21 fleet in a ceremonial decommissioning on September 19 at the Chandigarh airbase. Two squadrons of the MiG-21 Bisons are currently active. • India procured more than 700 MiG-21 aircraft of different variants, such as the Type-77, Type-96, BIS and the Bison, since the aircraft's induction in the IAF in 1963. • The phasing out of the aging MiG-21 fleet was originally scheduled to be concluded by 2022, but was held up due to the delay in the planned induction of other fighter jets, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, which are set to replace the MiG-21 squadrons. • Between 2017 and 2024, at least four MiG-21 squadrons were phased out. India has a sanctioned fighter squadron strength of 42, but has 31 active squadrons. The phasing out of the MiG-21 fleet will further bring down IAF's active fighter squadrons. Do You Know: • The MiG-21 Bison, which comprises the last two squadrons to be retired, is one of India's six fighter jets. The single engine, single-seater multi-role fighter/ground attack aircraft has been a key fighter jet with the IAF. The Bison is the latest upgrade of the MiG-21 jets. Over 100 MiG-21s of the IAF have been upgraded to Bison in the last nearly three decades. • The MiG-21 Bison upgrades included avionics and communication systems, electronics, multi-function display cockpits, the Kopyo light-weight multi-mode radar, radio sets, electronic warfare suite, inertial navigation system/GPS, a helmet-mounted display and a better windshield, among others. However, the engine performance and load carrying capacity of the jet could be not enhanced as part of the upgrades, with its airframe being the major limitation. • With a maximum speed of 2230 km/hr, the jet carries one 23mm twin-barrel cannon with four R-60 close combat missiles. Initially developed as an interceptor, the supersonic jet was eventually upgraded to perform as a multi-role combat aircraft, including ground attacks. • Despite its stellar performance in all wars and conflicts fought by India, the MiG-21 jets had earned a mixed reputation due to several crashes, although it can happen due to a multitude of reasons. Some estimates say that India lost over 400 MiG-21 jets, including its variants and trainer versions, since its induction, and the crashes killed over 100 pilots and some civilians. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍The MiG-21 is set to retire. It is about time 📍MiG-21s to retire by September: Journey of the fighter jet that won wars, but was always under accident cloud BCCI to come under sports governance Bill, says ministry; Board to wait, watch Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: The Government is all set to introduce the National Sports Governance Bill in Parliament on Wednesday, which will bring the Indian cricket board under its preview along with the 45 National Sports Federations (NSFs). Once the Bill becomes law, the BCCI will have to be recognised by a proposed National Sports Board, Sports Ministry sources said. Key Points to Ponder: • What is National Sports Governance Bill? • National Sports Governance Bill-Know its key features • Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)-About, role and nature of work • Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is what-is it a government body or is it a society? • BCCI is registered as a society in which state? • Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) comes under Article 12 of Indian constitution? • What Article 12 of Indian constitution says? • Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formed before or after independence? • What are the controversies or issues with the governance of Cricket in India? Key Takeaways: • The move is significant because the BCCI is an autonomous sports body registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. It is not among the 45 recognized NSFs, which includes major Olympic sports and also indigenous sports like Yogasana, Kho-Kho and Atya Patya. • The BCCI has in the past refused to come under the National Sports Federation category as it doesn't take funds from the Sports Ministry. In recent years, they have also pointed to how they have accepted the Lodha panel reforms on governance, mandated by the Supreme Court, which primarily stipulated that no office-bearer can have a tenure of more than six years at a stretch, with the maximum being nine. • Along with the National Governance Sports Bill, the newly proposed National Anti-doping Bill is also set to be introduced Wednesday. The anti-doping Bill comes at a time when India has topped the World Anti-Doping Agency's 2023 testing figures among countries which analysed 5,000 or more samples. Do You Know: • Under the National Sports Governance Bill, the National Sports Board will be set up to oversee recognition and suspension of NSFs. The members of the Board, including a chairperson, will be appointed by the central government. The Board will also be responsible for safeguarding of athletes rights and fair and timely elections in the NSFs. In cases where federations are suspended or lose recognition, the Bill authorises the Board to appoint ad-hoc administrative bodies. • The Bill also introduces a provision to increase the upper-age cap to 75 years, from the previous 70, for an official. This means individuals between 70 and 75 may serve a full term if allowed by relevant international statutes. If the BCCI comes under the NSF umbrella, its current president Roger Binny who turned 70 on July 19, may be able to continue in his post. As per BCCI's constitution, which was approved by the Supreme Court, no person can hold any post after turning 70. NSFs will also come under the Right to Information Act. • The Bill also proposes the formation of a separate entity called National Sports Tribunal (NST). This body will fast track and resolve conflicts between different stakeholders in the sporting ecosystem, including officials, athletes and coaches. The NST can be only challenged in the Supreme Court. • The tribunal, however, will not have jurisdiction to adjudicate disputes arising during Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games or events organised by international federations. It will also not have powers to decide on anti-doping cases for which the National Anti-Doping Agency's independent disciplinary and appeals panel exist. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Sports ministry wants to revamp Association of Indian Universities after introduction of National Sports Governance Bill THE EDITORIAL PAGE CLEARING THE AIR ON COAL Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment What's the ongoing story: R V Shahi Writes: Removal of restrictions on thermal power plants provides respite to consumers. Faced with an assertive China and unpredictable US, India and the UK will gain from deeper ties Key Points to Ponder: • What is flue gas desulphurization? • What are the SO2 norms for coal-based thermal power plants in India? • What was a major concern cited regarding flue gas desulphurization (FGDs) in India? • Know the rationale and possible trade-offs of mandating FGD systems in Indian coal-fired plants. • Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emissions are primarily associated with which industries? • According to India's environmental regulations, SO₂ emission limits are set under which frameworks? • The revised framework for SO₂ emission norms in India, as defended by the government, primarily affects what? Key Takeaways: R V Shahi Writes: • In 2015, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified SO2 norms for coal-based thermal power plants. The establishment of flue gas desulphurisation (FGD system) for all 600-odd power plants in the country was made compulsory. • The schedule for the implementation of this system was challenging. Most professionals associated with the power sector, technical experts, researchers and policymakers raised valid concerns. • Since Indian coal has a low sulphur content, these experts argued that an FGD system was not necessary for most of these plants. The implementation of the system was, however, initiated in several plants. It was estimated that the capital expenditure on FGD in the old and the new plants would tax finance resources and lead to a tariff burden in the order of Rs 0.25 – 0.30 per KWhr. • Power generators were worried, but more concerned were the distribution companies and consumers of power, who would have to finally bear the burden of the additional tariff. Do You Know: R V Shahi Writes: • Niti Aayog initiated a comprehensive study, carried out by NEERI. The researchers studied all aspects of Indian coal and the extent of SO2 emissions vis-à-vis the norm. • The FGD system utilises limestone and water as its main input materials. The mining and transport of limestone to power plants leave a large carbon footprint. The atmospheric lifetime of CO2 is significantly longer than that of SO2. • The revised notification does not mandate a complete withdrawal of FGD. It is now based on sound scientific studies and analysis, which have enabled 600-odd power plants of the country to be classified into three categories — those which are close to very large cities, the ones in heavily polluted areas, and others. • An analysis of data collected reveals that about 78 per cent of the power plants do not require an FGD system. This means a saving of large capital expenditure, which can now be deployed for creating more power-generation capacities, primarily through the renewable route. • The notification has also allayed fears of tariff burden on power consumers. In India's long-term energy transition plan, renewables will play a big role. However, the transition will need to respect energy security considerations. Domestic coal will, therefore, continue to play a meaningful role in the coming few decades. The notification not only provides relief for consumers at large, but also provides clarity on how to plan for domestic coal-based power. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why govt has exempted 78% of coal-based thermal plants from installing anti-pollution devices ECONOMY Cabinet clears UK FTA ahead of PM's London visit; deal text likely this week Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UK this week, where he is expected to formally sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with his counterpart Keir Starmer, the Cabinet on Tuesday approved the deal. Key Points to Ponder: • India-UK FTA-know key features and objectives • India-UK FTA-What sectors stand to gain most? • How India UK FTA aligns with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India'? • What are the implications of the FTA's automobile tariff quota (10%) on India's domestic auto sector? • Compare the India UK FTA with India's other bilateral deals. • What you understand by Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)? • Know the types of Trade Agreements. • Why the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) matter to India? • How India-UK Free Trade Agreement will benefit India and UK? • What are the key goods included in India-UK Free Trade Agreement? Key Takeaways: • While the deal was announced on May 6, the text of the agreement was due to be released as legal scrubbing was ongoing. The formal signing is expected on June 24 in the UK, where PM Modi will be accompanied by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. • The Cabinet decision, PTI reported, comes ahead of Modi's four-day visit to the United Kingdom and the Maldives from Wednesday. However, the agreement will come into effect only after it is also passed by the British Parliament. • The signing of the deal comes after a period of significant political turmoil in the UK over the past three years, during which London saw three different Prime Ministers. The deal was finally announced after the Starmer-led Labour Party secured a landslide election victory. • For India, the UK deal is the first major trade agreement with a Western country since New Delhi decided to quit negotiations to enter the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019. • While the agreement is expected to open the UK market for Indian textile and leather products, the deal text will reveal how India addressed the looming concern over the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which is expected to significantly impact India's metal exports to the UK. • The UK deal assumes significance as it marks the beginning of integration between the advanced services sector in the UK and that of India. • India has also opened its doors to high-end British cars and whisky, albeit in a phased manner. Do You Know: • India's exports to the UK rose by 12.6 per cent to $14.5 billion, while imports grew by 2.3 per cent to $8.6 billion in 2024–25. Bilateral trade between India and the UK increased to $21.34 billion in 2023–24 from $20.36 billion in 2022–23. • The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) ensures comprehensive market access for goods across all sectors, covering all of India's export interests. India will gain from tariff elimination on approximately 99 per cent of tariff lines, covering nearly 100 per cent of trade value — offering opportunities to boost bilateral trade between India and the UK, the Commerce and Industry Ministry said. • The pact includes chapters on goods, services, innovation, government procurement, and intellectual property rights. The two countries have also concluded negotiations on the Double Contribution Convention Agreement, or social security pact. • It would help avoid double contributions to social security funds by Indian professionals working for a limited period in Britain. However, talks on the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) are still ongoing. • Government officials have pointed out that the India-UK trade deal is also significant as it is one of the most comprehensive free trade agreements that India has entered into so far and could serve as a template for future engagements, including the multiple trade deals currently under negotiation — such as the complex agreement with the European Union. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍C Raja Mohan writes: PM Modi in the UK: Let go of the bilateral baggage 📍Deal's done: India-UK Free Trade Previous year UPSC Main Question Covering similar theme: 📍How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (2018) China breaks ground on $170-bn dam near Arunachal: Why India is concerned Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests What's the ongoing story: China's official announcement of the start of construction on a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo – just before the river bends into Arunachal Pradesh as the Brahmaputra – marks a pivotal moment for both India's strategic interests and China's economic goals. Key Points to Ponder: • Map Work-Yarlung Zangbo • What is Brahmaputra in China called? • What is special about the Three Gorges Dam? • What are the geostrategic implications of China building a mega-dam on the Brahmaputra's Great Bend vis-à-vis India's upstream water security? • What are India's concern on a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo? • 'The dam is the biggest issue facing India, second only to the 'military threat', and could be used as a 'water bomb'-Analyse Key Takeaways: • With a planned investment of nearly $170 billion, it is set to be China's largest infrastructure project since the Three Gorges Dam, and a major stimulus for the domestic economy. • But across the border in Arunachal Pradesh, the project has raised alarm over potential downstream impacts, with fears of the Siang region being vulnerable to a 'water bomb'. India, in response, has proposed a large storage project to counter the Chinese dam – but progress has been slow. • The Chinese Premier Li Qiang on July 19 announced the launch of construction and the formation of a new entity – China Yajiang Group Co Ltd – to build and operate the hydropower project, according to state-run Xinhua. • The project will comprise five cascade hydropower stations spread across a 50-kilometre stretch of the river that drops 2,000 metres, offering vast hydropower potential. With a planned capacity of 60 GW, it will be roughly three times the size of the Three Gorges Dam. While cascade projects typically include storage to regulate flow between stations, the extent of planned storage has not been revealed. • Chinese markets responded positively to the announcement on Monday, with shares of major construction and equipment firms surging. Experts see the project as a major stimulus for the domestic economy. Do You Know: • While the storage capacity of the Chinese project is not known – a key factor in assessing China's ability to regulate water flow into India – concerns are mounting in Arunachal Pradesh. Earlier this month, Chief Minister Pema Khandu warned that the dam is the biggest issue facing India, second only to the 'military threat', and could be used as a 'water bomb'. • While around 30 per cent of the Brahmaputra's waters originate in China, the majority comes from rainfall within India's catchment areas. As a result, the Chinese dam's immediate impact is expected to be felt most in Arunachal Pradesh – particularly in the Siang region. • In addition to flooding concerns, the Chinese dam could also disrupt water flow to proposed downstream hydro projects. The Northeast holds nearly half of India's 133 GW hydropower potential, over 80 per cent of which remains untapped. Of the 60 GW estimated potential, about 50 GW lies in Arunachal Pradesh alone. • To counter China's upstream development, India has proposed the 11.2 GW Upper Siang Multipurpose Project – a massive storage-based dam in the Siang district. The project is expected to act as a strategic buffer to regulate water flow and protect downstream populations and infrastructure. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍The dangers of what we don't know: China's dam project and its effect on Brahmaputra needs more attention World Bank report: By 2030, Indian cities to create 70% of jobs but may lose $5 bn to floods Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies I: urbanization, their problems and their remedies. What's the ongoing story: Indian cities will need some autonomy to invest effectively in climate change adaptation and mitigation, according to Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank's Country Director for India. Key Points to Ponder: • What exactly the report 'Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India' says? • 'The dual role of Indian cities as engines of job growth and hotbeds of climate vulnerabilities'-comment • What are the mechanisms through which Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) should be empowered to effectively manage climate infrastructure and flood risks? • How urban population growth can be aligned with sustainable planning to mitigate urban heat island and flooding? • What are the implications of increasing annual flood losses as per the report? Key Takeaways: • Cities with more decision-making power have performed better than average, he said on Tuesday at the launch of a report on building urban climate resilience. • The report, prepared by the World Bank in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, estimates Indian cities will require $2.4 trillion by 2050 to build climate-resilient infrastructure and services. • The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 gave constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to strengthen local self-governance. However, official audits as recently as 2022 have found that several states have yet to fully implement its provisions. • While the World Bank does not have an official view on this, Kouame said 'some version' of the 74th Amendment could be considered. 'It doesn't have to be implemented in the same fashion across all states. It depends on local conditions and several other factors,' he added. Do You Know: • The report titled Towards Resilient and Prosperous Cities in India projects that the country's urban population will nearly double to 951 million by 2050, and that by 2030, cities will account for 70 per cent of all new employment generated. In addition to the rapid pace of urbanisation, Indian cities will face two major shocks in a business-as-usual scenario — flooding and extreme heat — according to Asmita Tiwari, who co-authored the report with Natsuko Kikutake. • According to the report, annual pluvial flood-related losses can amount to $5 billion by 2030 and $30 billion by 2070 if cities don't invest in adaptation. A conservative estimate for supporting 60 per cent of high-risk cities with flood resilience measures over the next 15 years is $150 billion, it added. • Heat-related deaths can double to over 3 lakh each year by 2050 due to global warming and the urban heat island phenomenon, the report said. Measures like shifting working hours to early morning and late afternoon, urban greening, early warning systems, and cool roofs can save over 1.3 lakh lives, it added. • The report makes several recommendations for national- and state-level interventions, including boosting private sector engagement, creating a financing roadmap, and setting standards to build municipal capacities. For cities, it calls for risk evaluation and the mobilisation of capital — including private investment — to support mitigation and adaptation efforts. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍World Bank claims a drastic reduction in inequality in India. There is more to the story EXPLAINED What are biostimulants, now under Agri Ministry's scrutiny? Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development Mains Examination: General Studies III: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices; What's the ongoing story: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan last week wrote to Chief Ministers of all states to immediately stop the 'forced tagging' of nano-fertilisers or biostimulants along with conventional fertilisers. Key Points to Ponder: • What are biostimulants? • How big is India's biostimulant market? • Why did the government start regulating biostimulants? • What does the FCO say about biostimulants? • What is the latest government action on biostimulants? Key Takeaways: • Chouhan highlighted complaints that retailers are not selling subsidised fertilisers like urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) to farmers unless they purchase biostimulants. • He also said that many farmers had recently raised complaints about the inefficacy of biostimulants. 'It is necessary to review biostimulants thoroughly to see how much benefit the farmers are getting from it; if not, then permission to sell it cannot be given,' he said. • Market research firm Fortune Business Insights noted, 'The India biostimulants market size was valued at USD 355.53 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 410.78 million in 2025 to USD 1,135.96 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 15.64% during the forecast period.' • Chouhan said that around 30,000 biostimulant products had been sold unchecked for several years, and even in the last four years, around 8,000 products remained in circulation. 'After I enforced stricter checks, the number has now come down to approximately 650,' he said in a statement on July 15. Do You Know: • The substances stimulate physiological processes in plants and help enhance the yield from a harvest. Plant-derived waste materials and seaweed extracts are at times used in their production. • Officially, the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, which regulates the manufacturing and sale of biostimulants, defines it as 'a substance or microorganism or a combination of both whose primary function when applied to plants, seeds or rhizosphere is to stimulate physiological processes in plants and to enhance its nutrient uptake, growth, yield, nutrition efficiency, crop quality and tolerance to stress… but does not include pesticides or plant growth regulators which are regulated under the Insecticide Act, 1968.' • As biostimulants did not fall under the existing fertiliser or pesticide categories, they were sold in the open market without government approval for a long time. • In India, fertilisers and pesticides are governed by the 1985 Fertiliser Control Order and the Insecticides Act of 1968, respectively. The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare issues the Fertiliser Control Order (FCO) under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and makes changes to it from time to time. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Govt not to allow sale of biostimulants without scientific approval: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Tracking India's climate goals Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. What's the ongoing story: India has said that non-fossil fuel sources now account for more than 50 per cent of its installed electricity generation capacity. This means one of the main promises that the country had made, as part of its international climate commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement, has been achieved five years ahead of schedule. Key Points to Ponder: • India achieving a 50.1% share of non-fossil fuel capacity ahead of its 2030 target-Why it is significant? • What are the challenges posed by renewable energy intermittency? • What role can nuclear energy and emerging storage technologies play in meeting India's 500 GW non-fossil capacity goal by 2030? • India's net-zero by 2070 pledge-what domestic reforms and international support mechanisms are required? • Why electricity accounts for under 22% of India's total energy consumption? • How India's climate targets reflect a shift from mitigation to adaptation priorities, in view of its development needs? Key Takeaways: • Government data released last week showed that installed electricity capacity had reached 484.82 GW at the end of June, of which 242.78 GW was being contributed by sources such as large hydropower, nuclear, and renewable energies like wind and solar. • Attainment of 50 per cent share of non-fossil sources in the installed electricity capacity was one of the three climate targets India had set for itself for 2030. The other two promises were: reducing its emissions intensity, or emissions per unit of gross domestic product (GDP), by at least 45 per cent from 2005 levels; and creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from forest and tree cover. • The target of creating an additional carbon sink is likely to be achieved this year, if not already achieved, though official data on that are yet to be released. There is good progress on the third target as well. Do You Know: • The 50 per cent share of non-fossil sources in installed electricity capacity has been achieved through rapid growth in renewable energy in the last couple of years, particularly in solar energy. For instance, in 2024, almost 30 GW of renewable energy was installed, the maximum for any year. Of this, solar energy stood at nearly 24 GW. • India aims to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based electricity capacity by 2030. This is also a stated climate objective for India, though not an official target it has committed itself to. However, for it to materialise, significant contributions need to come from nuclear power as well. • Many of the 10 nuclear reactors that India is currently building are expected to become operational during this timeframe, doubling the current capacity to about 17 GW by 2030. The Bharat Small Modular Reactors that India is developing are unlikely to fructify during this time. • The 50 per cent share of non-fossil fuels in installed capacity does not mean half of India's electricity is clean. Electricity generation from renewable sources is intermittent and dependent on timing, seasonality, and climate. As such, the share of non-fossil fuels in electricity generation is lower than its share in installed capacity. • The latest data on emissions intensity are from 2020. By that time, India had already reduced it by 36 per cent from 2005 levels. There are no good estimates of emission intensity reductions after that, but considering India's progress so far, the 45 per cent reduction goal by 2030 is likely to be achieved comfortably. • The international climate architecture, governed by the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement, allows countries to set their own climate targets. Not surprisingly, most countries have set modest targets for themselves. But even then, many developed countries have struggled to deliver on their promises, not just on emission reductions but also on climate finance. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍India's 'green' power capacity overtakes thermal: Why it matters, the challenges posed, and what's next For any queries and feedback, contact Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Priya Kumari Shukla is a Senior Copy Editor in the Indian Express (digital). She contributes to the UPSC Section of Indian Express (digital) and started niche initiatives such as UPSC Key, UPSC Ethics Simplified, and The 360° UPSC Debate. The UPSC Key aims to assist students and aspirants in their preparation for the Civil Services and other competitive examinations. It provides valuable guidance on effective strategies for reading and comprehending newspaper content. The 360° UPSC Debate tackles a topic from all perspectives after sorting through various publications. The chosen framework for the discussion is structured in a manner that encompasses both the arguments in favour and against the topic, ensuring comprehensive coverage of many perspectives. Prior to her involvement with the Indian Express, she had affiliations with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as well as several coaching and edutech enterprises. In her prior professional experience, she was responsible for creating and refining material in various domains, including article composition and voiceover video production. She has written in-house books on many subjects, including modern India, ancient Indian history, internal security, international relations, and the Indian economy. She has more than eight years of expertise in the field of content writing. Priya holds a Master's degree in Electronic Science from the University of Pune as well as an Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious business schools in India. She is also an alumni of Jamia Milia Islamia University Residential Coaching Academy (RCA). Priya has made diligent efforts to engage in research endeavours, acquiring the necessary skills to effectively examine and synthesise facts and empirical evidence prior to presenting their perspective. Priya demonstrates a strong passion for reading, particularly in the genres of classical Hindi, English, Maithili, and Marathi novels and novellas. Additionally, she possessed the distinction of being a cricket player at the national level. Qualification, Degrees / other achievements: Master's degree in Electronic Science from University of Pune and Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta ... Read More
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Govt working to form committee to probe allegations against Justice Verma: Sources
The centre is working to form a committee to probe allegations levelled against Justice Yashwant Verma, government sources said on Wednesday. A total of 145 Lok Sabha members signed the impeachment motion against Justice Varma under Articles 124, 217, and 218 of the Constitution.(PTI) Amid the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament, government sources also said that the government was not yet mulling any discussion in Parliament on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise being carried out by the Election Commission in Bihar. This comes after Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said on Sunday that signatures of over 100 MPs have been collected for the impeachment process against Justice Verma, who is currently under scrutiny after burnt cash was discovered at his residence. "The signature (collection) is underway, and it has crossed 100 already," Rijiju said while responding to a question about the status of the requisite signatures of MPs for the impeachment exercise against Justice Verma. When asked about whether the Parliament will take up the issue in this monsoon session scheduled to start on July 21, the Union Minister said, "In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the government alone. "I can't comment on any business in terms of priority until and unless the matter is passed by the BAC (Business Advisory Committee) with the approval of the chair. It is difficult to make an announcement outside," he added. On Monday, Members of Parliament submitted a memorandum to the Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to remove High Court Justice Yashwant Varma in connection with the cash discovery row. A total of 145 Lok Sabha members signed the impeachment motion against Justice Varma under Articles 124, 217, and 218 of the Constitution. MPs from various parties, including Congress, TDP, JDU, JDS, Jan Sena Party, AGP, SS (Shinde), LJSP, SKP, CPM, etc., signed the memorandum. Notable signatories include MPs Anurag Singh Thakur, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, PP Chaudhary, Supriya Sule, KC Venugopal, and others. Earlier, the sources had informed about the formation of a committee that is likely to include a judge of the Supreme Court, a chief justice from any of the High Courts and a distinguished jurist. The notices for removal of Justice Varma were given on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Admitted or submitted? Crucial technicality over Justice Varma motion in spotlight after Dhankar's exit
Former Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar 's abrupt resignation on Monday has stirred a constitutional and political storm, particularly over his handling of a motion seeking the removal of Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma. At the centre of the controversy is a crucial legal distinction: was the notice filed by 63 Opposition MPs merely submitted , or was it admitted by Dhankhar? That difference isn't just semantic—it could determine who gets to pick the three-member panel that will examine the charges against Justice Varma. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others Management Leadership Digital Marketing Public Policy PGDM Healthcare Design Thinking Operations Management Finance Artificial Intelligence Cybersecurity Product Management Technology MCA Data Science MBA Project Management Data Analytics healthcare CXO Data Science Others Degree Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mountain Gear for Extreme Conditions Trek Kit India Learn More A move that upset the govt According to TOI sources, Dhankhar earned the ire of the ruling establishment by taking cognisance of the Opposition's Rajya Sabha notice for initiating proceedings against Justice Varma. This, despite the government having already signalled its preference to initiate the process in the Lok Sabha, backed by signatures from 145 MPs across party lines. That notice had been submitted earlier on Monday to Speaker Om Birla. Live Events While Dhankhar's move may have been procedurally valid—the Rajya Sabha notice had the required minimum of 50 signatories—it was seen by the government as undermining its broader strategy to build an all-party consensus on the judge's removal. Notably, the Rajya Sabha motion was signed only by Opposition MPs. The Legal Tangle: Submission vs Admission In a statement made in the Upper House on Monday afternoon, Dhankhar referred to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, noting that when such notices are received in both Houses on the same day, no inquiry committee can be formed unless the motion is admitted by both. If admitted in both Houses, the Speaker and the Chairman are to jointly form the committee. Crucially, however, he stopped short of stating that he had formally admitted the motion, instead noting that it met the numerical requirement. He also argued that the Speaker or Chairman has no discretion to reject or admit such a motion if presented simultaneously in both Houses—a claim that legal experts say is not explicitly supported by the 1968 Act. He directed the Rajya Sabha Secretary General to initiate further steps, a move that suggested at least partial procedural endorsement. Who will decide now? With Dhankhar's resignation accepted by President Droupadi Murmu, Deputy Chairman Harivansh has taken over as officiating Rajya Sabha Chairman. His next steps will be closely watched. 'There's no guarantee he will back Dhankhar's reading of the situation,' a senior official told TOI. "In any case, he has no special interest in matters concerning judiciary and is unlikely to diverge drastically from the speaker in the choice of the members of the inquiry panel," the source further said.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Congress began collecting signatures to remove Justice Varma last week to deny government ‘sole credit'
The Opposition's decision to move a motion to remove Justice Yashwant Varma in the Rajya Sabha was set rolling on July 15 at the Congress Parliamentary Strategy meeting, where the lead Opposition party took a call that the government should not be allowed exclusive ownership of the motion, aimed at uncovering the alleged corruption in the judiciary. Wads of half-burnt currency notes were found at the official residence of Justice Varma in Delhi when a fire broke out there on March 14. At the meeting, according to those aware of the discussion, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader and Rajya Sabha member P. Chidambaram and the party's chief whip in the Rajya Sabha Jairam Ramesh among others felt that Rajya Sabha should not stand as a mute spectator to the process. The government had reached out to all sides for a bipartisan motion to be moved in the Lok Sabha. The Congress then started the process of collecting signatures from the other Opposition parties. 'This process had been going on since Thursday (July 17, 2025) last week,' a senior Congress leader said. Barring the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party MPs, who were not available for various reasons, other Opposition leaders signed the motion. A total of 63 signatures were collected. The motion was submitted around 2 p.m. to Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar's office, who, around 4 p.m., informed the house about it. He went on to describe the procedure, asking the Secretary General of the Rajya Sabha, P.C. Mody, to enquire with the Lok Sabha about the submission of a similar motion and proceed accordingly. In cases where the motion is submitted on the same day in the two Houses, a joint statutory committee is constituted to investigate the matter. A notice for the removal of a judge has to be signed by no fewer than 100 members in the Lok Sabha and 50 in the Rajya Sabha. The three-page motion had signatures from members of the Opposition. It sought Justice Verma's removal on three grounds – 'financial misconduct and lack of transparency', 'unnatural conduct and concealment' and 'breach of public trust and probity', quoting from the Supreme Court's internal committee's report that investigated the incident. It said that the Supreme Court report proved misbehaviour on the part of Justice Varma as defined by Article 124 (4) of the Constitution and thus recommended his removal and further investigations by a statutory committee. At 4.30 p.m., the Business Advisory Committee, which convened minutes after the Chairman's announcement on the floor of the House, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were missing. When Chairman Mr. Dhankhar enquired about their absence, Union Minister L. Murugan reportedly informed that they had been called away for an urgent meeting. Mr. Dhankhar had articulated both in public and private that the cash recovery at Justice Varma's residence required a thorough probe into where and how the money came from. He was also, till his last day in office, on Monday (July 21, 2025), authenticating the signatures on a motion moved by the Opposition in December last year against the Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Shekhar Yadav for allegedly making a hate speech. On Sunday (July 20, 2025), according to sources, he met Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha and, on Monday (July 20, 2025), Congress MP G.C. Chandrashekhar to get them to authenticate their signatures. He had informed the house on Monday (July 20, 2025) that the process of verification of the signatures is going on. Later, around 5 p.m., he told an Opposition MP that 51 out of the 55 signatures had been authenticated. The motion thus met the minimum required number of members to be accepted.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Jagdeep Dhankhar accepting Opposition notice to impeach Justice Varma rubbed Govt ‘wrong way'
With no word from the government on the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, barring an acknowledgement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday noon, what precipitated his sudden move is being attributed to two signature-collection drives to move a motion to impeach Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma for the alleged cash found in his premises. The first of these was by the Opposition which started two weeks ago but picked up momentum Sunday, to collect at least 50 signatures – the minimum needed to move a motion in the Rajya Sabha – to initiate the removal of Justice Varma. The government saw this as a move by the Opposition to undercut its own motion in this regard in the Lok Sabha, for which it had collected 145 signatures – the minimum for Lok Sabha is 100 – including those of the Opposition. Incidentally, in the run-up to the monsoon session, the Government had made it clear that it would move a motion to impeach the judge. The Modi government hoped that the removal of Justice Varma then would be by 'consensus' and not seen as partisan. (The motion to remove a judge can be initiated in either House.) An Opposition MP told The Indian Express that they were, however, determined to keep NDA members out of their Rajya Sabha initiative, to ensure that the ruling coalition didn't walk away with the anti-corruption plank on the matter. 'We did not want the government to have the moral high ground on the issue,' the MP said. Opposition sources said another reason was that they also wanted to raise the issue of Justice Shekhar Yadav, whose removal has been sought for controversial remarks at a VHP event, along with that of Justice Varma. As Monday morning came, and the Monsoon Session began, the Opposition was still trying to muster enough signatures to give a notice for the removal of Justice Varma. Around 1 pm, Dhankhar held a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) to decide the time and nature of discussions to be held in the Rajya Sabha. The meeting was inconclusive, with the Opposition seeking more time to decide on the government's suggestions. Dhankhar then said that another BAC meeting would be held later in the day, at 4.30 pm. By 3 pm, the Opposition submitted its notice for removal of Justice Varma to Dhankhar. At 3.12 pm, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh tweeted: 'Today 63 Rajya Sabha MPs belonging to various Opposition parties submitted a notice of motion to the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. A similar motion for the removal of Justice Shekhar Yadav had been submitted to the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, way back on Dec 13, 2024.' According to sources, the government was not too happy about Dhankhar accepting the motion, upstaging its own initiative in the Rajya Sabha. A frantic exercise began allegedly then to rustle up signatures of NDA MPs. There was confusion about the purpose of the move. Several BJP MPs told The Indian Express that the signatures were taken for 'impeachment' of Justice Varma. However, two of their counterparts from the NDA underlined that they had signed on 'blank papers', suggesting that the intention was not clear. Three Cabinet members told The Indian Express that the signatures were meant for a notice against Justice Varma. A minister added that the proceedings, however, 'will be in the Lok Sabha only'. 'But since the Chair (Dhankhar) has taken up the matter in the Rajya Sabha also, the presiding officers of both will form a three-member committee to probe the matter.' Shortly after the Opposition submitted its notice, Dhankhar came to the Rajya Sabha and announced around 4.05 pm Monday that he had received it. 'A notice of motion under Article 271 (1) (b), read with Article 218 and Article 124, sub article 4 of the Constitution of India, along with Section 3 (1B) of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, to constitute a statutory committee for removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad' had been submitted, the Vice President said. Dhankhar added that according to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, when notices of a motion are submitted on the same day in both Houses of Parliament, a committee to examine the charges is to be constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman together. Incidentally, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is yet to inform the House about the Justice Varma notice. So this move from Dhankhar, sources in the BJP said, was 'unexpected, shocking and confusing'. A top source in the government said: 'He did not even wait for our notice on the matter.' Interestingly, Dhankhar went on to also refer to the Opposition notice on removal of Justice Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. Without mentioning Justice Yadav by name, Dhankhar said that the confusion over the signatures in the notice submitted by the Opposition was the reason for the hold-up in the process, initiated in December. He added that he would get back to the House once the probe in the case was completed. This did not go down well with the government either, which has been trying to go easy on the Justice Yadav matter. Dhankhar then mentioned the case of the discovery of a wad of notes in the Rajya Sabha in February last year, allegedly from a seat belonging to MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Calling it a serious matter, Dhankhar said the matter would have to be dealt with, and that the floor leaders would have to help him in this. Around half-an-hour later, Dhankhar started the BAC meeting he had announced earlier in the day. But even as the Opposition came for it, no one from the government side – either J P Nadda, the Leader of the House, or Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and MoS, Parliamentary Affairs, Arjun Ram Meghwal – turned up. On Tuesday, speaking to journalists at Parliament House, Nadda said Rijiju and he had informed Dhankhar in advance that they would not be able to attend the meeting as they had another engagement. A source from the government said: 'After we informed the Chairman that the ministers would not be able to be present, he said he would wait for some time and carry on with the meeting.' Nadda also gave a clarification regarding his remarks 'Nothing will go on record, only what I say will go on record' in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, saying these were directed at the 'interrupting' Opposition MPs and not the Chair. After Dhankhar's resignation, the Congress had cited this 'insult' to the Vice President as one of the reasons behind his sudden move. On Tuesday, Congress leader Ramesh speculated in a post on X that 'something very serious' occurred between 1 pm and 4.30 pm, which prompted Nadda and Rijiju to skip the BAC 'deliberately', and said Dhankhar had taken 'umbrage' at this. Six hours after government representatives did not turn up for the BAC meeting, at 9.25 pm Monday, Dhankar posted his resignation letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu on the official X handle of the Vice President, saying he was stepping down due to medical reasons. The first official reaction from the BJP or the government was at 12.13 pm Tuesday, when PM Modi tweeted: 'Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar Ji has got many opportunities to serve our country in various capacities, including as the Vice President of India. Wishing him good health.'
