INDIA’S MUSTARD OIL DILEMMA: HEALTH, BLENDING, AND GM CROPS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
Recently, two key decisions have impacted mustard oil in India: a ban on blended mustard oil by the FSSAI in 2021 and the Supreme Court’s split verdict in 2024 on genetically modified (GM) mustard oil (DMH-11). These decisions aim to safeguard public health but raise questions about their effectiveness.
Mustard oil
- Mustard oil is the third most consumed edible oil in India.
- Concerns revolve around the high erucic acid content in mustard oil, which could pose health risks.
Erucic Acid Concern
- Mustard oil in India contains 40-54% erucic acid, much higher than the global safe limit of 5%.
- Studies in animals link high erucic acid to heart issues and organ damage, but there’s no conclusive proof in humans.
- Western countries control erucic acid levels strictly by using canola oil with low erucic acid content.
Edible Oil Blending Ban
- Blending mustard oil with other oils helps reduce erucic acid.
- FSSAI banned blended mustard oil in 2021, fearing adulteration and to support domestic farmers.
- However, blending (within safe limits) can lower erucic acid and improve cholesterol levels.
- A 2020 FSSAI survey found high levels of contamination in mustard oil samples.
- Instead of a total ban, blended oil can be sold in packaged, branded forms with clear labeling.
GM Mustard (DMH-11)
- DMH-11, an indigenous GM mustard variety, has lower erucic acid (30-35%).
- This reduces the need for blending and helps cut edible oil imports.
- However, the Supreme Court rejected its approval due to health concerns, citing insufficient data.
- GM mustard can help India reduce edible oil imports ($20.56 billion annually) and boost local production.
What are GM Crops?
- GM crops (genetically modified crops) are plants whose genetic material has been altered using modern biotechnology.
- This is done to introduce new traits like resistance to pests, tolerance to herbicides, or improved nutritional content.
Example: GM Cotton
- Bt cotton is a well-known genetically modified cotton.
- It contains a gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which produces a protein toxic to certain insects.
- Speciality: Bt cotton is resistant to bollworm, a major pest that destroys cotton crops. This helps farmers reduce pesticide use and increase yields.
Benefits of GM Mustard
- Higher Yield: GM mustard is reported to increase seed yield by about 25-30% compared to traditional mustard varieties.
- Early Maturity: It matures about 10-15 days earlier, helping farmers harvest sooner and avoid adverse weather conditions.
- Hybrid Vigor: GM mustard uses hybrid technology, which enhances crop vigor and productivity significantly.
- Reduced Pesticide Use: With improved pest resistance, GM mustard requires fewer chemical pesticides, lowering input costs and environmental impact.
- Oil Quality: GM mustard maintains or improves oil quality, which is important for edible oil production in India.
Way Forward
- Focus on developing mustard varieties with less than 5% erucic acid through breeding.
- Strict enforcement of food safety standards at the state level is crucial.
- A balanced approach is needed—allow blending under regulation and encourage low-erucic acid GM varieties to ensure consumer health and economic benefits.
BUILDING-INTEGRATED PHOTOVOLTAICS (BIPV) — CONVERTING BUILDINGS INTO SOLAR ASSETS
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
BIPV integrates solar photovoltaic elements directly into a building’s architectural features (e.g., façades, roofs, windows), transforming buildings into power generators.
What is BIPV?
- BIPV merges electricity generation with structural functions of buildings.
- Replaces conventional materials (glass, tiles, cladding) with solar panels.
- Helps offset high initial costs through long-term savings.
How BIPV Can Be Integrated
- Façades: Semi-transparent panels for electricity + shading.
- Roofs: Replacing traditional materials with solar modules.
- Windows/Skylights: Transparent or semi-transparent panels for daylighting + energy.
- Balconies, atriums, canopies: Use otherwise underutilized surfaces.
Need for BIPV in India
- Urban population to reach 600 million by 2031 and 850 million by 2051 (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs).
- Limited rooftop space in high-rises constrains traditional RTS systems. Example: A 16-storey building with 4,000 sq. ft rooftop supports ~40 kWp RTS vs. ~150 kWp BIPV on the south façade.
- BIPV can also cater to homes without accessible rooftops (e.g., balcony installations).
Status in India
- Growth driven by falling solar prices and rising green architecture demand.
- Examples:
- CtrlS Datacenters, Navi Mumbai: 863-kWp façade system.
- Renewable Energy Museum, Kolkata (2024): Solar-powered dome.
- Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., Odisha: Large BIPV installation. Railway stations (Vijayawada, Sahibabad): Integrated BIPV.
Challenges to Scaling Up
- High upfront costs.
- Policy gaps and lack of technical expertise.
- Heavy reliance on imports.
- Low awareness and absence of dedicated incentives/standards.
Recommendations to Accelerate Adoption
- Incentives: Example: Seoul subsidizes up to 80% of BIPV costs. India’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (2024) includes BIPV in residential segments with subsidies (up to ₹78,000 for a 3-kW system).
- Regulatory Support: Integrate BIPV in National Building Code, Energy Conservation Building Code, and Eco Niwas Samhita.
- Demonstration Projects: Public-private partnerships in infrastructure projects to showcase BIPV.
- Domestic Manufacturing: Production-linked incentives, targeted R&D, and capacity-building.
- Financial Models: Renewable Energy Service Companies and long-term PPAs for project financing.
Conclusion
BIPV is essential for India to meet its 2030 solar target of 300 GW, especially given urban land constraints. With nearly 70% of urban infrastructure yet to be built (World Bank), BIPV can play a critical role in sustainable urban development.
NO CONTEMPT IF PARLIAMENT OR LEGISLATURES MAKE LAWS: SUPREME COURT
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Supreme Court recently ruled that a law passed by Parliament or a State legislature cannot be treated as contempt of court. This decision came while dismissing a 2012 contempt petition against the Chhattisgarh government for enacting a law authorising an auxiliary armed force to help fight Maoists.
What is Contempt of Court
- Contempt of Court refers to any act that disrespects the authority or dignity of a court or interferes with the administration of justice.
- It ensures that the judicial system functions effectively and commands respect.
Types of Contempt
Civil Contempt
-
- When someone disobeys a court order or wilfully neglects to follow its directions.
- Example: Ignoring a court’s order to pay maintenance.
Criminal Contempt
-
- When someone scandalizes or lowers the authority of the court, prejudices or interferes with judicial proceedings, or obstructs justice.
- Example: Publishing materials that influence an ongoing case.
Constitutional Provision
- Article 129: Grants the Supreme Court the power to punish for its own contempt.
- Article 215: Grants High Courts the same power to punish for contempt of themselves.
- These provisions uphold the dignity and respect of the judiciary.
Background
- In 2011, the Supreme Court ordered the Chhattisgarh government to stop supporting vigilante groups like Salwa Judum and disband Special Police Officers (SPOs) armed in the fight against Maoists.
- In response, the Chhattisgarh government passed the Chhattisgarh Auxiliary Armed Police Force Act, 2011, legalising SPOs by making them part of an auxiliary force.
Contempt Petition
- Sociologist Nandini Sundar and others filed a petition claiming the state government’s move violated the court’s earlier order.
- They argued that by passing the law, the government effectively ignored the court’s directions and continued using SPOs.
- The petition also highlighted issues like continued occupation of school buildings and lack of compensation for victims of Salwa Judum and SPO violence.
Supreme Court’s Decision
- The Court ruled that any law made by Parliament or a State legislature cannot amount to contempt of court.
- The Bench emphasized that State Legislatures have the power to pass laws, unless declared unconstitutional by a constitutional court.
- If any party thinks a law is unconstitutional, they can challenge it in a competent court rather than filing a contempt case.
Observations by the Court
- The court stressed maintaining a balance between the powers of the legislature and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law.
- It also urged the Chhattisgarh government and the Centre to work together to bring peace and rehabilitation to the conflict-affected areas.
Conclusion
The verdict highlights the importance of legislative authority and constitutional checks while ensuring that legal remedies remain the appropriate way to challenge laws.
INDIA-AUSTRALIA DEFENCE TIES BEYOND AMERICAN SHADOWS
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The recent geopolitical shifts, including Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, have sparked debate about middle powers like India and Australia strengthening their defence relationship.
Why the Relationship Matters
- Geographical Advantage: Australia’s position between the Indian and Pacific Oceans complements India’s maritime goals.
- Shared Concerns: Both countries worry about China’s growing influence and assertiveness.
- Common Goals: They aim for sovereign resilience and regional stability.
- Existing Cooperation: Initiatives like the air-to-air refuelling agreement highlight Australia’s role in boosting Indian military capabilities.
Strong Institutional Framework
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP): Established in 2020 to guide overall strategic cooperation.
- 2+2 Dialogue: Launched in 2021 for high-level political-military dialogue.
- Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA): Streamlines logistics during exercises and humanitarian missions.
- Military Exercises:
- AUSTRAHIND (Army)
- AUSINDEX (Navy)
- Participation in Pitch Black and Malabar exercises show deepening collaboration.
Challenges to Deeper Cooperation
- India’s Continental Focus: India’s border disputes with China and tensions with Pakistan distract from maritime ambitions.
- Australia’s Strategic Adjustments: Australia is rethinking its defence posture through AUKUS and engagement with Pacific Island nations.
Steps to Strengthen Ties
- Expand Defence Engagement: Move beyond Navy-to-Navy cooperation. Conduct joint exercises that involve all services. Create a dedicated joint staff dialogue forum.
- Upgrade India’s Presence: Elevate India’s Defence Adviser in Canberra to a higher rank. Include Army and Air Force personnel to broaden engagement.
- Promote Bottom-up Ideas: Encourage junior officers and professionals to contribute. Organise fellowships, staff college exchanges, and war games.
- Boost Joint Manufacturing: Partner in naval vessel maintenance and repair. Co-develop patrol boats for smaller island states.
- MSME Collaboration: Link Indian and Australian startups in defence technology. Explore a model similar to the U.S.-India INDUS X to support innovation.
Conclusion
Strengthening India-Australia defence ties beyond U.S. influence offers strategic advantages in the Indo-Pacific. Both nations must prioritise collaboration across services, invest in grassroots initiatives, and involve industries to create a sustainable and resilient partnership.
NEED FOR REFORMS IN CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The civil services examination is under scrutiny for being lengthy and complicated. Recent debates highlight the need to reform its three-tier structure to reduce pressure on aspirants.
History And Commissions for UPSC: From British Rule to Present
Initial Setup under British Rule (1854)
- The first Public Service Commission was established in 1854 by the British government following the Charter Act of 1853. It was set up to recruit Indians for civil services in a more systematic way, replacing the earlier patronage system.
Lee Commission (1923)
- The Lee Commission recommended the creation of a Public Service Commission in India to oversee recruitment. As a result, the Federal Public Service Commission was formed in 1926 to conduct exams for All India Services.
Government of India Act, 1935
- This Act provided for the establishment of a Public Service Commission for the Federation and each Province. It laid the groundwork for a constitutional body for recruitment.
Constituent Assembly and UPSC Formation (1947-1950)
- The Constituent Assembly of India recognized the need for an independent, impartial recruitment body. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was formally established on October 1, 1926, but became the constitutional body after independence in 1950 under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution.
- Post-Independence, the Kothari Committee (1975) recommended the current three-stage system:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Interview
Problems with the Present System
Preliminary Examination
- Initially had an optional subject and a General Studies paper.
- Since 2011, replaced by two papers:
- Paper-I: General Studies
- Paper-II: Aptitude (qualifying only)
- Criticism:
- Paper-II gives an edge to candidates from Science/Engineering backgrounds.
- Paper-I has become unpredictable, making preparation challenging and increasing stress.
Main Examination
- Focuses on short-answer questions (20 per paper).
- Marks often awarded for factual points rather than analysis.
- Lacks long-form questions that test analytical skills, which are crucial for administrators.
- Many aspirants choose optional subjects that are considered “high scoring” rather than aligning with their academic background.
Recommended Changes
- Revamp the Preliminary Examination to ensure a fair chance for candidates from diverse backgrounds.
- Make Paper-I more balanced and predictable.
- Redesign the Main Examination to include long-form questions that test analytical skills.
- Replace optional subjects with papers on governance and public policy to align with the demands of public administration.
Conclusion
Reforms are essential to make the examination process more transparent, equitable, and effective in selecting capable administrators. It is time to re-examine and revamp the structure to reduce the burden on aspirants and improve the quality of civil servants.
IMPLICATIONS OF UKRAINE’S DRONE ATTACK ON RUSSIA FOR PEACE TALKS
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia just a day before the second round of peace talks in Istanbul, highlighting the continuing tensions between the two countries. The incident raised concerns about the future of negotiations and the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement.
Background of the Drone Attack
- Ukraine carried out a major drone strike on Russian airfields, including some located deep in Siberia’s Irkutsk region.
- This was the first time Ukrainian drones reached targets so far inside Russian territory, indicating Ukraine’s growing drone capability.
- At least five airbases were hit, some possibly containing strategic bombers or nuclear equipment.
Implications for Peace Talks
- The talks in Istanbul ended quickly, with both sides agreeing to swap bodies of fallen soldiers but failing to progress on a ceasefire deal.
- The drone attack has worsened mistrust, making any immediate peace agreement less likely.
- Russia is suspicious of potential NATO involvement, given that Ukraine may have used satellite guidance for the drones.
Russia’s Concerns
- Russia is particularly worried about attacks near nuclear or strategic military sites.
- If Ukraine targeted nuclear facilities, Russia would view it as a very serious escalation.
- Politically, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s support remains strong, so the attack is unlikely to weaken his position at home.
What Both Sides Want from Talks
- Ukraine demands a one-month ceasefire before any talks begin, a position backed by most Western countries except the US.
- Russia insists on discussing broader issues like Ukraine’s neutrality and the protection of Russian-speaking communities.
- Russia wants to avoid giving Ukraine time to regroup and replenish its weapons supplies.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s drone attack on Russia just before peace talks has made negotiations more complicated, showing how difficult it is to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Both sides remain far apart on key demands.
INDIAN ASTRONAUT’S ISS MISSION POSTPONED
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s trip to the International Space Station (ISS), initially planned for June 8, has been rescheduled to June 10 due to weather-related issues.
ISS Mission
- Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a commercial spaceflight mission.
- The crew will launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.
- The mission uses SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft.
Reason for the Delay
- The launch, originally set for June 8, was postponed due to expected bad weather conditions during the rocket and spacecraft transport.
- NASA highlighted the need for additional time to finalize spacecraft preparations before launch.
New Launch Schedule
- The new launch date is June 10 at 8:22 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
- The crew will spend about 28 hours traveling before reaching the ISS.
- Docking with the ISS is expected around 12:30 p.m. ET on June 11.
Crew Details
- Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as the pilot for Ax-4.
- The mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson.
- Other crew members include Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary), both associated with the European Space Agency.
Significance for India
- This mission highlights India’s increasing participation in international space cooperation.
- It showcases the skills and expertise of Indian Air Force personnel in space missions.
- It complements India’s efforts to build its own human spaceflight capabilities through the Gaganyaan Mission.
Gaganyaan Mission
- The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first planned human spaceflight program, aiming to send a three-member crew into low Earth orbit for a short-duration mission.
- The mission is being developed by ISRO and is expected to launch soon, with uncrewed test flights already planned.
- Gaganyaan represents a key step in India’s aim to achieve self-reliance in human spaceflight.
Conclusion
The ISS mission delay reflects the complexities of coordinating international space launches. India’s involvement in both international missions like Ax-4 and its own Gaganyaan mission demonstrates the country’s growing presence in space exploration.
MOUNT ETNA
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
Italy’s Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, erupted explosively on June 2, 2025, sending ash and volcanic material kilometers into the sky. This eruption was visually dramatic but caused no injuries or major disruption.
About Mount Etna
- Location: Mount Etna is situated on the east coast of Sicily, Italy’s largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Significance: It is the highest volcano in Italy south of the Alps and is the largest active volcano in Europe.
- World Heritage: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 for its geological importance and eruptive history.
- Volcanic Activity: Etna has been active for about 500,000 years, with at least 2,700 years of recorded eruptions. It has five summit craters and over 300 smaller vents on its slopes.
- Frequent Eruptions: Known for frequent eruptions, with major activity recorded in recent decades including years 2006, 2012, 2018, and 2021.
Causes of the Recent Eruption
- The eruption started with rising pressure inside the volcano due to expanding volcanic gases in the magma chamber.
- This increased pressure caused the collapse of the southeast crater, which led to the release of hot lava flows.
- The volcanic gases bursting to the surface caused explosive bursts of ash, rocks, and cinders thrown into the air.
Impact and Precautions
- Despite the dramatic eruption, no injuries or major damage have been reported.
- Air traffic in the nearby region was barely affected due to quick management.
- Scientists continue to monitor Etna closely because of its continuous activity and potential risk to nearby populations.
What is a Volcano?
- A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s crust through which molten rock, gases, and ash erupt.
- Volcanoes form when magma from the mantle rises due to tectonic activity, creating mountains or cones over time.
- Eruptions can be explosive or effusive, depending on magma composition and gas content.
Conclusion
Mount Etna’s recent eruption was caused by gas pressure build-up leading to explosive activity. It highlights the volcano’s constant activity and the importance of monitoring such natural hazards to protect nearby communities.
The post Daily Current Affairs 04-June-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.