UPSC Key: SC clarifies Governor’s powers, Birsa-101, and Fossil fuel phase-out

Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein

What’s the ongoing story: Underlining that while there will be “limited judicial scrutiny” for “prolonged, unexplained and indefinite” delay in granting assent to Bills, the Supreme Court Thursday said that no timelines can be fixed for the President and Governor to act on bills passed by legislatures.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are the various powers of the Governor? What are the discretionary powers of the Governor?

— What are the constitutional provisions related to the Governor?

— What is the whole case around the Tamil Nadu Governor case?

— What is Article 142? Why was it invoked in the case of the Tamil Nadu Governor case?

— What are the limitations to Article 142?

— What is separation of power and what is its significance?

— What is Presidential Reference?

— What is the basic structure doctrine?

Key Takeaways:

— Rendering its opinion on a reference made by President Draupadi Murmu, a five-judge constitution bench presided by Chief Justice of India B R Gavai also said that the concept of deemed assent to bills is “antithetical not only to the spirit of the Constitution but also specifically the doctrine of separation of power which is a part of the basic structure of Indian Constitution.”

— The opinion essentially rolls back parts of the April ruling by a two-judge bench headed by Justice JB Pardiwala which held that the Tamil Nadu Governor’s delay in granting assent was unconstitutional and set specific timelines for action. The SC had then also granted “deemed assent” to certain Bills that were pending.

— The SC’s advice to the President states that while timelines cannot be set and “deemed assent” cannot be granted by the SC itself, states have a right to approach the Court when there is a delay. The advice seeks to protect a line in the sand on the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary.

— The court clarified that the if the Governor sits on the bill forever, it would invite “limited judicial scrutiny” though courts cannot go into merits of action.

— In striking this balance, the SC has effectively defined its role in the fraught political issue as that of a facilitator of dialogue between the states and Centre instead of adjudicating it as an adversarial constitutional case. The opinion refers to the Governor’s role in granting assent as the “initiation of a dialogic process.”

Here is a breakdown of the 14 questions referred to the court and its answers.

— Is the President required to seek the advice of the Supreme Court under Article 143 when a Governor reserves a Bill?

No. Article 143 allows the President to consult the Supreme Court on questions of law. The Court clarified that the President is not required to seek this opinion every time a Bill is reserved. The President’s subjective satisfaction is sufficient. Click here to read more

EDITORIAL PAGE: Supreme Court safeguards India’s constitutional architecture 

— Hitesh Jain writes the Court’s judgment is resounding and measured. It has held that the judiciary cannot impose time-lines on the governor, stated that “deemed assent” is not permitted under our constitutional scheme and that judicial intervention is limited only to rare cases of prolonged, unexplained gubernatorial inaction.

— I had earlier argued that imposing rigid time-lines on constitutional functionaries like the president or governor would blur the lines between judicial interpretation and judicial legislation. By refusing to prescribe decision time-lines for the governor, the Court has affirmed this.

— Its decision indicates that provisions which remain silent owing to deliberate constitutional design must not, and cannot be filled through court-imposed time-lines or procedures.

— However, even while stating that no time-lines can be prescribed, the Court has also held governors to an appropriate standard, discouraging them from indefinitely delaying their assent. This outlook honours constitutionally imposed boundaries and preserves stability.

— The Court has restated that under Articles 200 and 201, the governor possesses three distinct options when presented with a bill. The governor must either grant assent to the bill, return it for reconsideration, or reserve it for presidential consideration.

— These three choices are fundamental to the discretionary judgment that has been vested in the governor by the Constitution. In a similar manner, the Court has held that the president exercises independent authority under Articles 111 and 201.

— Crucially, the judgment has affirmed that the governor’s discretionary powers cannot be supplanted by the judiciary through judicial review of the governor’s decisions under Article 142.

— The Court has accordingly held that the concept of “deemed assent”, which would permit courts to declare that a bill has been automatically assented to after the lapse of a prescribed period, is absent in our Constitution and cannot be envisioned by the judiciary.

— Most significantly, the judgment reinforces fundamental principles of constitutional governance. Including, for instance, holding that courts cannot examine the substantive merits of assent decisions by executive authorities, cannot mandate outcomes, and cannot remedy constitutional silences through judicial interpretation.

— This judgment is also significant when viewed from the lens of federalism. It has recognised the crucial role that the governor and president play in Centre-state dynamics. It has thus protected institutional autonomy, retaining the delicate stability between the roles of the judiciary and the executive.

Do You Know:

— Article 163 of the Constitution outlines the Governor’s general powers, while Article 200 specifically addresses the Governor’s role in granting assent to Bills. Both the provisions are read together to determine the contours of the power the Governor holds on this issue.

— According to Article 200, “When a Bill has been passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State or, in the case of a State having a Legislative Council, has been passed by both Houses of the Legislature of the State, it shall be presented to the Governor and the Governor shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom or that he reserves the Bill for the consideration of the President.”

Constitutional Provisions Related to the Governor
Article 153	The Governor
Article 155	Appointment of Governor
Article 156	Term of office of Governor
Article 157	Qualifications for appointment as Governor
Article 158	Conditions of Governor’s office.
Article 159	Oath or affirmation by the Governor
Article 160	Discharge of the functions of the Governor in certain contingencies
Article 161	Power of Governor to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases
Article 163	Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Why is the Governor’s right to withhold assent to a Bill important for UPSC Exam?

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(1) Which one of the following statements is correct? (UPSC CSE 2013)

(a) In India, the same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States at the same time

(b) The Judges of the High Court of the States in India are appointed by the Governor of the State just as the Judges of the Supreme Court are appointed by the President

(c) No procedure has been laid down in the Constitution of India for the removal of a Governor from his/her post

(d) In the case of a Union Territory having a legislative setup, the Chief Minister is appointed by the Lt. Governor on the basis of majority support

US clears Excalibur artillery shells, Javelin missile systems to India

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: The US has approved the sale of Excalibur guided artillery projectiles and the anti-tank Javelin missile system and related equipment worth over $90 million to India, marking a significant step forward for Delhi’s big-ticket military procurements from Washington.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are ‘fire-and-forget’ missiles?

— Know about the features of Excalibur guided artillery projectiles and the anti-tank Javelin missile system

— What are the major military deals signed by India with other countries?

— What is the India-US defence partnership?

— Know about the major military exercises India conducts with other countries

Key Takeaways:

— The Defence Security Cooperation Agency, in two separate statements, said the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India of Excalibur Projectiles and related equipment at an estimated cost of $47.1 million and of the Javelin Missile System and related equipment at an estimated cost of $45.7 million.

— The Defence Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress about the sales. It said the proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing precision capability equipment, which will increase first strike accuracy of its brigades.

— In 2019, the Army had procured around 600 rounds of the Excalibur munition to increase its artillery firepower. This included around 500 rounds of ammunition with an accuracy of 20 metres from the target and around 100 rounds which could hit targets with an accuracy of two metres.

— The ammunition can be fired from all 155 mm guns in the Army’s inventory, including Bofors, M777 Howitzer, K9 Vajra and Dhanush artillery guns. Soon after its induction in 2019, the Army had tested the Excalibur precision-guided shells from the US-made M777 Howitzer in Pokhran.

— According to the Raytheon website, Javelin is an anti-tank guided munition that can be carried and launched by a single person. It is made by the Javelin Joint Venture, a partnership between Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

— It is a medium-range, ‘fire-and-forget’ missile for use against multiple targets including armoured vehicles, bunkers and caves. The Javelin can be fired from a remote launcher mounted on an unmanned ground vehicle.

Do You Know:

— In February this year, following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump, the two sides had announced plans for the new 10-year defence framework.

— The vision for bilateral defence cooperation was encapsulated in the September 2013 Joint US-India Declaration on Defence Cooperation and the 2015 Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship, in which the two countries committed themselves to increasing cooperation in the sector.

— Between 2016 and 2020, the two sides signed four more agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) in 2016, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) in 2018, and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) in 2020.

— In August 2024, both countries signed a Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA) and Memorandum of Agreement regarding the Assignment of Liaison Officers, among other bilateral military agreements that have enhanced defence and security cooperation.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍India, US seal 10-yr defence partnership framework, signal strategic convergence

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

‘What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2019)

 

NATION

Fossil fuel phase-out can’t be uniform for all countries, says India at COP30

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

General Studies-III: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

What’s the ongoing story: India on Thursday made it clear that it was not in favour of a uniform roadmap for fossil fuel phase-out and said that countries should be allowed to decide on their own the pathway to transition away from fossil fuels.

Key Points to Ponder:

— Keep a track of major outcomes of COP30

— What are the major international agreements on phasing out the use of fossil fuels?

— Why is India opposed to a uniform roadmap for fossil fuel phase-out?

— What is Ujjwala scheme and why is it mentioned in this context?

— What is the Belem Political package?

— What is Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement?

Key Takeaways:

— A roadmap for ending the use of fossil fuels is one of the key issues holding up agreement over the political package that is expected to be the main outcome from the COP30 meeting here.

— Over 80 countries, led mainly by the European Union and small island nations, have been pushing for inclusion of a language on the early phase out of fossil fuels in the political package that the host Brazil is hoping to be the showcase outcome from the annual climate summit.

— India said it was not opposed to the mention of a fossil fuel phase-out plan in the package but it must be ensured that countries are not called to adhere to a uniform pathway for it.

— “In every country, fossil fuel is used in a different way. In India, for example, the government allows subsidies in fossil fuel when it comes to public welfare schemes like the Ujjwala Scheme in which LPG is supplied to households at subsidised rate. Similarly, in African countries the government allows subsidies on kerosene because the fishing community uses it for running their boats,” an official said.

Being a port city, Belém is home to a sea port as well as an international airport.

— “Therefore, if you straightaway mandate a uniform phase out of fossil fuels, or a complete ban on subsidies, then it may hurt the public welfare schemes in many countries. Our position, therefore, is that countries must be allowed to choose their pathways in their national interest,” the source said.

— According to the source, India does not provide fossil fuel subsidies on luxurious goods. In fact, it is among countries charging higher taxes on petroleum and diesel, but the world needs to understand that subsidies for programmes like Ujjwala are essential for India’s development, public health and poverty alleviation.

— Lula urged the world to start looking to a future beyond fossil fuels. “If fossil fuel is something that is regarded as the main cause behind higher emission levels, then we will have to start thinking about a world where we can live without fossil fuels and I say this out of honest willingness, because I live in a country that extracts 5 million barrels of oil per day.

Do You Know:

— The political package is an attempt by Brazil to address four long-standing concerns of different sets of countries which could not be accommodated in the official agenda of COP30.

— It includes two important concerns of developing countries, including India — full implementation of a key finance provision in Paris Agreement, which these countries insist has been ignored till now, and unilateral trade measures like Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) of EU, which countries like India and China say is a discriminatory trade practice in the garb of climate action.

(Follow the development on adoption of Belem political package as the COP has not concluded yet.)

— COP30 President André Aranha Corrêa do Lago wrote a letter to all the parties Tuesday, asking them to continue with the process of Mutirao, which translates to a collective mobilisation of minds, hearts and hands, to reach an agreement by Wednesday.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍First time, India’s CO2 emissions from power sector dip in Jan-June

📍COP30: Draft of ‘political’ agreement on climate finance, trade measures released in Brazil

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(2) With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2016)

1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.

2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997. (UPSC CSE 2022)

Home-grown gene editing tool can make therapy cheaper, effective

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

What’s the ongoing story: A gene editing tool developed by researchers from the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) has been transferred to the Serum Institute of India for developing treatments for genetic diseases.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is gene editing technology?

— What is sickle cell disease?

— What are the efforts taken by the government to eliminate sickle cell disease?

— What is thalassaemia?

— Understand how Birsa 101 cure the sickle cell disease

— How is Birsa 101 different from Casgevy treatment?

— What are the reasons for the prevalence of sickle cell disease in tribal populations?

Key Takeaways:

— The tool — that uses the same principle as the Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR gene editing technology — is completely indigenously developed, with Indian scientists holding all patents.

— The researchers have used the tool to develop a therapy to cure sickle cell disease. The therapy has been named Birsa-101 in honour of the tribal leader Birsa Munda, sickle cell disease being most prevalent in tribal populations.

— IGIB has set up a manufacturing unit for the therapy in preparation for a phase I trial, which will likely begin next year, in collaboration with the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Once the safety is established, under the agreement signed on Wednesday, Serum Institute of India will take the therapy further into phase II and III trial.

— Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that leads to the body’s red blood cells becoming rigid, sickle-shaped, and less capable of carrying oxygen. The shape of the blood cells can also lead to blockages in blood flow, leading to acute episodes of pain, chronic pain, organ damage, anaemia, infections, and strokes. A person can be a carrier and not have a disease.

— To cure the condition, Birsa-101 precisely corrects the mutations in the genetic code that causes the disease. The therapy has to be given as a one-time infusion, after which the body should start producing normal red blood cells instead of sickle-shaped ones.

— This method is very different from the globally approved treatment Casgevy, which edits a gene to push the body’s blood manufacturing mechanism to make more foetal haemoglobin, which does not carry the same defect. Foetal haemoglobin, which is naturally present in everyone at birth, does not carry the same abnormalities as adult haemoglobin.

— The government has also launched a mission with the aim of eliminating the disease by 2047, mainly by screening carriers of the gene and making them aware of the risk of having a child with other carriers.

Do You Know:

— The CRISPR Cas9 gene editing tool — the genetic scissors that won the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry — is essentially based on proteins from the immune system of bacteria which can shred genetic material. These proteins can be harnessed to specifically cut out damaged genetic material.

— Efforts are being made to eliminate Sickle Cell Anaemia through two approaches. The first approach focuses on prevention, ensuring that new cases are not born, while the second approach involves managing the treatment and providing adequate healthcare facilities for individuals already affected by the disease.

— A comprehensive ecosystem is being developed to address these aspects and ensure access to proper healthcare and management for Sickle Cell Anaemia patients.

— If two individuals with Sickle Cell trait marry each other, there is a high probability that their child will have Sickle Cell disease. By screening individuals for Sickle Cell trait before marriage, the spread of the disease can be prevented.

— The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the states, has formulated a plan to screen approximately 70 million individuals aged 0-40 years belonging to tribal and other groups residing in nearly 200 districts of 17 states within the next few years. The goal is to eliminate Sickle Cell disease by the year 2047.

— After screening, individuals will be provided with smart cards in their local language, enabling prospective partners to easily determine whether their future children will be affected by Sickle Cell disease or not.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Eradicating sickle cell disease, securing the future of India’s tribal communities

📍Now, desi gene editing technology to aid cheaper, commercial GE crop breeding

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(3) What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (UPSC CSE 2019)

(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients

(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant

(d) A herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

ECONOMY

RIL stops Russian oil imports at export unit for EU compliance 

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 & Agencies & their Mandate Security Challenges & their Management in Border Areas.

What’s the ongoing story: In order to comply with the European Union’s ban on import of petroleum products derived from Russian oil, private sector behemoth Reliance Industries (RIL) has stopped importing Russian crude into its export-oriented refinery.

Key Points to Ponder:

— Why has the European Union imposed a ban on import of petroleum products derived from Russian oil?

— What percentage of India’s crude imports currently comes from Russia?

— What is the status of India’s import of oil from Russia?

— How global uncertainties impact India’s energy security?

— How is Russia responding to these bans?

Key Takeaways:

— RIL operates the world’s largest single-location refining complex in Gujarat’s Jamnagar. The complex has two refineries, one of which is exclusively for fuel exports. RIL is India’s largest fuel exporter, as well as the country’s largest importer of Russian crude, accounting for around half of Russian oil flows to India.

— In July, as part of a sanctions package to force Russia to end the war in Ukraine, the EU had announced a blanket ban on imports of petroleum products derived from Russian oil in third countries from January 21.

— According to the EU, exporters of oil products to the bloc will have to show appropriate evidence that the products were not derived from Russian crude. The EU is a key market for RIL’s fuel exports.

— The objective of such actions by Western powers is to curb Moscow’s revenue from oil exports, which they say is helping fund Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. Russia is among the world’s top oil exporters.

— RIL is also steering clear of importing oil from Rosneft and Lukoil to avoid any risk of attracting secondary sanctions from the US, it is learnt.

— RIL has several US-based subsidiaries operating in various sectors, has raised debt through dollar-denominated bonds, and has strategic alliances with US companies, with major investments from American majors like Google, Meta, and Intel. Given such massive exposure to the US, the conglomerate cannot afford the risk of inviting secondary sanctions from Washington.

— Historically, Indian refiners have avoided oil imports from countries like Iran and Venezuela, whose oil was sanctioned by the US, and industry watchers and experts expect a similar approach on oil from Rosneft and Lukoil.

— Given Indian refiners’ and banks’ exposure to the US—from dollar-denominated trade to access to the American financial system and markets—potential secondary sanctions could have a significant impact on them.

Do You Know:

— Oil, Russia’s biggest source of revenue, is a lever that the Trump administration believes it can use to force Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. New Delhi is the second-largest buyer of its oil after Beijing, and is in the midst of sensitive trade pact negotiations with Washington.

— It was clear that India did not want to compromise on its strategic autonomy and was unwilling to be dictated to by the US on whom it should be doing business with, particularly when it came to Russia, an old and key strategic partner.

— On its part, the Indian government has consistently maintained that the country will buy oil from wherever it gets the best deal, as long as the oil is not under sanctions.

— When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow’s share in New Delhi’s oil imports was less than 2 per cent. With much of the West snubbing Russian crude following the invasion, Russia began offering discounts on its oil to willing buyers.

— Indian refiners were quick to avail the opportunity, leading to Russia—earlier a peripheral supplier of oil to India—emerging as India’s biggest source of crude with a commanding market share, displacing the traditional West Asian suppliers.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍How US, EU sanctions on Russian oil could impact India’s imports

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(4) With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2021)

1. It is a product of oil refineries.

2. Some industries use it to generate power.

3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Why proposal for tighter emission norms has triggered a small vs big car debate

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: India’s plan to tighten fuel-efficiency rules under the proposed third phase of the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) rules from FY28 has opened a sharp divide within the auto industry, with carmakers split over how the next phase of norms should treat small and large vehicles.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE)?

— How CAFE deals with Carbon dioxide emissions?

— What are Bharat Stage (BS) Regulations?

— How is it different from BS norms?

— The CAFE norms are applicable on which vehicles?

Key Takeaways:

— The framework sticks to a weight-based formula that steadily tightens through FY32, but its structure means lighter cars face far steeper improvements than heavier SUVs.

— Companies with a predominantly small-car portfolio have argued that this puts an unequal burden on budget models, which already operate on wafer-thin margins and have limited room for costly technologies like hybrids.

— They warn that pushing stringent targets onto entry-level cars risks making them unaffordable for first-time buyers and could accelerate the market’s existing shift toward larger, pricier vehicles.

— In several foreign jurisdictions such as the US, China, South Korea and Japan, smaller, lightweight cars have relaxed emissions norms. In Europe, for instance, which has some of the most stringent emissions norms, and from where India draws a lot of inspiration from for its Bharat Stage (BS) regulations, bigger cars have a lower absolute CO₂ target and smaller cars have relaxed targets.

— Under India’s proposed CAFE 3 norms, which are expected to kick in from FY28, the efficiency formula is: [0.002 x (W – 1170) + c]. It is measured in petrol-equivalent litres per 100 km. Here W is the average fleet weight, 1,170kg is the fixed constant for weight, 0.002 is a fixed constant multiplier, and ‘c’ is a constant that changes every year.

— Since ‘c’ continues to decrease from FY28 to FY32, the rules will become stricter over time. This constant starts at 3.7264 in FY28, then subsequently drops to 3.0139 in FY32. To calculate the CO2 emissions, this has to be further multiplied with 23.7135, which is the petrol equivalent fuel consumption number.

— Some carmakers, which have a significant portfolio consisting of lighter cars, believe that the onus of reducing emissions is much higher on smaller cars than it is for bigger, heavier SUVs.

— They feel that in bigger cars, there is greater scope of implementing emissions reducing technologies, such as hybrid or full electric powertrains. But, in smaller cars, the scope is far lesser as these are built to a budget.

Do You Know:

— The BS — Bharat Stage — emission standards are norms instituted by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles. India has been following European (Euro) emission norms, although with a time lag of five years.

— India introduced emission norms first in 1991, and tightened them in 1996, when most vehicle manufacturers had to incorporate technology upgrades like catalytic converters to cut exhaust emissions. Fuel specifications based on environmental considerations were notified first in April 1996 — to be implemented by 2000, and incorporated in BIS 2000 standards.

— Following the landmark Supreme Court order of April 1999, the Centre notified Bharat Stage-I (BIS 2000) and Bharat Stage-II norms, broadly equivalent to Euro I and Euro II respectively. BS-II was for the National Capital Region and other metros; BS-I for the rest of India.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Automakers seek relief on new fuel efficiency, emission norms

📍BS-VI emission norms for vehicles: So near and yet so far, here is why

ALSO IN NEWS
7th Colombo Security Conclave	National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval held a discussion with his counterparts from Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Seychelles and Malaysia at the 7th NSA-level meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) here on Thursday. During the meet, the NSAs discussed ways of enhancing cooperation under identified pillars, maritime safety and security; countering terrorism and radicalisation; combating trafficking and transnational organised crime; cyber security and protection of critical infrastructure and technology; and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, including through training and capacity building. The CSC Members welcomed the decision of Republic of Seychelles to accede to the CSC as a full member. The CSC was formed to promote closer cooperation between member states on security matters and to strengthen partnerships for enhancing regional security in the Indian Ocean Region. The signing ceremony for the Founding Documents of the CSC was held in Sri Lanka in August 2024.
BRICS Presidency: India to follow G20 model, take meetings, delegations to all states, UTs	For its year-long BRICS Presidency in 2026, India is going to follow the model of its 2023 G20 Presidency and take the meetings and delegations to all 28 states and nine Union Territories. India will hold the Presidency of BRICS, which includes 11 member-states — Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran — from January 1, 2026. The BRICS meetings are likely to cover 60 cities, the sources said, adding that it will also showcase India’s diversity, tourism offerings, culture and heritage. The idea, as per those aware, is to build and project a strong image of India during the BRICS Presidency, and permeate this among Indian citizens of all age groups, covering rural as well as urban areas. The idea is also to showcase Brand India to an overseas audience, especially the Indian diaspora as well as audience from the participating BRICS countries.
In first use of Act from 1950, Assam issues orders to 5 people: ‘Remove yourself from India within 24 hours’	In the first known invocation of the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, since the state cabinet approved its implementation earlier this year, the Sonitpur district administration has issued orders directing five people – who had been declared foreigners by a tribunal this year – to “remove” themselves from India within 24 hours. n September this year, the Assam cabinet approved standard operating procedures for the 1950 Act, which has been dormant since that year itself. The IEAA 1950 was a legislation drafted by the Union Government of the time, following pressure from the then Assam government about the need for measures to check migration from then East Pakistan in the years following Partition.

 

PRELIMS ANSWER KEY

1. (c)     2. (b)     3. (a)    4. (d)

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.

🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for November 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨