Current Affairs 12 March 2025

Content:

1. Delhi most polluted Capital in world: report
2. What’s in a (disease’s) name?
3. In 2023, U.S. spent 0.24% of its national income on foreign aid
4. Is rising consumer credit cause for concern?
5. New immigration Bill seeks to tighten existing regulations
6. New, Greener Electrochemical Process Turns Urine into Plant Fuel

Delhi most polluted Capital in world: report

Context : India’s air pollution crisis

• 13 out of the world’s 20 most polluted cities are in India.
  • Byrnihat  is the most polluted city globally.
  • Delhi remains the most polluted capital city worldwide.
  • India is the 5th most polluted country in 2024.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)

• Comparative Air Quality Trends
  • India saw a 7% decline in PM2.5 levels (from 54.4 mgpcm in 2023 to 50.6 mgpcm in 2024).
  • However, Delhi’s air pollution worsened, with PM2.5 levels rising from 102.4 mgpcm in 2023 to 108.3 mgpcm in 2024.
  • Other severely polluted cities: 4 in Pakistan, 1 in China.

Factors Contributing to Delhi’s Pollution Crisis

1. Year-Round Pollution Sources
   1. Vehicular emissions (Delhi has one of the highest vehicle densities in the world).
   1. Industrial emissions from NCR regions like Ghaziabad, Noida, and Faridabad.
   1. Construction dust due to rapid urban expansion.

• Winter-Specific Aggravating Factors
  • Paddy-straw burning in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
  • Meteorological conditions (low wind speed, temperature inversion trapping pollutants).
  • Diwali firecrackers contributing to severe pollution spikes.
  • Household emissions (biomass and coal burning for heating).

Implications of Severe Air Pollution

• Health Risks
  • Increased cases of respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis, COPD).
  • Higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.
  • PM2.5 exposure linked to reduced life expectancy.

• Economic and Social Impact
  • Increased healthcare costs due to pollution-related illnesses.
  • Productivity loss due to air-quality-induced health issues.
  • Negative impact on tourism and international image.

• Environmental Consequences
  • Reduced visibility and frequent smog episodes.
  • Damage to crops and local ecosystems.

Way Forward: Policy Interventions and Solutions

1. Strengthening Pollution Control Measures
   1. Strict enforcement of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
   1. Promotion of cleaner fuel alternatives (electric vehicles, bio-CNG).
   1. Phasing out older diesel vehicles.

• Agricultural & Industrial Reforms
  • Large-scale adoption of crop residue management solutions to curb stubble burning.
  • Transition to cleaner industrial technologies and emissions monitoring.

• Urban Planning and Public Transport
  • Expansion of metro networks, buses, and non-motorized transport infrastructure.
  • Implementation of congestion pricing and odd-even traffic schemes.

• Public Awareness & Citizen Participation
  • Encouraging community-led initiatives like urban forests, rooftop gardens.
  • Stricter firecracker regulations and behavioral change campaigns.

What’s in a (disease’s) name?

Introduction

• Diseases named after geographical locations (toponymous diseases) can lead to misinformation, stigma, and racial prejudice.
• Examples: Spanish flu, Delhi boil, Madura foot, West Nile Virus.

Relevance : GS 2(Health)

Historical Example: Spanish Flu Misnomer

• The 1918-1920 influenza pandemic was called Spanish flu, despite not originating in Spain.
• Reason: Spain, being neutral in World War I, had a free press that reported on the disease openly, unlike countries involved in the war.
• Impact: 500 million people affected, 20+ million deaths, yet the name wrongly associated the disease with Spain.

WHO’s Intervention in Disease Naming (2015 Onwards)

• WHO mandated scientific names instead of geographical references.
• Example:
  • Zika Virus: Originally named after the Zika forest (Uganda), causing Congenital Zika Syndrome.
  • Monkeypox → Mpox: Renamed due to racist and stigmatizing language.

The Trichophyton Indotineae Controversy

• A new fungal species causing severe, drug-resistant ringworm infections was named Trichophyton indotineae.
• Objections:
  • Indian & international dermatologists (from 14 countries) opposed it.
  • Named by Japanese researchers based on cases found in India and Nepal, though origin is still unknown.
  • Pejorative connotations and violates WHO’s naming guidelines.
  • The fungus has spread to 40+ countries, proving its non-localized nature.
• Impact:
  • Inaccurate name blames a region without scientific basis.
  • Hinders global cooperation in medical research.

WHO’s Guidelines & Renaming Practices

• WHO renames diseases to avoid controversy and correct unethical attributions.
• Example:
  • Reiter’s Syndrome → Reactive Arthritis (due to its namesake’s Nazi affiliations).
• WHO’s disease naming considerations:
  • Scientific appropriateness
  • Pronounceability across languages
  • Avoiding geographic/zoological references
  • Historical retrievability

Need for Responsible Disease Naming

• Naming should aid scientific progress, not politicize diseases.
• Microbes do not respect borders, but stigmatization divides people.
• Unified, scientific naming fosters global cooperation in disease prevention and treatment.

In 2023, U.S. spent 0.24% of its national income on foreign aid

Context :  U.S. Foreign Aid Spending vs. Public Perception

• In 2023, the U.S. spent 0.24% of its Gross National Income (GNI) on foreign aid.
• However, public perception is vastly different – surveys show Americans believe it to be as high as 31% of the national budget.
• The disparity suggests a lack of awareness about actual foreign aid expenditures.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

The Role of Foreign Aid in Global Health Achievements

• In the 1980s, polio paralyzed nearly 500,000 children annually. By 2023, polio cases were as low as two days’ worth of cases from 1981.
• Foreign aid programs, particularly government funding and private donations, were crucial in the eradication of polio.
• Similar success stories:
  • PEPFAR (U.S. initiative): Saved 25 million lives from HIV.
  • Bednets and antimalarial treatments: Reduced malaria mortality.
  • Global Fund and USAID: Helped curb tuberculosis deaths.

How Much Foreign Aid Is Actually Given?

• Total global foreign aid in 2023: $240 billion (a tiny fraction of rich countries’ economies).
• Norway is the only country spending more than 1% of its GNI on foreign aid.
• The UN target for developed nations: 0.7% of GNI to foreign aid.
  • Only five countries met this in 2023:
    • Norway
    • Luxembourg
    • Sweden
    • Germany
    • Denmark

Who Funds Foreign Aid? Governments vs. Private Donors

• More than 95% of global foreign aid came from national governments.
• Private donations accounted for just 4.5% ($11 billion) of the total.
• Implications:
  • If governments reduce foreign aid budgets, it can have a huge impact on global aid.
  • If the U.S. had cut its aid by just 20%, global aid would have dropped by $13 billion, wiping out private philanthropic contributions.

Can Public Perception Drive Higher Foreign Aid?

• Public support influences government spending.
• If all developed nations met the UN’s 0.7% target, global foreign aid would nearly double (+$216 billion).
• However, most citizens drastically overestimate aid spending:
  • A 2015 U.S. survey found Americans believed foreign aid made up 31% of the federal budget (actual: under 1%).
  • When asked how much should be spent, the average response was 10%, 10 times the actual figure.

Is rising consumer credit cause for concern?

Overview of Rising Consumer Credit

• Household Debt Increase: Household debt in India has risen from 36.6% of GDP in June 2021 to 41% in March 2024, reaching 42.9% by June 2024, per the FSR 2024.
• Comparison to Emerging Markets: Despite this increase, India’s household debt-to-GDP ratio remains lower than many emerging market economies.
• Shift in Borrowing Purpose: A notable portion of this debt is being used for consumption rather than asset creation, signaling potential macroeconomic weaknesses.

Relevance : GS 3(Economy)

Positive Indicators Highlighted by RBI

• Increase in Borrowers, Not Indebtedness: The RBI notes that the rise in household debt stems from more individuals borrowing, not an increase in average debt per borrower.
• Shift to Healthier Borrowers: The proportion of sub-prime borrowers has decreased, with nearly two-thirds of debt held by prime and super-prime borrowers (those with high credit quality).
• Super-Prime Borrowing Trends: Rising per-capita debt is primarily among super-prime borrowers, who tend to use loans for asset creation (e.g., housing, vehicles).
• Post-Pandemic Credit Growth: Consumer borrowing has driven credit growth since the pandemic, but RBI measures introduced in 2023 have slowed this growth, shifting it toward healthier borrowers.
• Reduction in Sub-Prime Borrowing: Sub-prime borrowing has relatively declined, suggesting a healthier credit market focused on asset-building by creditworthy individuals.

Concerning Trends in Consumption Borrowing

• Rising Consumption Loans: The share of loans for consumption (e.g., personal loans, credit card debt) has increased, rather than for productive purposes like housing or education.
• Decline in Household Assets: Household assets dropped from 110.4% of GDP in June 2021 to 108.3% in March 2024, indicating borrowing is not translating into asset accumulation.
• Income Disparity in Borrowing: While 64% of super-prime borrowers’ loans are for assets, nearly 50% of sub-prime borrowers’ loans are for consumption, disproportionately affecting lower-income households (earning less than ₹5 lakh annually).
• Unsecured Loan Stress: Personal loans and credit card debt delinquencies rose in September 2024 compared to September 2023, reflecting financial strain among lower-income borrowers.
• Cascading Risk: About 50% of borrowers with unsecured loans (e.g., credit card debt) also have housing or vehicle loans; defaults in one category could classify all loans as non-performing assets (NPAs), amplifying risk to the financial system.

Potential Causes of Increased Consumption Borrowing

• Income Insecurity: Post-pandemic income challenges may be pushing lower-income households to rely on credit cards and unsecured loans to bridge consumption gaps, suggesting a weak macroeconomy.
• Financial Innovation: The proliferation of credit instruments (e.g., credit cards) may be enabling easier access to debt, potentially exposing lower-income households to financial fragility.
• Unanswered Questions: The text raises whether this trend reflects structural economic weakness or overreach by financial institutions, with implications for stability.

Macroeconomic Implications

• Impact on the Multiplier Effect: Lower-income households typically have a higher income multiplier (more income spent on consumption), but rising debt reduces disposable income as funds go toward debt servicing, lowering consumption and economic growth.
• Reduced Growth Potential: An economy with high household debt, especially among poorer households, may experience weaker growth for the same level of investment due to this diminished multiplier.
• Policy Effectiveness: Macroeconomic policies (e.g., tax cuts) may have limited impact if indebted households prioritize debt repayment over spending.

Is Rising Consumer Credit a Cause for Concern?

• Yes, for Lower-Income Households:
  • Rising unsecured debt and delinquencies among sub-prime and lower-income borrowers signal financial stress.
  • Consumption-focused borrowing, rather than asset creation, limits wealth-building and increases vulnerability.
  • Potential for defaults to spill over into higher-value loans (e.g., housing) poses systemic risks.

• No, in the Broader Context (RBI’s View):
  • The shift toward prime and super-prime borrowers suggests a healthier credit profile overall.
  • Increased borrowing reflects broader participation rather than excessive leverage per borrower.
  • RBI interventions have moderated credit growth and improved borrower quality since 2023.

• Mixed Outlook:
  • While the credit market appears stable for wealthier, prime borrowers, the growing reliance on consumption loans among lower-income groups is a red flag.
  • The decline in household assets alongside rising debt undermines long-term economic resilience.

New immigration Bill seeks to tighten existing regulations

Objective of Consolidation:
The bill unifies four existing laws—the Foreigners Act, 1946; Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920; Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939; and Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000—eliminating overlaps and modernizing India’s immigration framework. It replaces colonial-era laws with contemporary security measures.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Strengthening Regulatory Framework:
The bill introduces stricter provisions for foreigners, increasing penalties for unauthorized entry, fake documents, or overstaying visas (fines up to ₹10 lakh, imprisonment up to 7 years). Immigration officers gain expanded powers to detain, investigate, and deport illegal immigrants without a warrant.

Shift in Burden of Proof:
Section 16 places the burden of proof on individuals to establish their legal status, similar to laws like PMLA and PCA. This reduces the evidentiary burden on authorities and curbs document fraud but may raise constitutional concerns.

Enhanced Registration Requirements:
Foreigners must register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Private hosts, universities, hospitals, and institutions must report foreign guests’ details, ensuring better tracking and accountability.

Carrier Liability and Enforcement:
Airlines and shipping companies must remove foreigners denied entry at their own expense, with fines up to ₹5 lakh for violations. Non-compliance may lead to vehicle seizure, reinforcing border control.

Security and Monitoring Implications:
The bill strengthens internal security through real-time tracking but raises concerns about overreach and harassment. Implementation challenges include FRRO staffing and technological constraints. Critics argue the burden of proof shift may violate fundamental rights.

Broader Context:
The bill aligns with global immigration trends, focusing on illegal immigration from neighboring countries. Its success depends on coordinated enforcement and balancing security with India’s tourism-friendly image.

New, Greener Electrochemical Process Turns Urine into Plant Fuel

Historical Context & Urine’s Value

• Urine, rich in phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, has historically been considered “liquid gold.”
• In the 17th century, Hennig Brand discovered phosphorus while distilling urine, showcasing its chemical potential.

Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology, Agriculture)

The Problem Addressed

• Humans excrete 450–680 liters of urine annually, containing enough nitrogen and phosphorus to sustain crop growth.
• Current wastewater treatment lacks efficient urea extraction, leading to resource wastage and environmental issues.

Innovation: Electrochemical Conversion to Percarbamide

• A new process converts urine into percarbamide (a nitrogen-rich crystalline peroxide) using graphitic carbon-based catalysts.
• Two reaction pathways:
  • Direct reaction of urea with hydrogen peroxide.
  • Urea binding to hydroperoxyl intermediates, forming percarbamide.

Catalyst & Optimized Conditions

• Uses an activated graphitic carbon catalyst to stabilize hydrogen peroxide and enhance conversion.
• Optimal conditions:
  • Urea concentration: 15–38%
  • pH: ~4 (slightly acidic)
  • Temperature: Just above freezing

Dual Benefits—“Two Birds, One Stone”

• Wastewater Treatment: Removes urea, reducing nitrogen pollution.
• Resource Recovery: Produces percarbamide, a slow-release fertilizer.

Percarbamide’s Properties & Applications

• Acts as both a nitrogen source and an oxygen-releasing agent, benefiting plant growth.
• Potential applications beyond agriculture (e.g., industrial processes).

Sustainability & Efficiency

• Greener alternative to the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process.
• Reduces dependency on synthetic fertilizers, lowering carbon footprints.

Scientific Breakthrough & Practical Implications

• Discovery that urine-based urea stabilizes hydrogen peroxide led to a dual-purpose solution.
• Farmers can use percarbamide as a locally sourced fertilizer, and wastewater plants can integrate it into resource recovery systems.

Challenges & Future Directions

• Scaling requires electrochemical reactors & catalyst production.
• Needs real-world wastewater testing beyond lab conditions.

Broader Significance

• Promotes circular economy by turning waste into a resource.
• Transforms urine from a waste product to a sustainable fertilizer, echoing historical discoveries with modern innovation.