SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES

TITLE: DELHI’S STEP TOWARDS CLEANER AIR: A DIWALI WITHOUT CRACKERS

The Delhi Government’s Ban on Diwali Crackers Sparks a National Conversation on Pollution.

In a ground breaking and transformative move, the Delhi government has taken a decisive stance against air pollution by implementing a ban on the sale, storage, and bursting of crackers during the festive season of Diwali. While this decision has ignited intense debates and controversies, it has also brought to the forefront a far-reaching and persistent issue – the year-round air pollution crisis that plagues the city.

Delhi, celebrated for its vibrant culture and bustling streets, sadly holds the notorious reputation of being infamous for its air quality woes.

According to a report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the average air quality index (AQI) in Delhi on Diwali day in 2022 skyrocketed to a staggering 406, categorizing it as “severe.” The recorded levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and PM10 far exceeded safe thresholds, measuring at 231 and 411 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively.

The primary culprit behind this alarming decline in air quality during Diwali has long been identified as the bursting of firecrackers. These festive explosives emit a dangerous concoction of pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), all of which play a significant role in the degradation of air quality. What was meant to be a joyous celebration, filled with light and cheer, has, over the years, morphed into an event that blankets the city in toxic smoke, adversely affecting millions of residents.
Critics of the ban argue that while curtailing Diwali festivities is commendable, the real focus should be on addressing the root causes of Delhi’s persistent air pollution problems. They raise valid concerns about extensive vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction projects, and the annual practice of burning crop residues, all of which significantly contribute to the city’s poor air quality. Delhi’s vehicle count, which currently exceeds 10 million, is staggering, and vehicular emissions constitute a major source of pollution

Furthermore, industrial operations, construction projects, and agricultural practices also release substantial amounts of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The burning of crop residues, particularly in Delhi’s neighbouring states, plays a pivotal role in the winter smog that engulfs the city.

To effectively combat air pollution in Delhi, it is imperative to adopt a comprehensive, year-round approach: in terms of Emission Standards; Public Transport; Clean Energy: Waste Management; Green Initiatives; Sustainable Practices; Policy Changes: Technological Innovation

The practice of stubble burning in neighbouring states has often been cited as a primary contributor to Delhi’s air pollution during the winter months. Addressing this issue necessitates a multi-pronged approach involving legislation, Farmers Education, Collaboration.

Delhi proudly boasts a green cover that constitutes 23% of its land area, featuring over 1,000 parks and gardens across the city. This lush greenery offers not only a serene escape from urban life but also plays a pivotal role in fostering a healthier environment. The government’s commitment to further expanding the green canopy holds the promise of improved air quality and overall well-being for Delhi’s residents.

The odd-even vehicle restriction policy, a temporary measure that limits the use of private vehicles based on specific registration numbers, has demonstrated promise in reducing traffic congestion and enhancing air quality during its implementation.

Expanding and strengthening enforcement of this policy could yield even more significant benefits.

While smoke towers have been proposed as a solution to mitigate air pollution, their effectiveness remains a subject of debate. These towers can disperse pollutants in specific areas but do not address the root causes of pollution, such as vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Therefore, a continued focus on long-term sustainable solutions remains paramount.

Contrary to popular misconceptions, the Supreme Court of India has not outright banned crackers in Delhi during Diwali. Instead, it has introduced measures aimed at mitigating pollution, effectively striking a balance between tradition and environmental concerns. These measures include promoting the use of “green crackers,” imposing restrictions in sensitive areas, and regulating the timing of fireworks. The Delhi government’s role in enforcing these directives and raising public awareness is indispensable.

The issue of air pollution in Delhi extends far beyond the confines of Diwali crackers. It demands a comprehensive, year-round strategy to tackle the myriad sources of pollution. While curbing firecrackers during the festival is indeed a significant step, it is equally vital to address vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and other pollution sources.
To create a cleaner, healthier Delhi, it is imperative for the government, in collaboration with the public, to work diligently towards implementing sustainable policies and practices.

Prioritizing public transportation, clean energy, efficient waste management, and green initiatives is the path forward. It is onl hny through sustained effort, innovation, and collective responsibility that Delhi can achieve a brighter and pollution-free future for its residents.

Celebrating the Success of Chandrayaan 3/Vikram Lunar Landing

Dear Esteemed Members of the Scientific Community,

I hope this message finds you well and filled with pride as we gather to celebrate a remarkable achievement in the realm of space exploration.

Today, on the memorable date, at 18:04 hours, our nation’s perseverance and scientific prowess bore fruit with the successful landing of Chandrayaan 3’s Vikram module on the lunar surface.

This monumental accomplishment stands as a testament to the tireless efforts, dedication, and ingenuity of our brilliant scientists and engineers.

It marks another milestone in our journey to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos and to showcase the technological advancements that our nation has achieved.

As we rejoice in this achievement, let us also recognize the countless hours of meticulous planning, rigorous testing, and unwavering determination that led to this moment.

The successful landing of Vikram is a reminder that challenges can be overcome through collective knowledge, collaboration, and a shared vision.

While we bask in the glory of this success, let us also remember that our journey into the unknown is far from over.

The universe is vast, and there are countless mysteries yet to be unraveled.

Our scientific community has demonstrated its potential, and I am confident that we will continue to achieve many more breakthroughs in the years to come.

On behalf of all those who marvel at your achievements, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each member of the scientific community who contributed to this success.

Your dedication inspires us all, and your accomplishments fuel our aspirations for a brighter and more enlightened future.

Let us continue to explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of human knowledge . May the stars that have witnessed our triumph today also guide us toward many more successes that await us on the horizon.

With admiration and gratitude,

ONE NATION- ONE ELECTION

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The Government of India’s holding of a special session of Parliament from September 18 to 22 has sparked many thoughts like One Nation- One Election, (UCC), Uniform Civil Code, Women’s Reservation Bill, G20, Chandrayaan, New Parliament Building, etc.

Especially One Nation-One Election is attracting all attention.

Elections will be held simultaneously for 543 MP seats in 29 states across the country.
But holding elections in all the states at the same time is a bit of a problem. Earlier, the Government of India had tried four times between 1950-60 to hold One Nation- One Election and failed.

Another time in 2018, the then H ble , President said in his Parliament message about One Nation- One Election. It means that the government is quiet working on this issue very deeply from 2018 onwards.

Now the same H ble, President is acting as the Chairman of the One Nation- One Election Committee and is going into details for finalizing the report quickly.

The Prime Minister has repeatedly mentioned the benefits of simultaneous elections

If elections are held simultaneously, the cost will be lower and more voters will participate in the election process. The Prime Minister asserted that the ease of administration would be high, security challenges could be well overcome and development schemes could be made more extensive.

The establishment of a special session of Parliament and the appointment of the former President as the Chairman of the Committee are raising many doubts and suspicions.

Meanwhile states and people are expressing many doubts. The opposition and the states are coming forward and saying that there are some disadvantages too.

SOME OF THE MAJOR DISADVANTAGES ARE ELABORATED BELOW…
Domestic issues and regional issues are different. National issues over MP seats & Regional issues have a profound impact on MLA seats. If two elections are held at the same time, the regional issues and the national issues will affect each other and the voter will be confused. Analysts feel that Voter may not be able to take the right decision regarding the candidates

Regional parties and MLA candidates work based on local issues. Elections for more than 3800 MLA seats in the country mainly depend on local factors. On the contrary, the election process for 543 MP seats depends mainly on the country’s conditions. By holding these two elections as well as the local elections at the same time, the candidates as well as the Voters may be confused as to where to go. The opportunity for citizens to fully enjoy their right may be reduced. Some are of the opinion that democracy and its values will decrease a bit.

It is very strongly believed that regional parties will face a serious loss especially from a One Nation- One Election of this kind as the country’s problems can affect prospects of the regional parties and make their electoral process difficult. Therefore, it would be better to approach the regional parties to collect their views and then start the One Nation- One Election
For example, AAP in the national capital, DMK in Tamil Nadu, YCP in Andhra, BRS in Telangana, BJD in Orissa have gained state power by dominating regional issues. Now, many regional parties are expressing some objections in the matter of one country and one election, as if the regional issues will be left behind and their survival will be hampered if the elections are held simultaneously.

Our country is built on the principle of unity in diversity with many cultures and many languages. Due to simultaneous elections, the people of different regions and different cultures may not be able to express themselves properly. Others point out that this is a factor that makes expression difficult, while others point out that it leads to dictatorial tendencies. Also, some people are saying that the central government will be strengthened by taking away the powers of the states.

WHAT ELSE IS GOOD TO DO?

Instead of holding MP & MLA elections across the country simultaneously it would be advantageous to hold elections for 543 MP seats, and for 3822 MLA seats separately (without mixing MP seats with elections).
This means that in two stages, the central government will get stability and the state governments will also have a good opportunity to take their views on regional issues to the attention of the voters, fight elections, and take their ambitions to the people.
States and regional parties desiring Central Government to think in this direction.

G20 Summit – Grand Success India a powerful Global leader

The G20 summit held in Bharat (India) was widely regarded as a great success. One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the inclusion of the African Union as a new permanent member, expanding the G20 to G21. This move recognizes the growing influence and importance of Africa in the global economy.

Perhaps the most important achievement of the summit was the announcement of a comprehensive rail and shipping connectivity network. This network will link the United States, Bharat, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the entire Gulf and Arab states. Notably, France, Germany, and Italy will also participate in this project. The establishment of this connectivity network has dealt a blow to China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, as it provides an alternative transportation route and undermines China’s investment in the region.

Despite the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Bharat was able to bridge the trust deficit and bring all G20 members to agree on the Delhi Declaration. This declaration highlights the importance of cooperation between G20 members and addresses various global challenges.

Another significant outcome of the summit was the establishment of the Global Biofuel Alliance. This alliance aims to boost the use of cleaner fuels derived from various sources, including plant and animal waste. This initiative aligns with the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions and will facilitate trade in biofuels.

Bharat’s G20 presidency has been hailed as one of the most successful presidencies since the formation of the G20 group. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team have delivered remarkable results and have also impressed the world with their infrastructural development efforts.

The success of the G20 summit is evident in the recognition and praise it has received from various leaders and organizations. President Joe Biden acknowledged the G20’s ability to drive solutions to pressing global issues, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni signaled Italy’s exit from China’s Belt and Road Initiative during the summit. These diplomatic shifts demonstrate the growing global consensus against China’s infrastructure projects and highlight India’s role in fostering such changes.

However, there are critics who argue that the Indian government is not doing enough to compete with China. It is worth noting that these critics are inconsistent in their arguments, as they simultaneously criticize the lack of a joint statement and China’s absence at the summit. While India might have been able to secure China’s presence or a joint statement, it would have come at the cost of concessions to China. Therefore, the success of the G20 summit should not be undermined by such criticisms.

Overall, the G20 summit in Bharat has been a resounding success. It has showcased India’s rising influence in international affairs, its ability to bridge trust deficits, and its commitment to addressing global challenges. The inclusion of the African Union, the establishment of the connectivity network, and the formation of the Global Biofuel Alliance are all significant achievements that will have a lasting impact on the global stage. The success of the summit has been widely recognized and is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and friendly approach of the Bharat government and its leaders.

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