Addapedia Editorial: Daily News Editorial PDF, 25 July 2024

Addapedia Editorial: Daily News Editorial PDF, 25 July 2024: Hello Aspirants ADDA 247 is back with Editorial Analysis in English. your daily source for in-depth news coverage and insightful editorial analysis. In this section, we bring you a comprehensive look at the latest national and international events, current affairs, and the historical context behind today’s most pressing topics. Our goal is to provide you with a well-rounded perspective on the news, helping you to understand not just the headlines, but the intricate details and background that shape the world we live in.  This ADDAPEDIA Editorial Analysis will help you in understanding the National and International events Current affairs and the background of a particular topic. This comprehensive News analysis will help you in Clearing CA and Interview for many exams.

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An outlining of urban transformation strategies

Cities are home to about 50 crore people, accounting for about 36% of India’s population. The urban population has been growing at a steady pace of 2% to 2.5% annually

What are the key urban development initiatives in the new Indian Budget?

• Expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) to provide 1 crore more housing units
  • Allocates ₹10 lakh crore for constructing 1 crore housing units under PMAY(U). This includes ₹2.2 lakh crore as central assistance over five years
• New rental housing with dormitory-type accommodation for industrial workers.
  • This would be done in PPP mode with Viability Gap Funding from Central govt.
• Continued support for core infrastructure development through Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
  • Continues AMRUT with ₹8,000 crore allocation.
  • Also, opens up Viability Gap Funding for PPP projects in core infrastructure

• Introduction of the National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM) for digitization of property and tax records with ₹1,150 crore allocated.
• Cities can now tap into the Capex Expenditure for infrastructure.
  • ₹11.11 lakh crore has been allocated for highways and many other sectors but cities can also make efforts to partake a share in it.
• Announces special thrust for bankable solid waste management projects
• Proposes development of 100 weekly ‘haats’ or street food hubs in select cities
• Allocates ₹1,300 crore for electric bus systems in cities
• Promotes transit-oriented development and economic planning

What is Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and how does it benefit urban areas?

• Definition: TOD is an approach to urban development that maximizes the amount of residential, business, and leisure space within walking distance of public transport.
• Key features:
  • High-density, mixed-use development near transit stations
  • Integration of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces
  • Pedestrian-friendly design
  • Reduced dependency on private vehicles
• Benefits:
  • Addressing urban sprawl and unplanned growth
  • Improving access to affordable housing near job centers
  • Reducing transportation costs for low-income groups
  • Enhancing the viability of public transport systems with Increased public transit ridership
  • Reduced traffic congestion and air pollution
  • More efficient use of land and infrastructure
  • Enhanced quality of life and community vibrancy
• Challenges
  • Land acquisition issues
  • Existing high-density development in many urban areas
  • Need for significant infrastructure investments
  • Coordination between multiple agencies and stakeholders

Examples of TOD:

• Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo has one of the most extensive and efficient public transportation systems in the world, with many neighborhoods designed around transit stations.
• Copenhagen, Denmark: Copenhagen is known for its cycling infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly streets, making it a model for TOD.
• Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver has implemented a successful TOD strategy, with many new developments built around transit stations and a strong focus on walkability and public space

Can you answer the following question?

Evaluate the urban development initiatives proposed in the recent Indian Budget. How effectively do these measures address the challenges of rapid urbanization?

SC Verdict on GM Mustard

On July 23, 2023, the Supreme Court of India delivered a split verdict on the validity of the Centre’s 2022 decision granting conditional approval for the environmental release of genetically modified (GM) mustard hybrid DMH-11.

• Currently, cotton is the only GM crop approved for commercial cultivation in India.

What is the background of the case?

• Developed at Delhi University, DMH-11 is a hybrid variety of mustard that has been genetically modified for herbicidetolerance and to increase yield.
• The case revolved around the approval granted by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) in 2023 for the environmental release of the GM mustard hybrid DMH-11 for seed production and testing.
  • The GEAC is the apex regulatory body in India, under Union Environment Ministry, responsible for assessing the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for environmental release.
• The petitioners, environmental activist Aruna Rodrigues and the NGO ‘Gene Campaign,’ challenged this decision, arguing for a moratorium on the release of any genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into the environment until comprehensive biosafety protocols are established and publicly available.

What was the supreme court’s verdict?

The two-judge bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol held contrasting views:

• Justice BV Nagarathna: Ruled against the commercial release of GM mustard, citing concerns about potential risks to biodiversity, human health, and the lack of adequate regulatory oversight.
  • She deemed the October 2022 decisions of the GEAC invalid due to the absence of a health department member and the absence of eight members from the meeting.
  • She emphasized the need for adhering to the “precautionary principle,” which calls for caution when dealing with potentially harmful technologies.
• Justice Sanjay Karol: Upheld the GEAC’s approval, stating that the fears expressed by the petitioners were not substantiated by evidence.
  • He highlighted the potential benefits of GM mustard in increasing crop yield and reducing reliance on imports.
• Outcome: The split verdict means that the matter will now be referred to a larger bench of the Supreme Court for a final decision.

What are the implications of this judgement?

• Uncertainty for GM Crops in India: The split verdict leaves the future of GM crops in India uncertain, as it highlights the lack of consensus on their safety and environmental impact.
• Need for National Policy: Both justices agreed on the need for a national policy on Genetically Modified (GM) crops. They directed the Centre to consult all stakeholders and experts within four months to formulate this policy.
• Impact on Agriculture: Mustard farmers could have benefitted from increased yields and reduced input costs if GM mustard is approved.
• Public Health and Environmental Concerns: The concerns raised by the petitioners about potential risks to biodiversity and human health remain a significant point of contention, requiring further scientific investigation and public debate.

Can you answer the following question?

In light of the contrasting opinions within the Supreme Court regarding GM Mustard release, suggest measures to strengthen the regulatory and decision-making processes for GM crops in India

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