R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. Exposomics for Better Environmental Health: A New Public Health Approach

Background

• The World Environment Day in 2025 is focused on tackling pollution.
• Many places represent one of the many thousands of chemical and physical impacts on the air, water, and living spaces that we have neither the sensory capabilities nor sensing technologies to detect, measure, and assess health risks.
• Rapid economic growth is increasing the scale and complexity of environmental exposures, especially in countries between the living environment and lifestyles.
• India already accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global environmental disease burden.
• New paradigms for environmental management that rest on integrated health risk assessments are needed.
• These must include all environmental factors into the assessment of disease burden.
• The piece-meal approaches that define our current framework of environmental health indicators are inadequate in assessing environmental health inequities and result in spiraling health costs.
• New models are needed to embrace complex patterns of disease etiologies and develop holistic interventions.
• Strategic environmental health surveillance that integrates environmental and biomonitoring efforts with digital health and data science platforms are critical.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) began estimating the global environmental disease burden in 2000, which is the basis for the modern estimation approach being adopted in the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors (GBD) study.
• Each cycle of the GBD identifies risk factors, and the greatest attributable health burden comes from environmental risks.
• In 2023, the GBD identified 88 risk factors in environmental and occupational (OE) health, and 12.8% of total deaths and 14.4% of all disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) led by air pollution, for 4.25 DALYs.
• Pollution from industrial air pollution from the use of solid fuels for cooking accounts for 0.9% DALYS, 3.1 million deaths.
• In India, nearly three million deaths and 100 million deaths are attributable to air pollution.
• For non-communicable diseases (NCDs), OED risk factors in India are estimated to account for more than 50% of the attributable burden.
• NCDs such as ischemic heart disease, stroke, chronic obstructive lung disease, lung cancer, asthma, and diabetes are particularly prevalent.
• What children under five in India develop from OE health exposures can lead to 6.5 million deaths and 20% of the total estimated IQ points lost globally for children under five.

• Exposomics provides a framework for integrating environmental health data into a holistic approach.
• It addresses the complex interplay between environmental factors and human health.
• Environmental exposures are not limited to chemicals but include physical, social, and psychological factors.
• Exposomics utilizes a comprehensive approach, integrating chemical, physical, and socio-economic environmental factors with diet, lifestyle, and individual characteristics.
• It generates a system for understanding the etiology of human disease and allows for generation of an atlas of exposure-wide associations (EWA).
• EWA enables disease burden analysis and environmental influences.
• Environmental inter-disciplinary platforms use real-time sensors to monitor variables, integrating chemical and human biomonitoring data.
• Human-relevant organ-on-a-chip systems simulate human tissues or organs to understand mechanistic biological responses.
• This approach integrates big data and artificial intelligence (AI) to generate inter-related pieces of evidence.
• Current data and resources are insufficient for a comprehensive understanding of exposomics.
• A framework that allows data to be found, accessed, and shared across disciplines is needed.
• Exposomics provides a framework for implementing environmental health programs.
• It offers a new paradigm that approaches environmental health management.
• This new paradigm addresses the complexity of human disease.
• Exposomics offers unprecedented potential to generate more accurate population health measures.
• One important area is the ability to enable sustainable economic development and a socially just, environmentally and public health infrastructure.
• The prime time for the Indian environmental health community to engage and contribute to the global momentum toward the science of exposomics.
• Future celebrations of World Environment Day may shift focus on why the human exposome is a key component to better public health for environmental prevention.

• Integrated environmental health risk assessments are crucial for effective public health policy.
• Investing in digital health and data science platforms will strengthen environmental health surveillance.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and a comprehensive approach to environmental factors are essential for a holistic understanding of disease.
• Leveraging exposomics can lead to more effective environmental health programs and policies.

Background

• Recently, a trip to Arunachal Pradesh showcased the diversity of greens in local diets.
• Across India, many fruits, vegetables, legumes, tubers, wild plants, and leafy vegetables are part of traditional food systems.
• The local tribes are knowledgeable about the nutritional and medicinal properties of these plants.
• A senior government official highlighted the rapid rate at which agrobiodiversity is disappearing in Northeast India, mirroring the global decline in species extinction.
• Traditional knowledge about medicinal and nutritional properties of these foods, as well as the culinary practices of tribal communities, are disappearing rapidly.

• India harbors over 8% of global biodiversity, and ranks as one of 17 'megadiverse' countries of the world.
• Contains sections of four of the 36 global biodiversity 'hotspots' and is one of eight centers of global food crop diversity.
• Natural services from India's diverse forests are valued at over $130 trillion annually, and local ecosystem services sustain livelihoods of a vast majority of the rural population.
• However, continuous decline in natural assets reduces India's GDP and hinders sustainable development.
• Biodiversity and its potential to increase human well-being remain largely unexplored.
• Global food systems are dominated by three crops – rice, wheat, and maize – which provide over 50% of the world's plant-based calories.
• This concentration leads to heavy price gauging, nutritional imbalances, and vulnerability to climate shocks.
• Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity are rising globally, despite technological advances in agriculture.
• The benefits of our ecosystem are not equitably distributed, as the resilience of food systems comes under threat.
• Locally grown crops such as small millets, buckwheat, amaranth, jackfruit, yams, and tubers are neglected.
• Underutilized species (NUS) in favour of commercial crops are referred to as 'orphan crops' because they are nutritionally dense, climate-resilient, and adaptable to local environments.
• Orphan crops and communities: Orphan (or opportunity) crops have always been embedded in local culinary traditions, often linked with cultural identity and ecological knowledge.
• The community of Koli Hills (Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu) prefers growing locally adapted millets.
• For three decades, farmers have moved to cultivating cash crops such as cassava, coffee, and pepper, resulting in a decline of agrobiodiversity.
• The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has been working with agricultural communities for over 20 years to prevent the erosion of millet crop diversity.
• These interventions have enabled a community of farmers, especially women, to document traditional knowledge and best practices, improve the vitality of the soil, diversify crop production, improve local processing, and add value.
• India's action plan under the UN-declared International Year of Millets and Shree Anna Yojana focuses on strategies to enhance production and productivity, consumption, export, strengthening value chains, branding, creating awareness for health benefits, and more.
• Many states have their own Millet Missions.
• In the Koraput district of Odisha, the Odisha Millet Mission has removed traditional community-led millet revival from seed to consumption.
• The focus is now on ragi, jowar, and bajra, with the next step being to expand the State missions to cover a variety of minor millets.
• Professor M.S. Swaminathan envisioned an Evergreen Revolution that is rooted in chemical intensification, but in restoring ecological balance and nutrition security.
• The future of food is diverse and nutritious, bringing these forgotten foods back to the table to ensure our cultural identity and ecological knowledge.
• An interdisciplinary science: A new biodiversity science is emerging across the globe, where India can leverage its human resources and scientific infrastructure.
• This interdisciplinary science will help us meet the most pressing challenges in sustainable use of India's unique biodiversity, for agriculture and food production, health and nutrition, climate change and disaster risk management, bio-economy, and providing a variety of jobs to meet the needs of 1.4 billion people.
• India could become a global leader in conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, leading to better health and human well-being.
• This concept is referred to as "Biohappiness," as envisioned by M.S. Swaminathan.

• Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and preserving agrobiodiversity are crucial for food security and human well-being.
• Investing in research and development of underutilized crops and traditional food systems can enhance nutritional security and climate resilience.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration and a holistic approach to biodiversity are essential for achieving "Biohappiness."
• Government support for millet missions and other initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture is vital.

Background

• The climate crisis has changed the idea of energy security.
• A country's energy sources must stand firm on four pillars: availability, affordability, environmental acceptability, and environmental acceptability.
• Environmental policymakers and the public are willing to make tough decisions.
• The context of renewables has strengthened their position as an energy source that provides affordable power with low emissions.
• They are important for the ultimate goal of achieving a fossil-free economy and a clean energy system.
• The case for integrating green energy is strengthened by looming climate risks and geopolitical tensions.
• However, increasing renewable energy capacity may not reduce the desired results due to the intermittent nature of the resources.
• Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a vital solution to mitigate the variability of renewable energy while enhancing grid stability.

• Why energy storage matters: The potential to enhance grid operations, enable large-scale integration of renewables, and provide reliable power, making energy storage systems crucial to the energy transition.
• Among the technologies available, BESS stands out for its affordability, scalability, rapid deployment, and geographical flexibility.
• By stating the grid, balancing demand, supply fluctuations, and enabling peak load management, BESS plays a foundational role across all forms of energy storage.
• Integrating BESS into the grid with renewables can considerably reduce the power sector's emissions.
• Further, its ability to start decentralized energy solutions with microgrids ensures renewable energy reaches where it is needed most, making BESS an enabler of a greener, more resilient, and equitable energy ecosystem.
• Declining costs and technological advancements lead to the ever-increasing deployment of BESS.
• Over the past 15 years, the average cost of batteries has fallen by nearly 90%.
• However, despite this progress, its full potential is hindered by regulatory, technical, financial, and market barriers.
• India's BESS landscape: India is emerging as a leader in BESS deployment through a combination of charging and policy measures.
• India has set a target of 500 GW of installed power capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030.
• As of January 2025, the country had already achieved 212.62 GW.
• To achieve full results, BESS deployment must be accelerated.
• India's government has committed to installing 47 GW of BESS by 2032 to enable increased renewable energy deployment and its integration with the grid.
• Schemes such as Viability Gap Funding and waiver of inter-state transmission system charges for BESS projects commissioned by June 2025 have been enacted to support BESS projects.
• But progress has been slow.
• The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlighted the challenges associated with scaling up renewable energy and energy storage deployment, including the lack of investment for grid upgradation, speed of BESS deployment, technology acquisition, and addressing initial financial needs for indigenous storage technology.
• India has large-scale BESS agreements.
• The survey called for focusing on innovation and investment for resolving challenges in procuring battery storage, grid infrastructure, and critical minerals.
• Innovative partnerships can help scale up BESS deployment.
• Public and private entities can provide concessional funding and technical assistance for BESS.
• Following the idea of leveraging collaboration to bring results, the BESS pilot project was initiated in Delhi by BESS Rajdhani Private Limited, in partnership with Indira Infrastructure Trust and Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP).
• The project marks a significant step toward India's goal of 47 GW of energy storage by 2030, creating a technical playbook for BESS adoption, supporting regulatory reforms, and incentivizing future BESS projects.
• Facilitating more such initiatives will be key to increasing energy deployment in India, fulfilling SEC commitments, enhancing energy security, and improving grid stability.
• Emerging as a leader: India has emerged as a leader in renewable energy deployment.
• The push for increasing renewables in the energy supply is to reduce emissions and ensure independence from imports of conventional fuels.
• However, the full potential of renewable energy cannot be achieved without energy storage.
• To become energy secure, India must implement its renewable energy capacity target.
• India is partner to expeditionary large-scale BESS projects with central and state grids, concessional financing, technical aid, manufacturing localization, and recycling opportunities.
• India can utilize BESS to its fullest extent.
• This can make India a leader among emerging economies in terms of BESS projects.
• As a member of the BESS consortium, founded by GEAPP, India has been focusing on deploying energy storage to ensure any increase in renewable energy capacity can be utilized to its full potential.
• With more alliances, India can get improved energy security and increased renewable deployment.

• Accelerating BESS deployment is crucial for India to meet its renewable energy targets and ensure grid stability.
• Addressing regulatory, technical, financial, and market barriers for BESS implementation is essential.
• Fostering innovation and investment in battery storage technology and infrastructure will strengthen India's clean energy transition.
• Public-private partnerships and international collaborations can help scale up BESS deployment and achieve energy security goals.

Background

• This story from Raghu Murugavel questions why energy models for the distant future are unreliable and how global mean warming levels take away from immediate disasters and mitigation strategies.
• It asks about the immediate measures that one must focus on to tackle climate-related catastrophes.
• Global mean temperature rise of 2°C is enshrined in the Paris Agreement as a safe level of warming, with 3,000 scientists globally.
• This threshold was reduced further to 1.5°C by the Alliance of Small Island Developing States.
• The climate community has been trying to quantify climate change and its consequences for future warming levels.
• Unfortunately, the models used for climate projections are not perfect, and the estimates for future warming levels are uncertain.
• India, as a major developing country, has a lot of people to lift from poverty, so it needs to know the greenhouse gas emissions from the models.
• The models also create pathways by integrating energy, economic growth, population growth, and climate actions, but these are difficult to implement.
• Global warming in the distant future often distracts from inherent, locally relevant, and immediately imperative options.

• Is global warming important?: After 2023 and 2024, global warming was in the forefront.
• However, the 2°C warming threshold emerged from a arbitrary assumption, not from scientific facts.
• There has been much debate about what 1.5°C or 2°C warming means in real terms, particularly in climate science.
• Climate-related disasters continue to be a major concern.
• Did the world really cross 1.5°C?: Global temperature estimates are prepared by blending observations and models.
• Many groups produce multiple models, but these models are often not aligned with 1.5°C or 2°C warming thresholds.
• The world exceeded 1.5°C warming in 2024, where one has estimated the world did.
• The IPCC report from 2023 states that 2025 will continue to warm, and 2025 is expected to be the warmest year on record.
• The IPCC report states that 2025 will continue to warm, and 2025 is expected to be the warmest year on record.
• Warming is likely to be 3,000 scientists in the future, implying warming may be a distraction.
• Global warming is becoming more protracted, frequent, and intense.
• Insurance losses, number of lives, and number of livelihoods lost worldwide are rising year on year.
• These disasters are a more proximate driver of global warming.
• Early warning systems are becoming more effective, but still not enough for addressing all climate-related disasters.
• The UN promises to ensure positive outcomes and better preparedness.
• The climate change hotspots are becoming more frequent.
• Catastrophic flood levels are in the thousands every year.
• A reminder that good early warnings are worthless unless they are actionable.
• The UN has expressed concern about the lack of scientific research on global warming, as it is a distraction from other important issues.
• The need to focus on more immediate questions, whether a given forecast was accurate or whether all disaster management agencies on the ground received it in time.
• If a forecast fails, they need to be re-modeled and disseminated as soon as possible.
• If a accurate but the government failed to prepare for it in time, the points of failure must be quickly identified and corrected.
• This is about identifying risks and how to prepare for them, and that risks are not unpredicted.
• We must have agency in managing them.

• Focus on immediate disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies, rather than solely on distant global warming projections.
• Strengthening early warning systems and ensuring they are actionable at the local level is crucial.
• Investing in robust disaster management infrastructure and effective response mechanisms is essential.
• Transparency and accountability in forecasting and disaster response are vital for building public trust and ensuring effective preparedness.

Background

• On June 5, World Environment Day, one takes stock of how the previous decade has exacerbated/mitigated existing environmental crises.

• The world is grappling with three deeply intertwined planetary crises: carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• Over the last 10 years, these crises have deepened, despite growing awareness and international efforts.
• Between 2015 and 2024, global CO2 emissions rose from around 34.1 billion metric tonnes to 37.4 billion metric tonnes, a nearly 10% increase.
• In the same period, India's emissions surged from 2.33 billion to 3.12 billion metric tonnes, an increase of 34%.
• Dependence on coal and oil is a major factor.
• On the biodiversity front, mass extinctions and ecological disruptions are becoming the norm.
• India, with its mega-diverse ecosystems, faces growing threats from deforestation, wetland degradation, and monoculture agriculture.
• Meanwhile, pollution, particularly air pollution, has remained stubbornly high.
• India consistently ranks among the world's most polluted countries, with Delhi topping global lists.
• Root causes: There are myriad causative factors.
  • First is fossil fuel dependency. Most global carbon emissions are driven by coal, oil, and gas consumption in power generation, transportation, and heavy industry.
  • In India, coal still accounts for nearly 70% of electricity generation.
  • Second, we have deforestation and land-use change. In India, forest clearances for roads, mining, and dams have increased, especially in biodiversity-rich regions like the Western Ghats and the northeast.
  • Third, agricultural intensification. High-input monocultures, especially driven by agribusinesses, destroy habitats and pollute water bodies with nitrates, pesticides, and plastics.
  • Waste mismanagement and unchecked urbanisation are also major factors.
  • Unregulated environmental damage from untreated industrial effluents and sewage pollutes rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna.
  • India generates 62 million tonnes of waste annually, of which barely 20% is scientifically processed.
  • Finally, overconsumption and industrialisation.
  • Global North's high consumption and global supply chains externalise pollution and ecological damage to the Global South.
• India's position: As a developing economy, India has a smaller per capita carbon footprint (4.9 tonnes/year vs. the U.S.'s 14.7 tonnes), yet its aggregate emissions are rising due to rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.
• The poor air quality (smog-choked slums or drought-stricken villages in Maharashtra) is also a victim of the environmental damage caused by global forces.
• Climate change, largely driven by historical emissions of richer nations, has intensified India's monsoons, floods, and heatwaves.
• Biodiversity loss has weakened India's food systems and health infrastructure.

• A meaningful response must include accountability from nations of the Global North.
• Wealthy nations must drastically cut emissions, provide climate finance, and stop outsourcing dirty industries.
• Large polluting corporations must be held accountable through strict laws and carbon taxation.
• The future of development must be based on ecological concerns.
• For example, corporations that do not adhere to the 'green policy' should not be allowed to trade in the market.
• Creating such protocols will pave way for systemic changes.
• Sustainable development should be encouraged with a shift towards low-carbon livelihoods, ecological agriculture, and community-led conservation.
• India, as a developing country, needs a comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the environmental crisis.

NEWS IN SHORTS

Next Census to conclude by March 2027, says govt.

India's next Census will conclude by March 2027, including for the first time an enumeration of castes. The process will involve two phases, with reference dates in October 2026 for Union Territories and March 2027 for other parts of the country.

11 die in stampede at RCB cup celebration

Eleven people died and 47 were injured in a stampede at a Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cup celebration in Bengaluru. The incident occurred due to overcrowding and narrow passageways, leading to fatalities from asphyxia.

Expedition to study ecological impact of Kochi shipwreck

A scientific expedition will investigate the ecological and biogeochemical impacts of the MSC ELSA 3 shipwreck off the Kochi coast. Researchers will collect samples and use advanced instruments to monitor marine life changes, assessing the environmental damage.

India must ensure technology transfer in the EV segment

India aims to boost domestic EV manufacturing, but experts warn it needs to ensure technology transfer rather than just lowering import duties. The policy allows foreign EV manufacturers to import vehicles at reduced customs if they invest in local production.

Govt. to bring new national policy on senior citizens

The government is drafting a new national policy on senior citizens, anticipating that 20% of the population will be seniors by 2047. Discussions focus on welfare, grievance redressal, and promoting community engagement for the elderly.

India, Australia agree to work together in fight against terrorism

India and Australia affirmed their commitment to strategic partnership and counter-terrorism efforts. Both nations reviewed progress on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to intensify cooperation against terrorism, especially after recent attacks.

Lt. Colonel, his retired IAF officer wife among six missing in Sikkim landslide

A retired IAF Lieutenant-Colonel, his wife, and four others are missing after a landslide struck an Army camp in Sikkim. Rescue operations are underway, but challenging weather and terrain are hindering efforts, as the region faces widespread devastation.

Army and IAF carry out relief operations in Northeast

The Indian Army and IAF are conducting extensive relief operations in flood and landslide-affected areas of Northeast India. They are providing aid, rescuing stranded people, and supplying essential resources to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall.

Modi likely to attend BRICS summit in Brazil next month; meet closely watched by U.S. govt.

Prime Minister Modi is expected to attend the BRICS summit in Brazil next month, a meeting closely monitored by the U.S. government. Discussions will focus on global economic issues, de-dollarization, and strategic cooperation among member countries.

India ‘vehemently opposed’ ADB’s funding to Pakistan

India strongly opposed the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) proposal to fund Pakistan for rural development, citing Pakistan's alleged support for terror groups. India argues that such funding should not be used to finance entities on international terror lists.

Monsoon Session of Parliament likely to be held from July 21

The Monsoon Session of Parliament is likely to begin from July 21, with opposition parties demanding a discussion on "unrest in Manipur." The session will address key legislative matters and ongoing political issues.

Centre asks States to ensure supply of medical oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators

The Centre has urged states to ensure adequate supply of medical oxygen, isolation beds, and ventilators amid rising COVID-19 cases. States are advised to adopt a "test-track-treat" approach, focusing on early detection and comprehensive care.

IRCTC’s digital drive deactivates 2.5-cr. suspect user IDs

IRCTC's digital drive deactivated 2.5 crore suspect user IDs, including unauthorized agents and bots, to curb fraudulent bookings. The measure aims to enhance the booking system's integrity and provide fair access to genuine users.

West Asia crisis could delay IMEC, says MEA official

An ongoing crisis in West Asia could delay the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a proposed shipping and rail network connecting India to Europe. Geopolitical issues and harmonization of standards across partner countries pose challenges to its timely completion.

U.S. nuclear deal is against Iran national interests, says Khamenei

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that a U.S. proposal for a nuclear agreement is against Iran's national interests. He emphasized ongoing disagreements over uranium enrichment, complicating efforts to reach a new accord.

‘Extremely hard to make a deal with China,’ says Xi, Trump on steel tariffs

Chinese President Xi Jinping described reaching a trade deal with the U.S. as "extremely hard," echoing President Trump's sentiments on steel tariffs. Both leaders acknowledge significant barriers, including trade imbalances and intellectual property rights, making a swift resolution challenging.

Putin will retaliate against Kyiv’s strikes: Trump

President Donald Trump stated that Russian President Putin would "retaliate very strongly" against Kyiv's strikes on Russian territory. Trump criticized the U.S. for its involvement in the conflict, predicting further escalation without a peaceful resolution.

Corbyn presents Bill in UK parliament, questioning govt.’s support for Israel

Jeremy Corbyn presented a Bill in the UK Parliament questioning government support for Israel, urging accountability for alleged war crimes. He highlighted human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for an end to arms sales to Israel.

Bangladesh drops the ‘Father of the Nation’ for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Bangladesh's government has decided to remove the title "Father of the Nation" from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The move has sparked debate, with some viewing it as an attempt to rewrite history, while others see it as a necessary step for national identity.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

India experienced 3.2 crore disaster displacements in the last decade. 113 tourists are stranded in Sikkim's Lachen village. Punjab's anti-drug drive has led to 15,495 arrests since March 1. 4.3 million Ukrainians are registered as refugees across the EU. Israel's global defence exports reached an all-time peak of $14.7 billion in 2024.