1. Climate Crisis Fuels Intensifying Marine Heatwaves Across the Globe

Context: In January 2025, a devastating marine heatwave (MHW) in Western Australia led to the mass death of over 30,000 fish. This alarming event highlights the increasing frequency and severity of oceanic heat anomalies, driven primarily by climate change.

What Are Marine Heatwaves?

Marine heatwaves are prolonged periods of abnormally high sea surface temperatures, significantly impacting marine ecosystems and weather patterns worldwide.

Key Characteristics of Marine Heatwaves:

• Defined as ocean temperatures rising 3-4°C above the average for at least five days.
• Can persist for weeks, months, or even years.
• Climate change is the primary driver, with oceans absorbing 90% of excess heat from global warming.
• These events have become more intense, frequent, and long-lasting over recent decades.

Global Presence of Marine Heatwaves:

Marine heatwaves have been reported in major oceanic regions, including:

• North Pacific & North Atlantic
• Mediterranean & Caribbean Sea
• Indian Ocean & Western Australian waters

Wider Environmental Consequences:

• Extreme weather events: MHWs contribute to the formation of tropical storms, hurricanes, and cyclones.
• Disruptions in the water cycle: Increased flooding, droughts, and wildfires are linked to shifts caused by marine heatwaves.

Rising Trends in the Indian Ocean:

The Indian Ocean, once considered less vulnerable, is now experiencing marine heatwaves annually.

Key Trends (1982-2018):

• Western Indian Ocean: A 1.5-fold increase in marine heatwave events per decade.
• Bay of Bengal: A 0.5-fold rise per decade.

These trends directly impact the Indian monsoon, fisheries, and biodiversity.

How Marine Heatwaves Impact India and the World:

1. Disrupting Monsoon Patterns:

• Western Indian Ocean & Bay of Bengal heatwaves alter atmospheric circulation, affecting monsoon rainfall.
• Central India experiences reduced rainfall, while southern India sees intensified downpours.

2. Economic Losses for Coastal Communities:

• Fisheries & Aquaculture: Reduced productivity of key species like lobster, snow crab, and scallops impacts fisheries.
• Tourism Industry: Marine biodiversity loss affects coastal tourism and livelihoods.

3. Threat to Marine Biodiversity:

• Mass mortality of marine species, forcing migration and disrupting food chains.
• Kelp forests and coral reefs, essential ecosystems, face irreversible damage.
• Coral bleaching weakens reefs, reducing reproductive abilities and making them more susceptible to disease.
• Compounded threats: Ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution exacerbate MHW damage.

Strategies to Combat Marine Heatwaves:

1. Mitigating Ocean Warming:

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by cutting reliance on fossil fuels and adhering to Paris Agreement goals.
• Invest in renewable energy to slow the pace of oceanic warming.

2. Strengthening Marine Ecosystem Protection:

• Implement marine protected areas (MPAs) to safeguard vulnerable species.
• Enforce sustainable fishing regulations and catch management policies to prevent economic losses.

3. Enhancing Research & Monitoring:

• Expand global research networks like the Marine Heatwave International Group.
• Build advanced monitoring systems to predict and mitigate the impacts of future MHWs.

4. Promoting Nature-Based Solutions:

• Apply the IUCN Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions to restore damaged marine ecosystems.

Way Forward:

To combat the growing threat of marine heatwaves, governments, scientists, and stakeholders must work together to:

• Develop long-term conservation policies to protect oceans.
• Raise awareness among policymakers, businesses, and coastal communities.
• Enforce stricter environmental regulations to minimize damage to marine biodiversity.

The climate crisis is accelerating, and with it, marine heatwaves are becoming a new normal. Immediate action is crucial to preserve marine ecosystems, sustain coastal economies, and safeguard global climate stability.

2. Role of the Governor in Granting Assent to Bills

Context: The Supreme Court of India recently raised concerns regarding the Tamil Nadu Governor’s delay in approving several Bills, some of which have been pending for over three years. This has sparked debates over the Governor’s constitutional role and the implications of such delays on the legislative process.

Governor’s Role in the Legislative Process:

As the constitutional head of a state, the Governor plays a vital role in the law-making process, particularly in giving assent to Bills passed by the State Legislature. However, the discretionary powers exercised by Governors in either withholding or delaying assent have often led to legal debates and political controversies.

Constitutional Provisions Related to the Governor’s Assent:

Article 200: The Governor’s Options for Assenting Bills

When a Bill is presented to the Governor after being passed by the State Legislature, the Governor has four possible courses of action:

1. Grant Assent – The Governor approves the Bill, making it a law.
2. Withhold Assent – The Governor rejects the Bill, preventing it from becoming law.
3. Return the Bill for Reconsideration – The Governor may send the Bill back to the Legislature with suggestions. However, if the Legislature passes the Bill again without modifications, the Governor must grant assent.
4. Reserve the Bill for Presidential Assent – If a Bill contradicts the Constitution, affects High Court powers, or is inconsistent with central laws, the Governor may send it to the President for a final decision.

Article 201: The President’s Role in Reserved Bills

If a Bill is reserved for the President’s approval, the President has two choices:

1. Give Assent – The Bill is approved and becomes law.
2. Withhold Assent or Send for Reconsideration – The President can return the Bill to the State Legislature for modifications. However, even if the Legislature re-passes the Bill, the President is not bound to approve it.

Controversies and Recent Concerns:

1. Delays in Assenting to Bills:

• The Constitution states that the Governor should act “as soon as possible”, but does not specify a time limit for decision-making.
• Prolonged delays can lead to a constitutional crisis, obstructing governance and weakening democracy.
• The use of a ‘pocket veto’, where a Governor neither assents nor returns the Bill, has raised serious legal and political concerns.

2. Political Disputes and Federalism Concerns:

• Some state governments have accused Governors of acting under the influence of the Central Government, undermining the spirit of federalism.
• States like West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab have witnessed major conflicts over the Governor’s refusal to sign crucial Bills.

Supreme Court’s Stand on the Governor’s Role:

Key Judicial Interpretations:

1. Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab (1974) – The Governor must act on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, except in specific cases.
2. Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016) – The Governor cannot act arbitrarily or in a partisan manner against the elected government.
3. Rameshwar Prasad Case (2006) – The Governor’s discretion must be fair, reasonable, and aligned with constitutional principles.

Discretionary Powers of the Governor:

• The Governor’s authority to withhold assent or return a Bill is not absolute.
• The Sarkaria Commission (1987) recommended that the Governor should reserve Bills for Presidential Assent only in exceptional cases.
• It also suggested that the President should decide on such Bills within six months and provide reasons if assent is withheld.

Proposed Reforms and the Way Forward:

1. Implementing Time-Bound Decision-Making:

• The Supreme Court has indicated that Governors should not indefinitely delay assent.
• The Governor must promptly communicate with the State Legislature and provide reasons for rejecting or reserving Bills.

2. Clarifying the Scope of Discretionary Powers:

• A clear constitutional framework or judicial guidelines should define the Governor’s limitations in the assent process.
• Establishing fixed timelines for decision-making can help ensure transparency and accountability.

3. Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms:

• The Governor’s actions should be subject to judicial or parliamentary review to prevent political misuse.
• Enhanced judicial oversight can ensure Governors act fairly, without partisan influence.

Conclusion:

The role of Governors in assenting to Bills has increasingly come under legal and political scrutiny. While the Governor holds a crucial constitutional position, the indefinite delay in approving Bills can obstruct governance and weaken federalism. There is an urgent need for greater transparency, judicial oversight, and time-bound decision-making to ensure that the Governor’s role remains aligned with democratic principles.

3. States Demand a Larger Share in Central Taxes

Context: The state of Odisha has joined the growing demand for an increase in the States’ share of the divisible tax pool, urging the Finance Commission to raise it from the current 41% to 50%. Several states argue that they require greater financial autonomy to meet their developmental and governance needs effectively.

Understanding Tax Devolution:

Tax devolution refers to the process by which tax revenues collected by the Central Government are distributed among the State Governments.

Key Aspects of Tax Devolution:

• The Central Government collects various taxes such as Income Tax, GST, Excise Duties, etc., and a portion of this revenue is shared with the states based on the Finance Commission’s recommendations.
• The primary objective is to strengthen fiscal federalism, allowing states greater financial autonomy to address their unique developmental needs.
• The allocation formula takes into account factors such as population, geographical area, forest cover, per capita income, and tax mobilization efforts.
• Besides tax devolution, the Centre also provides additional grants to states for certain jointly funded schemes.

Constitutional Provisions Governing Centre-State Financial Relations:

Several provisions in the Indian Constitution define the financial relationship between the Union and the States:

• Articles 202 to 206: Outline the financial administration of states, covering budget, expenditure, borrowing, and taxation powers.
• Articles 268 to 272: Detail the distribution of revenues between the Union and States.
• Article 280: Mandates the establishment of a Finance Commission every five years to recommend the sharing of revenues.
• Article 282: Allows the Union Government to provide financial assistance to states for any public purpose.

Current Tax Devolution to States:

Key Recommendations from Recent Finance Commissions:

• 14th Finance Commission (2015-2020): Increased the States’ share in the divisible tax pool from 32% to 42%. It also introduced revenue deficit grants for states facing financial shortfalls.
• 15th Finance Commission (2021-2026): Reduced the States’ share to 41% due to the creation of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

Funding Ratios for State Schemes:

• Northeastern and Hill States receive 90% of the funding from the Centre, while States contribute 10%.
• Other general category States receive 60% funding from the Centre, with the remaining 40% covered by the State Governments.

Why Are States Demanding a Greater Share?

1. Need for More Financial Resources:

• State Governments argue that they handle critical responsibilities, such as education, healthcare, policing, and infrastructure, which require greater financial support.
• The rising costs of governance and development projects necessitate an increase in financial allocations.

2. Perceived Inequity Among States:

• Economically advanced states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu argue that they contribute more in taxes than they receive from the Centre.
• Concerns have been raised that better-performing states are being penalized for their strong economic performance, while less developed states with weaker governance receive larger financial aid.

3. Issues with the Divisible Tax Pool:

• A significant portion of the Centre’s revenue comes from cesses and surcharges, which are not shared with States.
• This means that while officially States receive 41% of tax revenues, the actual share is much lower, as cesses and surcharges constitute up to 28% of the Centre’s revenue.

Way Forward:

1. Review by the 16th Finance Commission:

• The upcoming Finance Commission must assess the financial needs of States and consider raising their share in the divisible tax pool.
• A fairer resource-sharing mechanism is essential to promote balanced economic growth across India.

2. Strengthening Disaster Relief Funding:

• States that are prone to natural disasters face huge financial burdens.
• A separate disaster relief fund could be established to provide targeted financial assistance to such states.

3. Enhancing Financial Management Capacity:

• State Governments should focus on improving tax collection, reducing financial inefficiencies, and ensuring better utilization of allocated funds.
• Strengthening fiscal discipline will help states reduce their dependence on Central funding.

Conclusion:

The demand for an increase in States’ share of Central taxes reflects the growing need for greater financial autonomy at the state level. While the Finance Commission plays a crucial role in determining revenue-sharing, there is an urgent need for a more equitable distribution framework that ensures both financial stability and economic development across all Indian states.

4. Private Sector Participation in India’s Nuclear Energy Sector

Context: The Union Government is exploring ways to involve private players in India’s nuclear power sector to achieve the ambitious target of 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. This marks a significant shift from the traditional model, where state-owned enterprises have exclusively controlled nuclear power generation.

5. India’s Diagnostics Sector: Challenges, Growth & Reforms

Context: India’s diagnostics sector is a cornerstone of the healthcare industry, enabling early disease detection and treatment planning. However, inadequate regulation and oversight have led to serious risks, as seen in the case of Shankar Dhange, whose sister lost her life due to incorrect diagnostic test results.

Significance of India’s Diagnostics Sector:

• 9% Contribution: The diagnostics sector accounts for 9% of the healthcare industry, playing a crucial role in disease management.
• Rapid Growth: Estimated to reach a market value of ₹1,275 billion by 2028.
• Expanding Network: India has around 300,000 diagnostic labs, catering to a growing population.
• Technological Advancements: The sector is witnessing a transformation with AI-driven diagnostics and digital health platforms, improving early disease detection.

Key Challenges in India’s Diagnostics Sector:

1. Weak Regulatory Oversight:

• Only 12 states and UTs have adopted the Clinical Establishments Act, leading to inconsistent regulations.
• No mandatory accreditation, allowing many labs to function without quality control standards.

2. Shortage of Skilled Personnel:

• Lack of trained professionals, including pathologists, microbiologists, and lab technicians, affecting diagnostic accuracy.

3. Urban-Rural Divide:

• Despite 70% of India’s population living in rural areas, only 24% of diagnostic revenues come from rural regions.
• Government labs in rural areas face poor infrastructure, lack of funding, and staff shortages.

4. High Cost of Private Diagnostics:

• No standardized pricing leads to huge disparities in test costs.
• Private labs charge exorbitant fees, making diagnostics inaccessible for low-income groups.
• State initiatives like Telangana’s ‘T-Diagnostics’ and Kerala’s ‘Aardram Mission’ aim to provide affordable diagnostics but face logistical challenges.

5. Fraudulent Practices in the Sector:

• Unqualified technicians and fake pathologists compromise patient safety.
• Some labs use “bought signatures” from pathologists to issue reports without review.

Regulatory Framework:

1. Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010:

• Aims to regulate diagnostic centers and ensure minimum service standards.
• Adopted by only 12 states and UTs, with poor enforcement.

2. NABL Accreditation:

• National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) offers voluntary accreditation.
• While large diagnostic chains follow NABL standards, many small labs operate without accreditation.

3. State-Specific Regulations:

• Karnataka and Kerala have separate regulatory frameworks, but inconsistent enforcement remains a challenge.
• Tamil Nadu’s Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Rules, 2018, mandate minimum space requirements for labs.

Way Forward: Strengthening India’s Diagnostics Sector:

1. Enhancing Regulations & Compliance:

• Mandatory NABL accreditation for all diagnostic centers.
• Uniform implementation of the Clinical Establishments Act across all states.
• Establish a central regulatory body for consistent oversight.

2. Expanding Workforce & Training:

• Increase medical education seats and training programs for lab technicians, microbiologists, and pathologists.
• Mandate upskilling and certification of lab technicians.
• Set a cap on the number of labs a pathologist can be associated with to curb ghost pathologists.

3. Eliminating Fraudulent Practices:

• Digital tracking of lab reports to prevent misuse of pathologists’ credentials.
• Strict penalties for fake pathologists and unauthorized technicians.
• Regular audits and surprise inspections to ensure compliance.

4. Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide:

• Increase government investment in rural diagnostic centers.
• Expand Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to improve accessibility in remote areas.
• Extend successful state-funded diagnostic models like T-Diagnostics & Aardram Mission nationwide.

5. Standardizing Pricing & Quality Control:

• Introduce price caps for essential diagnostic tests.
• Mandate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, testing, and reporting.
• Enforce internal and external quality control measures.

Conclusion:

India’s diagnostics sector is at a critical juncture, with rapid growth but regulatory loopholes that need urgent reform. Strengthening regulations, increasing skilled workforce, improving accessibility, and curbing fraudulent practices will ensure a high-quality, affordable, and accessible diagnostic sector that meets the needs of all Indians.

6. Delay in Grants Disbursal Under National Fellowship Scheme

Context: The Centre recently informed Parliament that OBC scholars under the National Fellowship for OBC Students (NF-OBC) have not received their grants since June of the previous year. Similarly, Scheduled Caste (SC) scholars under the National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste Students (NFSC) are facing delays ranging from two to five months in grant disbursal.

National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste (SC) Students (NFSC):

• Launched in 2005-06, this Central Sector Scheme aims to provide higher education opportunities to SC students for pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees in Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
• Funded by: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and implemented by the National Scheduled Castes Finance & Development Corporation (NSFDC).
• Eligibility:
  • Must belong to the SC category.
  • Must have qualified UGC-NET or Joint CSIR-UGC-NET.
  • Enrolled in regular, full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs at recognized institutions.
• Number of Fellowships:
  • 2,000 fellowships per year.
  • 1,500 for Humanities & Social Sciences.
  • 500 for Science streams.

National Fellowship for Other Backward Classes (OBC) (NF-OBC):

• Objective: To enhance opportunities for OBC students to pursue M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees.
• Funded by: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, implemented by the National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC).
• Eligibility:
  • Must belong to the OBC category.
  • Must have qualified UGC-NET or Joint CSIR-UGC-NET.
  • Enrolled in regular, full-time M.Phil. or Ph.D. programs at recognized institutions.
• Number of Fellowships: 1,000 fellowships per year.

National Fellowship Scheme for Scheduled Tribes (ST) (NF-ST):

• A Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, designed to provide financial assistance to meritorious Scheduled Tribe (ST) students for pursuing M.Phil. or Ph.D.
• Eligibility:
  • Must be an ST student admitted to a recognized institution.
  • Total family income should not exceed ₹6 lakh per annum.
  • The fellowship continues until course completion, subject to satisfactory performance.
• Number of Fellowships: 750 per year.
  • Unused fellowships are carried forward to the next academic year.
  • No state/university-wise limit on slots.
• Priority Beneficiaries:
  • Persons with Disabilities (PWD) – 3% of total slots.
  • Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) – 50 slots.
  • Below Poverty Line (BPL) students – 50 slots.
  • Female scholars – 30% reservation.

Concerns Over Delays in Grant Disbursal:

• Financial hardships for scholars relying on fellowship funds for research and living expenses.
• Disruptions in academic progress, especially for students from marginalized backgrounds.
• Lack of transparency in fund allocation and disbursal.
• Need for urgent intervention by the government to streamline grant releases.

Way Forward:

• Timely Disbursal Mechanism: Ensure automatic fund release at fixed intervals.
• Transparent Tracking System: Implement a real-time tracking portal for scholars to monitor their payments.
• Better Coordination: Strengthen coordination between UGC, NSFDC, and NBCFDC for smoother grant processing.
• Increased Funding: Expand the fellowship budget to accommodate rising research demands.
• Accountability Measures: Establish a grievance redressal system for scholars facing delays.

Conclusion:

The National Fellowship Schemes play a crucial role in promoting higher education among marginalized communities. However, delays in grant disbursal create significant financial and academic burdens. The government must take urgent steps to ensure timely, transparent, and efficient fund disbursement to support scholars in their academic pursuits.