December 18, 2025

Current Affairs

Rajya Sabha Passes Resolution Extending Water Act 2024 to Manipur

The Rajya Sabha has adopted a statutory resolution to extend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 to Manipur, which is currently under President’s Rule. The move highlights the constitutional mechanism through which Parliament exercises legislative authority over states during such periods.

Constitutional Context

Manipur is under President’s Rule imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution. During this phase, the legislative powers of the State Legislature vest in Parliament. However, under Article 357(1)(a), a Central law on a State List subject can be applied to a state under President’s Rule only after both Houses of Parliament pass a statutory resolution. The Water Act amendment, dealing with water pollution, falls under the State List, necessitating this resolution.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024

The 2024 Amendment updates the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, which established the Central and State Pollution Control Boards (CPCB and SPCBs).

Key Provisions

Penalty Reform: Minor violations earlier punishable with imprisonment now attract monetary penalties ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh.
Adjudicating Authority: The Central Government may appoint Adjudicating Officers to impose penalties.
Officer Rank: Such officers must be at least of Joint Secretary (Centre) or Secretary (State) rank.
Appeal Mechanism: Orders can be appealed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
SPCB Leadership: The Centre can prescribe eligibility, selection, and service conditions of SPCB Chairpersons.
Exemptions: In consultation with the CPCB, certain industries may be exempted from prior consent requirements.

White Category Industries

Exemptions mainly cover non-polluting “White Category” industries, such as photovoltaic cells, wind power plants, fly-ash brick units, and assembly of air conditioners.

Federal Aspect and State Adoption

Since water is a State List subject, the amendment does not automatically apply nationwide. Initially, it applied to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and all Union Territories. States like Punjab, Bihar, and West Bengal have adopted it through Assembly resolutions. Manipur’s case is unique due to President’s Rule, requiring Parliamentary approval instead of a State Assembly resolution.

Significance

Reduces compliance burden and harassment for minor procedural lapses.
Enables faster dispute resolution through Adjudicating Officers.
Promotes uniform standards in environmental governance across states.

Concerns

Monetary penalties may risk treating pollution as a cost of doing business.
Enhanced Central role in SPCB appointments may dilute state autonomy.
Executive-appointed Adjudicating Officers raise questions of neutrality.

India–Russia Relations: Strategic Continuity Amid Global Flux

Context: According to The Hindu, Russia has reiterated its resolve to withstand external pressures and deepen economic partnerships. In this backdrop, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India, his first since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, signals the continuity of a time-tested bilateral relationship despite shifting global geopolitics.

Evolution and Strategic Basis

India–Russia relations are anchored in a Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, built on strategic autonomy, mutual trust, and convergence on a multipolar world order. Russia continues to support India’s bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, reinforcing diplomatic alignment on global governance reforms.

Economic and Trade Engagement

Bilateral trade has expanded rapidly, reaching USD 68.7 billion in FY 2024–25, largely driven by India’s increased imports of discounted Russian crude oil.

This energy-driven trade surge has helped India manage inflationary pressures while offering Russia alternative markets amid Western sanctions. Both sides are now seeking diversification into pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, coal, and critical minerals to ensure balanced trade.

Connectivity and Regional Outreach

Strategic connectivity projects underpin long-term cooperation.

The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) reduces transit time between India, Central Asia, and Russia via Iran.
The proposed Chennai–Vladivostok Maritime Corridor enhances India’s access to the Russian Far East, supporting Act East–Eurasia convergence.

Defence and Security Cooperation

Russia remains India’s largest defence supplier, forming the backbone of India’s military inventory. The 10-Year Defence Cooperation Agreement (2021–2031) provides institutional stability.

Joint manufacturing of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and AK-203 assault rifles exemplifies defence industrial collaboration and technology transfer.
The annual INDRA military exercise strengthens interoperability and counter-terror cooperation.

Energy and Nuclear Collaboration

Energy remains a strategic pillar. Russia is currently India’s largest crude oil supplier. In the nuclear domain, the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant stands as a flagship symbol of trust, contributing to India’s clean energy transition and energy security.

Soft Power and Cultural Links

People-to-people ties are promoted through cultural and educational initiatives such as ‘Namaste Russia’, with institutions like the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre fostering academic exchanges and cultural diplomacy.

Significance for India

India–Russia ties provide strategic balance in a polarised world, ensure defence preparedness, enhance energy security, and preserve India’s strategic autonomy amid competing global alignments.

Fluoride Contamination in Groundwater

Excess fluoride in groundwater has emerged as a serious public health and environmental concern in India. Recent reports from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district indicate fluoride concentrations as high as 8.2 mg/L, far exceeding safe limits and causing widespread dental and skeletal fluorosis across several villages. The issue highlights the intersection of geogenic pollution, drinking water safety, and rural health.

About Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in soil, water, plants, and living organisms. In trace amounts, it is beneficial for dental health, strengthening tooth enamel. However, excessive intake over prolonged periods leads to fluorosis.

Safe Limits:
- WHO guideline: 1.5 mg/L
- BIS standard: 1.0 mg/L (desirable) and 1.5 mg/L (maximum permissible)
Source of Contamination:
Fluoride enters groundwater through leaching of fluoride-bearing minerals such as fluorspar, cryolite, fluorapatite, and granite, especially in hard-rock aquifers.

Health Impacts

Dental Fluorosis:
Affects children below eight years; symptoms range from faint white streaks on teeth to brown stains and pitting.
Skeletal Fluorosis:
Results from long-term exposure; causes joint pain, bone deformities, stiffness, and in severe cases, permanent disability.
Neurological Effects:
Studies from endemic regions indicate that high fluoride exposure may impair children’s cognitive development and lower IQ.

India’s Burden

Fluoride contamination above safe limits has been reported in 469 districts across 27 States.

Highly affected States: Rajasthan (highest burden), Haryana, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
The widespread nature of the problem makes fluorosis a national public health challenge rather than a localized issue.

Government Action and Institutional Measures

National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis (NPPCF):
Launched in 2008–09, now implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) to prevent, diagnose, and manage fluorosis.
Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
Initiated in 2019 to provide functional household tap connections with safe drinking water to all rural households.
- Har Ghar Jal Yojana ensures potable water supply.
- Jal Sakhis conduct village-level water quality testing.
Defluoridation Technologies:
- Nalgonda Technique: Uses aluminium salts, lime, and bleaching powder.
- Activated Alumina Filters: Remove fluoride through adsorption.

Conclusion

Addressing fluoride contamination requires a multi-pronged approach—safe water supply, continuous monitoring, affordable defluoridation technologies, and community awareness. Strengthening groundwater governance is essential to prevent fluorosis and safeguard public health.