7th July 2025

Explanation - The Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Bill, 2021, was introduced by the government in the Parliament and passed by both Houses. The monitoring and management of air quality in the Delhi-NCR region has been done in pieces by multiple bodies, including the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the state pollution control boards, the state governments in the region, including Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) of the National Capital Region. They, in turn, are monitored by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEF), and the Supreme Court which monitors air pollution as per the judgment in 'M C Mehta vs Union of India' case in 1988. The Bill, however, seeks to create an overarching body to consolidate all monitoring bodies, and to bring them on one platform so that air quality management can be carried out in a more comprehensive, efficient, and time-bound manner. The Centre also seeks to relieve the Supreme Court from having to constantly monitor pollution levels through various cases. Apart from consolidating all agencies that monitored, investigated and planned mitigation of air pollution in the region, the commission has replaced the Supreme Court-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) which had been running for 22 years. 

Explanation - Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms are government-mandated standards that require auto manufacturers to meet a fleet-wide average fuel economy target. India's CAFE norms, introduced by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2017, aim to regulate fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions from passenger vehicles under 3,500 kg. In India, CAFE norms were introduced in two phases, with the first stage effective from 2017-18 and the second from 2022-23. These norms apply to vehicles powered by petrol, diesel, LPG, CNG, hybrids, and electric power. Objective: Lower Emissions and Oil Dependence — CAFE norms were designed to: Reduce oil imports Cut air pollution Promote cleaner vehicles like EVs, CNG cars, and hybrids Tighter norms were enforced in 2022–23, with penalties for non-compliance. Manufacturers were required to achieve: Fuel consumption ≤ 4.78 litres/100 km CO₂ emissions ≤ 113 g/km Heavier Cars Get Relaxed Targets — Under India's CAFE system, heavier vehicles are allowed higher absolute CO₂ emissions, making it easier for large SUVs and premium cars to comply. Meanwhile, smaller, lighter cars face stricter targets, even if their emissions are already low. 

Explanation - The Forest Survey of India defines "forest cover" as all land of one hectare or more of tree patches with canopy density of more than 10 per cent. This covers all land irrespective of legal ownership and land use. While "recorded forest area" includes only those areas recorded as forests in government records as well as the pristine forests. 

Explanation - It is an initiative urging countries to raise real prices on tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks by at least 50 per cent by 2035. The initiative has an ambitious goal of raising US $1 trillion over the next 10 years. It aims to revitalise health taxes as a powerful tool to reduce harmful consumption, save lives, and generate vital public revenue. By implementing well-designed and effectively enforced taxes on these products, countries can mobilise significant domestic resources while advancing public health. The 3 by 35 Initiative has three key actions — Mobilising countries– WHO and partners will engage heads of state, finance and health ministries, and civil society to build political momentum. Countries participating in the Initiative will benefit from peer learning, strategic support, and global recognition. Supporting country-led policies– Countries requesting assistance will receive direct support to develop tailored, evidence-based health tax policies. Others will benefit from a shared knowledge platform offering guidance, tools, and best practices. Building commitment and partnerships– Through inclusive dialogue and collaboration, the Initiative seeks to shift public and political perceptions, foster cross-sector alliances, and strengthen the role of civil society in advocating for sustainable health financing. 

Explanation - Nipah is an infectious disease that broke out in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999. It first appeared in domestic pigs and has been found among several species of domestic animals including dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep. The infection is also known to affect human beings. The organism which causes Nipah Virus encephalitis is an RNA or Ribonucleic acid virus of the family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, and is closely related to Hendra virus. The virus has been listed in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code and must be reported to the OIE (OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code)