Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Brazil from July 2-9, 2025, for the BRICS summit, was not only his longest international visit in 11 years but also marked a significant diplomatic outreach to the Global South, with stops in Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia. This visit underlines India’s evolving leadership role in shaping the Global South's agenda, advocating for a multipolar world order, and amplifying the voices of developing nations.

What is the Global South?

The term Global South refers to countries, predominantly in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania, which typically face lower levels of economic development, shared colonial histories, and a common interest in reforming global governance to make it more equitable. The Global South is often contrasted with the Global North, which includes wealthier, industrialized nations like those in North America and Western Europe.

Key characteristics of the Global South include:

• Lower economic development levels

• Colonial histories

• Advocacy for equitable trade terms, technology transfer, climate justice, and a multipolar world order

India has positioned itself as one of the most vocal and prominent leaders of the Global South, using both diplomatic and multilateral platforms to represent their shared concerns.

India’s Role as the Leader of the Global South

India has strategically worked to emerge as the voice and bridge between the developed and developing worlds. It has positioned itself as a key player on various global issues by:

1. Hosting the Voice of Global South Summits:
   In 2023 and 2024, India hosted the Voice of Global South Summits, where over 120 developing countries came together to discuss pressing issues like climate change, food insecurity, debt crises, and digital divides. These forums have bolstered India's image as a leader committed to global equity.

2. Leveraging G20 Presidency (2023):
   India used its G20 presidency to champion the cause of the Global South. It successfully advocated for inclusive growth, equitable development, and debt relief for poorer nations. India also secured the African Union's permanent membership in the G20, which was a historic diplomatic move, cementing its position as a bridge between the North and South.

3. Expanding Development Partnerships:
   India has increased its development assistance and capacity-building programs across regions like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, further positioning itself as a partner for the South in their developmental needs.

4. Countering China's Influence:
   India seeks to provide an alternative model of development to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), one that is transparent and less debt-driven. This positioning appeals to many Global South countries, which view China’s growing influence with a degree of caution, especially concerning debt traps.

5. Moral and Historical Positioning:
   India's commitment to the Global South is rooted in its non-aligned legacy and its founding role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). By drawing from its anti-colonial history, India aligns itself with the Global South’s aspirations for fairer global governance and social justice.

India’s Position on Gaza and Israel

India’s traditionally neutral stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, however, has come under scrutiny in recent years. India’s pro-Israel position during the October 2023 Gaza war—following Israel’s military actions in Gaza—has led to concerns among many Global South nations, who have long advocated for the rights of the Palestinian people.

Consequences of India’s Gaza Position:

• Defeat in UNESCO Election: India’s pro-Israel stance was evident when it lost to Pakistan for the UNESCO Executive Board vice-chair election. Many Global South nations, especially in Africa and Asia, saw India’s position as aligning too closely with Western powers and not sufficiently critical of Israel's actions.

• Reduced Participation in India’s Second Voice of Global South Summit: Several countries, disillusioned by India’s perceived shift away from Global South values, reduced their participation in the Voice of Global South Summit.

India’s Response

At the BRICS Foreign Ministers' meet in June 2024 and again at the 2025 BRICS summit, India strongly criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, marking a shift in its position to safeguard its Global South ties. Additionally, India condemned the attacks on Iran, signaling a balancing act between its strategic partnership with Israel and its leadership aspirations within the Global South.

Despite maintaining its defense and security ties with Israel, India had to recalibrate its public diplomacy to protect its influence within the BRICS and other international forums. This shift was a diplomatic tightrope aimed at keeping both Israel and the Global South engaged without compromising on either front.

India Secures BRICS Support on Terrorism

During the BRICS summit in Rio, India achieved a notable diplomatic win by getting BRICS support—including from China—for strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack and affirming support against cross-border terrorism and terror financing. This came despite skepticism from several Global South nations regarding India’s Operation Sindoor strikes in Pakistan.

India sent multi-party delegations to explain its position on terrorism, presenting a clear narrative that sought to align its counter-terrorism efforts with global norms of justice and human rights. While the BRICS declaration echoed India’s strong stance on terrorism, the country had to make some concessions on the language surrounding Gaza and Iran, highlighting the balancing act India must play in global diplomacy.

Implications for India’s Global South Strategy

1. Diplomatic Balancing:
   India’s approach demonstrates a delicate balancing act between advancing its national interests and maintaining its position as a key representative of the Global South. Strategic realignments, like those on Israel and Gaza, are necessary to avoid alienating critical constituencies in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

2. Global South Unity:
   India must focus on preserving its image as a leader of the Global South, ensuring that its actions align with the broader values of these countries, especially regarding human rights and sovereignty. Its leadership role in BRICS, G20, and UNESCO will be scrutinized for consistency.

3. Countering China's Rise:
   As China’s influence expands, India’s role as a counterbalance—offering an alternative model of development—is becoming increasingly important. India’s multilateral engagements and development assistance are key to solidifying its position in the Global South and providing a credible alternative to China's debt-driven development model.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategic visit to Brazil and his outreach to Global South nations are a testament to India’s ambition to assert itself as a leader of developing countries.

The Maharashtra Assembly has recently passed the Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aimed at combating “urban Maoism” and left-wing extremism in the state. The Bill criminalizes activities such as disturbing public order and encouraging disobedience to the law. It also introduces the controversial provision of property forfeiture even before a conviction, leading to concerns about the potential for police misuse and vague legal definitions.

Understanding Urban Maoism

Urban Maoism refers to the tactics used by the CPI (Maoist) to expand its influence in urban settings by engaging students, intellectuals, professionals, and religious minorities. Unlike rural Maoist insurgents who engage in direct armed combat, these urban supporters contribute in non-violent ways, including:

• Creating NGOs

• Organizing protests

• Running media campaigns

• Infiltrating political and civil society organisations

The goal is to weaken the state from within, without resorting to arms. These supporters are often not armed insurgents but are accused of aiding the Maoist movement through intellectual, financial, or logistical support, including media campaigns, legal defense, and resource mobilization.

Key Document: STIR

The 2004 document titled “Strategies and Tactics of Indian Revolution” (STIR) guides the activities of the CPI (Maoist). It contains instructions on:

• Building urban support networks to aid the armed struggle in rural areas.

• Mobilizing intellectuals, students, minorities, and other groups by exploiting victimhood narratives.

• Infiltrating political parties and civil society organisations with the goal of creating secret alliances.

The strategy aims to form an underground support structure in cities while maintaining complete secrecy.

Real-World Examples and Allegations

• Elgar Parishad Case (2018): A number of intellectuals, activists, and civil society leaders were arrested in connection with alleged Maoist links after violence erupted during the Bhima Koregaon event in Maharashtra.

• Popular Front of India (PFI): There have been official communications and investigations that reveal links between Maoists and organisations like PFI, which allegedly support Maoist activities in cities.

Challenges in Combating Urban Maoism

1. Expansion Beyond Forest Areas: While traditional Maoist activities have been centered in rural and forested regions like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, urban networks are now helping sustain the insurgency.

2. Disruption of Law and Order: Urban Maoists are alleged to use peaceful protests, NGOs, and legal platforms to challenge state policy, undermining law enforcement and public order.

3. Difficult to Identify: Unlike armed insurgents, urban Maoists don’t carry weapons. They operate under legal covers such as academia, activism, or journalism, making identification and legal action difficult.

A New Kind of Warfare: Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW)

• Urban Naxalism is often described as Naxalism without guns. Instead of using weapons, it relies on propaganda, protests, and alliances to destabilize the state.

• This form of warfare is classified as Fifth Generation Warfare (5GW), where the battlefield includes media, public opinion, and political influence—all designed to influence and manipulate public perception and state authority.

Maharashtra’s Special Public Security Bill: Background and Purpose

• First Introduced: The Bill was first introduced in July 2024, but it lapsed due to state elections. It was reintroduced in December 2024 after clearance from a joint committee.

• Primary Aim: The Bill is designed to counter the growing threat of naxalism and urban Maoist networks that undermine the state's authority.

• The Bill empowers the government to declare certain organizations as “unlawful” and penalize individuals who are associated with such organizations.

• It is modeled after the UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act), but it expands its focus to urban Maoist networks operating within cities.

Key Provisions of the Bill

1. Definition of Unlawful Activities:

   • The Bill defines unlawful activities broadly, including acts that disrupt public order, engage in violence, encourage disobedience to the law, or aid extremist organizations.

2. Penalties:

   • The Bill prescribes 2–7 years' imprisonment and fines for membership, fundraising, or managing unlawful organizations.

   • Offences are cognizable, meaning police can arrest without a warrant, and non-bailable, meaning individuals cannot easily secure bail.

3. Property Forfeiture:

   • One of the most controversial provisions is the forfeiture of property linked to unlawful organizations, even before trial. The government can issue a 15-day notice of forfeiture, and affected parties can challenge the decision in the High Court within 30 days.

4. Advisory Board:

   • An Advisory Board consisting of three High Court-qualified persons must confirm the unlawful status of organizations before they are declared unlawful.

Key Concerns and Criticisms

1. Vague Definitions:

   • The Bill uses vague terms like “practising disobedience” and “disrupting communication,” leading to fears that it could be used to criminalize legitimate protests and dissent. Critics argue that these terms are open to interpretation and could be used to target activists or ordinary citizens.

2. Pre-Trial Property Forfeiture:

   • Unlike the UAPA and PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act), the Maharashtra Bill allows property forfeiture without waiting for a conviction. Critics argue that this provision violates the presumption of innocence and could be misused to target individuals or organizations without due process.

3. Potential for Police Misuse:

   • There are concerns that the law may be used to target dissenters or critics of the government under the guise of combating urban Maoism, leading to misuse of power by law enforcement agencies.

4. Dilution of Constitutional Protections:

   • Critics believe that provisions like pre-trial property attachment and the non-bailable nature of offences could undermine constitutional rights and liberties, particularly those related to freedom of speech, expression, and assembly.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024, aims to combat the growing threat of urban Maoism and left-wing extremism in the state. However, its broad and vague provisions have raised concerns over potential misuse and violation of individual rights.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have launched aggressive probes into illegal human trafficking networks operating through the infamous "Donkey Route". This route is primarily used by Indian migrants attempting to reach the United States via Latin America and other countries. The ongoing investigations have uncovered a complex and dangerous network of traffickers, agents, fake visa consultancies, and international operatives with severe implications for national security, human rights, and India’s foreign relations.

Key Developments in the Crackdown

1. ED and NIA Actions

   • The ED is focusing on money laundering linked to illegal immigration rackets involving high-stakes international trafficking.

   • The NIA has arrested several key operatives, including traffickers associated with Gagandeep Singh, a major figure who was arrested earlier. Singh allegedly trafficked over 100 Indians to the U.S. through the Donkey Route, charging as much as ₹45 lakh per person.

What is the Donkey Route?

• The term Donkey Route refers to an illegal, dangerous migration pathway that involves crossing multiple countries, often under the control of criminal networks.

• The route gained public attention after the release of the 2023 Shahrukh Khan film "Dunki", which portrayed the journey in a fictionalized manner.

• Typical Journey Path:

  • India → UAE → Latin American countries (Ecuador, Guyana, Bolivia) where Indian citizens can obtain visa-on-arrival or tourist visas.

  • Ecuador → Colombia → Panama (crossing the perilous Darién Gap), then onward through Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, and finally entering the U.S..

• Hazards:

  • Migrants face extreme risks, including navigating through dense forests (Darién Gap), exposure to assault, extortion, animal attacks, and dangerous border tunnels under the U.S.-Mexico border.

  • Criminal cartels in the Mexico-U.S. border area have shifted focus from drug trafficking to human trafficking, charging up to $6,000 per person for a passage.

Economic Dimensions of Human Trafficking

• Cost to Migrants:

  • Agents charge between ₹30 lakh to ₹60 lakh depending on the specific route. In some instances, passengers have paid amounts ranging from ₹40 lakh to ₹1.25 crore for flights heading toward Nicaragua via Europe.

• Agent Networks:

  • Local-level agents in India are part of a much larger international trafficking syndicate. These agents are responsible for facilitating fraudulent practices such as issuing fake visas, forging documents, and organizing illegal border crossings.

Illegal Immigration and India's Role

• Rising Trends in Migration:

  • In 2023, nearly 96,917 Indians were caught or expelled at the U.S. border, a significant increase from 30,662 in 2021.

  • According to Pew Research (2022), there are over 700,000 undocumented Indians in the U.S., the third largest group after Mexicans and Hondurans.

• Deportation Data:

  • Since 2009, a total of 15,756 Indians have been deported from the U.S. The highest number of deportations came in 2019 (2,042), with 104 deported so far in 2025.

Varieties of Illegal Immigration Routes

1. Student Visa Route (Canada to U.S.):

   • A popular route involves agents arranging fraudulent admissions into Canadian colleges. These students then attempt to cross into the U.S. illegally.

   • The cost of this route ranges from ₹50 lakh to ₹60 lakh per person.

   • A noteworthy case involved three members of a Gujarati family who froze to death at the U.S.-Canada border, sparking an ED probe into fraudulent agents and money laundering activities.

Implications for India

• National Security:

  • The involvement of transnational criminal networks in human trafficking poses significant risks to national security. These criminal syndicates could also facilitate the infiltration of terrorist elements or engage in financial crimes.

• Diplomatic Concerns:

  • India’s growing reputation as a source of undocumented migrants could strain diplomatic relations, especially with the United States and Canada, where the impact of illegal immigration is particularly high.

• Human Rights Violations:

  • Migrants on these dangerous routes often face death, sexual assault, extortion, and a wide array of human rights violations. This exploitation highlights the need for greater protection of human dignity and the rights of migrants.

Policy Responses Needed

1. Strengthening Emigration Laws:

   • India must adopt more stringent emigration regulations to curb the illegal activities of agents and traffickers. This can include better oversight of private travel consultancies and visa agencies.

2. Regulation of Travel and Visa Consultancies:

   • Stringent regulations should be enforced on private travel and visa agencies that facilitate fraudulent migration practices.

3. Bilateral Cooperation on Anti-Trafficking Efforts:

   • India needs to enhance diplomatic cooperation with countries like the U.S. and Canada to tackle human trafficking and strengthen laws against illegal immigration.

4. Community Awareness:

   • There needs to be greater public awareness in India regarding the dangers of using illegal routes and the potential legal consequences of unauthorized immigration.

Patriot Systems in Ukraine -The recent decision by the United States to send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine amid growing Russian aggression underscores the system's strategic importance. The Patriot (MIM-104), which stands for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, is one of the most advanced surface-to-air missile defense systems in the world. It is designed to intercept and destroy incoming missiles, aircraft, and other airborne threats.

Key Features of the Patriot System:

1. Primary Role and Evolution:

   • Initial Design: The Patriot system was initially designed as an antiaircraft system for engaging enemy aircraft. However, over time, its capabilities have been upgraded, and newer variants of the system can now intercept ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and aircraft.

   • Combat-Proven: It is considered one of the most combat-proven air defense systems, having been operational since the 1991 Gulf War, where it was used to protect critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Israel.

2. Manufacturing and Global Use:

   • Manufacturer: The Patriot system is built by Raytheon Technologies Corp., a major aerospace and defense company based in the United States.

   • Global Operators: The system is widely used by several U.S. allies and partners worldwide, including Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Qatar, and others.

3. System Components and Battery Structure:

   • A Patriot battery is the basic firing unit and consists of:

     • Phased Array Radar: Used for tracking targets and directing missiles.

     • Engagement Control Station (ECS): Responsible for directing operations.

     • Missile Launchers: Up to 8 launchers, each holding 4 ready-to-fire missiles.

     • Personnel: While around 90 soldiers are assigned to a battery, only 3 personnel in the control station are needed to operate it during combat.

   • The Patriot Battery can engage multiple targets simultaneously and offers high levels of accuracy.

4. Guidance and Interceptor Missiles:

   • The Patriot missile system employs a Track-Via-Missile (TVM) guidance system. The missile receives midcourse correction commands from the mobile engagement control center.

   • There are different types of interceptors used by the Patriot system:

     • PAC-2: Uses a blast-fragmentation warhead for intercepting targets.

     • PAC-3: Employs hit-to-kill technology, which is more advanced and designed to physically collide with the target.

5. Performance and Capabilities:

   • The Patriot system is capable of targeting threats at different altitudes and ranges, depending on the type of interceptor used:

     • The PAC-2 interceptor can engage targets at altitudes of more than 24 kilometers.

     • The PAC-3 can reach targets at altitudes of similar range, but with higher accuracy and precision.

   • The radar system has a range of over 150 km (93 miles), which allows for the early detection and tracking of incoming threats.

6. Use in Combat:

   • 1991 Gulf War: The Patriot system was first used in combat to defend against Scud missiles fired by Iraq at Saudi Arabia and Israel. While the system faced some controversy regarding its effectiveness, it was a key component of the U.S.-led defense efforts.

   • 2003 Iraq War: Patriot missiles were again deployed to protect U.S. forces and allies from missile threats in the region.

Conclusion:

The Patriot Air Defence System remains one of the most advanced and versatile defense systems in the world. Its role in countering missile threats and safeguarding national security is critical, as demonstrated by its widespread use across several countries and its ongoing deployment to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression.

Recently, three youngsters from Karnataka tragically drowned in the Tungabhadra River near Mantralayam in Kurnool district. This incident highlights the potential dangers posed by river bodies, especially those with strong currents or unpredictable weather conditions. The Tungabhadra River is a major river in southern India, flowing through the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is the principal tributary of the Krishna River.

Key Features of Tungabhadra River:

1. Geographical Significance:

   • Origin: The river is formed at Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, where the Tunga and Bhadra rivers meet. Both the Tunga and Bhadra rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.

   • Course: The Tungabhadra flows over a distance of 531 km before merging with the Krishna River at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.

     • Length in Karnataka: 382 km.

     • Length in Andhra Pradesh: 91 km.

     • Boundary: The river forms a natural boundary between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh for 58 km.

2. Catchment Area:

   • The total catchment area of the river is approximately 69,552 square kilometers up to its confluence with the Krishna River.

3. Tributaries:

   • Varada River and Hagari (Vedathy) River are the major tributaries of the Tungabhadra.

4. Ecological and Landscape Features:

   • The river's landscape is dominated by massive granite formations in hues of grey, ochre, and pink.

   • The region around the river is largely influenced by the southwest monsoon.

   • Raichur Doab: The land lying between the Tungabhadra and the Krishna rivers is called the Raichur Doab.

5. Cultural and Historical Importance:

   • The Tungabhadra holds religious significance in Hinduism, where it is referred to as Pampa in the Ramayana.

   • The city of Hampi, which was the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, is located on the banks of the river. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its rich historical and architectural heritage.

6. Dams and Reservoirs:

   • Several dams and reservoirs have been constructed along the river for irrigation and power generation:

     • Tunga Anicut Dam

     • Bhadra Dam

     • Hemavathy Dam

     • Tungabhadra Dam

7. Importance to Agriculture:

   • The river is crucial for the irrigation of agricultural lands in the region, particularly for rice, cotton, and other crops grown along its banks.

8. Environmental Concerns:

   • As with many rivers, the water quality and ecosystem of the Tungabhadra face pressures from industrial pollution, over-extraction for irrigation, and dams. Conservation efforts are critical to maintaining the river’s ecological health.

Conclusion:

The Tungabhadra River is not only an important water source for southern India but also an integral part of the region's history, culture, and ecology. It is vital for both irrigation and energy production, while also being a cherished site for its religious significance.

The Jarawa Tribe, one of the world's oldest surviving indigenous communities, has come into focus due to ongoing concerns about their enumeration in the 16th Census of India.

About the Jarawa Tribe:

1. Status and Population:

   • The Jarawas are designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India.

   • Their population is estimated to range between 250 to 400 individuals.

   • The tribe resides on the Middle and South Andaman Islands, living in nomadic bands of approximately 40-50 individuals.

2. Habitat:

   • The Jarawas' traditional habitat spans across dense tropical forests, mangroves, and coastal zones of the Andaman Islands, providing a natural environment suited to their lifestyle.

Historical Background:

1. Ancestry:

   • The Jarawas are believed to be descendants of the extinct Jangil tribe.

   • Some scholars suggest that their lineage may trace back to the first wave of human migration out of Africa, marking them as part of the earliest human settlers in Asia.

2. Survival Through History:

   • The Jarawas have withstood British colonization (since 1789) and even World War II, although their population suffered a significant decline during these periods due to diseases and external disturbances.

Cultural and Lifestyle Characteristics:

1. Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle:

   • Traditionally, the Jarawas are hunter-gatherer-fishermen, relying on the forest and coastal resources for sustenance. They hunt land and marine animals, gather forest produce, and fish in the coastal waters.

2. Physical Health and Adaptation:

   • The tribe is noted for their robust physical health, attributed to their nutritional lifestyle which is based on a diverse and natural diet from their environment.

3. Clothing and Territory:

   • Their attire is minimal, designed for comfort in the humid tropical climate of the Andaman Islands.

   • The Jarawas are known to be territorial defenders and have historically resisted outside interference, especially encroachments on their land.

Concerns Regarding Enumeration:

The 16th Census of India is set to begin in two phases:

1. October 1, 2026 - For snow-bound states and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N Islands).

2. March 1, 2027 - For the rest of India.

This census will also include the long-awaited enumeration of caste data, the first time since the 1931 Census. Given the unique and isolated nature of indigenous tribes like the Jarawas, experts have raised several concerns regarding their enumeration, especially considering their nomadic lifestyle and minimal external contact.

However, experts have pointed out that existing contact and welfare initiatives designed to ensure the protection of the Jarawa Tribe make the enumeration process feasible:

• The Jarawa Welfare Policy has been implemented to minimize outside contact while ensuring their health and safety.

• Various interventions by the Tribal Welfare Department and local authorities have been working to ensure minimal disruption in their way of life while keeping track of their population.

Challenges to Enumeration:

1. Nomadic Nature:

   • Due to their nomadic lifestyle, tracking the exact population and whereabouts of the Jarawas may prove difficult.

2. Protection from Outside Influence:

   • The Jarawas have historically resisted external contact, and the introduction of census personnel could be seen as an intrusion. Care must be taken to respect their autonomy and cultural integrity.

3. Health and Welfare Concerns:

   • Encounters with outside agencies, including census enumerators, could lead to the risk of disease transmission, as the Jarawas have had limited exposure to diseases brought by outsiders.

4. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

   • The government must ensure that the right to self-determination and consent of the Jarawas is respected. The welfare of these communities should remain a priority, and any census process must be carried out with their full cultural and social protection in mind.

Conclusion:

The Jarawa Tribe is an important part of India’s rich indigenous heritage and is integral to understanding the diverse cultures that have existed on the Andaman Islands for thousands of years. While the 16th Census of India presents an opportunity to collect vital data for national planning, it is critical to balance this objective with the preservation of the tribe's autonomy and safety.

Recently, the Indian Environment Ministry has made a significant policy change by exempting most coal-fired power plants in the country from the mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems. These systems are intended to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, a major contributor to air pollution and acid rain.

About Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD):

Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) is a technology used to remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) from the exhaust gases of coal-fired power plants. Since SO₂ is one of the main contributors to acid rain, particulate matter pollution, and various health problems, reducing its emissions is crucial for improving air quality and protecting ecosystems.

The FGD process generally involves the use of substances like:

• Limestone (CaCO₃)

• Lime (CaO)

• Ammonia (NH₃)

These react with SO₂ in the flue gases to neutralize it and form by-products that are less harmful.

Types of FGD Technology:

Several different FGD technologies can be implemented to reduce SO₂ emissions:

1. Dry Sorbent Injection (DSI):

   • Involves injecting limestone or lime into flue gases before they pass through dust collectors.

   • Suitable for certain plant configurations but requires effective dust collection systems.

2. Wet Limestone Scrubbing:

   • Involves the use of a limestone slurry to absorb SO₂, converting it into gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O).

   • This is the most commonly used method for large-scale power plants.

3. Seawater FGD:

   • Uses the alkalinity of seawater to neutralize SO₂.

   • Common in coastal plants due to low installation costs, but its use is limited to regions near coastlines.

Recent Policy Changes and Exemption Decision:

India had earlier mandated, through the Environment Ministry, that all coal-fired thermal power plants must install FGD systems by 2017 in order to curb SO₂ emissions. The 2015 mandate required approximately 180 coal-fired plants (comprising 600 units) to comply with the new emission norms.

However, as of now, only about 8% of these plants have installed FGD systems, and the bulk of installations are from NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), a public-sector entity. The delay in meeting the deadline has been attributed to several challenges, including:

• Vendor shortages

• High costs of FGD installation

• Delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

• Anticipated increase in power tariffs due to the added cost of installing and operating the FGDs.

In light of these challenges, the Environment Ministry recently made a policy exemption for most plants, citing several factors:

• Indian coal has a lower sulphur content compared to coal in many other regions, leading to lower SO₂ emissions.

• SO₂ levels near power plants with and without FGDs have shown to be similar in several studies.

• Some research suggests that sulphates formed from SO₂ emissions may actually have a cooling effect on the atmosphere, potentially mitigating global warming to a small extent.

Implications and Concerns:

While the exemption may seem to alleviate immediate financial and logistical burdens for power plants, it has sparked concern among environmentalists and experts for several reasons:

1. Long-term Environmental Impact:

   • The continued reliance on coal-fired plants without adequate SO₂ control may still lead to severe air quality issues, particularly in densely populated regions.

   • Acid rain from unfiltered SO₂ can have harmful effects on soil, water bodies, agriculture, and human health.

2. Global Climate Commitments:

   • India has made international climate commitments to reduce its carbon intensity and transition toward cleaner energy sources. The exemption from FGD requirements may delay the transition to sustainable energy.

3. Missed Opportunities for Technological Development:

   • The delay in the widespread installation of FGD systems might delay the adoption of advanced pollution control technologies that could create jobs, improve energy efficiency, and contribute to India's green economy.

4. Risk of Undermining National Air Quality Standards:

   • The decision might undermine national efforts to achieve stringent air quality standards, particularly in regions heavily dependent on coal power. This could exacerbate health issues, especially respiratory illnesses.

Conclusion:

The exemption of coal-fired power plants from mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems is a significant shift in India’s environmental policy. While it might offer immediate relief to plants facing financial and logistical challenges, the long-term effects of this decision on air quality, public health, and India's climate commitments remain uncertain.