DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th May 2026

Subject: Art & Culture – Civilian Awards; Polity – Article 18(1); Padma Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri; Civil Investiture Ceremony.

Why in News?

• President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Padma Awards 2026 at the first Civil Investiture Ceremony held in the Ganatantra Mandap of Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25, 2026
• For the year 2026, the President approved a total of 131 Padma awards (5 Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, 113 Padma Shri). However, in the first phase, only 66 awards were presented (2 Padma Vibhushan, 6 Padma Bhushan, 58 Padma Shri)

About the Padma Awards

Establishment

• Instituted on 2nd January 1954 (by Government of India).
• These are among the highest civilian awards of India (Bharat Ratna is the highest).

Categories

• Padma Vibhushan (Highest among Padma awards) – for exceptional and distinguished service.
• Padma Bhushan – for distinguished service of a high order.
• Padma Shri – for distinguished service in any field.

Award Composition

• The award does not include a cash prize. It consists of a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion

Fields of Recognition

• Art, social work, public affairs, science & engineering, trade & industry, medicine, literature & education, sports, civil service, etc.

Selection Process (Key Points for Prelims)

Nominations

• Open to all Indian citizens via the Rashtriya Puraskar Portal.
• Recommendations are invited from State/UT Governments, Central Ministries, and previous award recipients

Selection Committee

• The Padma Awards Committee is constituted annually by the Prime Minister.
• It is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and 4-6 eminent citizens

Vetting and Approval

• Shortlisted candidates undergo background vetting by intelligence agencies.
• The final list is approved by the Prime Minister and then by the President

Announcement

• Officially announced on the eve of Republic Day (25th January) every year

Key Awardees of 2026 (Phase I)

Padma Vibhushan (Posthumous)

• Dharmendra (Veteran Actor) – received by Hema Malini
• Piyush Pandey (Advertising Legend) – received by his wife

Padma Bhushan

• Uday Kotak (Banking & Industry)

Padma Shri

• Harmanpreet Kaur (Indian Women’s Cricket Team Captain)
• Prosenjit Chatterjee (Veteran Bengali Actor)
• Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar (Former UGC Chairman)

Note: Honourees like Mammootty (Padma Bhushan), Alka Yagnik (Padma Bhushan), R. Madhavan (Padma Shri), and late Satish Shah (Padma Shri) will receive their awards in the second phase of the ceremony

Legal and Operational Restrictions (Article 18)

• Awardees cannot use the award as a title or prefix/suffix to their names (e.g., on stationery, business cards). This is prohibited by Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India
• The award does not grant any special privileges (no railway passes, free air travel, government housing, or security protocol)

Key Terms for Prelims

• Padma Vibhushan: Second-highest civilian award (after Bharat Ratna).
• Ganatantra Mandap: Venue at Rashtrapati Bhavan where the ceremony was held.
• Article 18(1): Abolition of titles (prohibits use of Padma as a prefix).
• Rashtriya Puraskar Portal: Online portal for submitting nominations.
• Padma Awards Committee: Chaired by the Cabinet Secretary; constituted by the PM.
• Civil Investiture Ceremony: Formal ceremony where the President presents the awards.

Prelims Practice MCQs

Q1: Who chairs the Padma Awards Committee that evaluates nominations?

• Cabinet Secretary

Q2: As per Article 18(1) of the Constitution, which of the following is prohibited for Padma awardees?

• Using the award as a prefix to their name

Q3: For which field is the Padma Award NOT typically given?

• Military Gallantry

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2265244&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Geography – Eastern Ghats; Energy – Hydroelectric Power; Inter-State Cooperation; Odisha-Andhra Pradesh Border.

Why in News?

• A major fire broke out at the Machkund Hydroelectric Project located on the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border on May 23, 2026.
• Preliminary investigation points to a technical malfunction (electrical short circuit or turbine panel board issue) as the primary reason.

About Machkund Hydroelectric Project

Basic Details

• Installed Capacity: 120 MW
• Location: Koraput district, Odisha (on the border with Andhra Pradesh)
• River: Machkund River (a tributary of the Godavari River system)
• Dam: Jalaput Dam (along with its reservoir) supports the project
• Nearby Falls: Duduma Falls (well-known waterfall on the Machkund River)
• Terrain: Located on the western slopes of the Eastern Ghats

Historical Significance

• Originally proposed by Maharaja Vikram Dev Varma of Jeypore in the 1920s to provide electricity to his villages.
• Construction commenced in 1948.
• Commercial operation began in 1955.
• Formally inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India.

Inter-State Project

• Joint project of the Government of Andhra Pradesh and the Government of Odisha.
• Operated jointly by APGENCO (Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation) and Odisha government.

Power Sharing Arrangement

• Initially: 70:30 ratio (Andhra Pradesh : Odisha)
• After negotiations and increasing demand, revised to 50:50 equal share.

Strategic Importance

• Crucial power source for:
  • Andhra Pradesh: Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and other regions.
  • Odisha: Koraput, Jeypore, and surrounding areas.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Machkund Hydroelectric Project: 120 MW inter-state project (Odisha-AP border)
• Machkund River: Tributary of Godavari River system
• Jalaput Dam: Dam supporting the Machkund project
• Duduma Falls: Well-known waterfall near the project site
• Eastern Ghats: Mountain range where the project is located (western slopes)
• APGENCO: Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation – joint operator
• Koraput district: Odisha district where the project is located
• Maharaja Vikram Dev Varma: Original proposer of the project (Jeypore ruler)
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad: First President of India; inaugurated the project in 1955
• Jeypore: Historic princely state; now a town in Koraput district

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The Machkund Hydroelectric Project (120 MW) is located on the border of which two states?

• Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Q2: Machkund River is a tributary of which major river system?

• Godavari

Q3: Which dam supports the Machkund Hydroelectric Project?

• Jalaput Dam

Q4: The Machkund Hydroelectric Project was originally proposed in the 1920s by:

• Maharaja Vikram Dev Varma of Jeypore

Q5: Who formally inaugurated the Machkund Hydroelectric Project?

• Dr. Rajendra Prasad

Q6: The well-known Duduma Falls is located near which hydroelectric project?

• Machkund

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/fire-breaks-out-at-machkund-hydroelectric-project-on-ap-odisha-border/article71015236.ece

Subject: Science & Tech – Semiconductors; Economy – Aatmanirbhar Bharat; ISM 2.0; Investors Support Portal; MeitY.

Why in News?

• The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) launched an “Investors Support” portal on May 26, 2026 to provide a single-window digital interface for investors considering semiconductor investment in India.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 announced ISM 2.0, marking a transition from policy formulation and capacity creation to consolidation, technological depth, and global integration.

What is India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)?

Launch

• ISM 1.0 was approved in December 2021 under the Semicon India Programme.

Nodal Ministry

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Implementing Agency

• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) – a dedicated unit within MeitY.

Total Outlay (ISM 1.0)

• ₹76,000 crore (offering up to 50% fiscal support).

Progress Under ISM 1.0 (as of May 2026)

• 12 Fab/Packaging projects approved.
• 24 semiconductor design projects approved.
• 10 projects with investments of ₹1.60 lakh crore approved across six states (covering silicon fabs, compound semiconductors, advanced packaging, and testing facilities).
• India’s semiconductor market: 45-50billion**(2024-25);projectedtoreach**100-110 billion by 2030.

ISM 2.0 (Announced in Budget 2026-27)

Budgetary Allocation for FY 2026-27

• ₹1,000 crore for ISM 2.0.

Key Focus Areas

Targets

• 70-75% self-sufficiency in domestic chip demand by 2029.
• 3 nm and 2 nm manufacturing capabilities by 2035 (becoming a leading semiconductor nation).

Investors Support Portal (Launched May 26, 2026)

Purpose

• Boost investors’ confidence and address their concerns.
• Provide a single-window digital interface for streamlined coordination and time-bound resolution of concerns.

Complementary Initiatives

Key Terms for Prelims

• ISM (India Semiconductor Mission): Dedicated unit under MeitY for semiconductor ecosystem development (launched 2021)
• Semicon India Programme: Umbrella programme for semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem (includes ISM)
• Fab (Fabrication facility): Factory where integrated circuits are manufactured (wafer fabrication)
• Compound Semiconductors: Semiconductors made from compounds like GaN, SiC (used in power electronics, RF devices)
• Advanced Packaging: 3D stacking, chiplets, heterogeneous integration (e.g., 3D Glass Solutions plant in Odisha)
• Full-Stack IP Development: End-to-end semiconductor intellectual property (design, verification, manufacturing)
• RISC-V: Open standard instruction set architecture (ISA) – royalty-free
• DHRUV64: India’s indigenous microprocessor (developed by IIT Madras)
• Fabless Company: Semiconductor company that designs chips but outsources manufacturing
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Self-reliant India (semiconductor self-sufficiency is a key goal)
• Make in India – Make for the World: Manufacturing initiative with export focus

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) is implemented under which ministry?

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Q2: Which indigenous microprocessor has been developed by IIT Madras to reduce dependence on imported chips?

• DHRUV64

Q3: The Digital India RISC-V Programme promotes:

• Open-source processor development without licence costs

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2265285&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Geography – Himalayan State; Polity – 36th Amendment; Art & Culture – UNESCO Site; Environment – Organic Farming.

Why in News?

• President Droupadi Murmu embarked on a 3-day visit to Sikkim (starting May 26, 2026) – the first presidential visit to the state in recent years.
• The visit highlights Sikkim’s strategic and cultural significance as India’s northeastern frontier state.

About Sikkim

Location

• Northeastern state of India; second smallest after Goa.
• Landlocked; nestled in the Himalayan range.

Bordering Countries (3)

• China (Tibet) – north and northeast
• Bhutan – east
• Nepal – west

Bordering Indian State

• West Bengal – south (separates Sikkim from the rest of India)

Capital

• Gangtok

Geography

Highest Peak

• Kanchenjunga (world’s third highest peak; 8,586 m) – located on the border with Nepal.
• Revered as the guardian deity of Sikkim.

Glaciers

• Zemu Glacier – largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas (source of Teesta River).

Major Rivers

• Teesta River – flows through Sikkim and West Bengal; major tributary of Brahmaputra.
• Rangit River – tributary of Teesta.

Lakes

• Tsomgo Lake (Changu Lake) – sacred lake near Gangtok.
• Gurudongmar Lake – one of the highest lakes in the world (5,430 m); sacred to both Buddhists and Sikhs.

Hot Springs

• Yumthang Hot Springs – located in Yumthang Valley (known as “Valley of Flowers of Sikkim”).

Passes

• Nathu La Pass – connects Sikkim to Tibet (China); one of the three open trading border posts between India and China (along with Shipki La and Lipulekh).
• Jelep La Pass – connects Sikkim to Tibet (now mostly closed).

National Parks and Sanctuaries

• Khangchendzonga National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016) – first “mixed” (cultural and natural) heritage site from India.
• Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
• Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary (Yumthang Valley)

Demographics and Culture

Population

• Smallest population among Indian states (approx. 6.8 lakh as per 2011 census).

Tribes

• Bhutia (Sikkimese of Tibetan origin)
• Lepcha (original inhabitants)
• Nepali (Gorkha community – largest ethnic group)

Official Languages

• English, Nepali, Sikkimese (Bhutia) , Lepcha, Limbu, Newari, Rai, Gurung, Manggar, Sherpa, Tamang, Sunwar

Religion

• Predominantly Hinduism and Vajrayana Buddhism.

Famous Monasteries

• Rumtek Monastery – seat of the Karmapa (one of the most important monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism).
• Pemayangtse Monastery – founded in 1705.
• Tashiding Monastery – located on a hilltop.

Famous Festivals

• Losar (Tibetan New Year)
• Saga Dawa (triple blessed festival)
• Bhumchu (water pot festival at Tashiding Monastery)

History and Politics

Monarchy Era

• Ruled by the Namgyal dynasty (Chogyal – king) from 1642 to 1975.

Accession to India

• 1975: Monarchy was abolished; Sikkim became the 22nd state of India after a referendum.
• 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975 – formally made Sikkim a state (Article 371F – special provisions for Sikkim).

Economy

Organic Farming

• Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state (declared 2016). All farming is done without chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

Agriculture

• Major crops: Cardamom (large cardamom – Sikkim is the largest producer in India), ginger, turmeric, oranges, and flowers.

Hydropower

• Significant hydropower potential; contributes to Sikkim’s revenue.

Tourism

• Major attractions: Kanchenjunga, Tsomgo Lake, Nathu La Pass, Yumthang Valley, Rumtek Monastery, Gurudongmar Lake.

Flora and Fauna

• Rhododendrons – Sikkim has over 40 species of rhododendrons.
• Red Panda – state animal (Ailurus fulgens).
• Blood Pheasant – state bird (Ithaginis cruentus).
• Dendrobium nobile – state flower (an orchid).

Unique Facts (Prelims Special)

Strategic Importance (Current Affairs)

• Border with China – Sikkim shares a sensitive border with the Tibet Autonomous Region.
• Nathu La Pass – reopened in 2006 for border trade (first after 1962 war).
• Indian Army – has significant presence in Sikkim; the Trishakti Corps is headquartered at Sukna (Darjeeling, West Bengal) but operates extensively in Sikkim.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Sikkim: 22nd state of India (joined 1975); first organic state
• Khangchendzonga National Park: India’s first mixed UNESCO World Heritage Site (2016)
• Gurudongmar Lake: One of the highest lakes in the world (5,430 m)
• Nathu La Pass: Border pass with China (open for trade)
• Zemu Glacier: Largest glacier in Eastern Himalayas
• Teesta River: Major river flowing through Sikkim
• State Animal: Red Panda
• State Bird: Blood Pheasant
• State Flower: Dendrobium nobile (orchid)
• Rumtek Monastery: Seat of the Karmapa
• 36th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1975: Made Sikkim a state
• Article 371F: Special provisions for Sikkim (unique administrative arrangements)

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: Sikkim became the 22nd state of India through which Constitutional Amendment?

• 36th Amendment

Q2: Which UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sikkim is India’s first “mixed” heritage site (both natural and cultural)?

• Khangchendzonga National Park

Q3: What is the state animal of Sikkim?

• Red Panda

Q4: Which pass in Sikkim is one of the three open border trade posts between India and China?

• Nathu La

Q5: Which glacier in Sikkim is the largest glacier in the Eastern Himalayas?

• Zemu Glacier

Q6: What is the official state flower of Sikkim?

• Dendrobium nobile (orchid)

Q7: The Teesta River, flowing through Sikkim, is a tributary of which major river system?

• Brahmaputra

Q8: Which monastery in Sikkim is the seat of the Karmapa (one of the most important in Tibetan Buddhism)?

• Rumtek Monastery

Source/Reference:

https://newsonair.gov.in/president-droupadi-murmu-to-embark-on-3-day-visit-to-sikkim-beginning-today/

Subject: Economy – Multilateral Development Banks; International Relations – AIIB; India’s Shareholding; Middle East Conflict Facility.

Why in News?

• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has launched a $10 billion fund facility to support member countries affected by the economic fallout of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
• The facility is named the Energy, Food Security and Economic Resilience Facility.
• India is the second-largest shareholder in AIIB (after China).

About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

India’s Position

• Founding member of AIIB.
• Second-largest shareholder after China.

Voting Rights (Shareholding)

Member Countries (Partial List)

• China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Australia, Israel, Kuwait, Nepal, Oman, Russia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE, and others.

Key Terms for Prelims

• AIIB: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank – multilateral development bank (est. 2016; HQ: Beijing)
• MDB (Multilateral Development Bank): Institution that provides financial support to developing countries (e.g., World Bank, ADB, AIIB, NDB)
• Infrastructure investment: Financing for roads, bridges, ports, power plants, telecommunications, etc.
• Regional connectivity: Linking regions through infrastructure (transport, energy, digital)
• AAA-rated: Highest credit rating (indicates low risk of default)
• Founding member: A country that joined AIIB at its establishment in 2016 (India is a founding member)
• Shareholder: A member country that has contributed capital and holds voting rights
• Energy Security: Reliable and affordable access to energy resources
• Food Security: Reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food
• Economic Resilience: Ability to withstand and recover from economic shocks

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) was established in which year?

• 2016

Q2: What is the authorised capital of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)?

• $100 billion

Q3: Which country is the largest shareholder in AIIB?

• China (26.54% voting rights)

Q4: India is the ___ largest shareholder in AIIB.

• Second

Q5: The AIIB headquarters is located in:

• Beijing

Source/Reference:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/aiib-launches-10-billion-support-facility-for-countries-hit-by-middle-east-conflict-india-among-key-shareholders/articleshow/131263271.cms

GS Paper II – Social Justice (Health) | GS Paper I – Society (Demographics)
Infant Mortality Rate (IMR); Total Fertility Rate (TFR); Demographic Dividend; Rural-Urban Disparities

Introduction

The just-released Sample Registration System (SRS) 2024 report reflects India’s demographic transition: birth and infant mortality rates have declined significantly, but sharp rural-urban and interstate disparities persist. Rather than one uniform demographic story, the data reveals two Indias progressing at unequal speeds.

Main Body

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Gains and Disparities

National Trend:

• IMR fell from 39 (2014-2019) to 24 (2024).
• Reflects decades of sustained public-health investment.

State-Level Disparities:

• Highest IMR: Chhattisgarh (36), Madhya Pradesh (35), Uttar Pradesh (35).
• Lowest IMR: Kerala (8), Tamil Nadu (11), Delhi (11), Himachal Pradesh (11).
• Gap between best (8) and worst (36) states is 28 points – a factor of 4.5 times.

Rural-Urban Gap:

• Rural IMR: 27 deaths per 1,000 live births.
• Urban IMR: 17 deaths per 1,000 live births.
• Rural disadvantage reflects enduring inequalities in healthcare access, awareness, and maternal nutrition.

Persistent Local Failures:

• The gap between best- and worst-performing states underlines persistent local failures.
• Public-health infrastructure has advanced unevenly, with poorer states and districts still struggling to catch up.

Contributing Factors to Gains:

• Expanded immunisation coverage (lowering preventable child deaths).
• Improved institutional deliveries.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Below Replacement but Divergent

National Trend:

• TFR has remained flat at 1.9 for the fifth consecutive year.
• Below the replacement level of 2.1.

State-Level Disparities:

• Lowest TFR: Delhi (1.2), followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal (1.3 each).
• Highest TFR: Bihar (2.9).
• Bihar’s TFR remains significantly above replacement level while most other states are below.

Implication:

• Nearly 10% of India’s population is now aged 60 and above.
• Economically advanced states are ageing rapidly.
• Bihar and other high-fertility states will continue to have younger populations for decades.

Two Demographic Realities: Moving at Different Speeds

Demographic Reality 1 (Advanced States):

• Low TFR (1.2-1.5).
• Low IMR (8-11).
• Ageing population (10%+ aged 60+).
• Examples: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, West Bengal.

Demographic Reality 2 (Lagging States):

• Higher TFR (2.5-2.9).
• High IMR (30-36).
• Younger population.
• Examples: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh.

The Consequence:

• Read together, the data does not present a single India on the cusp of its demographic dividend.
• Two demographic realities moving at different speeds.

Policy Implications

Resist the Comfort of National Averages:

• National averages conceal more than they reveal.
• Policymakers must confront divergent reality.

What Is Needed:

• Target interventions to high-IMR, high-TFR states (Bihar, UP, MP, Chhattisgarh).
• Strengthen public-health infrastructure in rural areas and poorer districts.
• Address rural-urban disparities in healthcare access, awareness, and maternal nutrition.
• Prepare for ageing population in advanced states (pension, healthcare, social support for elderly).

The Demographic Dividend Risk:

• If high-fertility states do not achieve TFR below replacement soon, India may miss its demographic dividend window.
• If low-fertility states age rapidly without sufficient economic growth, they may grow old before they grow rich.

Conclusion

India’s IMR has declined sharply and TFR remains below replacement level, signalling demographic transition. Yet stark rural-urban and interstate disparities persist — from Kerala’s low IMR to Chhattisgarh’s high IMR, and Delhi’s low TFR to Bihar’s high TFR. With rapid ageing in advanced states, the data reflects not one India, but two demographic realities moving at unequal speeds.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. The 2024 Sample Registration System (SRS) data does not present a single India on the cusp of its demographic dividend, but two demographic realities moving at different speeds. Critically examine the disparities in IMR and TFR across states and between rural and urban areas. What policy implications follow from this divergent reality? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/health-indicators-point-to-gains-on-infant-mortality-total-fertility-rate-but-large-disparities-remain-10707687/

GS Paper III – Environment & Ecology (Pollution) | GS Paper II – Governance
Air Pollution; Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5); Dust Control; Urban Governance

Introduction

Delhi’s air pollution is driven by multiple sources, but dust pollution is among the easiest to control through measures like road sweeping, water sprinkling, and covering construction sites. Yet the city’s dust-control infrastructure, especially Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines, remains severely underutilised — an area where the government cannot claim helplessness.

Main Body

The Scale of Dust Pollution in Delhi

Contribution to PM Load (Summer):

• Dust accounts for nearly 41% of PM10 pollutants.
• Dust accounts for nearly 38% of PM2.5 particles (finer, more dangerous).

Primary Sources:

• Construction sites.
• Demolition activities.
• Roadside soil.
• Movement of heavy vehicles.
• Dry conditions in summer increase dust levels.

The Problem:

• Authorities treat poor air quality as a seasonal problem, despite studies highlighting heavy pollution year-round.

Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines (MRSM): Underutilised

What the Investigation Revealed:

• Delhi’s MRSM fleet operates below capacity for much of the year, including during peak-pollution months.
• Deployment remains confined to only a few parts of the capital.
• Coverage across municipal zones is uneven.
• Better-funded zones receive more service than others.

Why This Skewed Usage Fails:

• Dust does not respect administrative boundaries.
• When one zone is cleaned while another is neglected, particles circulate across the city because of:
  • Traffic movement.
  • Shifting wind patterns.

The Reactive Approach:

• Deployment of machines is concentrated in winter, when smog attracts public attention.
• Authorities continue to adopt a reactive rather than proactive approach.

What Needs to Be Done: A Coordinated Strategy

Key Components:

• Coordinated dust-management strategy involving:
  • Civic bodies (municipal corporations).
  • Public Works Department (PWD).
  • Pollution-control agencies.
• Real-time monitoring of MRSM deployment.
• Performance audits to introduce transparency.

The Indore Example:

• Indore’s experience with these machines demonstrates that solutions to dust pollution are:
  • Neither technologically complex.
  • Nor financially prohibitive.

Advantage Over Other Pollution Sources:

• Unlike geography (Delhi’s location in the Indo-Gangetic Plain).
• Unlike crop-residue burning (which originates in neighbouring states).
• Dust control is entirely within the Delhi government’s jurisdiction.

The Role of the Judiciary

Past Interventions by the Court:

• Clean fuel (CNG conversion for public transport).
• Emission standards (BS-VI).
• Protection of green belts.

What the Court Can Do Now:

• Nudge Delhi’s authorities to implement dust-control measures.
• Ensure that MRSMs are deployed year-round, not just during smog season.
• Mandate uniform coverage across all municipal zones.

Conclusion

Dust is a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution, yet Mechanical Road Sweeping Machines remain underutilised and unevenly deployed across the city. The reactive, seasonal approach to dust control ignores that pollution crosses administrative boundaries. Since dust management is neither technologically difficult nor financially prohibitive, Delhi needs a coordinated, year-round strategy with monitoring, audits, and stronger judicial oversight.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. Despite dust contributing significantly to Delhi’s air pollution, control measures remain poorly implemented. Examine the reasons for this failure and suggest simple measures for effective dust management. (250 words, 15 marks)