Need for a Revamp
India’s aviation industry must improve crew resource management.
1. Crash and Report Summary
Air India Boeing 787-8 crashed during takeoff in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
15-page preliminary report released on July 12.
Both fuel switches (Engine 1 & 2) moved from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ one after another, causing fuel loss just after takeoff.
Air India Boeing 787-8 crashed during takeoff in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.
15-page preliminary report released on July 12.
Both fuel switches (Engine 1 & 2) moved from ‘Run’ to ‘Cutoff’ one after another, causing fuel loss just after takeoff.
2. Unusual Fuel Switch Issue
Switches had safety brackets, locking systems, and backups.
One pilot was confused, the other denied doing it.
The full cockpit recording is still not available.
Switches had safety brackets, locking systems, and backups.
One pilot was confused, the other denied doing it.
The full cockpit recording is still not available.
3. Pilots' Emergency Response
Pilots partially restarted the engines (GEnx-1B70/75/P2).
Issued a May Day emergency call.
Pilots partially restarted the engines (GEnx-1B70/75/P2).
Issued a May Day emergency call.
4. Demand for Fair Probe
Pilot groups want a fresh investigation.
Say there is bias against pilots.
Probe must be transparent and complete.
Pilot groups want a fresh investigation.
Say there is bias against pilots.
Probe must be transparent and complete.
5. Boeing Aircraft Warning
A 2018 FAA bulletin warned about possible fuel switch lock failure in Boeing 787 planes.
A 2018 FAA bulletin warned about possible fuel switch lock failure in Boeing 787 planes.
6. Debate on Pilot Mental Health
Experts raised crew well-being concerns.
Pilots’ association responded:
Pilots are well screened and follow top safety standards.
Experts raised crew well-being concerns.
Pilots’ association responded:
Pilots are well screened and follow top safety standards.
7. Training System May Need Change
Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) need review.
Important because of the rare dual engine failure.
Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) need review.
Important because of the rare dual engine failure.
8. Future Safety Measures
No blame on aircraft or engine maker.
India’s growing air fleet needs:
Better maintenance checks.
Review of airport safety zones and obstacles.
No blame on aircraft or engine maker.
India’s growing air fleet needs:
Better maintenance checks.
Review of airport safety zones and obstacles.
Smoke and sulphur: There cannot be different environmental standards within India
1. Policy Reversal on SO₂ Pollution Control
Ministry’s New Move
• Most coal plants in India no longer required to install FGDs.
• Goes against 2015 rule mandating FGD in all 180 plants (600 units) by 2017.
• Only 8% of units (mostly NTPC) have installed FGDs so far.
2. Role and Impact of SO₂ Emissions
Health and Pollution Effects
• SO₂ is harmful and monitored by CPCB.
• Forms sulphates that add to particulate pollution.
Current SO₂ Levels
• India’s average SO₂ levels are within safe limits.
• This has slowed urgency for installing FGDs.
3. Reasons for Non-Compliance
Why FGDs Weren’t Installed
• Few vendors in India
• High cost and risk of power rate hikes
• COVID-19 disruptions delayed work
Policy Reconsidered
• 2024 deadline missed
• Ministry changed rules after studies and expert inputs
4. Expert Committee’s View
Indian Coal and SO₂
• Indian coal has low sulphur.
• No big difference in SO₂ levels near FGD and non-FGD plants.
Climate Argument
• Sulphates help reduce warming.
• Cutting sulphates may increase global warming, hurting India’s climate goals.
• IPCC notes this effect but doesn’t call it a benefit.
5. Unequal Environmental Rules
FGD Required Only in Some Areas
• About 20% of plants must install FGDs by 2028 —
– Within 10 km of NCR
– In cities with over 1 million people
– Or in pollution hotspots
Problem with Location-Based Norms
• Decision based on location, not effectiveness or harm.
• Creates unequal pollution standards across India.
6. Need for Public Debate
Policy and Science
• Policy change made without open debate.
• Weakens India’s stand on science-backed public health.
• Scientific revision is valid, but must be transparent.
Assessing India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme Targets
1. Introduction
The Indian government has set greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets for companies in eight heavy industrial sectors under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
Sectors included: aluminium, cement, paper & pulp, chlor-alkali, iron & steel, textiles, petrochemicals, and petro refineries.
The key question: Are these targets ambitious enough?
The Indian government has set greenhouse gas emissions intensity targets for companies in eight heavy industrial sectors under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
Sectors included: aluminium, cement, paper & pulp, chlor-alkali, iron & steel, textiles, petrochemicals, and petro refineries.
The key question: Are these targets ambitious enough?
2. Why Economy-Wide Assessment Matters
Ambition should be measured at the economy-wide level, not just at the entity or sector level.
India's earlier Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme provides useful insights.
Ambition should be measured at the economy-wide level, not just at the entity or sector level.
India's earlier Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme provides useful insights.
3. Learnings from PAT Scheme
PAT Cycle I (2012–14) showed mixed performance:
Energy intensity rose in paper and chlor-alkali sectors.
It fell in aluminium and cement.
But overall, energy used per unit of economic output declined, showing improved efficiency.
Market mechanisms allowed companies to trade energy certificates instead of making expensive internal changes.
PAT Cycle I (2012–14) showed mixed performance:
Energy intensity rose in paper and chlor-alkali sectors.
It fell in aluminium and cement.
But overall, energy used per unit of economic output declined, showing improved efficiency.
Market mechanisms allowed companies to trade energy certificates instead of making expensive internal changes.
4. Importance of Aggregate Impact
The emissions trading scheme focuses on total emissions reduction, not equal contribution from each entity.
Sector-level or entity-level targets only guide financial transfers, not total emissions reduction.
True ambition should be judged by the economy-wide impact.
The emissions trading scheme focuses on total emissions reduction, not equal contribution from each entity.
Sector-level or entity-level targets only guide financial transfers, not total emissions reduction.
True ambition should be judged by the economy-wide impact.
5. Why Past Trends Are Not Enough
Comparing current targets with past performance is not meaningful.
Future targets must align with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero goal by 2070.
Comparing current targets with past performance is not meaningful.
Future targets must align with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero goal by 2070.
6. Modelling India’s Emissions Trajectory
Recent modelling (2025–2030):
CO₂ emissions intensity in the energy sector expected to decline 3.44% annually.
In manufacturing, the projected decline is 2.53% annually.
Industry is decarbonising slower than other sectors, especially power.
Recent modelling (2025–2030):
CO₂ emissions intensity in the energy sector expected to decline 3.44% annually.
In manufacturing, the projected decline is 2.53% annually.
Industry is decarbonising slower than other sectors, especially power.
7. How CCTS Targets Compare
The eight sectors’ combined average annual decline in emissions intensity under current CCTS is 1.68% (2023–2026).
This appears less ambitious, even if not directly comparable to economy-wide figures.
The eight sectors’ combined average annual decline in emissions intensity under current CCTS is 1.68% (2023–2026).
This appears less ambitious, even if not directly comparable to economy-wide figures.
8. Conclusion
While CCTS targets apply only to a part of the industry, they may not be ambitious enough.
What ultimately matters is the aggregate decline in emissions across the economy.
While CCTS targets apply only to a part of the industry, they may not be ambitious enough.
What ultimately matters is the aggregate decline in emissions across the economy.
Assessing India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme Targets
1. New Emission Targets under CCTS
Government set emission intensity targets for industries under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
Applies to 8 sectors: Aluminium, Cement, Paper & Pulp, Chlor-Alkali, Iron & Steel, Textiles, Petrochemicals, Petro Refineries.
Part of the compliance mechanism of CCTS.
Government set emission intensity targets for industries under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS).
Applies to 8 sectors: Aluminium, Cement, Paper & Pulp, Chlor-Alkali, Iron & Steel, Textiles, Petrochemicals, Petro Refineries.
Part of the compliance mechanism of CCTS.
2. Measuring Ambition: What Level?
Should ambition be judged at entity, sector, or economy level?
Authors say: Only economy-wide assessment matters, not individual companies or sectors.
Should ambition be judged at entity, sector, or economy level?
Authors say: Only economy-wide assessment matters, not individual companies or sectors.
3. Lessons from PAT Scheme
PAT is India’s main energy-saving programme.
Companies with high energy use get targets; if they overperform, they can trade surplus savings.
PAT Cycle I (2012–14) findings:
Energy intensity rose in: Paper, Chlor-Alkali.
Energy intensity fell in: Aluminium, Cement.
Combined data showed overall energy use dropped per unit of output (adjusted for inflation).
PAT is India’s main energy-saving programme.
Companies with high energy use get targets; if they overperform, they can trade surplus savings.
PAT Cycle I (2012–14) findings:
Energy intensity rose in: Paper, Chlor-Alkali.
Energy intensity fell in: Aluminium, Cement.
Combined data showed overall energy use dropped per unit of output (adjusted for inflation).
4. Market Efficiency Worked
Despite some sectors doing worse, total energy use became more efficient.
Companies used the certificate trading system to avoid expensive internal upgrades.
This shows markets worked but doesn’t tell us if reductions were aggressive or routine.
Despite some sectors doing worse, total energy use became more efficient.
Companies used the certificate trading system to avoid expensive internal upgrades.
This shows markets worked but doesn’t tell us if reductions were aggressive or routine.
5. Aggregate Targets Matter More
Market-based systems care about total emissions reduction, not who reduces them.
Carbon markets focus on aggregate impact, not equal effort from all.
Hence, only the economy-wide target tells if the plan is ambitious.
Market-based systems care about total emissions reduction, not who reduces them.
Carbon markets focus on aggregate impact, not equal effort from all.
Hence, only the economy-wide target tells if the plan is ambitious.
6. Limits of Sector/Entity-Level Targets
CEEW research: Sector/entity targets decide financial transfers, not overall reductions.
Comparing CCTS with past PAT targets is not meaningful.
Future targets must align with:
India’s NDCs.
Net-zero goal by 2070.
CEEW research: Sector/entity targets decide financial transfers, not overall reductions.
Comparing CCTS with past PAT targets is not meaningful.
Future targets must align with:
India’s NDCs.
Net-zero goal by 2070.
7. Why Future Comparisons Matter
Current CCTS targets can’t be directly compared with NDCs.
But economy-wide modelling can help assess how close they are to India’s goals.
Current CCTS targets can’t be directly compared with NDCs.
But economy-wide modelling can help assess how close they are to India’s goals.
8. Projected Emission Trends (2025–2030)
Energy sector: Emissions intensity to fall by 3.44% per year.
Manufacturing: Emissions intensity (EIVA) to fall by at least 2.53% per year.
Industry may decarbonise slower than other sectors like power (due to cheaper options there).
Energy sector: Emissions intensity to fall by 3.44% per year.
Manufacturing: Emissions intensity (EIVA) to fall by at least 2.53% per year.
Industry may decarbonise slower than other sectors like power (due to cheaper options there).
9. Are CCTS Targets Ambitious?
For 2023–24 to 2026–27, average annual emissions intensity fall across the 8 sectors is 1.68%.
This is likely not ambitious enough.
Though not economy-wide, it's the best available benchmark until deeper studies are done.
For 2023–24 to 2026–27, average annual emissions intensity fall across the 8 sectors is 1.68%.
This is likely not ambitious enough.
Though not economy-wide, it's the best available benchmark until deeper studies are done.
10. Final Point
What truly matters is the total economy-wide decline in emissions.
This should be the main way to judge the ambition of India’s carbon market targets.
What truly matters is the total economy-wide decline in emissions.
This should be the main way to judge the ambition of India’s carbon market targets.
The Changing Landscape of Employment
1. Rising Graduates, Fewer Jobs
Every year, lakhs of students graduate from colleges, universities, ITIs, and skill programs.
But the system struggles to give them suitable jobs.
Every year, lakhs of students graduate from colleges, universities, ITIs, and skill programs.
But the system struggles to give them suitable jobs.
2. EPFO and Formal Employment
EPFO manages retirement savings for workers in the organised sector.
Has over 7 crore members, making it one of the world’s largest social security systems.
EPFO data shows trends in formal jobs.
After 2019, new EPFO enrolments dropped due to the pandemic.
But March 2025 data shows a steady rise in formal workforce numbers.
EPFO manages retirement savings for workers in the organised sector.
Has over 7 crore members, making it one of the world’s largest social security systems.
EPFO data shows trends in formal jobs.
After 2019, new EPFO enrolments dropped due to the pandemic.
But March 2025 data shows a steady rise in formal workforce numbers.
3. Youth in EPFO Enrolments
Fresh graduates (18–25 age group) form a major share of new EPFO subscribers.
Within that, the 18–21 group accounts for 18%–22% of new members.
Indicates progress in formalisation, but raises concerns about job stability, wages, and future security.
Fresh graduates (18–25 age group) form a major share of new EPFO subscribers.
Within that, the 18–21 group accounts for 18%–22% of new members.
Indicates progress in formalisation, but raises concerns about job stability, wages, and future security.
4. Youth Unemployment
India Employment Report 2024 (by ILO and IHD):
83% of India’s unemployed are youth.
Youth with secondary or higher education are increasingly jobless — their share has nearly doubled in 20 years.
India Employment Report 2024 (by ILO and IHD):
83% of India’s unemployed are youth.
Youth with secondary or higher education are increasingly jobless — their share has nearly doubled in 20 years.
5. The Problem: Unemployability
Economic Survey 2023–24:
Only half of graduates are considered job-ready.
1 in 2 youth lacks digital and professional skills.
India's fast-changing tech economy demands new skills.
Economic Survey 2023–24:
Only half of graduates are considered job-ready.
1 in 2 youth lacks digital and professional skills.
India's fast-changing tech economy demands new skills.
6. AI and Job Displacement
AI could replace many traditional tech jobs.
Without reskilling and upskilling, many graduates may not find suitable work.
AI could replace many traditional tech jobs.
Without reskilling and upskilling, many graduates may not find suitable work.
7. Informal Employment Still Dominates
90% of jobs in India are still informal.
Since 2018, salaried regular jobs have decreased.
Contractual jobs have increased, but job security and social benefits are still lacking.
90% of jobs in India are still informal.
Since 2018, salaried regular jobs have decreased.
Contractual jobs have increased, but job security and social benefits are still lacking.
8. Youth Lack Basic Digital Skills
75% can’t send an email with an attachment.
60%+ can’t copy and paste files.
90% don’t know how to use formulas in spreadsheets.
75% can’t send an email with an attachment.
60%+ can’t copy and paste files.
90% don’t know how to use formulas in spreadsheets.
9. Future Job Market: Gains and Losses
World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025:
By 2030, 170 million new jobs (14%) will be created.
But 92 million current jobs (8%) will be lost.
Net gain: 78 million jobs (7% growth).
Shows opportunity but also the need to close the skill gap quickly.
World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025:
By 2030, 170 million new jobs (14%) will be created.
But 92 million current jobs (8%) will be lost.
Net gain: 78 million jobs (7% growth).
Shows opportunity but also the need to close the skill gap quickly.
What India Must Do
10. Invest in Skills and Education
Improve education, vocational training, and digital literacy.
Align learning with future job needs.
Improve education, vocational training, and digital literacy.
Align learning with future job needs.
11. Bring Urgent Structural Reforms
a. Industry–Academia Collaboration
Must be mandatory by law.
Each college should have at least one formal tie-up with industry.
b. Accountability for Placements
Colleges should be judged by student job placements, not just degrees.
Create accreditation systems based on placement records.
Make Idea Labs and Tinker Labs compulsory in schools and colleges.
c. Add Humanities and Soft Skills
Humanities, foreign languages, and soft skills should be mandatory in all education levels.
d. Prepare for Global Jobs
Train youth for jobs in ageing Western countries where demand is growing.
Supports India’s aim to increase skilled worker migration.
The International Institute of Migration and Development is working on the EU’s Link4Skills project to match Indian skills to global labour needs.
e. Create Indian Education Services
Build a new system like IAS, called Indian Education Services, to attract top talent into education.
f. Involve Industry Experts in Teaching
Allow professionals from industries to teach in educational institutions.
This will connect theory with practical skills.
Must be mandatory by law.
Each college should have at least one formal tie-up with industry.
Colleges should be judged by student job placements, not just degrees.
Create accreditation systems based on placement records.
Make Idea Labs and Tinker Labs compulsory in schools and colleges.
Humanities, foreign languages, and soft skills should be mandatory in all education levels.
Train youth for jobs in ageing Western countries where demand is growing.
Supports India’s aim to increase skilled worker migration.
The International Institute of Migration and Development is working on the EU’s Link4Skills project to match Indian skills to global labour needs.
Build a new system like IAS, called Indian Education Services, to attract top talent into education.
Allow professionals from industries to teach in educational institutions.
This will connect theory with practical skills.
CBSE Relevance:
Class 10:
Economics (Unemployment, Government Programs), Geography (Resources & Development), Political Science (Government & Policy).
Class 11:
Indian Economic Development (Human Capital, Employment), Political Science (Indian Constitution and Rights), Geography (Contemporary Issues).
Class 12:
Economics (Employment Growth, Skill India), Geography (Environmental Policy), Political Science (Public Administration), Business Studies (Workforce Planning, Corporate Responsibility).
Class 10:
Economics (Unemployment, Government Programs), Geography (Resources & Development), Political Science (Government & Policy).
Class 11:
Indian Economic Development (Human Capital, Employment), Political Science (Indian Constitution and Rights), Geography (Contemporary Issues).
Class 12:
Economics (Employment Growth, Skill India), Geography (Environmental Policy), Political Science (Public Administration), Business Studies (Workforce Planning, Corporate Responsibility).
Vocabulary:
Word/Phrase Meaning EPFO Govt. body managing retirement savings for formal sector workers FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurisation) Device used in coal plants to reduce SO₂ emissions CRM (Crew Resource Management) Pilot teamwork and decision-making training LOFT (Line-Oriented Flight Training) Real-time simulation training for pilots Emission Intensity Amount of emissions per unit of output or GDP Unemployability Not being fit for jobs due to lack of skills Reskilling/Upskilling Learning new or updated skills to stay employed Formalisation Moving workers into regulated, contract-based jobs Carbon Credit Trading Buying/selling emission allowances to stay under pollution limits Digital Literacy Ability to use technology and digital tools like emails, spreadsheets
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| EPFO | Govt. body managing retirement savings for formal sector workers |
| FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurisation) | Device used in coal plants to reduce SO₂ emissions |
| CRM (Crew Resource Management) | Pilot teamwork and decision-making training |
| LOFT (Line-Oriented Flight Training) | Real-time simulation training for pilots |
| Emission Intensity | Amount of emissions per unit of output or GDP |
| Unemployability | Not being fit for jobs due to lack of skills |
| Reskilling/Upskilling | Learning new or updated skills to stay employed |
| Formalisation | Moving workers into regulated, contract-based jobs |
| Carbon Credit Trading | Buying/selling emission allowances to stay under pollution limits |
| Digital Literacy | Ability to use technology and digital tools like emails, spreadsheets |
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