India

Livemint | English | News | April 25, 2025 | Terrorism

India has announced the immediate closure of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari along the India-Pakistan border following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, primarily tourists. This decision, taken during a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 23, includes suspending the Indus treaty until Pakistan ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.

The Attari border, named after the Indian village on the international border with Pakistan, serves as India's only operational land route for trade, playing a crucial role in the exchange of goods between the two nations. The check post, located 28 kilometers from Amritsar, is vital for imports and exports, handling products such as soybean, dry fruits, and gypsum. Although trade volumes have declined since 2018, the corridor recorded significant trade in 2023-24, with over 3,886 crore worth of transactions and numerous cargo and passenger movements.

The closure of the Attari Land Port is expected to have severe economic impacts, particularly on small traders and manufacturers reliant on cross-border trade. Logistical challenges are also anticipated for Afghan imports, many of which utilize this route for access to India. The temporary allowance for valid endorsements to return through this route until May 1, 2025, adds a limited window for passengers.

The Energy and Resources Institute | English | AcademicThink | April 25, 2025 | Pollution

In response to extreme fine particulate air pollution and its health impacts, the Indian government initiated the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in January 2019. This program targets air quality improvement in 131 cities across 24 states, focusing on Million Plus Cities and non-attainment cities. These cities are tasked with creating city Action Plans (CAPs) that address various pollution sources like soil and road dust, vehicles, domestic fuel, municipal solid waste burning, construction materials, and industries. Transportation emissions are identified as a significant contributor to urban air pollution.

The NCAP involves urban local bodies working closely with Institutes of Repute to conduct emission inventory analyses and source apportionment studies. These studies quantify the sources of pollution, allowing cities to implement specific measures to improve air quality. The research highlights the varying contributions of different sectors to pollution levels—industrial emissions are prevalent where industries are concentrated, while transport emissions dominate in major cities, fueled by population growth.

This study evaluates the potential of phasing out older vehicles and shifting to cleaner fuels like electric vehicles (EVs) and compressed natural gas (CNG) in India's major cities. It assesses the implications for infrastructure investment, fuel savings, electricity demand, scrapping facilities, job creation, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and air quality improvements. The findings aim to provide strategic insights for national policymakers to promote a greener future in India's urban environments.

Times of India | English | News | April 25, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), a significant move that disrupts regulated water flow from the Indus River system to Pakistan, affecting irrigation and drinking water during peak summer. This change comes after the treaty, which has survived three wars and numerous conflicts, was long upheld largely on humanitarian grounds. The suspension halts water flow from western rivers, including the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, necessitating India to boost its water storage capabilities and advance hydro-electric projects to secure long-term water control.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague has already supported India's stance on resolving disputes related to water usage and project designs through a neutral expert appointed by the World Bank. While the IWT, established in 1960, allocates eastern rivers' waters to India for unrestricted use, it primarily designates the western rivers to Pakistan, granting India rights for domestic use, irrigation, and hydro-electric power generation. However, India's water storage capacity on these rivers has not been fully utilized, with only a fraction of its potential power generation capacity having been constructed.

The decision is poised to have significant consequences for Pakistan, especially in its two provinces that rely heavily on water from the western rivers during the summer months. As India moves to increase its water management infrastructure, the geopolitical implications of this action are expected to unfold, redefining water dynamics in the region.