Stubble Burning — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Stubble Burning.

Pusa Bio-decomposer Gains Traction, New Variants Under Development for Wider Adoption

October 2024

The Pusa bio-decomposer, a microbial solution developed by ICAR-IARI, continues to be a focal point in in-situ stubble management strategies. Following successful trials and increased adoption in states like Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, research is ongoing to develop more potent and cost-effective variants. These new formulations aim to reduce decomposition time further and make the spray application more accessible and affordable for a wider range of farmers. The focus is on improving shelf life, reducing application costs, and enhancing efficacy in diverse soil and climatic conditions, making it a more viable alternative to burning. This technological push is a key component of the government's strategy.

UPSC Angle: This hook highlights the role of science and technology in addressing environmental challenges. Aspirants should understand the mechanism of bio-decomposers, their advantages and limitations, and their potential as a scalable solution. It connects to topics like agricultural innovation, sustainable farming practices, and government initiatives in environmental protection (GS-III Science & Tech, Environment, Agriculture).

Background (2023)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Supreme Court Directs States to Ensure Zero Stubble Burning, Focus on Long-Term Solutions

November 2023

In a significant intervention, the Supreme Court of India, responding to the alarming air quality in Delhi-NCR, directed the Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to ensure that no stubble burning takes place. The Court emphasized the need for a long-term, sustainable solution beyond mere punitive measures, suggesting a re-evaluation of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) regime to incentivize crop diversification away from paddy. This directive underscored the judiciary's continued concern and its push for systemic changes rather than just symptomatic relief, highlighting the complex interplay of agricultural policy and environmental outcomes. It also called for greater farmer participation in finding solutions.

UPSC Angle: This event is critical for understanding the evolving legal and policy landscape of stubble burning. It shows the judiciary's increasing assertiveness and its attempt to address the root causes, such as MSP. Aspirants should analyze the feasibility of such directives and the challenges in implementation, linking it to governance, agricultural economics, and environmental policy.