Kalam IAS Academy was founded by a team of committed individuals who believe that the traditional way of UPSC preparation needs to be changed.
Current Edge Daily Brief 25th September 2025
Quote of the Day
“One of the key qualities an umpire must possess is humility – The ability to know and accept the role that we play.” – SIMON TAUFEL
What the Others Say
“Palestinians themselves have welcomed the recognition but stressed, rightly, that it must translate into changes on the ground… the international community… must help create the path to a genuine statehood.” – THE DAILY STAR, BANGLADESH
Table of Contents
THE BIG PICTURE
- IE Explained: Too loud to ignore: Why Indians should care about noise pollution in cities
NEWS IN SHORT
- Defence Chief’s Tenure Extended
The Big Picture
IE Explained: Too loud to ignore : Why Indians should care about noise pollution in cities
Syllabus: Pre/Mains – Environment
Why in News?
Noise pollution in Indian cities is now being flagged as a serious but neglected public health crisis, with systemic gaps in monitoring, enforcement, and governance.
Health Burden
- WHO safe limit → 55 dB (day), 45 dB (night) ✦ India’s rules similar
- Traffic corridors → often 70+ dB (10 dB ↑ = 10× intensity)
- Health impact → hypertension, sleep loss, stress, cognitive decline, premature death
- Occupational hazard → vendors, delivery staff, traffic police, informal settlements worst hit
Systemic Failures
- Monitoring → sparse, fragmented, reactive (unlike air pollution where sensors/satellites help)
- Enforcement → weak, cultural tolerance of noise, symbolic crackdowns only
- Governance → fragmented (Pollution Boards, Police, Municipalities), weak accountability
Path Ahead
- Treat noise = air/water pollution → integrate into clean-air & health policy
- Monitoring expansion → real-time sensors, ML-based source mapping
- Health studies → exposure data near schools, hospitals, low-income areas
- Urban planning → green buffers, noise zoning, EV buses, walking/cycling infra
- Governance reforms → enforceable rules, cross-agency coordination, transparent data
- Community engagement → awareness campaigns, religious/community leader partnerships
- Equity focus → protect vulnerable groups, avoid “quiet as luxury” trap
Conclusion
India cannot repeat its air pollution mistake → Noise must be treated as a public health priority, not a nuisance.
Test Your Knowledge 01
Q1. Which of the following pollutants is legally recognised as an air pollutant under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981?
- Noise
- Ozone
- Radioactive substances
- Light
Select the correct answer:
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4
Hint: The Act explicitly includes noise (non-traditional) along with classic air pollutants, but not ozone, radiation, or light.
News in Short
Defence Chief’s Tenure Extended
Why in News?
General Anil Chauhan’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff extended until May 2026 to implement key military reforms including theaterisation.
Position Overview
- Established: December 2019 as part of higher defence management reforms
- Rank: Four-star General/Officer, senior-most uniformed military appointment
- Dual Role: Permanent Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee + Secretary of Department of Military Affairs
- Age Limit: Can serve until 65 years (extended from normal retirement age)
- Selection: From serving or retired officers under 62 years from Army, Navy, Air Force
Key Responsibilities
- Principal Military Advisor: To Defence Minister and PM on all tri-service matters
- Coordination Role: Foster jointness between Army, Navy, Air Force to avoid duplication
- Command Authority: Head tri-service organizations, agencies, commands including cyber and space
- Strategic Planning: Prepare military strategy papers, oversee long-term planning, training, procurement, logistics
- Reform Implementation: Create theatre commands, implement Five-Year Defence Capital Acquisition Plan
- Decision Making: Member of Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee
