Souparnika River

Why in News: Environmentalists have expressed concern over the significant rise in pollution in the Souparnika River, which runs alongside the Kollur Mookambika Temple.

About Souparnika River

Location & Flow

• The Souparnika River is a west-flowing river in Karnataka.
• It is surrounded by the dense green forests of the Western Ghats.

Course

• The river originates from the Kodachadri Hills in the Western Ghats.
• It flows through Byndoor taluk, passing near the famous Mookambika Temple in Kollur.
• Eventually, it drains into the Arabian Sea.

Mythological Significance

• The river is deeply linked to Hindu mythology.
• According to legend, Garuda (Lord Vishnu’s divine bird) performed penance on its banks.
• Its name, Souparnika, comes from “Suparna,” another name for Garuda.

Unique Geographical Feature

• Near Maravanthe Beach, the river runs parallel to the Arabian Sea, separated by a narrow strip of land.
• This rare phenomenon creates a breathtaking landscape, attracting tourists and photographers.

Sovereign Green Bonds (SGBs)

Why in News: Similar to other emerging markets, India has issued sovereign green bonds to support its shift toward a low-carbon economy, but investor interest remains limited.

What are Sovereign Green Bonds?

• SGBs are debt instruments issued by the government to raise funds for projects with environmental benefits.
• The funds collected are exclusively used for green initiatives like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management.
• These bonds enable governments to mobilize capital while promoting environmental sustainability.

Sovereign Green Bonds in India

• The Union Budget 2022-23 announced the issuance of SGBs.
• The framework for these bonds was introduced by the government on November 9, 2022.

Key Features of India’s Green Bond Framework

The framework follows International Capital Market Association (ICMA) principles, which include:

1. Use of Proceeds – Funds must be allocated to green projects.
2. Project Evaluation & Selection – Eligible projects must align with sustainability goals.
3. Management of Proceeds – Proper tracking and allocation of funds.
4. Reporting – Regular disclosure of fund utilization and project impact.

Eligible Green Projects

The proceeds from SGBs will be used for initiatives that:

• Enhance energy efficiency and promote renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, biomass).
• Reduce carbon emissions and improve climate resilience.
• Support urban mass transport projects like metro rail and green buildings.
• Contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Exclusions

• The framework excludes funding for projects related to fossil fuels, nuclear power, and direct waste incineration.

Financial and Project Management Rules

• Only government expenditures within 12 months prior to bond issuance are eligible.
• The raised funds must be allocated within 24 months of issuance.
• If a selected green project is delayed or cancelled, another eligible green project will replace it.

Evaluation and Reporting Mechanism

• A Green Finance Working Committee, led by the Chief Economic Adviser, oversees the project selection.
• Ministries will submit proposals, and the committee will evaluate them at least twice a year.
• The Finance Ministry’s Budget Division will issue bonds through the RBI and direct proceeds to selected projects.
• The government will publish an annual report detailing project selection, fund allocation, and impact assessment.
• A Green Register will be maintained to track bond issuances, proceeds, allocations, and project details.

Conclusion

India’s Sovereign Green Bonds are a key step toward sustainable financing, ensuring government-backed projects contribute to climate resilience, renewable energy, and environmental conservation.

Understanding Constitutional Morality

Context

• The concept of constitutional morality gained attention following the arrest of a serving Chief Minister, sparking debates on ethical governance.

What is Constitutional Morality?

• It refers to the adherence to constitutional values beyond just legal compliance.
• Ensures justice, equality, accountability, and ethical governance.
• Originated from George Grote’s study of Athenian democracy and was reinforced by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in the Indian context.

Key Features of Constitutional Morality

1. Supremacy of Constitutional Law – Governance must align with constitutional principles rather than individual or majoritarian will.
2. Freedom with Restraint – Balances citizen liberties while ensuring respect for institutions and lawful conduct.
3. Checks & Balances – Prevents power concentration through judicial review, parliamentary oversight, and institutional accountability.
4. Pluralism & Inclusivity – Protects diverse interests, ensuring social justice, secularism, and individual dignity.
5. Critique within Framework – Encourages questioning of laws while maintaining constitutional procedures.

Constitutional Morality in the Indian Constitution

• Preamble – Establishes justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as democratic foundations.
• Fundamental Rights (Articles 14-21) – Guarantees equality, non-discrimination, and personal freedoms.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – Provides guidelines for social and economic justice.
• Separation of Powers – Enforces checks and balances through Articles 50, 121, and 211.
• Judicial Interpretation – Landmark Supreme Court rulings uphold constitutional morality:
  • Navtej Singh Johar (2018) – LGBTQ+ rights
  • K.S. Puttaswamy (2018) – Right to privacy
  • Krishnamoorthy (2015) – Electoral ethics

Significance of Constitutional Morality

• Ensures Rule of Law – Reinforces constitutional supremacy.
• Protects Rights & Freedoms – Safeguards gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and free speech.
• Democratic Stability – Prevents majoritarian dominance in governance.
• Ethical Decision-Making – Encourages state actions based on fairness and constitutional values.
• Judicial Accountability – Enables courts to check unconstitutional laws and executive overreach.

Challenges to Constitutional Morality

1. Political Manipulation – Misuse of agencies for political suppression.
2. Majoritarian Influence – Conflicts between public morality and constitutional rights (e.g., Sabarimala case).
3. Executive Overreach – Excessive state control undermining judicial independence.
4. Lack of Awareness – Limited constitutional literacy affects governance and public participation.
5. Weak Institutional Mechanisms – Ineffective enforcement of constitutional norms.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Judicial Oversight – Ensure constitutional values prevail over politics.
• Civic Education – Introduce constitutional literacy programs in schools and public awareness campaigns.
• Ethical Governance – Train officials in constitutional ethics for unbiased decision-making.
• Institutional Reforms – Strengthen independent bodies like the Election Commission and CAG.
• Inclusive Legislation – Ensure laws align with constitutional principles of fairness and equality.

Conclusion

Constitutional morality is the foundation of India’s democracy, ensuring governance remains just, accountable, and inclusive. Strengthening its implementation through judicial activism, civic education, and institutional reforms is essential for sustaining democracy and the rule of law.