MAINS Current Affairs includes AI Could Use 3% of World’s Power by 2030: UN Report & Strengthening Safety Governance Amid Recurring Fire Accidents in India

ENERGY

1. AI Could Use 3% of World’s Power by 2030: UN Report

Context: The United Nations report “Environmental Cost of Artificial Intelligence” highlights that rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure could consume nearly 3% of global electricity by 2030, raising concerns over energy demand and environmental sustainability.

Major Findings of the Report

• Rising Power Consumption

• AI-powered data centres could consume nearly 945 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually by 2030, almost three times the combined annual electricity consumption of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.
  • Increasing Water Demand
• AI-related water usage may reach levels equal to the basic annual domestic water needs of nearly 1.3 billion people by the end of this decade due to cooling requirements of data centres and electricity production.
  • Growing Water and Land Footprint
• Every unit of electricity consumed by AI data centres creates additional environmental pressure through water use for cooling and land requirements linked to energy generation and supply chains.
  • Electronic Waste Challenge
• AI infrastructure may generate nearly 5 million tonnes of electronic waste every year by 2030, with lower-income countries facing greater risks due to limited recycling and safe disposal capacity.
  • Pressure on Critical Minerals
• Growing demand for AI hardware requires critical minerals, increasing concerns related to mining-related environmental damage and social inequalities in resource-rich regions.
  • Unequal Distribution of AI Infrastructure
• More than 90% of AI-specialised computing capacity is concentrated in the United States and China, while over 150 countries lack significant AI infrastructure, creating concerns about unequal benefits and environmental justice.

Key Concerns

• Climate Impact

• Rapid growth of AI may increase energy demand and carbon emissions if data centres depend heavily on fossil fuels.
  • Resource Inequality
• Developing countries may face environmental costs from mineral extraction and e-waste without receiving equal economic benefits from AI development.
  • Sustainability Challenge
• Unregulated expansion of AI infrastructure can put pressure on energy, water, land, and mineral resources.

Way Forward

• Develop Responsible AI Ecosystem

• AI development should follow principles of transparency, resource efficiency, equity, lifecycle responsibility, and sustainable use.
  • Sustainable Infrastructure Planning
• Governments should integrate AI infrastructure development with energy, water, and land-use planning to reduce environmental pressure.
  • Promote Green AI Technologies
• Companies should design energy-efficient AI models, optimise data centres, and increase the use of renewable energy.
  • Strengthen Global Cooperation
• International collaboration is needed to ensure fair access to AI benefits while reducing environmental impacts.
  • Responsible Usage
• Users can support sustainability by choosing efficient AI applications and avoiding unnecessary resource-intensive usage.

Conclusion

• Artificial Intelligence has enormous potential for economic growth and innovation, but its environmental footprint is becoming a major concern.
• The future of AI will depend not only on technological advancement but also on responsible governance, sustainable infrastructure, and efficient resource management.

GOVERNANCE

2. Strengthening Safety Governance Amid Recurring Fire Accidents in India

Context: Recent incidents such as the Delhi B&B fire (2026) and Muzaffarpur hospital fire (2026) have highlighted gaps in fire safety compliance, enforcement mechanisms, and emergency preparedness in urban India.

Major Fire Accidents in India

• Uphaar Cinema Fire (1997)

• The tragedy exposed serious failures such as overcrowding, blocked emergency exits, poor safety arrangements, and lack of evacuation preparedness.
  • Arpora Nightclub Fire (2025)
• The incident highlighted violations of fire safety rules, unsafe occupancy levels, and weak regulatory supervision.
  • Delhi B&B Fire (2026)
• The accident revealed operation without mandatory fire clearance and violation of permitted accommodation capacity.
  • Muzaffarpur Hospital Fire (2026)
• The incident showed the vulnerability of patients, especially elderly and critically ill individuals, during fire emergencies.

Fire Safety Governance in India

• Constitutional Provision

• Fire Service is a State subject and included as a municipal function under the XII Schedule of the Constitution (Article 243W), leading to variations in fire safety laws across states.
  • National Building Code (NBC), 2016
• The National Building Code issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides comprehensive guidelines for fire prevention, building design, construction safety, and fire protection systems.
  • State Fire Service Acts
• State laws empower fire departments to conduct inspections, issue Fire Safety Certificates/No Objection Certificates (NOCs), and take action against violations.
  • Disaster Management Framework
• The Disaster Management Act, 2005 integrates fire incidents within disaster management planning and strengthens preparedness, mitigation, and response mechanisms.
  • Sector-Specific Regulations
• The Factories Act, 1948, Explosives Act, 1884, and Petroleum Act, 1934 regulate fire safety in industries dealing with hazardous materials.
  • High-Rise Building Safety
• Special measures such as fire lifts, refuge areas, emergency exits, and pressurised staircases are required for safe evacuation and firefighting.

Institutional Framework

Central Level

• The Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence & Home Guards under the Ministry of Home Affairs is responsible for policy support, training, and modernisation of fire services.

State Level

• State fire departments implement safety regulations, conduct inspections, provide certifications, and manage emergency response operations.

Fire Safety Certification (NOC)

• Fire Safety Certificate or NOC is mandatory for high-rise buildings, hospitals, schools, commercial establishments, and public buildings.
• The process involves building plan verification, inspection by fire authorities, checking compliance with safety norms, and periodic renewal.

Causes Behind Recurring Fire Accidents

• Weak Enforcement

• Poor inspections, inadequate monitoring, and weak implementation allow safety violations to continue for years.
  • Unauthorized Construction and Overcrowding
• Many establishments exceed approved capacity or modify structures illegally, affecting evacuation and firefighting operations.
  • Regulatory Loopholes
• Businesses sometimes misuse licensing gaps and exemptions to avoid mandatory fire safety requirements.
  • Cost-Cutting Practices
• Fire prevention systems, maintenance, and safety upgrades are often ignored to reduce operational expenses.
  • Lack of Accountability
• Limited responsibility of regulatory authorities for enforcement failures encourages negligence.
  • Weak Safety Culture
• Fire safety is often viewed only as a legal requirement rather than an essential public safety measure.

Challenges in Fire Safety Governance

• Fragmented Regulations

• Since fire services are managed by states, differences exist in safety standards, resources, and enforcement capacity.
  • Compliance-Based Approach
• The focus remains on obtaining NOCs rather than ensuring continuous safety monitoring.
  • Capacity Constraints
• Many fire departments face shortages of trained personnel, modern equipment, and advanced firefighting technology.
  • Limited Preventive Inspections
• Fire inspections are mostly conducted after incidents instead of following a risk-based preventive approach.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Fire Safety Standards

• India should develop harmonised national fire safety standards while respecting the federal structure.
  • Improve Monitoring and Enforcement
• Technology-based inspections, digital monitoring systems, and third-party safety audits should be promoted.
  • Regular Safety Audits
• Periodic fire audits and mock drills should be mandatory for hospitals, schools, hotels, malls, and other public spaces.
  • Increase Accountability
• Building owners, businesses, and regulatory agencies must be held responsible for violations and enforcement failures.
  • Modernise Fire Services
• Greater investment is needed in modern equipment, trained personnel, advanced technologies, and emergency response systems.
  • Promote Safety Awareness
• A strong fire safety culture should be developed among citizens, institutions, and businesses through awareness and training.

Conclusion

Recurring fire accidents in India highlight that legal provisions alone are insufficient without effective enforcement and accountability.

A shift from a compliance-based approach to a prevention-oriented safety culture, supported by modern infrastructure, technology, and public awareness, is essential for reducing fire disasters.

Download Pdf | Study Material | Downloads | Daily Quiz  | FREE Youtube Videos