Content Viksit Bharat- G RAM G Bill 2025 Gen Z Post Office Initiative – India Post Viksit Bharat- G RAM G Bill 2025 (Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission – Gramin) Why in News? 18 December 2025: Ministry of Rural Development released details via PIB Delhi. Government introduced the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025, proposing: Statutory replacement of MGNREGA (2005) Alignment of rural employment with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision Marks the first complete legislative reset of India’s rural employment guarantee framework in 20 years. Relevance GS II: Welfare schemes, decentralisation, Centre–State relations GS III: Inclusive growth, rural infrastructure, employment, public finance What is the Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025? A new statutory framework for rural wage employment and livelihood-linked infrastructure. Replaces MGNREGA, 2005. Full name: Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 Objective: Shift from “employment as relief” → “employment as productive investment” Integrate wage employment with durable rural infrastructure and climate resilience. Historical Background: Evolution of Rural Employment Policy Phase-wise Evolution 1960s–70s: Rural Manpower Programme Crash Scheme for Rural Employment 1977: Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Act First statutory “right to work” experiment 1980s–90s: NREP, RLEGP → Jawahar Rozgar Yojana Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (1999) 2005: MGNREGA: Nationwide legal entitlement to 100 days of work Inference G RAM G Bill is not incremental reform, but the next structural phase in this evolution. MGNREGA: Achievements and Structural Limits Major Achievements Legal right to work (100 days) Women participation increased: 48% (2013–14) → 58.15% (2025–26) Near-universal: Aadhaar seeding Electronic wage payments Large-scale: Geo-tagged assets Household-level individual assets Structural Problems Identified Demand-based funding caused: Budget unpredictability Delayed wage payments Ground-level issues: Ghost works, machine usage Attendance bypassing Outcome gap: Very few households complete full 100 days Weak infrastructure durability Chronic administrative understaffing: Only 6% admin expenditure ceiling Conclusion Delivery improved, but institutional architecture plateaued. Why a New Statutory Framework Was Needed? Changing Rural India Context Poverty reduction: 27.1% (2011–12) → 5.3% (2022–23) Rural economy now: Digitally connected Livelihood-diversified Infrastructure-hungry MGNREGA design (2005): Relief-centric Not infrastructure-led Weak climate focus Policy Logic From wage employment alone → employment + productive assets + resilience Key Features of Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025 1. Enhanced Employment Guarantee 125 days wage employment per rural household (↑ from 100) 60-day no-work window during peak sowing/harvesting: Prevents farm labour shortages Wage payment: Weekly, or maximum within 15 days 2. Four Priority Infrastructure Verticals Water Security Irrigation, recharge, watershed works Core Rural Infrastructure Roads, connectivity, public assets Livelihood Infrastructure Storage, markets, production assets Extreme Weather Mitigation Flood control, drainage, soil conservation Shift: From temporary works → durable national assets 3. Decentralised but Digitally Integrated Planning Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans Local needs-based planning Integrated with: PM Gati Shakti National spatial databases Assets pooled into: Viksit Bharat National Rural Infrastructure Stack Financial Architecture: A Structural Shift From Central Sector → Centrally Sponsored Scheme Cost sharing: 60:40 (Centre:State) 90:10 for NE & Himalayan states 100% for UTs without legislatures Why Shift from Demand-Based to Normative Funding? Demand-driven model led to: Budget volatility Fiscal stress Normative allocation: Objective parameters Predictable budgeting Employment guarantee retained Financial Outlay Total annual requirement: ₹1,51,282 crore Central share: ₹95,692.31 crore Administrative Strengthening Administrative expenditure ceiling: 6% → 9% Enables: Better staffing Training Technical capacity Reflects shift from scheme mentality → professional mission mode. Governance & Institutional Framework Multi-Level Architecture Central & State Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Councils Policy direction, accountability National & State Steering Committees Convergence, performance review Panchayati Raj Institutions At least 50% of works by cost via Gram Panchayats District Programme Coordinators & Programme Officers Gram Sabhas Mandatory social audits (every 6 months) Transparency, Accountability & Enforcement Central Government empowered to: Investigate irregularities Suspend fund releases Order corrective action Digital tools: AI-based anomaly detection Biometric authentication GPS & mobile monitoring Public accountability: Weekly disclosures Real-time MIS dashboards Social Protection Provisions Unemployment allowance: Payable after 15 days if work not provided Liability on States Rates and conditions: To be prescribed by rules (flexibility + rights protection) Benefits: Multi-Stakeholder Impact For Rural Households Higher income security (125 days) Predictable work availability Reduced distress migration For Farmers Assured labour during peak seasons Improved irrigation & storage Prevention of wage inflation For Rural Economy Asset-led growth Higher village consumption Climate-resilient infrastructure MGNREGA vs Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill (At a Glance) 100 days → 125 days Demand-based → Normative funding Temporary assets → Durable infrastructure Fragmented planning → National Infrastructure Stack Weak enforcement → Explicit central powers Critical Concerns  Risk of dilution of demand-driven ethos Higher state fiscal responsibility Capacity gaps across Panchayats AI/biometric over-reliance and exclusion risks Conclusion The Bill marks a paradigm shift: From safety-net employment → developmental employment Retains legal guarantee while: Strengthening infrastructure Improving accountability Aligning with Viksit Bharat @2047 Represents second-generation welfare reform: Outcome-oriented, digitally governed, fiscally predictable. Gen Z Post Office Initiative – India Post Why in News? December 2025 witnessed multiple inaugurations of Gen Z–themed post offices across Indian campuses, signalling a nationwide rollout: Karnataka: Acharya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru (18 Dec 2025) Jammu & Kashmir: AIIMS Vijaypur – first AIIMS campus with Gen Z PO (17 Dec 2025) Kerala: CMS College, Kottayam – Kerala’s first Gen Z PO (9 Dec 2025) Andhra Pradesh: Andhra University campus (9 Dec 2025) PIB Delhi releases highlight this as part of India Post’s modernisation and youth-outreach strategy. The first Gen Z Post Office in India was earlier inaugurated at IIT Delhi, making this a scaling-up phase, not a pilot. Relevance GS II: Public service delivery, citizen-centric governance, decentralisation GS III: Digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, institutional reforms What is a Gen Z Post Office?  A reimagined postal service model tailored to Generation Z (born ~1997–2012). Moves away from: Queue-based, transaction-only post offices Towards: Campus-embedded, digital-first, community-oriented service hubs Core Philosophy Adapt public institutions to citizen behaviour, not citizens to institutions. Key Objectives Re-engage youth with formal public services Integrate postal + banking + logistics in a single, friendly space Modernise India Post’s institutional image Build early financial literacy and trust among students Core Features (Common Across Campuses) 1. Youth-Centric Design & Space Reimagination Work-café aesthetics Comfortable seating, charging points, free Wi-Fi Recreation corners with: Books Board games Student artwork celebrating: Local culture India Post heritage Informal, non-bureaucratic ambience 2. Digital & Tech-Enabled Services Self-Booking Kiosks QR-code based instant payments Cashless, paper-light transactions Simplified workflows suited to DIY-oriented users Policy linkage Digital India Ease of Living Paperless governance 3. Modernised Postal Services Rapid parcel booking and dispatch On-campus packaging facilities MyStamp printers: Personalised postage stamps Modern revival of philately Special event postal cancellations 4. Financial Inclusion via India Post Integrated access to: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) Postal savings schemes Insurance products Awareness generation among: Students Researchers First-time earners Why Focus on Gen Z? Behavioural Rationale Digital-native Cashless-first Preference for: Informal spaces Speed & convenience Historically low engagement with traditional post offices Policy insight Early institutional engagement shapes long-term civic and financial behaviour. Governance Significance 1. Citizen-Centric Governance Service design based on user experience Shift from rule-centric to user-centric administration 2. Institutional Rebranding India Post repositioned as: Modern Youth-friendly Tech-enabled Crucial in: Fintech era Private logistics competition 3. Financial Inclusion & Literacy Early exposure to: Savings Digital banking Insurance Reduces future exclusion risks 4. Federal & Regional Balance Rollout across: Metro (Delhi, Bengaluru) Southern states J&K Indicates pan-India scalability, not elite urban focus. Alignment with National Visions Digital India Ease of Living Financial Inclusion Citizen-centric governance Viksit Bharat @2047: Future-ready institutions Youth-first public services Critical Evaluation Strengths Innovative institutional design Student co-creation Digital-first delivery Financial inclusion potential Replicable campus model Concerns Risk of: Cosmetic modernisation without outcomes Limited reach if confined to elite campuses Need for: Usage metrics Cost-benefit evaluation Digital divide concerns for non-tech-savvy users Way Forward Expand to: Government colleges ITIs Universities in Tier-2 & Tier-3 cities Measure success via: IPPB accounts opened Parcel volumes Student footfall Integrate with: Startup logistics Scholarship & DBT services Conclusion The Gen Z Post Office initiative represents a quiet but significant administrative reform, where India Post adapts itself to the lifestyles, values, and expectations of young citizens. By combining technology, design, sustainability, and participation, it showcases how legacy public institutions can remain relevant in a digital, youth-driven India—fully aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Content Replacing MGNREGA: Constitutional, Federal and Social Implications India’s Nuclear Energy Push: Development, Decarbonisation and the SHANTI Bill Replacing MGNREGA: Constitutional, Federal and Social Implications Why in News? The Central Government introduced and passed a Bill in the Lok Sabha to replace the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The Bill, titled Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Bill, 2025, was passed using the government’s numerical majority. The proposed law has triggered strong opposition, particularly from: Left parties Labour unions Civil society groups Critics argue that: The Bill fundamentally alters the nature of MGNREGA It represents an attack on constitutional principles, especially Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) and federalism. Demand raised for: Reference to the Parliamentary Standing Committee. Relevance GS II: Constitution, DPSPs, Parliament, federalism, social justice GS III: Employment, rural distress, inequality, welfare economics Practice Question MGNREGA represented a partial realisation of Article 41 of the Constitution. Critically examine whether the proposed replacement undermines the constitutional vision of economic democracy.(250 Words) MGNREGA: Constitutional & Legal Foundations (Basics) Constitutional Basis Article 41 (DPSP): “The State shall, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work…” Constituent Assembly Debate Socialist members: Wanted Right to Work as a Fundamental Right Capitalist/liberal members: Opposed enforceable obligation Compromise: Included under Directive Principles Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Called DPSPs a “novel feature” Described them as: “Instruments of instruction” “Essential for economic democracy” K.T. Shah: Dismissed them as “pious wishes” MGNREGA (2005) was the closest statutory realisation of Article 41. Why MGNREGA Was a Landmark Law ? Political Context (2004–05) UPA government without majority Dependent on Left party support Left parties: Played decisive role in: Drafting Universalisation Rights-based design Core Features of MGNREGA Partial legal recognition of Right to Work 100 days guaranteed wage employment Demand-driven: Work must be provided on demand Universality: Any rural adult volunteering for unskilled manual work Gender justice: Equal wages for men and women Fiscal responsibility: Entire wage cost borne by Centre Federal balance: States share ~10% States & Panchayats design works Decentralisation: Panchayats identify, plan, execute works Global significance First large-scale demand-driven employment guarantee in a capitalist economy. What the New Bill Changes ? 1. From Demand-Driven to Normative Allocation MGNREGA: Demand determines expenditure Centre legally bound to provide funds New Bill: Employment limited by “normative financial allocations” Decided unilaterally by Centre No legal obligation if demand exceeds allocation Implication Right to work becomes contingent, not guaranteed. 2. Shift in Fiscal Burden → Federal Erosion States’ share increased to 40% Occurs when: States already face: GST compensation loss Reduced tax devolution Strong centralisation: Project design Digital audits Monitoring controlled by Centre Constitutional Issue Assault on federalism (basic feature doctrine). 3. Prohibition of Work During Peak Agricultural Season Clause bans MGNREGA work during peak sowing/harvest. Why Critics Call It Class-Biased Reality: Workers choose MGNREGA only when: Farm work unavailable, or Agricultural wages < MGNREGA wages Effect: Weakens workers’ bargaining power Forces acceptance of: Lower wages Exploitative terms Women most affected: Already earn less in agriculture 4. Digital Conditionalities & Exclusion Mandatory: Aadhaar linkage Online attendance Digitised wage payment Evidence shows: Connectivity gaps Authentication failures Result: Exclusion of genuine workers Delayed or denied wages 5. Social Justice Rollback Composition of MGNREGA workforce: Adivasis: ~18% (population share ~8.6%) SCs: ~19% Women: >50% Over two-thirds from constitutionally protected groups New Bill: Removes their representation from: Advisory / redress councils Implication Violation of: Equality Social justice ethos of the Constitution Empirical Evidence of Distress (Data-Driven Critique) Workers: Increased from ~2 crore → 7.7–8.9 crore Budget: Never exceeded 0.2% of GDP 2024–25: 8.9 crore demanded work Only 7.9 crore provided 99 lakh turned away Average work per household: <50 days, not 100 Wage arrears: Up to ₹8,000 crore Inference Promise of 125 days seen as rhetorical, not real. Political Economy Perspective Since 2014: Declining real allocations to MGNREGA Rising: Corporate tax cuts Loan write-offs Critics argue: Welfare compression + corporate expansion Replacing MGNREGA: Seen as part of neoliberal restructuring of welfare Constitutional Concerns Summarised Dilution of Article 41 Undermining economic democracy Erosion of: Federalism Decentralisation Social justice DPSPs treated as dispensable, not guiding principles Why Standing Committee Scrutiny is Demanded ? Bill: Alters rights-based welfare architecture Has constitutional implications Standing Committee allows: Stakeholder consultation Evidence-based scrutiny Parliamentary accountability Conclusion MGNREGA was not merely a welfare scheme but a constitutional experiment—a statutory bridge between the Directive Principles and lived economic democracy. The proposed replacement, by shifting from demand-driven rights to budget-controlled entitlements, centralising power, and weakening labour protections, is viewed by critics as a regression from rights to discretion. In this sense, the debate is not only about employment policy but about the soul of India’s constitutional commitment to social and economic justice. India’s Nuclear Energy Push: Development, Decarbonisation and the SHANTI Bill Why in News? Parliament passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025. The Bill: Consolidates provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010. Supports India’s target of 100 GW nuclear installed capacity by mid-century. The move has reignited debate on: Nuclear power’s role in India’s development trajectory Energy–HDI linkage Decarbonisation and baseload electricity needs. Relevance GS III: Energy security, nuclear technology, climate change GS II: Regulatory institutions, public policy, legislation Practice Question In the context of India’s development and decarbonisation goals, examine the role of nuclear energy and critically analyse the significance of the SHANTI Bill, 2025.(250 Words) Energy and Human Development: Conceptual Basics Energy–Development Link Earl Cook (Scientific American, 1971): Human progress is closely tied to per capita energy consumption. Energy needs evolve from: Food (primitive stage) Housing & commerce (hunting stage) Agriculture, industry, transport (agrarian–industrial stage) Digital infrastructure (technological stage) Human Development Index (HDI) Composite index of: Per capita income Education Health Strong correlation between: HDI and per capita Final Energy Consumption (FEC) Inference High human development is energy-intensive, especially in the digital era. India’s Developmental Energy Requirement Target HDI G-20 peers: HDI > 0.9 To reach HDI ≈ 0.9: India needs ~24,000 TWh/year of energy generation Source: Current Science (2022) Energy Use Pattern ~60% as electricity ~40% for: Hydrogen production (via electrolysers) Decarbonisation of: Steel Fertilisers Plastics Present Situation Electricity generation (2023–24): ~1,950 TWh CAGR: ~4.8% At this rate: 24,000 TWh achievable in 4–5 decades The Decarbonisation Constraint Structural Challenges High fossil fuel dependence Electricity share in FEC: Only ~22%, must rise sharply Commitment to: Net-zero trajectory Climate goals Renewable Energy Limits Hydropower: Geographical and ecological constraints Solar & Wind: Land scarcity in a densely populated country Intermittency Seasonal variability Energy Storage: Expensive Seasonal storage is economically prohibitive Conclusion Renewables alone cannot sustain high-HDI energy demand. Why Nuclear Energy Becomes Critical ? Baseload Requirement Digital economy + electrified end-uses require: 24×7 reliable power Nuclear power: Non-intermittent High capacity factor Low lifecycle carbon emissions Strategic Role Complements: Solar Wind Hydro Enables: Affordable electricity Grid stability Deep decarbonisation India’s Nuclear Capability: Ground Reality Indigenous Nuclear Ecosystem Import dependency: Only uranium Indigenous strengths: Fuel fabrication Heavy water production Reactor equipment manufacturing Waste reprocessing PHWR Programme Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors: Indigenous design Highest capacity: 700 MW Status: 3 units operational 4th nearing completion 2 under advanced construction 2017: Sanction of 10 × 700 MW PHWRs Nuclear Safety & Regulation Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): Established in the 1980s Developed regulatory capacity BARC: Spent fuel reprocessing Nuclear waste management Inference India’s nuclear programme is: Technically mature Safety-oriented Cost-competitive in baseload terms The SHANTI Bill, 2025: Core Provisions What the Bill Does Overarching nuclear legislation Integrates: Atomic Energy Act, 1962 Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 AERB: “Deemed” to be constituted under the Act Safety responsibility: Primarily on licensee/operator Strategic Intent Facilitate: Nuclear scale-up Private & industrial participation Long-term capacity addition Support: 100 GW nuclear target Significance of the SHANTI Bill Developmental Significance Enables: High-energy, high-HDI growth Supports: Digital economy Industrial decarbonisation Climate Significance Low-carbon baseload power Reduces fossil fuel lock-in Strategic & Technological Significance Energy sovereignty Indigenous nuclear ecosystem Reduced import vulnerability Concerns & Critical Perspective  Regulatory independence: AERB still linked to Department of Atomic Energy Nuclear liability framework: Public risk vs private participation Long gestation periods Public perception & safety concerns Cost overruns in large reactors Way Forward Strengthen: Independent nuclear regulation Parallel push: Renewables + grid modernisation Invest in: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) Advanced fuel cycles Transparent safety communication Conclusion India’s aspiration to achieve high human development, deep decarbonisation, and digital-era growth makes energy availability the binding constraint. Given the limitations of renewables and storage, nuclear energy emerges not as a choice, but as a necessity. The SHANTI Bill, 2025, therefore, represents a bold and strategic legislative step to align India’s energy architecture with its developmental ambitions. Ambitious targets backed by institutional and technological capacity are indispensable if India is to transition from a developing to a developed nation.

Content DHRUV64 Indigenous Microprocessor India Faces Its Greatest Strategic Challenge in Bangladesh Since 1971 Retired Judges Reluctant to Serve as Ad Hoc Judges under Article 224A IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025 Securities Market Code Bill, 2025 Bharat Stage–VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms India–Oman Trade Deal and India’s West Asia Strategy DHRUV64 Indigenous Microprocessor Why is it in News? 15 December 2025: Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY) announced the launch of DHRUV64, an indigenous microprocessor. Developed by C-DAC under the Microprocessor Development Programme. Projected as a key step in building India’s indigenous processor pipeline and reducing dependence on imported chip designs. Relevance GS III – Science & Technology Indigenous semiconductor and processor development Digital sovereignty and strategic technologies Electronics manufacturing ecosystem RISC-V and open-source hardware architecture What is DHRUV64? Type: General-purpose microprocessor Architecture: 64-bit, dual-core Clock speed: ~1 GHz Developer: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) Parent Ministry: MeitY Instruction Set: RISC-V (open standard) Role: Acts as the “brain” of electronic systems, capable of running operating systems and embedded applications. Why Microprocessors Matter Strategically Microprocessors sit at the base layer of: Telecom networks Industrial control systems Automotive electronics Defence and space systems Control over processor design + toolchain + update pathways implies: Digital sovereignty Cybersecurity assurance Supply-chain resilience during sanctions or export controls India is a major consumer but a minor designer/manufacturer of processors. What Do DHRUV64’s Specifications Mean? Capability Assessment 64-bit design: Enables modern operating systems and contemporary software stacks. 1 GHz, dual-core: Modest by consumer standards Adequate for: Telecom base stations Routers Industrial automation Automotive modules Not designed for: High-end smartphones AI-heavy consumer computing (no GPU/AI accelerators disclosed) Comparative Perspective Global top-tier processors: Multiple cores Higher clock speeds Integrated GPUs and AI blocks DHRUV64 prioritises: Reliability Determinism Hardware–software co-design Suitable for mission-critical but non-consumer workloads. India’s Indigenous Processor Ecosystem DHRUV64 is not standalone, but part of a broader pipeline: Processor Institution Use Case SHAKTI IIT Madras Strategic & commercial systems AJIT IIT Bombay Control systems VIKRAM ISRO–SCL Space applications THEJAS64 (2025) C-DAC Industrial & strategic DHRUV64 C-DAC Platform-level processor DIR-V Programme (Digital India RISC-V) What is RISC-V? An open instruction set architecture (ISA). No licensing fees for the ISA itself. Modular and extensible design. Why Governments Prefer RISC-V Avoids dependence on proprietary ISAs (e.g., ARM, x86). Enables: Strategic autonomy Domestic innovation Custom security features DIR-V Objectives Build a portfolio of RISC-V processors for: Industry Defence Consumer electronics DHRUV64 is the third DIR-V chip after: THEJAS32 (fabricated in Malaysia) THEJAS64 (fabricated at SCL Mohali) Key Gaps & Unanswered Questions (Critical Analysis) 1. Performance Transparency No benchmarks disclosed: IPC, SPEC scores Cache sizes Memory controller features Performance per watt 2. Fabrication Ambiguity Foundry and process node not disclosed. Raises concerns about: Supply-chain sovereignty Yield and reliability Long-term availability (critical for telecom/auto sectors) 3. Meaning of “Fully Indigenous” Ambiguous claim: Indigenous ISA? (No — RISC-V is open, not Indian-origin) Indigenous core microarchitecture? Indigenous SoC integration? Indigenous fabrication? Indigenous toolchain? “Indigenous” may currently apply mainly to design ownership, not the entire value chain. 4. Ecosystem Readiness No clarity on: Developer boards OS support (Linux, RTOS, etc.) Security certifications Government anchor procurement Without an ecosystem, processors fail commercially. 5. Roadmap Uncertainty Next processors announced: DHANUSH: 1.2 GHz, quad-core, ~28 nm DHANUSH+: 2 GHz, quad-core, ~14/16 nm (reported) No timelines or fabrication commitments disclosed. Supporting Policy Ecosystem Key Government Schemes Chips to Startup Programme ₹250 crore over 5 years Focus: training, prototyping, startups Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme Encourages domestic chip design firms INUP-i2i Access to nanofabrication facilities Manufacturing Push India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): 10 projects approved 6 States Investment: ₹1.6 lakh crore Strategic Significance 1. Technological Sovereignty Reduces reliance on foreign-controlled architectures. Critical during geopolitical disruptions. 2. Defence & Strategic Autonomy Indigenous processors essential for: Secure communications Weapon systems Space missions 3. Platform Approach DHRUV64 positioned as: A testbed for startups, academia, and industry Lower-cost prototyping without foreign chips Success depends on: Software stacks Reference designs OEM adoption Way Forward Publish transparent technical documentation. Ensure: Anchor procurement by government agencies Strong software & OS ecosystem Clear fabrication roadmap within India Move from one-off chips to SoC families. Align processor design with: Telecom standards Automotive safety norms Defence certifications India faces its greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since 1971 Why is it in News? 2025: Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs (Chair: Shashi Tharoor). Assesses India–Bangladesh relations over the past two turbulent years. Trigger: Fall of Sheikh Hasina–led Awami League government (5 August 2024). Political churn, youth-led movements, Islamist resurgence. Growing Chinese and Pakistani influence in Bangladesh. Report warns of India potentially losing strategic space in Dhaka without timely recalibration. Relevance GS II – International Relations India–Bangladesh bilateral relations Neighbourhood First Policy Political transitions in neighbouring countries GS II – Foreign Policy & Diplomacy Managing strategic influence amid China–Pakistan outreach Diplomatic recalibration and institutional engagement Core Assertion of the Report India’s greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since 1971. Contrast drawn: 1971: Existential, humanitarian crisis; birth of a new nation. Today: Subtler but possibly graver challenge: Generational political shift Reorientation of strategic alignments Risk of India becoming irrelevant, not threatened by war. Background: India–Bangladesh Relations (Context) Traditionally strong pillars: Liberation War legacy (1971) Close ties with Awami League Cooperation on: Counter-terrorism Border management Connectivity River waters India’s Bangladesh policy heavily leader-centric, anchored around Sheikh Hasina. What Has Changed? 1. Political Transition Collapse of Awami League dominance. Rise of: Youth-led nationalism Anti-incumbency narratives India perceived as: Over-aligned with one political party Insensitive to generational aspirations. 2. Generational Discontinuity Younger Bangladeshi population: Less emotionally tied to 1971 legacy. More assertive about sovereignty. India’s historic goodwill no longer automatic. 3. Resurgence of Islamists Re-entry of Islamist groups into mainstream politics. Raises concerns for: Internal security Cross-border extremism Minority rights in Bangladesh. 4. Strategic Inroads by China & Pakistan China: Infrastructure, ports, power, digital systems. Defence supplies and economic leverage. Pakistan: Intelligence and ideological outreach. Bangladesh increasingly hedging between India and rivals. The Hasina Asylum Issue India’s Decision India provided shelter to Sheikh Hasina after her ouster. Parliamentary panel: Endorses humanitarian and moral rationale. Warns against political misuse of Indian soil. Diplomatic Sensitivities Bangladesh authorities accuse Hasina and associates of: Inciting unrest. Hasina: Issuing statements via personal communication devices. Indian position (as stated by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri): India does not provide a political platform. No official facilitation of political activity from Indian territory. Strategic Risks for India 1. Loss of Strategic Space India risks being sidelined in: Security cooperation Infrastructure influence Norm-setting in the region. 2. Border & Internal Security Porous border + political instability: Risks of radicalisation Smuggling Insurgent revival. 3. Neighbourhood First Policy at Stake Bangladesh is: India’s most critical eastern neighbour. Gateway to Northeast India and Act East Policy. Erosion here undermines India’s regional credibility. Committee’s Warning Risk is not war, but irrelevance. Strategic loss through: Inattention Overdependence on past alignments Failure to engage emerging political forces. What Recalibration Means for India ? 1. De-hyphenate from One-Party Dependence Engage: Opposition parties Civil society Youth groups Shift from leader-centric to institutional engagement. 2. Narrative Reset Move beyond 1971-centric diplomacy. Address: Economic aspirations Employment Climate vulnerability Digital economy cooperation. 3. Strategic Competition Management Offer credible alternatives to Chinese financing: Quality infrastructure Transparent development projects Strengthen people-to-people ties: Education Health Skill development. 4. Clear Red Lines on Security Zero tolerance on: Anti-India terror activities Radical networks. Quiet but firm security cooperation. Retired judges don’t want to sit as junior ad hoc judges: CJI Why is it in News? December 2025: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant disclosed that retired High Court judges are reluctant to return as ad hoc judges mainly due to institutional and personal discomfort—being “embarrassed” to sit as junior judges with younger serving judges. Comes after the Supreme Court (January 2025) activated Article 224A to tackle massive criminal case pendency in High Courts. Despite the ruling, many High Courts have not proposed names, leading to poor uptake. Relevance GS II – Polity & Constitution Judiciary and constitutional provisions (Article 224A) Separation of powers Judicial independence and accountability GS II – Governance Pendency of cases and access to justice Institutional reforms in higher judiciary Scale of the Problem (Data) Pending criminal cases in High Courts: 18,98,833 (25 HCs). Cases pending >1 year: 68.27% (≈ 12,96,374). Sanctioned HC judge strength: 1,122. Vacancies (as of 15 Dec 2025): 298 (~26.6%). Worst-affected HCs noted: Allahabad, Punjab & Haryana, Patna. Constitutional Basics: Article 224A Provision: Appointment of retired High Court judges as ad hoc judges. Authority: Initiated by Chief Justice of the High Court. Requires consent of the retired judge. President appoints after consultation. Purpose: Temporary augmentation to clear arrears, especially criminal appeals. Status: Not a substitute for regular appointments; a stop-gap measure. Supreme Court’s Intervention   January 2025 judgment (building on April 2021 ruling): Reactivated Article 224A. Urged HCs to use ad hoc judges selectively for criminal backlogs. Emphasised structured deployment and time-bound mandates. Why Is the Uptake Poor?  1. Hierarchy & Bench Dynamics Criminal appeals typically heard by Division Benches. Retired judges feel discomfort sitting as junior members under younger judges. Serving judges question sitting with a retired judge heading the Bench. Result: Mutual hesitation disrupts bench formation. 2. Institutional Culture Strong seniority norms in Indian judiciary. Lack of clear protocols on bench composition involving ad hoc judges. Perceived dilution of institutional authority. 3. Administrative Inertia Several HCs have not forwarded names to the Supreme Court. Absence of: Incentive structures Clear tenure/role clarity Dedicated case allocation mechanisms. Critical Assessment of Article 224A as a Solution Strengths Quick augmentation without long appointment cycles. Utilises experienced judicial capital. Focused relief for criminal appeals. Limitations Not scalable without cultural acceptance. Risks creating a parallel, temporary judiciary. Does not address root causes: Chronic vacancies Appointment delays Procedural inefficiencies. Structural Causes of High Court Pendency Persistent vacancies due to: Delayed collegium recommendations Executive–judiciary friction Rising criminalisation and complex litigation. Limited judge-to-population ratio. Inadequate case management and listing practices. Way Forward  1. Normalize Article 224A Usage Clear guidelines on: Bench composition Seniority protocol Role clarity for ad hoc judges Fixed-term, outcome-linked assignments. 2. Fix the Core Deficit Fill sanctioned vacancies on priority. Time-bound appointment processes. Consider raising sanctioned strength in high-load HCs. 3. Procedural & Managerial Reforms Dedicated criminal appeal benches. Enhanced case-flow management. Technology-driven listing and prioritisation. 4. Alternative Capacity Measures Strengthen evening courts / special benches. Expand judicial clerkship and research support. Promote plea bargaining and ADR where appropriate. IDF Diabetes Atlas 2025 Why is it in News? 2025: 11th edition of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas released. Key findings published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology (2025). Projects a sharp global rise in diabetes prevalence by 2050, with middle-income countries bearing the heaviest burden. Relevance GS II – Social Justice & Health Public health challenges Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) Universal Health Coverage GS III – Human Capital & Development Productivity loss due to lifestyle diseases Demographic transition and health burden What is the IDF Diabetes Atlas? Flagship epidemiological assessment by the International Diabetes Federation. Estimates: Prevalence Trends Projections of diabetes (ages 20–79). Used by: WHO National health policymakers Global health financing agencies. Key Global Findings (Data-driven) 1. Scale of the Epidemic 2024: People living with diabetes: ~580 million adults Prevalence: 11.11% of global adult population 2050 (Projected): Affected population: ~850–900 million adults Prevalence: 12.96%  Diabetes growth is structural, not cyclical. 2. Income-Level Distribution Middle-income countries: Highest prevalence and fastest growth. Reflects: Rapid urbanisation Lifestyle transition Nutrition shift without commensurate healthcare access. 3. Urban–Rural Divide 2024: Urban: ~400 million Rural: ~189 million 2050 (Projected): Urban: ~655 million Rural: ~198 million Indicates: Diabetes increasingly an urbanisation-linked disease. Rural burden stagnates but does not decline. Country-wise Diabetes Load (Top 10 Focus) 2024 Rankings China: ~148 million India: ~90 million United States Pakistan 2050 Projections China and India retain top two positions. Pakistan projected to rise to 3rd, overtaking the US.  South and East Asia emerge as the global diabetes epicentre. Why Is Diabetes Rising? 1. Lifestyle Transition Sedentary work Reduced physical activity Ultra-processed food consumption 2. Urbanisation without Health Planning Poor walkability Stressful urban living Inadequate preventive health systems 3. Demographic & Metabolic Factors Population ageing Early-life malnutrition → adult metabolic disorders Genetic susceptibility (notably South Asians) India-Specific Implications Epidemiological Transition Shift from communicable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Diabetes now: A leading cause of cardiovascular disease Major driver of kidney failure and blindness. Health System Stress Long-term care costs Productivity losses Increased out-of-pocket expenditure Policy & Governance Significance Global Health Diabetes threatens: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being) Universal Health Coverage goals Requires preventive-first approach. India’s Policy Landscape National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS). Ayushman Bharat: HWCs for early screening PM-JAY for tertiary care Gap remains in: Urban public health Lifestyle modification at scale. Expert Warning Diabetes epidemic has continued unchecked since 2000. Stronger action needed to: Slow progression Delay onset Reduce complications Way Forward 1. Population-Level Prevention Fiscal tools: Sugar-sweetened beverage taxation Urban planning: Active mobility infrastructure Food labelling and marketing regulations 2. Early Detection & Management Universal screening after 30 years. Integration with primary healthcare. Digital health monitoring. 3. Focus on High-Burden Countries Targeted financing for middle-income countries. South Asia–centric strategies. Securities Market Code Bill, 2025 Why is it in News? Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the Securities Market Code Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha. Referred to the Standing Committee on Finance. Implements a reform announced in Union Budget 2021–22 to modernise India’s securities market regulation. Relevance GS III – Economy Capital markets and financial regulation Investor protection and market efficiency Ease of doing business GS II – Polity & Governance Regulatory institutions (SEBI) Parliamentary oversight and delegated legislation Separation of powers concerns What is the Securities Market Code Bill, 2025?  A consolidation and rationalisation law for securities markets. Seeks to unify three major legislations: Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 SEBI Act, 1992 Depositories Act, 1996 Objective: Provide a single, coherent regulatory framework Enhance investor protection Enable capital mobilisation at scale Reduce regulatory fragmentation Rationale for the Bill Existing framework: Multiple overlapping laws Procedural complexity Inconsistent enforcement provisions Global context: Need for agile capital markets Alignment with modern regulatory best practices Policy logic: Ease of doing business + effective deterrence Key Provisions of the Bill 1. Consolidation of Securities Laws Replaces three separate Acts with one unified Code. Benefits: Legal clarity Reduced compliance duplication Faster adjudication and enforcement 2. Expansion of SEBI Board SEBI strength increased: From 9 members → 15 members Composition: Chairperson 2 Central Government nominees (ex-officio) 1 RBI nominee (ex-officio) 11 other members At least 5 whole-time members Current situation: Only 3 whole-time members Objective: Strengthen institutional capacity Improve sectoral expertise and oversight 3. Conflict of Interest Disclosure Mandatory disclosure of: Direct or indirect interests by SEBI Board members. Intended outcome: Institutional integrity Transparency in decision-making Reduced regulatory capture risk 4. Decriminalisation of Minor Violations Shifts “minor, procedural, technical” violations: From criminal prosecution → civil penalties Criminal liability retained only for serious market abuse: Insider trading Trading on material non-public information Rationale: Faster enforcement Reduced compliance burden Business-friendly regulatory environment 5. Civil Penalties Framework Introduces civil penalties for: Unlawful gains or losses Aligns punishment with: Proportionality principle Economic harm caused 6. Limitation on Inspections No inspection allowed if: 8 years have passed since the date of contravention. Purpose: Legal certainty Protection from indefinite regulatory exposure Concern: Potential weakening of long-term enforcement in complex frauds Expert Assessment Legal experts view changes as: “Minor, procedural, and technical” Aimed at balancing: Speedy adjudication Effective deterrence Political & Constitutional Concerns Raised Opposition’s Objections Raised by: DMK MP Arun Nehru Congress MP Manish Tewari Argument: Excessive powers concentrated in SEBI Violates the principle of separation of powers Risk of over-centralised regulatory authority Government’s Response Finance Minister: Defended referral to Standing Committee Opened scope for parliamentary scrutiny and refinement Critical Analysis Strengths Simplifies securities regulation. Improves regulatory efficiency. Reduces fear of criminalisation for genuine compliance lapses. Strengthens SEBI’s institutional capacity. Concerns Over-centralisation of power in SEBI. Eight-year inspection bar may: Hinder investigation of long-running market manipulation. Increased SEBI strength without: Parallel accountability mechanisms. Broader Significance Economic Supports: Capital market deepening Startup and MSME fund-raising Long-term infrastructure financing Governance Reflects shift from: Punitive regulation → trust-based compliance Tests balance between: Regulatory autonomy Parliamentary oversight Bharat Stage–VI (BS-VI) Emission Norms Why is it in News? Delhi–NCR intensified enforcement against older, non-BS-VI private vehicles amid severe winter air pollution. Clarification issued that vehicles bought/registered after April 1, 2020 are BS-VI compliant, while older vehicles face: Entry restrictions Fines Deregistration or scrappage-linked action Public confusion over how to identify BS-VI vehicles triggered policy and enforcement debates. Relevance GS III – Environment & Ecology , Science & Techology Air pollution and mitigation strategies Vehicular emissions and urban air quality Climate co-benefits (black carbon reduction) What are Bharat Stage (BS) Emission Norms? Bharat Stage norms are India’s vehicle emission standards. Aim: Regulate pollutants from internal combustion engines. Pattern: Broadly aligned with European (Euro) standards. Progression: BS-I → BS-II → BS-III → BS-IV → BS-VI India skipped BS-V to fast-track pollution control. What is BS-VI? BS-VI implemented nationwide from 1 April 2020. Applies to: Petrol vehicles Diesel vehicles Two-wheelers, cars, commercial vehicles Covers: Vehicle engine standards Fuel quality standards How to Identify a BS-VI Vehicle? Registration Certificate (RC): Emission norm mentioned as BS-VI. Fuel/engine label: Often marked by manufacturer. VAHAN portal / mParivahan app: Official verification. Key rule: Registered on or after 1 April 2020 → BS-VI compliant Vehicles registered before April 2020 → not BS-VI, even if upgraded later. What Changed from BS-IV to BS-VI? 1. Emission Limits (Diesel Cars) Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Reduced by ~68% Particulate Matter (PM): Reduced by ~82% 2. Emission Limits (Petrol Cars) Significant reduction in: NOx Hydrocarbons 3. Fuel Quality Sulphur content: BS-IV: 50 ppm BS-VI: 10 ppm Enables: Advanced emission-control systems Longer engine life Cleaner exhaust 4. Advanced Technologies Diesel vehicles: Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Petrol vehicles: Improved catalytic converters Mandatory On-Board Diagnostics (OBD). Why Are Older Vehicles More Polluting? Lack advanced emission-control systems. Higher emissions of: NOx PM2.5 and PM10 Diesel vehicles particularly harmful: Fine particulates penetrate lungs and bloodstream. Urban impact: Vehicles contribute disproportionately to winter smog due to: Temperature inversion Low wind speeds Why Does Delhi–NCR Enforce Stricter Rules? Delhi introduced tighter emission norms earlier than the rest of India. Context: Extremely high vehicular density Unfavourable meteorology Judicial backing: Supreme Court–mandated measures GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) Data cited by authorities: ~37% of vehicles in NCR are highly polluting, mostly older models. Health & Environmental Rationale Health Impact Vehicular pollution linked to: Asthma Chronic bronchitis Cardiovascular diseases PM2.5 classified as carcinogenic by WHO. Environmental Impact Formation of: Urban smog Ground-level ozone Long-term climate co-benefits: Lower black carbon emissions. Economic & Social Implications Positive Cleaner air Reduced public health expenditure Push towards: Cleaner fuels Electric vehicles Challenges Costlier BS-VI vehicles. Maintenance issues: DPF clogging in low-speed urban driving. Impact on lower-income vehicle owners. Policy Linkages National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) Vehicle Scrappage Policy FAME scheme (EV push) GRAP for Delhi–NCR Critical Issues & Concerns Enforcement-heavy approach: Risks social backlash. Air pollution is multi-source: Construction dust Biomass burning Industrial emissions BS-VI alone cannot solve urban air pollution. Way Forward Combine BS-VI enforcement with: Public transport expansion EV adoption Urban planning reforms Scrappage incentives over punitive bans. Fuel quality monitoring nationwide. Address non-vehicular pollution sources. India–Oman CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) Why is it in News? December 2025: India and Oman signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Muscat. Marks: India’s second CEPA in West Asia after UAE A strategic response to: Rising global trade protectionism (US tariffs, EU CBAM-type measures) India’s need to de-risk supply chains away from China Basics: What is a CEPA? A deep, comprehensive trade agreement, broader than a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Covers: Trade in goods Trade in services Investment Mobility of professionals Customs cooperation, standards, dispute settlement India’s existing CEPAs: UAE, Australia (ECTA), Japan, South Korea, now Oman Key Provisions of India–Oman CEPA 1. Market Access – Goods Oman → India 98.08% of tariff lines made duty-free Covers 99.38% of India’s exports to Oman One of the most liberal tariff concessions Oman has offered globally India → Oman Liberalisation of 77.79% of tariff lines Covers 94.81% of India’s imports from Oman 2. Trade in Services (High Relevance for India) Enhanced market access for Indian service providers in: IT & IT-enabled services Engineering & consultancy Healthcare Education & training Mobility provisions: Easier movement of Indian professionals Recognition of qualifications through Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) (to be operationalised) Sector-specific gains: Nursing quotas in some categories raised from 20% to 50% 3. Investment & Business Facilitation Predictable and transparent investment regime Protection against arbitrary regulatory measures Encourages: Indian investment in Omani ports, logistics, hydrocarbons, renewables Omani sovereign investment in Indian infrastructure and manufacturing India–Oman Trade Snapshot (Data-driven) Total bilateral trade (2024–25): ~USD 10.6 billion India’s exports to Oman: USD 4.06 billion 0.93% of India’s total exports India’s imports from Oman: USD 6.5 billion 0.91% of India’s total imports India runs a trade deficit, largely due to energy imports CEPA aims to narrow the deficit through export expansion Composition of Trade (2024–25) India’s Key Exports Machinery & mechanical appliances Inorganic and organic chemicals Aircraft parts Plastics, textiles, jewellery Mineral fuels (re-exports)  Export basket is manufacturing-intensive, aligned with Make in India India’s Key Imports Crude oil & LNG-related products Bituminous substances Fertilisers Iron ore and minerals Strategic Significance for India 1. Economic Significance Boosts exports of: Engineering goods Pharmaceuticals Automobiles & auto components Textiles and food products Reduces tariff disadvantage vis-à-vis: China ASEAN exporters Facilitates India’s integration into Gulf and global value chains 2. Strategic & Geopolitical Significance Oman’s geostrategic location: At the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz Gateway to West Asia, East Africa, and Europe Strengthens India’s: West Asia outreach Maritime security interests Complements India’s engagement with: GCC I2U2 Indo-Pacific trade diversification 3. Energy Security Dimension Oman is a key supplier of: Crude oil LNG CEPA deepens long-term energy partnerships New cooperation avenues: Green hydrogen Petrochemicals Renewables and energy storage Energy transition technologies 4. Labour & Diaspora Dimension Large Indian workforce in Oman CEPA improves: Job security Professional mobility Services export earnings Supports India’s human capital export strategy Why Oman Matters in India’s West Asia Strategy ? 1. Trade & Logistics Hub Ports such as Duqm, Sohar, Salalah: Less congested alternatives to Gulf hubs Gateways to Africa and Mediterranean markets Supports India’s hub-and-spoke trade model 2. Supply Chain De-risking Oman offers: Political stability Neutral foreign policy Strong maritime connectivity Helps India reduce dependence on: China-centric value chains Protectionist Western markets 3. West Asia Reset Shifts India’s engagement from: Energy-only and diaspora-centric ties Towards: Trade–investment–technology partnership Complements UAE CEPA: UAE as financial/re-export hub Oman as logistics and gateway hub Together, anchor India’s western maritime arc Concerns & Challenges Trade volumes still modest relative to potential Persistent trade imbalance Risks for Indian MSMEs: Limited awareness Compliance and certification costs Non-tariff barriers Services gains depend on: Effective implementation of mobility provisions Way Forward Establish CEPA utilisation cells for exporters and MSMEs Fast-track: Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) Skill and qualification recognition Use Oman as: A platform, not merely a destination market Integrate CEPA with: Make in India PM Gati Shakti India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)