Content Unlocking India’s Green Hydrogen Production Potential From 2 to 597 Unlocking India’s Green Hydrogen Production Potential Why in News ? India commissioned its first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu. Three ports — Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar — declared Green Hydrogen Hubs (MNRE, Oct 2025). Targets: 5 MMT Green Hydrogen production by 2030 ₹8 lakh crore investment 125 GW renewable energy addition 6 lakh jobs ₹1 lakh crore import reduction 50 MMT CO₂ emissions avoided annually Relevance : GS 3 – Environment, Energy, Infrastructure Renewable energy transition & Net Zero 2070 goals. National Green Hydrogen Mission (₹19,744 crore) – decarbonising industry, transport, shipping. Port-based hydrogen hubs (Deendayal, Paradip, Tuticorin). R&D under SHIP with BARC, ISRO, IITs for indigenous tech. ₹8 lakh crore investment, 6 lakh jobs, 50 MMT CO₂ reduction. Strategic exports to Japan, Korea, EU – energy security & Atmanirbharta. Understanding Green Hydrogen Type Source Energy Emissions Example Grey Hydrogen Natural gas (steam methane reforming) High CO₂ Current majority of hydrogen production Blue Hydrogen Fossil fuels + Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) Moderate Transitional fuel Green Hydrogen Renewable energy (solar/wind) via electrolysis of water ≤2 kg CO₂ eq per kg H₂ Cleanest form Definition (India Standard 2023): Hydrogen qualifies as green if lifecycle emissions ≤ 2 kg CO₂-e/kg H₂. National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) – Overview Launched: January 2023 Outlay: ₹19,744 crore (FY 2023–30) Mission Objectives Make India a global hub for Green Hydrogen production, use, and export. Achieve energy self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) by reducing fossil imports. Enable industrial decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors: steel, fertilizer, refining. Create new green jobs and boost domestic manufacturing. Mission Architecture Component Outlay (₹ crore) Objective SIGHT Programme 17,490 Incentives for green hydrogen and electrolyser manufacturing Pilot Projects 1,466 Demonstration in industry, mobility, shipping R&D / Innovation (SHIP) 400 Collaborative research across value chain Other Components 388 Skill, policy, infrastructure, certification Sectoral Implementation (A) Industrial Sector Fertilizers: 7.24 LMT green ammonia procurement auctioned (₹55.75/kg). Steel: 5 pilot projects with PSUs & private firms to test hydrogen-based iron reduction. Refineries: Gradual substitution of grey hydrogen with green hydrogen. (B) Mobility & Transport Road Transport: 37 hydrogen-powered vehicles (15 fuel-cell, 22 ICE) across 10 routes; ₹208 crore support. High-Altitude Mobility: NTPC’s Leh hydrogen project (3,650 m altitude) — world’s highest; reduces 350 MT CO₂/year. Shipping: Tuticorin Pilot (2025): 10 Nm³/hr H₂ plant + EV charging from hydrogen. Green Methanol Bunkering: ₹42 crore project to create Coastal Green Shipping Corridor (Kandla–Tuticorin). Policy and Regulatory Framework Framework Purpose Nodal Agency Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCI), 2025 Certifies hydrogen as “green” based on lifecycle GHG emissions Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Open Access & ISTS Waiver Ensures low-cost renewable energy for electrolysis MNRE Skill Development Programme 5,600+ trainees certified in hydrogen tech NSDC + MNRE Hydrogen Hubs Deendayal, Paradip, Tuticorin MNRE / Port Authorities Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership (SHIP) Public–Private R&D platform to co-develop advanced hydrogen technologies. Collaboration with BARC, ISRO, CSIR, IITs, IISc. ₹400 crore R&D Fund + ₹100 crore Start-up Grant Call (2025) (up to ₹5 crore/project). 30+ joint projects under EU–India TTC for hydrogen from waste. Enabling Frameworks Infrastructure: Storage, pipelines, refueling network, port-based hubs. Finance: Viability gap funding, PLI-style incentives under SIGHT. Skill Ecosystem: Workforce development, IIT-based training centres. Policy De-risking: Clear open access, faster approvals, and land allocation for renewable energy zones. Global Partnerships Partner Collaboration Area EU–India TTC R&D, waste-to-hydrogen tech UK Standardization & safety codes Germany (H2Global Stiftung) Export mechanisms, joint tendering Singapore (Sembcorp) Port-based H₂ & NH₃ export hubs World Hydrogen Summit, Rotterdam (2024) India’s first official participation, “India Pavilion” launched Expected Outcomes by 2030 Parameter Target Annual Green H₂ Production 5 MMT Renewable Capacity 125 GW Jobs 6 lakh Emission Reduction 50 MMT CO₂ eq/year Fossil Import Savings ₹1 lakh crore Investment ₹8 lakh crore Challenges High Production Cost: $3–6/kg (target <$1/kg by 2030). Electrolyser Dependency: 80% currently imported (mainly China & EU). Water Use: 9 litres per kg H₂ – stress in arid zones. Infrastructure Gap: Storage, pipelines, safety standards still evolving. Technology Maturity: Need for R&D in solid oxide, PEM, and AEM electrolysers. Way Forward Domestic Manufacturing Push: Scale up electrolyser production via SIGHT. Hybrid RE Parks: Dedicated solar-wind clusters for H₂ generation. Green Hydrogen Corridors: Industrial and mobility linkages (refineries–fertilizer–ports). Export Strategy: Leverage India’s geographic proximity to Japan, Korea, and EU. R&D Acceleration: Advance hydrogen carriers (ammonia, methanol), storage materials, and safety systems. Policy Synchronisation: MNRE–MoP–MoPNG coordination under single-window mechanism. Key Facts Nodal Ministry: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) Implementing Agency: Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) Certification Body: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Ports Declared Hydrogen Hubs: Deendayal, Paradip, V.O. Chidambaranar First Port-Based Hydrogen Pilot: Tuticorin, 2025 World’s Highest H₂ Project: NTPC Leh (3,650 m) Emission Limit for ‘Green’ Tag: ≤2 kg CO₂-e/kg H₂ Conclusion India’s Green Hydrogen Mission exemplifies “Clean Growth for Self-Reliance.” It intertwines climate ambition (Net Zero 2070) with industrial competitiveness and strategic energy security. By integrating policy, technology, investment, and global partnerships, India aims to become the third-largest green hydrogen hub globally, driving the global shift toward decarbonised economies. From 2 to 597 Why in News ? Record achievement: 597 students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) cleared India’s toughest competitive exams — JEE Main, JEE Advanced, and NEET (2024–25). Massive rise from just 2 students in 2022–23 → 597 in 2024–25, showing transformative success of the EMRS initiative under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. 101 out of 230 EMRSs offering Class 12 produced successful candidates. Reflects impact of focused educational interventions for Scheduled Tribe (ST) youth. Relevance : GS 2 – Governance, Education, Social Justice EMRS expansion (722 sanctioned, 485 functional) under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Operationalisation of Articles 46 & 275(1) – education for ST welfare. NESTS-led coaching & digital learning → 597 students cleared JEE/NEET (2025). Promotes gender empowerment, social mobility, and inclusive growth. Aligns with NEP 2020 and shifts from welfare to capability-based education. What are EMRS Schools? Feature Description Implementing Ministry Ministry of Tribal Affairs Managing Body National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) Scheme Launch 1997–98 (under Article 275(1) of the Constitution) Purpose To provide quality residential education (Class VI–XII) to ST students, preparing them for higher education and competitive exams Education Board CBSE-affiliated Facilities Free education, boarding, nutrition, healthcare, sports, and digital classrooms Current Status (2025) 722 sanctioned, 485 functional; 1.38 lakh students enrolled Performance Surge (2022–25) Year IIT–JEE Qualified NEET Qualified 2022–23 2 – 2023–24 16 6 2024–25 219 344 → Growth: ~30× in 3 years, driven by structured coaching and digital learning interventions. State-wise Achievements (2024–25) Top States in JEE (Main + Advanced): Telangana (70), Madhya Pradesh (61), Gujarat (40) Top States in NEET: Gujarat (173), Madhya Pradesh (115), Chhattisgarh (18) Representation from 12 States shows expansion beyond traditional tribal belts. Human Stories of Transformation Jatin Negi (Himachal Pradesh): From Sangla village, cleared JEE Advanced (AIR 421) → B.Tech, IIT Jodhpur. Overcame power cuts, isolation, and personal loss — testament to resilience + institutional mentorship. Padvi Urjasviben (Gujarat): Cleared NEET (AIR 11,926) → MBBS, GMERS Medical College, Junagadh. Broke gender stereotypes in tribal Gujarat village; symbol of educational empowerment of tribal girls. Constitutional & Legal Foundations Provision Relevance Article 46 (DPSP) State to promote educational and economic interests of SCs/STs; protect from injustice/exploitation Articles 15(4) & 15(5) Permit special provisions for advancement of socially & educationally backward classes and STs/SCs in education Article 275(1) Grants-in-aid from Consolidated Fund for ST welfare and educational infrastructure (basis for EMRS funding) Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act, 2006 Mandates 7.5% reservation for STs, 15% for SCs, 27% for OBCs in centrally funded higher education institutions Significance: EMRS is a direct operationalization of Article 46 and 275(1) — combining affirmative action with institutional capacity building. Administrative Mechanism National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) Autonomous body under Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Implements EMRS in coordination with State EMRS Societies. Ensures standardized pedagogy, teacher training, digital infrastructure, and exam readiness. Targeted Academic Support Initiatives (Under NESTS) Initiative Focus Area Key Highlights Centres of Excellence JEE/NEET Coaching 3 Centres (Bhopal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh); MoU with NGOs for offline coaching Digital Tutoring Competitive Exam Prep Partnerships with Ex-Navodayan Foundation & PACE IIT & Medical iHUB DivyaSampark (IIT Roorkee) STEM Exposure Hands-on science & tech experience centres DTH Channel (CIET–NCERT) Remote Learning Broadcasts content for Classes 9–12 Smart Classrooms (ERNET–MeitY) Digital Learning Infrastructure Wi-Fi enabled, multimedia learning Skill Labs (PMKVY 4.0) Vocational Training SANKALP Project + CBSE Skill Labs Amazon Future Engineers Coding & CS Education 178 teachers trained from 187 EMRSs Atal Tinkering Labs Innovation Ecosystem 26 labs with AI kits, 3D printers, robotics TALASH Programme Career Counseling Tribal Aptitude, Life Skill, and Self-Esteem Hub for guidance Governance & Financials Metric Data (2025) Functional Schools 485 Total Sanctioned 722 Funds Released (2024–25) ₹6,841.8 crore Students Enrolled 1,38,336 Hostel Infrastructure 100% free residential schooling Education Pattern CBSE-based; integration of vocational + digital learning Policy Impact Bridging Educational Divide: Rural–urban and social gaps narrowed in access to elite institutions (IITs, AIIMS, etc.). Women’s Empowerment: Increasing participation of tribal girls in STEM and medicine. Social Mobility: First-generation learners entering India’s top institutions. Localized Development: Schools located in or near tribal belts — reducing dropout and migration. Nation-building Impact: From welfare model to capability model — aligning with “Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”. Challenges Faculty Shortage: Remote postings lead to uneven teacher distribution. Regional Disparities: Some NE states lag in EMRS functioning. Language Barriers: Medium of instruction transition (tribal → English/CBSE) remains difficult. Limited Awareness: Families often unaware of opportunities beyond Class 10–12. Infrastructure Gaps: Connectivity and digital access in high-altitude or forest regions. Way Forward Teacher Capacity Building: Incentivize postings + digital mentorship network. Outcome-Based Monitoring: Annual JEE/NEET/CBSE tracking via NESTS dashboard. Localized Coaching Partnerships: Expand NGOs & EdTech tie-ups for exam prep. Gender-Focused Support: Scholarship schemes for tribal girls in STEM. Integration with NEP 2020: Introduce multidisciplinary learning & regional language modules. Career Continuity: Create EMRS Alumni Network & mentorship with IIT/NIT/STEM graduates. Key Facts EMRS Scheme: Started 1997–98; major expansion in Union Budget 2018–19. Target Coverage: Every block with >50% ST population & ≥20,000 tribal persons. Funding Source: Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution. Nodal Agency: Ministry of Tribal Affairs via NESTS. Education Board: CBSE. Current Functional Schools: 485 (as of July 2025). Top-performing State (2025): Gujarat (173 NEET qualifiers). First-time achievement: EMRS students now in IITs, AIIMS, and top NITs. Conclusion The success of EMRS students — from 2 to 597 achievers in just three years — represents a quiet revolution in tribal education. It marks a shift from access to excellence, proving that when constitutional intent (Articles 46 & 275) meets institutional innovation (EMRS & NESTS), social equity becomes achievable. EMRS has evolved from a welfare instrument to a platform for empowerment, setting the foundation for inclusive nation-building through education.

Content Inter-State rivalry that is fuelling India’s growth Fine-tune the AI labelling regulations framework Inter-State rivalry that is fuelling India’s growth  Why in News ? Google announced its largest AI data centre outside California in Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam). Triggered political reactions in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, showcasing intense inter-State competition for global tech investment. Marks a shift from Centre-driven patronage to State-led economic federalism. Relevance GS 2 – Governance, Federalism Centre–State relations, cooperative and competitive federalism, devolution of powers. GS 3 – Economy Investment climate, infrastructure growth, FDI policy, industrial reforms. Practice Question Discuss how competitive federalism has transformed India’s investment landscape in the post-liberalisation era. Illustrate with recent examples.(250 Words) Historical Context: Centralised Control (Pre-1991) Planned Economy & License Raj: Industrial decisions—what, how much, and where to produce—were made in New Delhi. States vied for favour, not for investors; bureaucrats, not markets, allocated capital. Political patronage > Economic efficiency, creating distorted industrial geography. Liberalisation (1991) and the Shift in Power Economic Reforms (1991): Abolished licensing, opened trade & FDI, decentralised economic authority. Power shift from Centre → States, enabling them to design investor-friendly policies. Initially slow: State bureaucracies retained a “control mindset”. Rise of Competitive Federalism (Post-2014) Definition: Healthy inter-State rivalry to attract investment, jobs, and innovation through governance, not lobbying. Key Enablers: Ease of Doing Business rankings (DPIIT). Start-up, Export Readiness, Logistics Index assessments by Centre. Digitalisation and fiscal autonomy post-GST. Case Studies: State-Level Investment Competition Andhra Pradesh: Secured Google AI Data Centre; high EoDB ranking, port infrastructure. Gujarat: Won Foxconn–Vedanta semiconductor project through policy clarity. Tamil Nadu vs Telangana: Competing EV manufacturing hubs. Uttar Pradesh: Emerging electronics hub in Noida under UP Electronics Policy. Global Comparisons United States: 200+ cities competed for Amazon HQ2; improved governance and urban planning. Germany (Bavaria): Innovation-led growth via proactive State policy. Australia & Canada: Subnational competition in clean energy, education, and technology sectors. Lesson: Decentralised competition spurs efficiency and innovation. Benefits of Competitive Federalism Economic Efficiency: States innovate to reduce red tape and boost infrastructure. Governance Reforms: Best practices diffuse quickly—single-window clearances, EV policies, digital facilitation. Skill & Employment: Industrial rivalry drives local job creation and skill development. Regional Balance: Reduces over-dependence on a few industrial States. National Advantage: Each State’s success strengthens India’s collective competitiveness (“India competes globally through its States”). Risks & Challenges Subsidy Race: Fiscal strain from excessive incentives or land giveaways. Environmental Oversights: Race for industrialisation may neglect sustainability. Uneven Capacity: Not all States possess equal institutional readiness or governance capacity. The New Federal Compact From Patronage to Persuasion: States pitch directly to global investors, not to Delhi. Mindset Change: Growth through data, governance, and credibility, not concessions. Outcome: Emergence of a “federation of opportunity” — multiple growth poles (Andhra–Tamil Nadu–Gujarat–UP). Way Forward Compete through Competence, not Concessions. Build human capital, legal predictability, and logistics networks. Strengthen Centre’s role as facilitator (incentive-linked rankings, fiscal incentives). Encourage regional partnerships (e.g., southern tech corridor). Conclusion India’s evolving competitive federalism marks a paradigm shift—from Delhi’s patronage to State-led persuasion, where economic performance, policy credibility, and institutional innovation decide the winners. Each State that attracts global investment doesn’t just grow individually—it strengthens India’s global economic standing. Fine-tune the AI labelling regulations framework  Why in News? The government proposed draft amendments to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 to mandate labelling of AI-generated or synthetic media. Triggered by AI deepfake misuse, such as a fake video of FM Nirmala Sitharaman endorsing a fraudulent investment scheme that caused a ₹66 lakh loss to a citizen. Relevance GS 3 – Internal Security, Cybersecurity, Technology & Governance Tackling misinformation and fraud via deepfakes. Balancing innovation with ethical AI governance. Role of IT Act and intermediary liability in regulating digital platforms. Cyber ethics, privacy, and responsible AI use in India. Practice Question Critically examine the challenges in regulating AI-generated synthetic media in India. How do the proposed IT Rules 2021 amendments address these issues?(250 Words) Background and Context AI Deepfakes Surge: Rapid proliferation of near-real synthetic videos, audios, and images due to generative AI tools. Public Harm: Used for misinformation, fraud, and reputation damage — eroding trust in digital content. Government Response: Earlier believed existing IT Rules were sufficient; now introducing explicit labelling mandates for synthetic media. Stakeholders: Ministry of Electronics & IT, major SSMIs (Meta, YouTube, X), and civil society groups. Key Provisions of Draft Rules Mandatory Labelling: Platforms must clearly mark synthetic/AI-generated media. Label to cover ≥10% of visual area in videos. Label to appear for ≥10% of duration in audios. Responsibility: Applies to Significant Social Media Intermediaries (SSMIs) – Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, X, etc. User Disclosure: Users creating AI-generated content must declare it while uploading. Verification: Platforms to deploy AI tools to verify user declarations. Core Issues & Ambiguities Broad Definition Problem: “Synthetic media” covers both harmless and harmful content — needs clarity. Mixed Media Confusion: Difficulty in labelling hybrid content (real visuals + cloned audio). Ineffective Labels: 3-second or small-font disclaimers may fail to alert users. Non-future-proof Rules: Fixed “10% rule” may not adapt to evolving AI tech. Unreliable Watermarks: Easily removable; not a foolproof authenticity marker. Proposed Improvements Tiered Labelling System: Fully AI-generated (entirely synthetic) AI-assisted (minor AI edits or enhancements) AI-altered (real base with AI modification) Graded Compliance: Larger creators (above follower threshold) = mandatory disclosure. Smaller creators = voluntary self-labelling. Independent Verification: Inclusion of third-party auditors or fact-checking bodies. Cross-platform collaboration using C2PA (Content Provenance & Authenticity) standards. Implementation Challenges Technology Gap: Detection tools are less advanced than AI-generation tools. Platform Failure: Audit by Indicator (2024) showed only 30% of AI posts were labelled; Google and Meta failed to tag their own AI outputs. Training & Accuracy: Current AI detection models lack diverse datasets and regional adaptability (e.g., Indian languages, faces). Creator Resistance: Many fear overregulation or loss of creative flexibility. Global Parallels EU AI Act: Mandates transparency and risk classification for generative AI outputs. U.S. Initiatives: Voluntary watermarking frameworks led by companies like OpenAI and Adobe. China: Requires prior government approval and source disclosure for AI-generated content. Way Forward Principle-based, Tech-neutral Regulation: Avoid fixed numeric prescriptions. AI-labelling Standards: Unified global metadata and watermarking protocols. Cross-Stakeholder Collaboration: Platforms + government + auditors + researchers. Public Literacy: Campaigns on AI misinformation and media discernment. Accountability Mechanisms: Penalties for fraudulent use of synthetic media. Significance Protects Information Integrity: Ensures citizens can trust digital media. Balances Innovation and Regulation: Maintains creative freedom while curbing misuse. Strengthens Cyber Governance: Aligns with Digital India & Safe Internet missions. Enhances India’s Global Credibility: Positions India as a responsible AI regulator.

Content All High Courts must disclose time taken by judges to deliver verdicts: Supreme Court Three out of four Indians believe climate change is affecting them: Pew Survey Why India’s road safety system keeps failing: Supreme Court flags structural flaws Union Cabinet clears new royalty rates for critical minerals India ranks 9th worst-affected by extreme weather in Climate Risk Index 2026 India’s TB incidence falls by 21%: WHO Global TB Report 2025 India–Botswana sign cheetah translocation pact under Project Cheetah All HCs should upload details of time taken by judges to deliver verdicts: SC  Why in News? The Supreme Court directed all High Courts to publicly disclose data on how long judges take to pronounce verdicts after hearings are reserved. The order arose during a plea by four life convicts (ST/OBC) whose appeals were pending before the Jharkhand High Court for over 2–3 years after being reserved for judgment. Relevance GS 2 – Polity & Governance Separation of powers, judicial accountability, transparency in institutions. Right to speedy trial and constitutional morality. GS 4 – Ethics  Ethical governance, accountability of public functionaries, performance integrity in institutions. Judicial Delays in Pronouncing Verdicts No statutory timeline: Neither the Constitution nor procedural laws fix a specific deadline for delivering judgments. Conventionally, judgments should be pronounced within 2–6 months after being reserved. Ground reality: Many High Courts and even the Supreme Court often delay judgments beyond a year. Reasons include heavy caseload, complexity of cases, or judicial transfers/retirements. Supreme Court’s Observations (Bench: Justices Surya Kant & Joymalya Bagchi) Judicial transparency must extend beyond case listings and hearings to the timeliness of judgments. Directed High Courts to: Publish data on: Number of reserved judgments. Average time taken to pronounce them. Date of pronouncement and upload on court websites. Purpose: Ensure accountability, efficiency, and public confidence in judicial functioning. Justice Surya Kant (CJI-designate) emphasised: “Let everybody know how many judgments have been reserved and pronounced by each judge.” Legal and Institutional Context Article 21 – Right to Speedy Justice: Delay in judgment delivery violates the constitutional guarantee of a fair and timely trial. Supreme Court in Anil Rai v. State of Bihar (2001) held that judgments must ordinarily be delivered within six months of being reserved. Judicial Accountability: A critical element of judicial ethics and transparency, central to good governance and public trust. Article 235: Empowers High Courts to oversee judicial administration — including discipline, efficiency, and performance of subordinate judges. Causes Behind Delay in Verdict Pronouncements Caseload Pressure: India’s courts handle over 4.5 crore pending cases (as of 2025). Limited Bench Strength: Chronic vacancies in High Courts (~25–30% unfilled). Complexity of Cases: Constitutional and commercial matters demand extensive reasoning. Administrative Burdens: Judges also manage non-judicial tasks (rosters, transfers, committees). Lack of Monitoring Mechanisms: No uniform data tracking on reserved or pending judgments. Implications of the Supreme Court’s Direction Transparency Boost: Public access to judgment timelines enhances judicial credibility. Enables performance assessment of judges. Institutional Accountability: Encourages High Courts to streamline case management and reduce pendency. Public Trust: Citizens gain visibility into how efficiently justice is being delivered. Systemic Reform Precedent: May lead to formal judicial performance metrics and National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) integration. Challenges Ahead Implementation: Courts need standardised reporting formats and regular updating of websites. Resource Gaps: IT infrastructure and manpower in smaller High Courts remain limited. Judicial Independence Concerns: Performance tracking must not compromise judicial autonomy or create “league tables” of judges. Data Accuracy: Risk of inconsistent reporting unless centrally monitored (e.g., by e-Committee of Supreme Court). Way Forward Codify Timelines: Institutionalise a maximum 6-month limit post-reservation, as per Anil Rai guidelines. Integrate with NJDG: Real-time data on reserved and pronounced judgments. Judicial Training: Capacity building in case management and judgment writing. Periodic Audits: Conduct performance audits via High Court registries. Balance Transparency with Independence: Ensure accountability without public shaming of individual judges. Significance Reinforces Article 21’s guarantee of speedy justice. Advances judicial reform through transparency — a step toward citizen-centric governance. Strengthens public confidence in the judiciary, making it more accountable and data-driven. Three out of four Indians believe climate change is affecting them  Why in News? A Pew Research Center survey (Jan–Apr 2025) covering nine middle-income countries found that Indians show the highest willingness globally to make lifestyle changes to counter climate change, with consistently high concern across age groups and strong faith in international climate action. Relevance GS 3 – Environment & Climate Change Public participation in climate action; behavioural adaptation to environmental challenges; LiFE Mission. GS 2 – Governance / International Relations Role of public perception in policy success; global cooperation on sustainable development. Survey Overview Countries surveyed: Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, Turkey. Objective: To gauge public perception of climate change, willingness for behavioural change, and trust in global action. Period: January 8 – April 21, 2025. Key Findings for India Uniform Willingness Across Age Groups: Over 75% of Indians across all age groups (18–34, 35–49, 50+) were ready to make “a lot” or “some” lifestyle changes. Contrasts with other nations where older groups showed much lower willingness. Perception vs. Action Gap Narrow: Even among those who said their area isn’t affected by climate change, ~35% were willing to make major changes — 2nd highest globally. Indicates moral and preventive motivation, not just reactive concern. Optimism About Global Action: Over 70% of Indians believe international measures will significantly reduce climate impacts. Reflects trust in multilateral frameworks like UNFCCC, COP processes, and global technology transfer. Top Environmental Concerns (2025): Drought – Most cited (over 40%), though declining since 2015. Heatwaves – Rising sharply to 26%, showing growing awareness of temperature anomalies. Other concerns: erratic rainfall, flooding, crop losses. Comparative Global Insights Other middle-income countries show age and perception divides: Older populations in Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa are less willing to alter habits. Those not directly affected by climate change are less motivated to act. India thus stands out for broad-based climate consciousness, across age, geography, and experience. Reasons Behind India’s High Willingness Lived Experience of Climate Stress: Recurring droughts, erratic monsoons, and heatwaves make climate impacts visible. Cultural and Community Ethics: Traditions of “sustainable living” and “collective responsibility”. Media & Government Campaigns: Initiatives like LiFE Mission (Lifestyle for Environment), Swachh Bharat, and Mission Amrit Dharohar promoting behavioural change. Public Trust in Collective Solutions: India’s leadership role in ISA, COP30 commitments, and green tech diplomacy enhances faith in global cooperation. Implications Policy Leverage: Strong domestic willingness can accelerate adoption of energy-efficient technologies, public transport, and renewables. Behavioural Economics Perspective: Public readiness opens pathways for incentive-driven environmental policies. Global Soft Power: India’s proactive citizen response enhances its credibility in global climate negotiations. Concerns and Gaps Awareness ≠ Action: Translating intent into sustained behavioural change remains a challenge. Socioeconomic Divide: Willingness may not translate into practice among low-income groups due to cost barriers. Data Reliability: Self-reported willingness may not fully reflect ground-level behavioural adaptation. Way Forward Policy Integration: Embed LiFE mission outcomes in education, urban planning, and industry codes. Behavioural Nudges: Use choice architecture — subsidies, rewards, carbon points — to sustain eco-friendly habits. Community-Based Adaptation: Strengthen local resilience projects (water harvesting, agroforestry). Public-Private Collaboration: Scale up citizen-led sustainability initiatives. Significance Demonstrates India’s citizen-level climate consciousness, crucial for meeting Net Zero 2070 targets. Shows that climate action is becoming democratised — beyond government policy to everyday life. Reinforces India’s moral leadership in climate negotiations — linking personal responsibility to planetary outcomes. Why does India’s road safety system keep failing? Why in News? On November 10, 2025, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of two major road accidents in Phalodi (Rajasthan) and NH-163 (Telangana), killing 33 people. The Court highlighted India’s recurrent road safety failures, despite years of policy efforts. India recorded over 1.7 lakh road deaths in 2023, reaffirming its status as the world’s deadliest road network. The Magnitude of the Problem 1.7 lakh fatalities and 4.4 lakh injuries (2023) – among the highest globally (NCRB 2024). India accounts for ~10% of global road deaths, though it has only 1% of the world’s vehicles. Crashes kill more Indians annually than major diseases like TB or AIDS. Licensing & Training Failures Systemic Weakness: Licensing treated as an administrative formality, not a safety filter. Untrained drivers can easily obtain licences through brokers or corrupt channels. No standardised driver training: Commercial drivers lack structured, scientific instruction in vehicle control, fatigue management, or hazard perception. Post-licence negligence: No periodic skill or health reassessment. Fatigued, visually impaired, or ill drivers operate heavy vehicles unchecked. Reform Imperative: Implement mandatory simulator-based and certified driver training. Create a national digital licence registry linking training history and penalties. Enforcement Deficit Core causes: Speeding, overloading, lane indiscipline, drunk driving. Policing weaknesses: Manual enforcement—inconsistent, corrupt, and resource-poor. Limited use of automated systems (ANPR, speed cameras, e-challans). Weak data integration—violations rarely result in penalty recovery. Judicial push: Supreme Court has directed States to adopt electronic enforcement standards, but compliance is patchy. Way Forward: Full deployment of ITMS (Integrated Traffic Management Systems). AI-based monitoring of speeding and lane behaviour.  Infrastructure Deficiencies Unsafe road design: Outdated engineering prioritised speed over safety. Poorly banked curves, missing barriers, blind intersections, and poor illumination are common. Unforgiving roads: Even minor driver errors result in fatalities due to hazardous road conditions. Maintenance & planning failures: Broken medians, unmarked construction zones, and encroachments increase risk. Pedestrian neglect: 13% of all fatalities are pedestrians; sidewalks and crossings are rare or encroached. Best-practice model: Zero Fatality Corridor (ZFC) – Mumbai–Pune Expressway: Data-driven design + enforcement + trauma response cut crash deaths by 50%. Post-Crash Trauma Care Golden Hour Problem: Survival often depends on care in the first hour, not the impact. Ambulance disparity: Rural India faces delays >1 hour; even cities lack trained paramedics. Facility gaps: Local hospitals often lack trauma specialists, blood banks, and resuscitation gear. Legal proposal: A Right to Trauma Care Law could mandate: Time-bound emergency response standards, Coordinated trauma networks, Accountability for delay or denial of care. Model Initiatives: SaveLIFE Foundation’s Emergency Response Model, Tamil Nadu’s 108 Ambulance Network. Structural Problem – Siloed Governance Fragmentation: Licensing (Transport Ministry), infrastructure (MoRTH/NHAI), trauma care (Health Ministry) operate separately. Lack of coordination: Road safety needs a unified command—linking engineering, enforcement, and emergency care. Institutional reform: Empower National Road Safety Board (NRSB) as an apex body for integrated policy and monitoring. Root Causes Administrative apathy and fragmented accountability. Weak data culture — poor crash investigation and absence of real-time analytics. Over-prioritisation of speed and throughput over human life. Low civic discipline and lack of public awareness on road ethics. Way Forward Systemic Integration: Unified command for transport, police, and health. Design Safety First: Adopt global Safe System Approach — roads built to absorb human error. Evidence-based Engineering: Replicate Zero Fatality Corridor model nationwide. Professional Training: Mandatory driver certification; AI-based licensing tests. Right to Trauma Care: Legal framework for emergency response time. Public Awareness: National behaviour-change campaigns under Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan. Significance Road safety is both a public health and governance challenge. Preventing crashes aligns with SDG 3.6 (reduce road injuries and deaths by 50% by 2030). A transparent, accountable safety ecosystem enhances India’s human capital productivity and global road safety ranking. Rationalisation of Royalty Rates for Critical Minerals Why in News ? The Union Cabinet approved new royalty rates for critical minerals — graphite, caesium, rubidium, and zirconium — to promote auction and domestic mining of these strategically vital resources essential for EVs, semiconductors, and renewable energy technologies. Relevance : GS 3 – Economy / Science & Tech / Environment Critical Mineral Security and Supply Chains Government Policies for Mineral Development Sustainable Mining and Resource Efficiency Background Critical minerals are those essential for economic and national security but with high supply chain vulnerability due to import dependence. India currently imports many such minerals, especially from China and Africa, leading to strategic risks. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 empowers the government to fix royalty rates. New Royalty Structure (Approved by Cabinet, Nov 2025) Mineral Previous Royalty Basis New Royalty Rate Rationale Graphite (<80% carbon) Per tonne basis 4% of Average Sale Price (Ad valorem) Encourages transparency and revenue alignment with market price Graphite (≥80% carbon) Per tonne basis 2% of Average Sale Price Supports high-quality domestic production Caesium Not previously specified 2% of Average Sale Price (based on contained metal) Promotes exploration; essential for atomic clocks, oil drilling fluids Rubidium Not previously specified 2% of Average Sale Price (contained metal) Used in electronics, photoelectric cells Zirconium Not previously specified 1% of Average Sale Price Used in nuclear reactors, ceramics, alloys Significance Facilitates Auctions: Enables transparent and predictable bidding for new mineral blocks under the auction regime. Promotes Domestic Production: Reduces import dependency in critical sectors like electronics, defence, clean energy. Boosts ‘Critical Mineral Mission’: Supports India’s efforts under the National Critical Minerals Strategy (2023). Investor Confidence: Ad valorem basis ensures royalty linked to actual market value, not fixed rates, improving fairness. Challenges Limited Exploration: Geological Survey of India (GSI) data indicates India’s limited reserves for rubidium and caesium. Environmental Clearances: Mining of rare minerals often faces regulatory and ecological hurdles. Supply Chain Integration: Domestic extraction must be matched by refining and processing capacity. Global Context India is aligning with global efforts by countries like Australia, the U.S., and Japan, which are building critical mineral supply alliances to reduce dependence on China. The India-Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership (2023) aims to secure key inputs for energy transition technologies. Way Forward Expand exploration under NMET (National Mineral Exploration Trust). Encourage public–private partnerships in critical mineral value chains. Integrate with PLI schemes for EV batteries and electronics to create end-use demand. Strengthen recycling and circular economy for rare minerals. India Ranks 9th Worst-Affected by Extreme Weather — Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026 Why in News: The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026 by Germanwatch (released at COP30, Belém, Brazil) ranked India 9th among countries most affected by extreme weather events between 1995–2024, highlighting the rising human and economic toll of climate change. Relevance : GS 3 – Environment, Disaster Management, Climate Change Climate Change Impacts on India Global Climate Reports (Germanwatch CRI) Adaptation & Resilience Strategies Loss and Damage Fund at COP30 Key Findings (Global) Period Covered: 1995–2024 Extreme Events: 9,700+ globally Deaths: 832,000+ people Affected Population: ~5.7 billion Economic Losses: $4.5 trillion (inflation-adjusted) Top Affected Countries: Haiti, Philippines, Pakistan, Myanmar, Mozambique, Puerto Rico, Bangladesh, Thailand, India (9th) India-Specific Impacts Recurring Disasters: Floods, cyclones, droughts, and increasingly severe heatwaves. Regional Concentration: Floods & Cyclones: East Coast (Odisha, WB, Andhra Pradesh) Droughts: Central and Western India Heatwaves: Indo-Gangetic Plains, Rajasthan, Delhi, Maharashtra Economic Cost: Crop losses, infrastructure damage, energy demand spikes, and displacement. Recovery Gap: Frequent events occur before full recovery, especially in vulnerable regions. About Germanwatch & CRI Germanwatch: Bonn-based NGO advocating global equity and climate justice. CRI Objective: Quantifies the impact of extreme weather using mortality, GDP loss, and affected population. Highlights loss and damage suffered by developing countries to push for climate finance and adaptation support. Significance Reinforces that developing nations, though least responsible for emissions, bear the highest adaptation burden. Strengthens the case for Loss and Damage Fund operationalisation at COP30. India’s ranking signals urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems. Challenges for India Inadequate adaptation financing and local resilience mechanisms. Urban heat islands intensifying heatwaves. Agricultural vulnerability — monsoon variability impacting yields. Poor coordination in disaster risk management and relocation. Policy & Institutional Response National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008) – Mission-mode approach (Solar, Water, Green India, Sustainable Agriculture). State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) – local adaptation. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – India-led global initiative. Loss and Damage Fund (COP28–COP30) – under operationalisation; India a key voice for developing countries. Way Forward Integrate climate risk assessment into planning and budgeting. Enhance heatwave and flood early-warning systems. Expand climate insurance for farmers and coastal communities. Prioritise resilient urban design and nature-based solutions. India’s TB Incidence Falls by 21% — WHO Global TB Report 2025 Why in News:  The WHO Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 highlighted that India’s TB incidence declined by 21% (2015–2024) — from 237 cases per lakh to 187 per lakh, nearly double the global rate of decline (12%). This marks one of the steepest reductions globally among high-burden nations. Relevance : GS 2 – Health, Governance, Social Justice Government Schemes (TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan) Public Health Infrastructure & Disease Control SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Role of WHO Reports in Policy Evaluation Key Data & Achievements TB Incidence: 2015 → 237 per lakh 2024 → 187 per lakh (↓21%) Global Decline: 12% (India nearly double). Treatment Coverage: 2015 → 53% 2024 → 92%, with 26.18 lakh patients diagnosed (of estimated 27 lakh). “Missing Cases” Reduced: 2015 → ~15 lakh 2024 → <1 lakh (remarkable detection efficiency). TB Mortality: 2015 → 28 per lakh 2024 → 21 per lakh (↓25%). Treatment Success Rate: India: 90% Global Average: 88%. MDR-TB: No significant rise reported. India’s Interventions & Innovations TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (launched Dec 2024): Screened 19 crore vulnerable individuals. Detected 24.5 lakh TB cases, including 8.6 lakh asymptomatic. Innovative Measures: Digital surveillance (Ni-kshay portal) for real-time case tracking. Decentralised diagnostics: Expanded use of GeneXpert, TrueNat, and AI-driven X-ray screening. Community-based screening & awareness drives through NGOs and ASHA networks. Nutrition support under Nikshay Poshan Yojana. Private sector engagement for early reporting and adherence. Global & Domestic Context Global TB Scenario (WHO): Still one of world’s top infectious killers (~10 million new cases annually). COVID-19 had reversed earlier gains; India’s recovery outpaced global trends post-2021. India’s Goal: Eliminate TB by 2025 (five years ahead of global SDG target of 2030). Supported by National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) under MoHFW. Challenges Ahead Rural & marginalised populations — under-detection and undernutrition-linked vulnerability. MDR-TB management — high treatment cost and adherence issues. Stigma and delayed health-seeking behaviour. Sustainability of screening and nutritional support schemes. Significance Demonstrates India’s public health success through technology, decentralisation, and mass mobilisation. Strengthens India’s case as a global model for community-driven infectious disease control. Highlights importance of synergising health, nutrition, and digital governance. Way Forward Consolidate TB Mukt Bharat gains with stronger primary healthcare integration. Scale up preventive therapy for household contacts. Intensify research on TB vaccines (e.g., BCG replacement candidates). Strengthen nutrition and social protection for TB-prone groups. India–Botswana Cheetah Translocation Pact Why in News: On November 12, 2025, India and Botswana formally announced a cheetah translocation pact, under which eight cheetahs will be relocated from Botswana to India as part of Project Cheetah. The agreement was finalised during President Droupadi Murmu’s state visit to Botswana, marking a significant milestone in India–Africa conservation diplomacy. Relevance GS 3 – Environment & Biodiversity Project Cheetah and Wildlife Conservation Biodiversity Diplomacy and International Cooperation India–Africa Partnership in Sustainable Development GS  2 – International Relations India–Botswana Bilateral Relations South–South Cooperation and Global South Leadership Key Highlights Agreement Signed: Between India and Botswana to translocate eight cheetahs to India. Symbolic Handover: Botswana President Mokgweetsi Duma Boko symbolically handed over the big cats to President Murmu in Gaborone, the capital. Timeline: The cheetahs will arrive in India after undergoing quarantine procedures, likely within a few months. Destination: To be relocated to an Indian wildlife reserve under Project Cheetah, expanding the genetic diversity of India’s cheetah population. Significance for Botswana Biodiversity Diplomacy: Enhances Botswana’s role as a key conservation partner in Africa. Legacy of Success: Botswana hosts one of the world’s largest wild cheetah populations (~2,000–2,500), known for robust conservation policies. Strategic Soft Power: By partnering with India, Botswana strengthens its global image in wildlife management, eco-tourism, and sustainable conservation. Economic Angle: India is a major trading partner, especially in diamonds, with potential expansion in renewable energy and digital cooperation. Political Context: Reaffirms Botswana’s commitment to South–South cooperation and India–Africa strategic ties beyond trade. India–Botswana Cooperation Focus Areas: Agriculture & renewable energy Health, education & digital development Defence & affordable housing Climate and biodiversity action Diplomatic Milestone: The pact follows the signing of a Protocol on Foreign Office Consultations to institutionalise dialogue. Upcoming Plans: Establishment of Indian diplomatic mission in Botswana by 2026. Project Cheetah Context Objective: Reintroduce the Asiatic cheetah’s ecological role using African cheetahs. Launched: 2022, under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). Current Source Countries: Namibia (2022), South Africa (2023), now Botswana (2025) — expanding the African cooperation network. Previous Success: 20 cheetahs already relocated to Kuno National Park (Madhya Pradesh); births of cubs mark early success. Challenge: Mortality due to adaptation stress and prey limitation; new genetic stock aims to stabilise the population. Strategic and Diplomatic Relevance India’s Broader Africa Policy: Strengthens India–Africa partnership in line with the India–Africa Forum Summit objectives. Positions India as a conservation leader in the Global South. Promotes science-led ecological diplomacy. Soft Power & Development Diplomacy: Symbolic of India’s model of cooperative sustainability, not extractive engagement. Way Forward Ensure ecological suitability and prey base in release sites. Strengthen India–Botswana scientific collaboration on wildlife genetics and disease control. Build joint eco-tourism and conservation technology platforms. Establish long-term monitoring using radio collars and satellite data.