Content Budget push to make India a Global Bio pharma Hub(Union Budget 2026–27) Summary of Union Budget 2026–27 Budget push to make India a Global Biopharma Hub (Union Budget 2026–27) Context & Significance Union Budget 2026–27 positions biopharma as a strategic growth sector, aligning healthcare security with industrial policy, export competitiveness, employment generation, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in high-value pharmaceutical value chains. Global biologics market exceeds USD 450 billion and growing faster than small-molecule drugs; India’s timely policy push targets leadership in biosimilars, vaccines, cell-gene therapies, and complex biologics manufacturing. Relevance GS-2 (Polity & Governance): Public health policy, regulatory reforms (CDSCO), ethical clinical trials, Article 21. GS-3 (Economy): Pharma exports, high-value manufacturing, Atmanirbhar Bharat, industrial policy. Key Budget Announcements Biopharma SHAKTI Scheme Biopharma SHAKTI with ₹10,000 crore outlay over five years aims building domestic biologics and biosimilars ecosystem, strengthening upstream research, downstream processing, and integrated biomanufacturing clusters reducing import dependence. Scheme focuses on knowledge, technology, and innovation-led manufacturing, supporting pilot-scale facilities, translational research platforms, and industry partnerships, enabling Indian firms to move from generics dominance toward complex biologics leadership. Import substitution in monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and advanced biologics improves health security, reduces forex outgo, and stabilizes supply chains exposed during pandemics and geopolitical disruptions. Clinical Trial Ecosystem Expansion Creation of 1,000+ accredited clinical trial sites expands India’s research geography beyond metros, improves participant diversity, strengthens data reliability, and enhances India’s attractiveness for global multicentric trials. Faster recruitment, lower trial costs, and large treatment-naïve populations position India competitively against Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Southeast Asia in global clinical research outsourcing markets. Strengthened CDSCO with scientific review cadre targets globally comparable approval timelines, regulatory predictability, and compliance with ICH-GCP norms, improving investor confidence and international trial acceptability. NIPER Expansion Establishment of three new NIPERs and upgradation of seven existing institutes expands high-end pharmaceutical education capacity, fostering specialized talent in bioprocessing, pharmacovigilance, regulatory sciences, and biologics analytics. Industry–academia linkages through NIPERs support translational research, patent generation, and startup incubation, strengthening India’s innovation pipeline beyond contract manufacturing toward original biologic product development. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Advances Article 21 by improving access to life-saving biologics, and supports Directive Principles Articles 39(e), 41, 47 promoting public health, scientific advancement, and state responsibility toward healthcare improvement. Regulatory strengthening aligns with Drugs and Cosmetics Act framework and evolving bio-regulatory regimes, ensuring safety, efficacy, and ethical compliance in clinical trials and biologics manufacturing. Governance / Administrative Dimension Multi-ministerial coordination among Health, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, and Commerce ministries required for cluster development, harmonized regulations, and faster clearances for biologics facilities and clinical research infrastructure. Accreditation-based trial ecosystem improves standardization, reduces ethical violations, and strengthens institutional review boards, addressing past criticisms regarding informed consent and participant protection. Economic Dimension Indian pharma industry already USD 50+ billion; moving into biologics with higher margins can boost exports, reduce reliance on low-margin generics, and support aspiration of USD 130 billion pharma market by 2030. Biologics manufacturing generates high-skilled employment in R&D, quality control, cold chain logistics, and regulatory affairs, creating knowledge-intensive jobs aligned with demographic dividend utilization. Social / Ethical Dimension Domestic biologics production can lower treatment costs for cancer, autoimmune, and rare diseases, improving affordability and equity in access, particularly where biologics currently remain prohibitively expensive. Strong ethical oversight needed for trials to protect vulnerable populations, ensure informed consent, fair compensation, and transparency, preventing exploitation concerns historically associated with clinical research outsourcing. Science–Tech / Security Dimension Investment in advanced biomanufacturing enhances strategic autonomy in vaccines, pandemic response, and biosecurity preparedness, reducing vulnerability to export restrictions or supply disruptions during global health emergencies. Promotes frontier technologies like cell-gene therapy, mRNA platforms, and precision biologics, positioning India within global innovation networks rather than remaining peripheral manufacturing base. Data & Evidence India supplies around 20% of global generics and 60% of global vaccines by volume, yet share in global biologics market remains limited, indicating significant untapped potential for value addition. Clinical trial costs in India estimated 30–50% lower than developed countries, offering cost advantage if regulatory credibility and ethical standards remain robust and internationally trusted. Challenges / Gaps / Criticisms Biologics require high capital investment, stringent quality systems, and cold-chain infrastructure; MSME pharma firms may struggle without targeted financing and technology transfer mechanisms. Regulatory capacity constraints, potential approval delays, and variability in ethics committee quality can undermine credibility if expansion of trials outpaces regulatory and monitoring capabilities. IPR complexities and patent thickets in biologics may restrict market entry; balancing TRIPS compliance with public health needs remains persistent policy challenge. Way Forward Develop dedicated biologics parks with shared facilities, plug-and-play infrastructure, and fiscal incentives, reducing entry barriers and achieving economies of scale in complex biomanufacturing. Strengthen regulatory science training, digitalize approval processes, and adopt risk-based inspections to ensure speed with safety, matching USFDA and EMA benchmarks. Promote public-funded translational research, sovereign biotech funds, and global collaborations to support indigenous innovation while integrating into global biologics value chains. Summary of Union Budget 2026–27 Context & Vision Union Budget 2026–27 framed around “Yuva Shakti” and three Kartavya pillars, balancing growth, inclusion, and capacity-building amid global trade fragmentation, supply-chain risks, and technology-driven economic restructuring. Budget situates India’s macro-strategy within Viksit Bharat trajectory, emphasizing competitiveness, resilience, and social justice, while integrating domestic reforms with deeper global market participation and long-term capital attraction. Relevance GS-3 (Economy): Fiscal deficit, public capex, MSMEs, manufacturing, logistics. GS-3 (Agriculture): AgriStack + AI, farmer advisory, risk reduction. Philosophical Framework – Three Kartavya Kartavya 1 – Accelerate & Sustain Growth Focus on productivity, competitiveness, and resilience through manufacturing scale-up, infrastructure push, energy security, MSME strengthening, and city economic regions leveraging agglomeration economies and cluster-based development models. Kartavya 2 – Fulfil Aspirations & Build Capacity Emphasis on human capital formation through education, skills, sports, tourism, and creative industries, recognizing demographic dividend requires employability, innovation capacity, and social mobility enhancement. Kartavya 3 – Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas Targets inclusive development ensuring access to opportunities for regions, communities, farmers, women, Divyangjan, and vulnerable groups, aligning fiscal policy with distributive justice and cooperative federalism principles. Macroeconomic & Fiscal Architecture Fiscal deficit pegged at 4.3% of GDP (BE 2026–27), continuing consolidation path, signalling credibility to investors while attempting balance between fiscal prudence and growth-supportive expenditure. Debt-to-GDP ratio estimated 55.6%, marginally declining, indicating gradual debt sustainability strategy to reduce interest burden and create fiscal space for social and capital expenditure. Non-debt receipts estimated ₹36.5 lakh crore and total expenditure ₹53.5 lakh crore, reflecting expansionary yet calibrated fiscal stance prioritizing capital formation and growth multipliers. Public Capex & Infrastructure Push Public capex increased to ₹12.2 lakh crore from ₹11.2 lakh crore, reinforcing government’s capex-led growth model, crowding-in private investment and strengthening infrastructure-led multiplier effects. Seven high-speed rail corridors and dedicated freight corridors promote green mobility, logistics efficiency, and regional integration, reducing logistics cost—currently ~13–14% of GDP versus global benchmark ~8%. Operationalising 20 new National Waterways supports multimodal logistics, mineral evacuation, and low-carbon transport, complementing PM Gati Shakti and National Logistics Policy objectives. Manufacturing & Industrial Policy Scaling manufacturing in seven frontier sectors aligns with PLI logic, targeting value-chain integration, technology absorption, and export competitiveness amid global reconfiguration of supply chains. City Economic Regions (₹5,000 crore per CER over five years) institutionalize place-based development, encouraging metropolitan growth engines and coordinated urban-industrial planning. MSME & Enterprise Ecosystem ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund aims creating “Champion MSMEs,” supporting scaling, technology adoption, and export readiness, addressing MSMEs’ chronic credit and competitiveness constraints. Customs and e-commerce export reforms, including removal of ₹10 lakh courier export cap, integrate MSMEs into global digital trade ecosystems and cross-border value chains. Sectoral Growth Drivers Biopharma & Health ₹10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI, 3 new NIPERs, and 1,000+ clinical trial sites target biologics leadership, health security, and high-value pharma exports beyond generics dominance. Five Regional Medical Hubs and medical value tourism strengthen healthcare services exports, employment generation, and India’s positioning as global medical tourism hub. Textiles Integrated textile programme covering fibres, cluster modernization, sustainability, and skilling supports labour-intensive employment and export revival in a sector employing over 45 million people. Creative & AVGC Economy AVGC labs in 15,000 schools and 500 colleges build pipeline for sector projected to require 2 million professionals by 2030, supporting digital economy diversification. Sports Economy Khelo India Mission institutionalizes sports ecosystem with science, coaching, and leagues, linking sports with health outcomes, youth engagement, and global sporting competitiveness. Agriculture & Rural Transformation Bharat-VISTAAR AI integrates AgriStack and ICAR advisories, enabling precision agriculture, risk reduction, and data-driven farm decisions, supporting income stability and climate-smart agriculture. SHE Marts strengthen SHG-led rural enterprises, promoting women-led local value chains and inclusive rural non-farm growth. Social Sector & Inclusion Girls’ hostel in every district addresses gendered barriers in STEM education, improving female labour force participation and educational continuity. NIMHANS-2 and regional mental health institutes signal mainstreaming of mental health within public health architecture, addressing rising psychosocial stress burdens. Focus on Purvodaya and North-East through corridors, tourism, and e-buses promotes regional equity and balanced development. Direct Tax Reforms New Income Tax Act 2025 effective April 2026 simplifies compliance, reduces litigation, and improves taxpayer experience through redesigned forms and automated processes. Rationalization of penalty and prosecution, decriminalisation of minor defaults, and integrated assessment orders reflect trust-based tax administration shift. Reduced TCS on overseas tours and LRS education/medical remittances eases middle-class burdens and improves global mobility affordability. Corporate & International Tax Safe harbour margin 15.5% for IT services and higher threshold (₹2,000 crore) reduce transfer pricing disputes and enhance predictability for major export sector. Tax holiday for foreign cloud providers till 2047 and MAT exemption for presumptive non-residents aim positioning India as global data centre and digital services hub. Indirect Taxes & Customs Customs rationalisation supports domestic manufacturing, critical minerals processing, energy transition, aviation manufacturing, and nuclear sector development. Duty exemptions on lithium-ion, solar inputs, and critical minerals align with clean energy transition and strategic resource security. Tariff reduction on personal imports from 20% to 10% improves ease of living and reduces compliance burden for individuals. Ease of Doing Business Single digital window for cargo approvals, Customs Integrated System, AI-based risk assessment, and full container scanning reduce dwell time and logistics uncertainty. Warehouse operator-centric model with self-declarations and risk-based audits signals shift from control-based to trust-and-verify regulatory philosophy. Constitutional / Governance Lens Aligns with Directive Principles—Articles 38, 39, 41, 43, 47—promoting welfare state, livelihood, health, and equitable resource distribution through fiscal policy. Cooperative federalism reflected in state-supported hubs, CERs, and sectoral schemes requiring Centre–State convergence. Challenges / Criticisms High capex requires strong state capacity and timely project execution; historical delays can dilute multiplier effects and strain fiscal math. Tax incentives risk revenue foregone without guaranteed investment inflows; sunset clauses and outcome monitoring critical. Implementation complexity across multiple schemes may lead to fragmentation without strong coordination mechanisms. Way Forward Strengthen outcome-based budgeting, independent evaluation, and real-time dashboards to track scheme effectiveness and fiscal efficiency. Enhance state-level capacity and urban governance reforms to realize benefits of CERs, logistics corridors, and infrastructure investments. Balance tax incentives with revenue stability and ensure predictable policy regime to maintain investor confidence.

Content Pushing Welfare Towards the States – Social Sector Budget Shift What the New Fiscal Rule Means for Growth and Spending Pushing Welfare Towards the States – Social Sector Budget Shift Context & Core Thesis Budget 2026–27 consolidates shift of welfare responsibility from Union to States, with Centre setting norms while States increasingly finance and implement social protection and human development programmes. No new flagship welfare schemes signals fiscal tilt toward capex and supply-side growth, despite persistent challenges of malnutrition, unemployment, and social vulnerability. Relevance GS-2 (Polity & Governance) Fiscal federalism, Centre–State financial relations, CSS design, cooperative federalism, welfare delivery architecture, Directive Principles (Art 38, 39, 41, 45, 47). GS-2 (Social Justice) Welfare of vulnerable groups, nutrition, pensions, ICDS, PM POSHAN, social sector targeting and inclusion. Practice Question “The shift of welfare responsibility from the Union to the States has significant implications for equity and human development.”Discuss in the context of recent budgetary trends. (250 words) Social Sector Allocation Trends Stagnant Welfare Allocations Allocations for vulnerable groups rose only 0.2% (NSAP) to 5.2% (Saksham Anganwadi), implying real decline after inflation and expanding beneficiary base. RE 2025–26 < BE 2025–26 across schemes shows systemic underutilisation, delayed releases, and low prioritisation of welfare spending. Health & Education Spending Health and education allocations increased just 6.4% and 8.3%, inadequate against inflation, demographic growth, and pandemic-induced learning-health losses. RE shortfalls of 3.7% (health) and 5.2% (education) reflect inefficiencies in utilisation and weak human capital prioritisation. Major Scheme Contractions (Value-Addition Focus) Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) cut from ₹67,000 crore (BE) to ₹17,000 crore (RE) risks slowing progress toward Har Ghar Jal and SDG-6 (clean water) targets. PMAY-Grameen reduced from ₹54,832 crore to ₹32,500 crore, and PMAY-Urban from ₹19,794 crore to ₹7,500 crore, affecting affordable housing and urban inclusion goals. PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal), Saksham Anganwadi, and SAMARTHYA maternity benefits remain low-funded despite India’s high child stunting and anaemia prevalence (NFHS-5). Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) Underspending CSS outlay fell from ₹5.42 lakh crore (BE) to ₹4.20 lakh crore (RE), showing nearly ₹1.2 lakh crore underspending. BE 2026–27 at ₹5.49 lakh crore shows restoration on paper, but past trends question real absorptive and delivery capacity. Fiscal Federalism Shift Rising State Burden Schemes like VB-GRAM G use 60:40 cost-sharing, requiring States to mobilise ~₹56,000 crore alongside Centre’s ₹96,000 crore. Welfare delivery increasingly depends on State fiscal health, risking inter-state inequality in pensions, nutrition, and social security. Limited Fiscal Space for States States’ effective tax share only 34%, below 41% Finance Commission norm, due to rising cesses and surcharges outside divisible pool. Finance Commission grants declined from ₹1,32,767 crore to ₹1,29,397 crore, reducing untied fiscal support. Economic Implications Capex push of ₹12 lakh crore+ assumes job multipliers, yet India faces jobless growth, weak manufacturing absorption, and rising educated youth unemployment. Welfare spending supports consumption demand, critical when private investment and wage growth remain subdued. Social Justice Implications Underfunding nutrition, pensions, and childcare disproportionately impacts women, children, elderly, and disabled, weakening social safety nets. India still hosts one of the world’s largest undernourished populations (FAO estimates), making nutrition spending economically and morally critical. Constitutional Dimension Articles 38, 39, 41, 45, 47 obligate State to promote welfare, nutrition, and public health; declining real allocations dilute welfare-state commitments. Reflects tension between Keynesian welfare economics and fiscal conservatism. Key Challenges Persistent BE–RE gaps show weak planning realism and administrative capacity. State-heavy welfare model without fiscal empowerment risks uneven human development outcomes. Supply-side bias overlooks demand constraints in a slowing economy. Way Forward Increase untied tax devolution and rationalise cesses to restore fiscal federal balance. Adopt outcome-based budgeting linking funds to nutrition, health, and learning improvements. Treat welfare as human capital investment, not consumption, given links to productivity and demographic dividend. What the New Fiscal Rule Means for Growth and Spending Context & Fiscal Rule Shift Fiscal policy in FY27 guided by a “sound finance” rule, prioritising deficit and debt reduction, where borrowing targets shape expenditure decisions more than counter-cyclical growth considerations. India’s fiscal framework evolving from deficit-targeting (FRBM 2003) to debt-GDP targeting, making debt sustainability the primary fiscal anchor. Relevance GS-3 (Economy ) Fiscal policy, FRBM framework, debt sustainability, fiscal consolidation, capex-led growth strategy. GS-3 (Inclusive Growth) Distributional impact of fiscal consolidation, rural demand, agriculture expenditure. Practice Question “India’s new debt-focused fiscal rule improves macro-stability but may constrain inclusive growth.”Critically examine. (250 words) Nature of the New Fiscal Rule From Deficit Target to Debt Target Earlier FRBM rule focused on fiscal deficit-GDP ratio; new framework prioritises debt-GDP ratio as core policy target. Government aims to reduce debt-GDP to around 50% by 2031, compared to FRBM’s earlier normative level near 40%. Gradual Consolidation Path Fiscal deficit targeted to decline from 4.4% (FY26) to 4.3% (FY27), and primary deficit from 0.8% to 0.7%. Consolidation pace less severe than post-pandemic years, providing limited but real fiscal space. How Fiscal Targets Are Being Met ? Revenue Side Constraints Government’s non-debt receipts-GDP ratio falls from 9.5% (FY26) to 9.3% (FY27), reflecting slower tax buoyancy and moderation in GST/indirect tax shares. GST and indirect taxes both decline by 0.3 percentage points, limiting revenue-driven consolidation. Expenditure Compression Total expenditure-GDP ratio reduced from 13.9% to 13.6%, indicating consolidation largely expenditure-led. Capital expenditure-GDP stable at 3.1%, implying adjustment burden falls on revenue and development expenditure. Development Expenditure Cuts Social & Economic Services Development expenditure share declines from 6.1% to 5.7% of GDP, showing squeeze on welfare and productive sectors. Cuts concentrated in rural development and agriculture, with share falling from 1.5% to 1.2% of GDP. Rural Employment Impact Sharp reduction in revenue spending on rural employment reduces direct income support, weakening rural demand and consumption multipliers. Demand stimulus from lower indirect taxes offset by contraction in rural and agricultural spending. Growth Implications Capex-led strategy assumes high multiplier effects, but weak private investment response limits crowding-in benefits. Corporate investment-capital ratio remains subdued amid weak global demand and export slowdown. Reduced rural expenditure risks depressing aggregate demand in a consumption-driven economy. Distributional Concerns Fiscal consolidation burden disproportionately borne by development and agricultural sectors, affecting vulnerable populations. Corporate tax-GDP ratio largely unchanged from pre-COVID levels, suggesting limited burden-sharing from profitable sectors. Constitutional & Policy Lens Directive Principles (Articles 38, 39, 41) require equitable growth and livelihood support; expenditure compression in welfare raises normative concerns. Reflects policy trade-off between macroeconomic stability and inclusive development. Key Challenges Overemphasis on debt reduction may constrain counter-cyclical fiscal policy during global slowdown. Persistent low private investment questions effectiveness of supply-side fiscal strategy. Rural demand compression risks slowing GDP growth given agriculture’s large employment share. Way Forward Adopt counter-cyclical flexibility within fiscal rules to protect development spending during slowdowns. Broaden tax base and improve compliance to raise non-debt receipts instead of cutting welfare. Balance fiscal prudence with growth-supportive and inclusive expenditure.

Content Biopharma SHAKTI & India’s Push into Biologics Education & Skilling Budget Push CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage) High-Speed Rail Corridors Cheaper Cancer Drugs & Caregiver Training Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Livestock & Fisheries Push Rakhigarhi & Harappan Heritage Biopharma SHAKTI & India’s Push into Biologics Why in News ? Union Budget 2026–27 announced a ₹10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI programme to scale biologics and biosimilars, strengthen CDSCO regulation, and expand NIPER network, signalling strategic push toward biopharma self-reliance. Relevance GS-2 (Polity & Governance) Government policies & interventions in health sector Regulatory bodies (CDSCO) and reforms Public health & access to medicines Centre–State coordination in health governance GS-3 (Economy, S&T, Internal Security) Biotechnology & pharma innovation Industrial policy (PLI, Make in India) R&D ecosystem and knowledge economy Biosecurity and dual-use technology risks Biopharma – Basics What is Biopharma Biopharmaceuticals are medicines derived from living organisms like cells or microbes, including vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, gene therapies, unlike small-molecule chemical drugs synthesized through conventional pharmaceutical chemistry. Biologics vs Biosimilars Biologics are original complex biological medicines; biosimilars are highly similar follow-on versions with no clinically meaningful differences, offering cost-effective alternatives after reference product patent expiry. Budget 2026–27 Biopharma SHAKTI – Key Features Financial Allocation ₹10,000 crore outlay over multiple years targets R&D, manufacturing clusters, clinical ecosystems, regulatory strengthening, aiming to position India as a global biologics manufacturing hub. Regulatory Strengthening Focus on upgrading Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation to global regulatory standards, enhancing scientific review capacity, predictable approvals, pharmacovigilance, and harmonisation with WHO/ICH norms. Institutional Capacity Proposal to establish three new NIPERs and expand clinical trial infrastructure, creating skilled workforce pipelines for bioprocess engineering, regulatory science, translational research, and innovation-driven pharmaceutical growth. Rationale Behind the Push Health Transition Rising non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders increase demand for advanced biologics, which offer targeted therapies and improved outcomes compared to conventional small-molecule drugs. Economic Opportunity Global biologics market valued above US$400 billion and growing faster than traditional pharma; capturing biosimilar share can boost exports, high-value manufacturing, skilled employment, and technology upgrading. Strategic Autonomy COVID-19 highlighted supply-chain vulnerabilities; domestic biologics capacity strengthens health security, vaccine sovereignty, critical drug resilience, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India objectives. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Aligns with Article 47 duty to improve public health, while regulatory strengthening under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 framework must ensure safety, efficacy, and ethical clinical practices. Governance / Administrative Dimension Requires coordination between DBT, ICMR, CDSCO, state regulators, streamlined single-window approvals, and stronger bioethics oversight committees to maintain credibility in clinical research ecosystems.  Economic Dimension Biopharma shift supports move from volume-driven generics to value-driven innovation, enhancing gross value addition, export competitiveness, and integration into global pharmaceutical value chains. Social / Ethical Dimension Biosimilars can reduce therapy costs by 20–40% globally, improving affordability; however, ethical concerns around clinical trials, informed consent, and data integrity require strict oversight. Environmental / Tech / Security Dimension Biomanufacturing demands high bio-safety, waste management, cold-chain logistics, and digital bioprocess control systems; dual-use biotechnology risks necessitate strong biosecurity frameworks. Data & Evidence India supplies ~20% of global generic medicines by volume but small biologics share; biologics contribute disproportionately to global pharma revenues, showing clear upgrading potential. India hosts 3,000+ pharma companies and 10,000+ manufacturing units, providing strong base for biologics scaling if supported by advanced biologics infrastructure and regulatory credibility. Challenges / Gaps High capital intensity and long gestation periods deter private investment without risk-sharing or incentives, limiting domestic innovation beyond contract manufacturing and licensed biosimilar production. Regulatory unpredictability and limited reviewer capacity in biologics evaluation can delay approvals, affecting investor confidence and global acceptance of Indian biologics. Skilled workforce gaps in bioprocessing, regulatory science, and translational research constrain movement toward innovation-led biologics ecosystems. Fragmented industry–academia linkages reduce commercialization of research outputs, weakening innovation pipeline despite strong basic science institutions. Way Forward Expand PLI-like incentives for biologics, encourage public–private partnerships, and create shared biomanufacturing facilities to reduce entry barriers for domestic firms. Strengthen regulatory science ecosystem through international collaborations, joint reviews, and continuous training to build globally trusted approval systems. Promote innovation clusters linking NIPERs, IITs, startups, and hospitals for translational research and faster lab-to-market pathways. Ensure ethical clinical trial frameworks, patient registries, and real-world evidence systems to build credibility and safety assurance. Data & Facts India is the largest vaccine supplier globally, providing ~60% of global vaccine demand (UNICEF/WHO procurement). India accounts for ~20% of global generic drug exports by volume but <5% share in global biologics market, showing value-upgradation potential. Biologics constitute ~30–35% of global pharma market value but much smaller share in volume → high-value segment. USFDA-approved pharma plants: India has the highest number outside the USA (600+ facilities). R&D spending in Indian pharma ≈ 7–8% of revenue, lower than global innovators (15–20%), showing innovation gap. India’s bioeconomy crossed $80–90 billion and targets $300 billion by 2030 (DBT vision). Education & Skilling Budget Push Why in News ? Union Budget 2026–27 significantly raises education and skilling allocations to about ₹1.39 lakh crore (≈14.21% increase), alongside reforms linking education-to-employment pathways, signalling human-capital–led growth strategy. Relevance GS-2 – Polity & Governance / Social Justice (Education) Education policies & NEP 2020 Article 21A, DPSPs Welfare state & human capital Social sector governance GS-3 – Economy (Human Capital & Employment) Demographic dividend Skill mismatch & employability Labour productivity & growth Future of work & AI impact Education & Skilling Push – Basics Human Capital Logic Human capital theory (Schultz, Becker) views education and skills as productivity-enhancing investments, improving employability, incomes, innovation capacity, and long-term demographic dividend realization in a young country like India. Education–Employment Link Persistent skill mismatch and graduate unemployability necessitate aligning curricula with industry demand, integrating vocational exposure, apprenticeships, and digital skills to convert schooling into productive workforce participation. Budget 2026–27 – Key Announcements Higher Allocation Education Ministry outlay ≈ ₹1.39 lakh crore, reflecting prioritisation of school education, higher education, and digital learning ecosystems, reversing pandemic-era learning losses and strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy. Samagra Shiksha Samagra Shiksha allocation increased, supporting FLN under NIPUN Bharat, school infrastructure, teacher training, and inclusive education, aligning with NEP 2020’s holistic school framework. Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan KVS funding rise (~₹600 crore increase) expands access to quality schooling for mobile populations, defence families, and aspirational districts, promoting equity and standardized public education quality. Atal Tinkering Labs ATL allocation jumps from ~₹500 crore to ~₹2,700 crore, strengthening STEM, innovation culture, and early problem-solving exposure, nurturing future-ready skills and startup-oriented mindsets among students. University Townships Proposal for five university townships integrates academia, research parks, and industry clusters, aiming to replicate global knowledge hubs and enhance research–industry linkages and local economic ecosystems. Skill Development Push Skill Development Ministry outlay ≈ ₹8,885 crore supports PM Skill Development, apprenticeships, and industry-aligned training, targeting employability and formal workforce integration. Education-to-Employment Panel Expert panel to design pathways from education to employment, focusing on curriculum redesign, internships, entrepreneurship support, and AI-era skills forecasting for dynamic labour markets. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Advances Article 21A (Right to Education) and Directive Principles (Article 41, 45), reinforcing state duty toward education, skill-building, and opportunities for work under welfare-state constitutional vision. Governance / Administrative Dimension Requires convergence among MoE, MSDE, state governments, NCERT, Sector Skill Councils, and robust outcome-based monitoring, avoiding duplication across centrally sponsored and state schemes. Economic Dimension India’s median age ≈ 28 years offers demographic advantage; education–skilling investments raise labour productivity, female workforce participation, and formalisation, supporting sustained 8%+ growth aspirations. Social / Ethical Dimension Improved public education spending reduces intergenerational inequality, supports social mobility, and addresses rural–urban, gender, and socio-economic disparities in access to quality learning and skills. Tech / Future of Work Dimension AI and automation threaten routine jobs; policy emphasis on digital literacy, coding, AI, and design thinking prepares workforce for Industry 4.0 and gig economy realities. Data & Evidence ASER reports show persistent learning gaps post-pandemic; only a fraction of youth receive formal vocational training compared to 50–60% in developed economies, justifying higher skilling investments. PLFS data repeatedly highlights educated-youth unemployment, indicating degree–job mismatch, reinforcing need for vocational integration and industry-linked curricula. Challenges / Gaps Quality of spending remains concern; higher allocations may not translate into outcomes without teacher capacity, governance reforms, and accountability mechanisms. Fragmented skilling ecosystem and low industry participation limit placement outcomes, reducing credibility of short-term certification-based training programmes. Digital divide and unequal state capacities risk regional disparities in translating central allocations into actual learning and employment gains. Way Forward Shift from input-based to outcome-based financing, linking funds with measurable learning and placement outcomes through transparent dashboards and third-party audits. Deepen apprenticeship reforms, incentivise MSMEs for trainee absorption, and embed vocational exposure within secondary education under NEP 2020. Build district-level skill mapping aligned with local economic clusters, ensuring context-specific training and reducing migration distress. Strengthen teacher training and EdTech integration, combining technology with pedagogy rather than substituting human instruction. Data & Facts India has the world’s largest youth population (~65% below 35 years). Only ~5% of India’s workforce has formal vocational training, vs 50–60% in developed countries. ASER reports: basic reading and arithmetic levels still below pre-pandemic levels in many states. India spends ~4–4.5% of GDP on education, below NEP target of 6%. Female LFPR improving (~37%+) but still below global average, skilling critical for women’s employment. World Bank estimates one additional year of schooling raises earnings by ~8–10%. CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage) Why in News ? Union Budget 2026–27 earmarks ₹20,000 crore for a national Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) scheme, signalling India’s intent to deploy deep-decarbonisation tools for hard-to-abate industrial sectors. Relevance GS-3 – Environment / Economy / Science & Tech Climate change mitigation Clean energy transition Environmental technologies Carbon markets & green economy GS-2 – International Relations / Global Agreements Paris Agreement & CBDR Global climate governance CCUS – Basics What is CCUS ? CCUS involves capturing CO₂ at source, compressing and transporting it for utilisation in products or permanent geological storage, preventing atmospheric release from fossil-fuel-intensive industrial activities. How it Works ? Process includes post-combustion or pre-combustion capture, pipeline or ship-based CO₂ transport, and injection into saline aquifers, depleted oil fields, or mineralisation systems for long-term containment. Budget Scheme – Key Features Financial Commitment ₹20,000 crore allocation provides catalytic funding for pilot projects, viability-gap support, and infrastructure creation, recognising CCUS as capital-intensive but essential for achieving net-zero by 2070 commitments. Sectoral Focus Priority given to steel, cement, fertilisers, refineries, and thermal power, where process emissions are unavoidable and electrification alternatives remain technologically or economically constrained in the medium term. Design Approach Emphasis on retrofit integration in existing facilities rather than greenfield-only plants, reducing transition costs, preserving assets, and enabling faster emissions reduction within India’s current industrial base. Technology Development Scheme promotes indigenous R&D, demonstration plants, and shared transport-storage networks, aiming to build domestic technological capability and reduce long-term dependence on imported climate technologies. Rationale Behind CCUS Push Climate Commitments India’s Panchamrit targets include emissions-intensity reduction and net-zero by 2070; CCUS offers pathway for deep decarbonisation where renewables alone cannot fully eliminate industrial emissions. Energy Transition Reality Coal still contributes major electricity share; CCUS enables cleaner fossil fuel use during transition, balancing developmental needs with climate responsibility under Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) principle. Global Policy Trends Countries like USA, UK, Norway incentivise CCUS through tax credits and carbon markets; India’s move aligns with emerging carbon border adjustment pressures and global green competitiveness norms. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Supports Article 48A environmental protection duty and Article 21 right to life via pollution reduction, while future legal frameworks must regulate liability, monitoring, and long-term storage risks. Governance / Administrative Dimension Requires coordination among MoEFCC, DST, Ministry of Power, and state pollution boards, plus robust MRV systems (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification) to ensure captured carbon is permanently contained. Economic Dimension CCUS can protect energy-intensive export sectors from carbon tariffs, preserve jobs, and create new value chains in carbon-based products, enhanced oil recovery, and green construction materials. Environmental Dimension Potential to reduce large-volume industrial emissions, yet lifecycle assessments must ensure net-negative outcomes, avoiding energy-intensive capture processes that indirectly increase fossil fuel consumption. Technology / Security Dimension CO₂ pipelines and storage sites require leak-proof infrastructure, seismic assessments, and cybersecurity for digital monitoring systems, as accidental releases could undermine climate and safety objectives. Data & Evidence IEA estimates global net-zero pathways require capturing 7–8 gigatonnes CO₂ annually by 2050, while current deployment remains below 10% of required scale, showing large expansion necessity. India’s steel and cement sectors together contribute significant industrial emissions share, making them prime candidates where CCUS yields high marginal abatement impact compared to incremental efficiency improvements. Challenges / Gaps High capture costs (often US$40–100 per tonne globally) and uncertain carbon pricing reduce private-sector enthusiasm without predictable policy incentives or carbon-market integration. Long-term storage liability, leakage risks, and public acceptance concerns create regulatory and social hurdles, requiring transparent risk communication and strict environmental safeguards. CCUS may risk moral hazard by prolonging fossil-fuel dependence if not paired with renewable expansion and efficiency improvements. Way Forward Develop carbon markets and pricing signals to make CCUS financially viable, integrating it with India’s emerging Carbon Credit Trading Scheme framework. Create CCUS clusters near industrial hubs and sedimentary basins, lowering transport costs and enabling shared infrastructure for multiple emitters. Encourage international technology partnerships and climate finance to de-risk early investments and accelerate learning curves. Ensure CCUS complements, not substitutes, renewable expansion and energy efficiency, maintaining balanced decarbonisation strategy. Data & Facts CCUS currently captures ~45–50 million tonnes CO₂/year globally, while net-zero pathways need gigatonne-scale capture. IEA: CCUS required for ~15% of cumulative emissions reduction by 2070 globally. Steel and cement together contribute ~15–18% of global CO₂ emissions. Norway’s Longship project is a flagship national CCUS model. IPCC recognises CCUS as essential for hard-to-abate sectors. India is the 3rd largest CO₂ emitter, but per-capita emissions remain far below developed nations. High-Speed Rail Corridors Why in News ? Union Budget 2026–27 grants approval to seven high-speed rail corridors spanning about 4,000 km with planned ₹16 lakh crore outlay, aimed at accelerating regional connectivity and economic integration. Relevance GS-3 – Infrastructure / Economy Transport infrastructure Logistics efficiency Investment & growth multipliers Low-carbon mobility High-Speed Rail – Basics Concept High-Speed Rail (HSR) refers to passenger rail systems operating generally above 250 km/h on dedicated tracks, using advanced signalling, grade separation, and aerodynamic rolling stock for speed, safety, and reliability. Global Context Countries like Japan, China, France demonstrate HSR’s role in reducing air-road congestion, cutting travel time, boosting regional economies, and enabling low-carbon mass mobility transitions. Budget Announcement – Key Features Identified Corridors Corridors include Mumbai–Pune, Pune–Hyderabad, Hyderabad–Bengaluru, Hyderabad–Chennai, Chennai–Bengaluru, Delhi–Varanasi, Varanasi–Siliguri, linking major economic, cultural, and demographic growth centres. Financial Scale Estimated ₹16 lakh crore investment signals long-term infrastructure commitment, crowding-in private and multilateral finance, and positioning railways as backbone of India’s future transport and logistics architecture. Travel Time Reduction Expected to reduce inter-city travel to 2–3 hours on many routes, with some segments targeting sub-one-hour connectivity, reshaping business travel, tourism flows, and labour mobility patterns. Railway Capex Push Railways receive ₹2.78 lakh crore+ capital outlay, reflecting prioritisation of network modernisation, safety, capacity augmentation, and technological upgrading alongside dedicated freight and passenger corridors. Rationale Behind HSR Push Economic Multiplier Large rail projects generate high forward–backward linkages in steel, cement, electronics, construction, and services, supporting job creation and regional industrial ecosystems during construction and operation phases. Urbanisation & Mobility Rapid urbanisation requires efficient inter-city mobility; HSR enables polycentric urban growth, reducing megacity pressure and promoting satellite-city development along transport corridors. Energy & Climate Logic Electrified HSR has lower per-capita emissions than aviation and highways, supporting India’s climate goals and reducing fossil-fuel import dependence in the transport sector. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Advances cooperative federalism under Union–State infrastructure coordination, while land acquisition must respect RFCTLARR Act 2013, ensuring fair compensation, consent, and rehabilitation safeguards. Governance / Administrative Dimension Requires strong project management, inter-ministerial coordination, and institutional capacity in Indian Railways, NHSRCL, state agencies, with transparent procurement and time-bound execution to avoid cost overruns. Economic Dimension Improved connectivity can raise regional productivity, tourism revenues, real estate development, and supply-chain efficiency, contributing to sustained high-growth trajectory and logistics cost reduction. Social / Ethical Dimension Better connectivity improves access to opportunities, education, healthcare, yet displacement, land conflicts, and fare affordability concerns require inclusive planning and stakeholder consultations. Technology / Security Dimension HSR depends on advanced signalling, Kavach-based safety systems, automatic train control, and cyber-secure digital networks, making technological reliability and data security critical national priorities. Environmental Dimension While rail is greener than road or air, construction impacts on forests, wildlife corridors, and land use necessitate rigorous EIAs, mitigation plans, and compensatory afforestation. Data & Evidence Rail is among the most energy-efficient transport modes; globally, HSR corridors often shift significant passenger share from aviation on 300–800 km routes, reducing congestion and emissions. India’s logistics costs remain around 13–14% of GDP; faster, efficient rail networks can structurally reduce these costs, enhancing export competitiveness. Challenges / Gaps High capital intensity and long gestation risk fiscal stress and delays, especially with complex land acquisition and multi-state coordination requirements. Ensuring commercial viability and adequate ridership is critical; poorly estimated demand could burden public finances and reduce cost-effectiveness. Technology dependence on foreign partners may limit domestic value addition without strong localisation and technology-transfer frameworks. Way Forward Adopt phased implementation prioritising high-demand corridors, ensuring financial sustainability and early success demonstration. Promote Make in India for rolling stock and signalling, enhancing domestic manufacturing and technology absorption. Integrate HSR with multimodal transport planning, including metro, bus, and airports for seamless last-mile connectivity. Ensure transparent cost–benefit analysis and public communication to build trust and social acceptance. Data & Facts Japan’s Shinkansen has operated since 1964 with near-zero fatal accidents → global safety benchmark. Rail emits up to 70–80% less CO₂ per passenger-km than aviation (IEA estimates). Infrastructure multiplier: ₹1 spent can generate ₹2–2.5 economic output (various infrastructure studies). China built 40,000+ km HSR network, linking regional growth clusters. India’s logistics cost 13–14% of GDP vs 8–9% in developed countries. Cheaper Cancer Drugs & Caregiver Training Why in News ? Union Budget 2026–27 announces customs duty exemption on 17 cancer-related drugs, addition of 7 rare diseases to concessional import list, and training of 1.5 lakh caregivers, signalling targeted health-sector relief. Relevance GS-2 – Social Justice / Health Public health policy Access to medicines Welfare schemes Right to health dimension GS-3 – Economy (Health Sector) Pharma industry Health workforce economics Social sector expenditure Context & Basics Cancer & Rare Diseases in India India witnesses rising cancer burden and significant rare disease treatment gaps, driven by high drug costs, import dependence, limited domestic R&D, and shortage of trained caregiving and allied health workforce. Caregiver Role Caregivers provide long-term physical, emotional, and rehabilitative support, especially critical for oncology, geriatrics, and chronic diseases, reducing hospital load and improving treatment adherence and outcomes. Budget Announcements – Key Features Cheaper Cancer Drugs Full customs duty exemption on 17 cancer-related drugs and medicines lowers import costs, improving affordability for patients undergoing long-term, high-cost oncology treatment. Rare Diseases Support Seven additional rare diseases included in duty-free import list for drugs, medicines, and special foods for personal use, expanding coverage under India’s evolving rare disease policy ecosystem. Caregiver Training 1.5 lakh caregivers to be trained under National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), integrating skills like wellness, yoga, basic medical operations, assistive devices, strengthening community-level healthcare support. Health Expenditure Snapshot Health Ministry allocation ≈ ₹1.05 lakh crore for FY 2026–27, reflecting modest growth (~6–9%), with prioritisation of targeted relief over large headline expansion. Rationale Behind the Measures Affordability & Access High out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) in cancer care pushes families into poverty; tax exemptions directly reduce treatment costs where domestic alternatives are unavailable. Demographic & Epidemiological Transition Ageing population and rising NCD prevalence increase demand for long-term care and palliative services, necessitating trained caregiver workforce beyond doctors and nurses. Health System Efficiency Trained caregivers enable task shifting, reduce doctor overload, shorten hospital stays, and strengthen continuum of care from hospitals to homes. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Advances Article 21 (Right to Life) through improved access to essential medicines and care, and aligns with Article 47 directing the State to improve public health and nutrition. Governance / Administrative Dimension Requires coordination among MoHFW, MSDE, Customs authorities, state health departments, and standardised certification under NSQF to ensure quality, safety, and portability of caregiver skills. Economic Dimension Reduced drug costs ease catastrophic health expenditure, while caregiver skilling creates health-sector employment, especially for women, supporting inclusive growth and service-sector expansion. Social / Ethical Dimension Improves equity in access to life-saving drugs for cancer and rare diseases; ethical imperative to support vulnerable patients with limited treatment alternatives. Formal recognition of caregivers enhances dignity of care work, often undervalued and informal. Health System / Technology Dimension Complements expansion of clinical trial sites, drug regulatory strengthening, and allied health professional scaling, moving toward team-based, technology-supported care models. Data & Evidence Cancer treatment can cost several lakhs per year, with medicines forming a major share of OOPE; duty exemptions can meaningfully reduce end prices for imported therapies. India faces a shortage of allied health professionals relative to demand, particularly in geriatrics, oncology support, and home-based care. Challenges / Gaps Modest overall health budget growth limits systemic expansion of public healthcare infrastructure. Duty exemptions help only imported drugs; absence of domestic manufacturing keeps long-term costs vulnerable to exchange-rate and supply shocks. Caregiver training must ensure quality control, supervision, and ethical standards to avoid unsafe task shifting. Way Forward Incentivise domestic production of oncology and rare-disease drugs through R&D grants, PLI-like schemes, and faster regulatory approvals. Integrate trained caregivers into Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY, geriatric care, and palliative care programmes for institutional linkage and demand certainty. Expand public oncology infrastructure and early screening to complement drug affordability measures. Establish clear legal scope of practice for caregivers, ensuring patient safety and professional accountability. Data & Facts Cancer cases in India projected to cross 1.5 million annually (ICMR estimates). OOPE still forms ~48–50% of total health expenditure in India, among highest globally. Rare diseases affect ~70–90 million Indians (estimated). India has doctor–population ratio ~1:1500 (below WHO ideal 1:1000) → need allied workforce. Palliative care access remains limited; only ~1–2% of those in need receive it. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) Why in News ? Urban India’s rising solid waste burden, landfill crises, and policy push under Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 (amended) have renewed focus on Waste-to-Energy (WtE) as a waste-processing and energy-recovery solution. Relevance GS-3 – Environment / Ecology Solid waste management Pollution control Circular economy Renewable energy debates GS-2 – Governance (Local Bodies) Urban Local Bodies’ role Environmental regulation Waste-to-Energy – Basics Definition Waste-to-Energy (WtE) converts non-recyclable solid waste into usable energy—electricity, heat, or fuel through thermal, chemical, or biological processes, reducing landfill volumes while recovering embedded energy from waste streams. Major Technologies Incineration burns waste at high temperatures for steam-electricity generation; gasification/pyrolysis convert waste into syngas with limited oxygen; anaerobic digestion uses microbes to produce biogas from organic waste. Policy & Regulatory Framework Solid Waste Management Rules SWM Rules 2016 mandate source segregation, scientific processing, and RDF promotion, positioning WtE as a residual-waste treatment option after recycling and composting to reduce landfill dependency. Institutional Ecosystem MoHUA, CPCB, State Pollution Control Boards, ULBs regulate and monitor WtE plants, setting emission norms, environmental clearances, and compliance standards for air pollutants and ash disposal. Rationale for WtE Push Urbanisation & Waste Surge India generates ~1.5–1.7 lakh tonnes of MSW daily, projected to rise with urbanisation and consumption; WtE offers volume reduction and partial energy recovery from otherwise landfilled waste. Land Scarcity Megacities face landfill saturation and land constraints; WtE can reduce waste volume up to ~80–90%, extending landfill life and easing urban land-use pressures. Climate Link Diverting waste from dumpsites reduces methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas; controlled combustion with safeguards can be climatically preferable to open dumping and burning. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Supports Article 48A environmental protection and Article 21 right to clean environment, while invoking polluter pays and precautionary principles recognised in Indian environmental jurisprudence. Governance / Administrative Dimension Effective WtE requires strict segregation at source, reliable feedstock quality, long-term municipal contracts, and credible monitoring capacity, often weak across Urban Local Bodies with fiscal and technical constraints. Economic Dimension WtE plants are capital-intensive with high operating costs; financial viability depends on tipping fees, power tariffs, and assured waste supply agreements, raising concerns over long-term fiscal sustainability. Environmental Dimension Poorly managed WtE emits dioxins, furans, particulate matter, heavy metals; safe operation demands advanced flue-gas treatment, continuous emission monitoring, and scientific ash disposal. Social / Ethical Dimension Informal waste pickers risk livelihood loss if recyclable streams divert to incineration; inclusive policy must integrate them into segregation, recycling value chains, and formal waste management systems. Technology Dimension Indian waste has high moisture and low calorific value due to organic content, reducing incineration efficiency; technological adaptation and better segregation are critical for optimal plant performance. Data & Evidence India has 20+ WtE plants and over 100 biogas facilities operational; several plants historically faced shutdowns due to poor segregation, community opposition, and emission concerns. Studies show recycling often saves more energy and emissions than incineration, supporting the waste hierarchy prioritising reduce–reuse–recycle before recovery. Challenges / Gaps Mixed waste collection undermines calorific value and raises pollution risks, making many WtE projects technologically and environmentally suboptimal. Community resistance arises from health concerns, siting issues, and trust deficits regarding emission compliance and monitoring transparency. Overemphasis on WtE may create perverse incentives to burn recyclables, discouraging circular-economy practices like composting and material recovery. Way Forward Enforce strict source segregation and decentralised composting for wet waste, reserving WtE only for non-recyclable, high-calorific residual fractions consistent with waste-hierarchy principles. Strengthen real-time emission monitoring, public disclosure, and third-party audits to build trust and ensure environmental compliance. Integrate informal workers into formal systems through MRFs, cooperatives, and social security, ensuring just transition. Promote circular economy policies, EPR, and waste reduction to address root causes rather than relying solely on end-of-pipe solutions. Data & Facts India generates ~55–60 million tonnes MSW annually, projected to double by 2030. ~70–75% waste remains unsegregated in many cities. Methane from landfills has 28x higher warming potential than CO₂ (IPCC). EU waste hierarchy prioritises: Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Recover → Dispose. Sweden imports waste for energy due to advanced segregation and WtE systems. Livestock & Fisheries Push Why in News ? Union Budget 2026–27 announces higher allocations and new schemes for livestock and fisheries, focusing on value-chain development, entrepreneurship, and rural employment, signalling diversification of farm incomes beyond crop agriculture. Relevance GS-3 – Agriculture / Economy Allied agriculture sectors Blue economy Food processing & exports Rural income diversification GS-2 – Governance / Welfare Farmer welfare policies Institutional credit systems Sector Basics Livestock Sector Livestock includes dairy, poultry, sheep-goat, and allied activities, contributing significantly to agricultural GVA, nutrition security, and supplementary farmer incomes, especially for smallholders and landless households. Fisheries Sector Fisheries span marine, inland, and aquaculture systems, supporting coastal and inland livelihoods, exports, and protein supply, with India among the top global fish producers. Budget Announcements – Key Features Fisheries Push Enhanced outlay for Fisheries Ministry (~₹2,761.8 crore), supporting one of the world’s largest inland reservoir networks (~31.5 lakh hectares), targeting value addition, infrastructure, and export competitiveness. Value-Chain Development Focus on cold chains, processing, storage, and market linkages, aiming to reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmer realisation across fisheries and animal husbandry value chains. Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Promotion of start-ups, women-led groups, and FPOs in fisheries and livestock, integrating them into formal value chains and improving access to credit, technology, and markets. Animal Husbandry Allocation Animal Husbandry Ministry allocation (~₹6,153.46 crore), reflecting ~21% increase, directed toward breed improvement, veterinary services, and disease prevention initiatives. Credit-Linked Support Push for entrepreneurship via credit-linked subsidy schemes, encouraging private investment in dairy units, hatcheries, feed mills, and processing enterprises. Rationale Behind the Push Income Diversification Non-crop sectors stabilise farm incomes against monsoon and price volatility, supporting the policy goal of doubling farmers’ income through diversification. Nutrition Security Livestock and fish provide high-quality protein and micronutrients, addressing malnutrition and dietary diversity concerns highlighted in nutrition surveys. Export Potential Marine products are major agri-exports; value addition and quality compliance can boost foreign exchange earnings and global competitiveness. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Aligns with Article 48 directive to improve animal husbandry on scientific lines and Article 47 on nutrition and public health. Governance / Administrative Dimension Implementation requires coordination among DAHD, Department of Fisheries, state veterinary services, MPEDA, NABARD, and robust disease surveillance and extension systems. Economic Dimension Livestock contributes around 30%+ of agricultural GVA in recent years; strengthening these sectors enhances rural employment, MSME growth, and value-added exports. Social / Ethical Dimension Livestock and fisheries support women’s economic participation and livelihoods of marginal communities; ethical issues include animal welfare and sustainable fishing practices. Environmental Dimension Overfishing, habitat degradation, and livestock methane emissions pose sustainability concerns; policies must integrate sustainable aquaculture, breed management, and climate-smart practices. Technology Dimension Adoption of genetic improvement, vaccines, IoT-based monitoring, and modern feed practices can raise productivity and reduce disease and mortality risks. Data & Evidence India ranks among the largest milk and fish producers globally; fisheries exports have crossed billions of dollars annually, reflecting strong global demand. Post-harvest losses in fisheries and perishables remain high without cold-chain infrastructure, justifying logistics investments. Challenges / Gaps Disease outbreaks (e.g., in poultry or cattle) can cause large income shocks; veterinary infrastructure and surveillance remain uneven across states. Fragmented supply chains and limited processing capacity reduce farmer share in consumer prices. Environmental stress and climate variability threaten fish stocks and fodder availability. Way Forward Strengthen cold-chain and processing infrastructure through PPP models and viability-gap funding. Expand animal health coverage, vaccination drives, and digital livestock registries for traceability and disease control. Promote sustainable fisheries management—regulated catch, aquaculture standards, and habitat conservation. Integrate farmers into FPOs and cooperatives to improve bargaining power and market access. Data & Facts Livestock contributes ~30%+ to agricultural GVA, higher than crops in some years. India is largest milk producer globally. Fisheries sector grows at ~8–10% annually, among fastest in agriculture. Marine exports cross $7–8 billion annually. Protein deficiency remains concern; per capita protein intake below global norms. FAO: aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production sector globally. Rakhigarhi & Harappan Heritage Why in News ? Union Budget 2026–27 proposes developing Rakhigarhi, a major Harappan civilisation site in Haryana, as a cultural-tourism hub, but local concerns over slow progress and land issues triggered public dissatisfaction. Relevance GS-1 – History & Culture Indus Valley civilisation Archaeology & heritage Art & culture GS-2 – Governance / Culture Heritage conservation policy Role of ASI & legislation Rakhigarhi – Basics Location & Identity Rakhigarhi, located in Hisar district, Haryana, is among the largest Harappan (Indus Valley) sites in the means subcontinent, often compared with Mohenjo-daro and Harappa in scale and complexity. Chronology Site dates roughly to 2600–1900 BCE (Mature Harappan phase), with evidence of earlier and later cultural layers, helping reconstruct the evolution and decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation. Archaeological Significance Excavations revealed planned streets, drainage systems, craft production areas, burials, and artefacts, indicating advanced urban planning, trade networks, and social organisation typical of Harappan culture. Key Budget & Policy Announcement Heritage Development Push Government proposes integrated site development, museum creation, and tourism infrastructure to convert Rakhigarhi into a global heritage destination, linking conservation with local economic opportunities. Part of Wider Revamp Rakhigarhi included in plan to revamp multiple archaeological sites, reflecting policy shift toward heritage-led development and cultural tourism as soft-power and local-growth instruments. Historical & Cultural Importance Civilisational Value Rakhigarhi strengthens understanding that Harappan civilisation extended deep into present-day India, countering earlier Pakistan-centric geographic perception and enriching India’s civilisational narrative. Knowledge Contributions Findings on diet, burial practices, pottery, metallurgy, and settlement patterns provide insights into Harappan lifestyle, trade, and social differentiation, valuable for archaeology and ancient history studies. Constitutional / Legal Dimension Conservation aligns with Article 49 obligating State to protect monuments of national importance and with Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 governing protected heritage sites. Governance / Administrative Dimension Development requires coordination among ASI, State Government, Tourism Ministry, and local administration, balancing heritage protection, land acquisition, rehabilitation, and community participation. Economic Dimension Heritage tourism can generate local employment, MSME growth, hospitality demand, and rural infrastructure, turning archaeological assets into sustainable economic multipliers for surrounding communities. Social / Ethical Dimension Local resistance arises when communities perceive displacement risks, inadequate compensation, or exclusion from benefits, highlighting need for participatory and inclusive heritage-development models. Cultural Diplomacy / Soft Power Showcasing Harappan heritage strengthens India’s civilisational diplomacy, global academic collaborations, and cultural branding, similar to how Egypt leverages ancient heritage for soft power. Data & Evidence Rakhigarhi spreads across multiple mounds over large area, making it one of the most extensive Harappan sites; DNA and material studies from the site informed debates on Harappan origins. Challenges / Gaps Slow excavation pace, funding constraints, and conservation delays reduce research potential and public trust in development promises. Encroachments and agricultural activity risk site degradation, threatening stratigraphic integrity and long-term archaeological value. Over-commercialisation may compromise authenticity and scientific conservation if tourism priorities overshadow archaeological protocols. Way Forward Adopt community-based heritage management, ensuring locals gain from tourism via jobs, homestays, and services, building local stewardship for conservation. Increase archaeological funding, scientific excavation, and digital documentation using GIS, 3D mapping, and residue analysis for global-standard research. Develop site museums and interpretation centres for public education, linking Rakhigarhi with broader Harappan heritage circuits. Data & Facts Rakhigarhi spans ~350 hectares+, making it among the largest Harappan sites. Indus Valley Civilisation covered ~1.3 million sq km, larger than Egypt & Mesopotamia combined. Harappans used standardised bricks (1:2:4 ratio) → advanced civil engineering. No monumental temples/palaces found → suggests relatively egalitarian urban planning. DNA studies show complex indigenous population history without simplistic invasion narratives.