Content Crafted in India, Delivered Globally: Exports Powered by Trade Agreements The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 Crafted in India, Delivered Globally: Exports Powered by Trade Agreements Why is it in News? 18 December 2025: Government released official data highlighting robust export growth and the role of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). Key trigger: Signing of India–Oman CEPA. Signals: Strong post-pandemic export momentum. Strategic shift from protectionism to rules-based trade integration. Exports positioned as a growth engine amid global slowdown and geopolitics. Relevance GS III – Economy Export-led growth; narrowing trade deficit. Role of FTAs in market access, GVC integration. Manufacturing & MSMEs: PLI, RoDTEP, GST 2.0, labour reforms. Export diversification → macroeconomic stability. Understanding India’s Export Framework Exports: Goods + services sold abroad; critical for: GDP growth. Forex earnings. Employment (labour-intensive sectors). Trade Balance = Exports – Imports. FTAs / CEPAs / CETAs: Reduce tariffs. Liberalise services. Provide market access + mobility. Enable integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs). Snapshot: India’s Export Performance (Nov 2024–Nov 2025) Total exports: ↑ from US$ 64.05 bn → US$ 73.99 bn (+15.52% YoY). Imports: Largely stable at US$ 80.63 bn. Trade deficit: ↓ from US$ 17.06 bn → US$ 6.64 bn (–61.07%). Structural takeaway: Growth without import surge → healthier external sector. Composition of Export Growth Merchandise vs Services Merchandise exports: US$ 38.13 bn (↑ 19.38% YoY). Share: 51.53%. Services exports: US$ 35.86 bn (↑ 11.67% YoY). Share: 48.47%. Inference: India nearing a balanced dual-export economy (goods + services). Sector-wise Drivers of Growth Labour-intensive & Traditional Strengths Readymade garments: US$ 1.25 bn, ↑ 11.27%. Employment-intensive → inclusive growth. Gems & jewellery: ↑ 27.8%. Demand from US, UAE, Europe. Knowledge & Value-added Sectors Pharmaceuticals: ↑ 20.19%. “Pharmacy of the World”; exports to 200+ countries. Organic & inorganic chemicals: ↑ 18.49%. Engineering goods: Steady growth; US largest destination. Strategic Manufacturing Petroleum products: ↑ 11.65%. India: 7th largest exporter of refined petroleum globally. Electronics (mobile phones): From ₹1,500 crore (2014–15) → ₹2 lakh crore (2024–25). 127× growth in a decade. Top markets: US, UAE, Netherlands, UK, Italy. Market Diversification: Geography Matters High growth markets: UAE (14.5%), Japan (19%), Spain (9%), France (9.2%). Egypt (27%), Saudi Arabia (12.5%), Hong Kong (69%). Insight: Reduced overdependence on US–EU. South–South trade and West Asia emerging as stabilisers. Export Diversification: Strategic Rationale (Analytical Core) 1. Reducing Volatility Commodity concentration → price shocks. Diversification spreads risk across sectors & markets. 2. Shock Absorption Protects against: Global recessions. Geopolitical disruptions. Supply-chain fragmentation. 3. Knowledge Spillovers New exports → new technologies, skills, logistics. Long-term productivity gains (endogenous growth logic). 4. Macroeconomic Stability Exports = 21.2% of GDP (2024). Diversification: Stabilises forex. Improves investment confidence. Supports sustainable growth. Recently Concluded India–Oman CEPA Zero duty on 98.08% of Oman tariff lines. First-ever commitments on traditional medicine (AYUSH). Strong Mode-4 mobility provisions. India–UK CETA Duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports. Services + professional mobility. Double Contribution Convention → ₹4,000+ crore savings. India–EFTA TEPA USD 100 bn investment commitment. 1 million jobs target. Earlier Strategic Pacts India–UAE CEPA India–Australia ECTA India–Mauritius CECPA Ongoing Negotiations India–EU FTA India–US Trade Agreement (Mission 500). India–GCC FTA Israel, ASEAN (AITIGA review), Canada, Mexico, New Zealand. Domestic Policy Support: Export Competitiveness Stack 1. Export Promotion Mission (2025) Outlay: ₹25,060 crore. Niryat Protsahan: Trade finance for MSMEs. Niryat Disha: Quality, branding, compliance. 2. Labour Codes 29 laws → 4 codes. Lower compliance cost + worker protection. Boosts export-oriented manufacturing. 3. Next Gen GST 2.0 90% provisional refunds. Refunds for low-value consignments. Corrected inverted duty structures. Competitive logistics & working capital relief. 4. Structural Enablers RoDTEP: ₹58,000 crore disbursed. PLI: ₹1.76 lakh crore investment. ₹16.5 lakh crore output. 12 lakh jobs. Logistics: PM GatiShakti, NLP. Institutional: Districts as Export Hubs (734 districts). SEZ exports: ₹14.56 lakh crore (FY 2024–25). Critical Evaluation Strengths: Balanced goods–services growth. FTAs aligned with comparative advantage. Electronics & pharma as sunrise exports. Concerns: MSME compliance capacity. Preference erosion due to overlapping FTAs. Rules of origin complexity. Way Forward: Trade facilitation + skilling. Services-led FTAs with data adequacy. Export credit deepening. Conclusion India’s export story reflects a structural transformation, not a cyclical rebound. Diversification across products, markets, and agreements has: Reduced vulnerability. Improved trade balance quality. Enhanced strategic autonomy. FTAs are no longer transactional tools but pillars of India’s growth, employment, and global economic positioning. The Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Bill, 2025 Why is it in News? 19 December 2025: Introduction of the SHANTI Bill, 2025. Context: India’s commitment to net-zero by 2070. Announcement of Nuclear Energy Mission in Union Budget 2025–26. Target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. Signals a structural reset of India’s nuclear legal framework, last comprehensively shaped in 1962 and 2010. Relevance GS III – Energy, Environment, S&T Energy security & clean energy transition. Nuclear power for net-zero 2070; 100 GW by 2047. SMRs, hydrogen, indigenous nuclear technology. Safety, waste management, disaster preparedness. What is Nuclear Energy? Definition: Electricity generated using heat released from nuclear fission (splitting of atoms). Key features: Near-zero greenhouse gas emissions. High capacity factor (24×7 baseload). Complements intermittent renewables (solar, wind). Global role: Critical for deep decarbonisation in energy-intensive economies. Evolution of India’s Nuclear Legal Framework 1. Atomic Energy Act, 1962 Replaced the 1948 law. Centralised control over: Research. Development. Use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Reflected post-independence strategic caution. 2. Amendments (1986, 1987, 2015) Allowed: Government companies. Select joint ventures. Objective: Capacity expansion without diluting sovereign control. 3. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 Introduced no-fault liability. Ensured victim compensation. However: Created investor uncertainty. Limited private and foreign participation. Rationale Behind SHANTI Bill, 2025 India’s nuclear ecosystem has matured: Indigenous reactor design. Global cooperation. Advanced safety practices. Existing laws: Fragmented. Rigid. Unsuitable for rapid scale-up and innovation. Need for: Unified legislation. Regulatory independence. Clean energy alignment. Present Status of Nuclear Power in India Share in electricity generation (2024–25): ~3.1%. Installed capacity: 8.78 GW. Pipeline: Indigenous 700 MW and 1000 MW reactors. Projected capacity: 22.38 GW by 2031–32. Inference: Underutilised potential despite technological capability. Nuclear Energy Mission (Budget 2025–26) Allocation: ₹20,000 crore. Focus: Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Targets: ≥5 indigenously designed SMRs by 2033. Key initiatives byBhabha Atomic Research Centre: BSMR-200 (200 MWe). SMR-55 (55 MWe). HTGR (≤5 MWth) for hydrogen generation. Strategic aim: Technology leadership. Energy security. Non-power nuclear applications. Why India Must Scale Nuclear Power ? Rapidly rising electricity demand: Data centres. AI and advanced manufacturing. Limitations of renewables: Intermittency. Storage costs. Nuclear advantages: Baseload power. Long plant life. Low land footprint. Legal bottleneck: 1962 & 2010 laws unsuitable for 100 GW by 2047 ambition. Core Architecture of the SHANTI Bill, 2025 1. Private Sector Participation Permitted in: Plant operations. Power generation. Equipment manufacturing. Limited fuel fabrication (within notified thresholds). Mandatory prior safety authorisation for all radiation-related activities. 2. Activities Reserved for Central Government Enrichment and isotopic separation (unless notified). Spent fuel reprocessing and recycling. High-level radioactive waste management. Heavy water production. Ensures strategic control. 3. Licensing & Safety Oversight Structured process for: Granting. Suspension. Cancellation of licences. Safety authorisation becomes the legal cornerstone. 4. Graded Liability Framework Replaces uniform liability cap. Operator liability varies by: Type of installation. Risk profile. Detailed in Second Schedule. Addresses investor concerns while protecting victims. 5. Regulation of Non-Power Applications Covers nuclear use in: Healthcare. Agriculture. Industry. Research. Enables medical isotopes, food irradiation, industrial radiography. 6. Exemptions for Innovation Limited exemptions for: R&D. Experimental work. Encourages innovation without diluting safety. Institutional & Regulatory Reforms Statutory status toAtomic Energy Regulatory Board: Enhances independence. Strengthens credibility. Dispute resolution: Atomic Energy Redressal Advisory Council. Appellate authority: Appellate Tribunal for Electricity. Claims framework: Claims Commissioners. Nuclear Damage Claims Commission for severe incidents. Safeguards & Strategic Oversight Sovereign control retained over: Fuel cycle. Waste. Security. Enhanced: Emergency preparedness. Quality assurance. Safeguards and inspections. Ensures: National security. Strategic autonomy. International confidence. Critical Evaluation Strengths Aligns nuclear law with climate goals. Unlocks private capital and innovation. Strengthens independent regulation. Supports SMRs and hydrogen economy. Concerns Capacity of AERB to regulate expanded ecosystem. Public perception and safety confidence. Long-term waste management challenges. Way Forward Transparent communication. Global best practices in liability and safety. Human resource and regulatory capacity building. Conclusion The SHANTI Bill, 2025 represents a generational shift in India’s nuclear governance. It balances: Expansion with caution. Innovation with sovereignty. Clean energy goals with strategic control. If effectively implemented, it can anchor nuclear energy as a reliable pillar of India’s clean, secure, and self-reliant energy future.

Content India’s Pollution Crisis Is Also About Inclusion The Significance of a Strong Defence Industrial Base India’s Pollution Crisis Is Also About Inclusion Why is it in News? Recent winter smog episodes in Delhi and NCR. Public debate triggered by: Rising use of private air purifiers. Editorial focus on inequality and exclusion in pollution response. Linked to: Weak implementation of clean-air policies. Growing evidence of pollution-related health burden. Relevance GS III: Environmental pollution. Urbanisation and public health. Environmental governance failures. GS II: State responsibility. Right to life and health. Social justice and inclusion. Practice Question Air pollution in India is increasingly being managed through private coping mechanisms rather than public policy interventions. Critically examine the implications of this shift for environmental governance and public health.(250 Words) Understanding Air Pollution Air pollution: Presence of harmful particulates (PM2.5, PM10) and gases in air. Health impact: Causes respiratory, cardiovascular diseases. WHO links air pollution to millions of premature deaths globally. Indian context: Urban winter pollution driven by: Vehicular emissions. Construction dust. Biomass burning. Industrial emissions. Adverse meteorology. Core Argument of the Editorial India’s air pollution crisis is not just environmental, but deeply social. Pollution control has shifted from: Public policy responsibility → private coping mechanisms. Result: Clean air becomes a private good for the rich, not a public right. Pollution and Inequality: How? 1. Private Solutions, Public Failure Air purifiers: Cost ₹8,000–₹1,00,000. Monthly filter replacement costs. Only affordable to: Urban elites. White-collar households. Poor remain exposed: Street vendors. Sanitation workers. Construction labourers. Slum dwellers. 2. Normalisation of Exposure Pollution accepted as “seasonal inevitability”. Shifts focus from: Systemic regulation → individual adaptation. Masks, purifiers replace: Emission control. Enforcement of standards. Evidence Gap Highlighted Despite severe smog: Limited India-specific epidemiological data on long-term exposure. Policy response weakened by: Data uncertainty. Fragmented institutional accountability. Governance Failure Dimension Air pollution treated as: “Everyone’s problem” → effectively no one’s responsibility. Regulatory gaps: Poor enforcement of emission standards. Weak urban planning. Lenient action against polluters. Judiciary-driven interventions often substitute for executive action. Environmental Justice Perspective Pollution is regressive: Poor contribute least but suffer most. Violates principles of: Equity. Right to health. Right to clean environment (Article 21 jurisprudence). Creates “dystopian inequality”: Clean indoor air for few. Toxic outdoor air for many. Ethical & Social Implications Shifts moral burden from: State → Individual. Normalises suffering of vulnerable groups. Celebrates “resilience” instead of preventing harm. Risks depoliticising environmental crises. Way Forward Reassert clean air as a public good. Strengthen: Emission standards. Monitoring and enforcement. Urban transport and planning. Focus on: Source-level pollution control, not indoor fixes. Protection of outdoor workers. Build: Robust health impact data. Accountability of state institutions. The Significance of a Strong Defence Industrial Base Why is it in News? Renewed policy and strategic focus on defence indigenisation and exports. Rapid rise in defence production and exports (now reaching 80+ countries). Editorial debate linking: Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. Global conflicts and supply-chain disruptions. India’s ambition of ₹50,000 crore defence exports by 2029. Relevance GS Paper III – Defence, Economy & S&T Defence indigenisation and strategic manufacturing. Defence exports, MSMEs, innovation ecosystem. Technology development and dual-use spillovers. Practice Question A strong defence industrial base is central to both national security and economic resilience. Examine in the context of India’s indigenisation and export ambitions.(250 Words) What is a Defence Industrial Base? The ecosystem of institutions and firms involved in: R&D. Manufacturing. Testing. Maintenance and exports of defence equipment. Includes: DPSUs, private industry, MSMEs, startups. R&D agencies like Defence Research and Development Organisation. Core objectives: National security. Strategic autonomy. Technological capability. India’s Past Constraint Long-standing features: Dominance of public sector. Minimal private participation. Liberal imports from foreign private firms. Outcome: High import dependence. Limited domestic innovation. Strategic vulnerability during crises. Reform-Driven Shift in Recent Years Policy changes: Opening defence sector to private industry. Liberalised FDI norms. Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board. Expansion of “Make” and “Buy Indian” categories. Results: Rising defence production. Exports growing exponentially. Integration into global defence supply chains. Inference: Ecosystem moving from assembler to manufacturer + exporter. Strategic Context: Why Defence Industry Matters Now Global security landscape: Conflicts in Europe, West Asia, Indo-Pacific. Weapon supply shortages and export controls. India’s security needs: Land borders. Maritime interests in Indian Ocean Region. Lesson: Countries with strong domestic defence industries are more resilient. Geopolitical Opportunity for India Rising defence spending in Europe. Saturation of traditional suppliers. Demand for: Cost-effective. Reliable. Politically trusted platforms. India’s advantages: Strategic geography. Diplomatic credibility. Competitive cost structure. Key Challenges Identified 1. Regulatory Bottlenecks Complex licensing and export approvals. Slow JV and technology-transfer clearances. Disproportionate burden on MSMEs and startups. 2. Investment Uncertainty Lack of long-term demand visibility. High capital intensity discourages private players. 3. Institutional Fragmentation Multiple ministries and agencies. Weak coordination in export promotion. 4. Financing, Testing & Certification Limited access to competitive export finance. Stringent domestic standards. Delays in trials and certifications. Reform Priorities Going Forward Policy & Process: Simplify export licensing. Ensure policy continuity. Publish long-term procurement roadmaps. Institutional: Create a dedicated defence export facilitation agency. Single-window interface for global partners. DRDO’s Role: Focus on frontier research. Shift production and scaling to industry. Ecosystem Support: Specialised export financing instruments. Integrated testing facilities. Adoption of international certification norms. Strategic Tools: Government-to-government deals. Lines of credit. Long-term service and maintenance commitments. Why Defence Exports Matter ? Signal: Technological maturity. Strategic reliability. Benefits: High-skill employment. Innovation spillovers. Geopolitical leverage. Strengthen: Strategic autonomy. India’s role in global security architecture. Conclusion A strong defence industrial base is: Strategic necessity, not industrial luxury. India has moved from: Import dependence → export ambition. What is required now: Deeper reforms. Regulatory predictability. Industry-led innovation. A robust defence manufacturing ecosystem is a defining pillar of India’s rise as a confident, capable, and influential global power.

Content Bureau of Port Security (BoPS): Strengthening India’s Maritime Security Architecture Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs): Building India’s Future Space Talent Agniveers & CAPFs: Enhanced Reservation to 50% Forest Rights Services Go Digital: National FRA Portal (TARANG) Winter Session of Parliament 2025: Year of Extremes: India’s Near-Permanent Disaster Cycle in 2025 Bureau of Port Security (BoPS): Strengthening India’s Maritime Security Architecture Why is it in News? Government announced the constitution of the Bureau of Port Security. The Bureau will be: A statutory body under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025. Modelled on the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Triggered by: Rising maritime trade volumes. Cybersecurity threats to port infrastructure. Strategic vulnerabilities in coastal and port security. Relevance GS III – Internal Security & Infrastructure Coastal and port security architecture. Cybersecurity of critical infrastructure. Maritime security and supply-chain resilience. Why Port Security Matters Ports are critical infrastructure: Handle ~95% of India’s trade by volume. Backbone of energy imports, exports, and supply chains. Threat spectrum: Terrorism and sabotage. Smuggling and organised crime. Cyberattacks on port IT and logistics systems. Geopolitical disruptions in Indo-Pacific. What is the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)? A dedicated national-level authority for: Security of ships. Security of port facilities. Administrative control: Under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Leadership: Headed by a Director General (IPS, Pay Level-15). Transitional arrangement: DG Shipping to act as DG, BoPS for one year. Key Functions of BoPS 1. Regulatory & Oversight Role Frame security regulations for: Ports. Vessels. Port facilities. Ensure compliance with national and international security norms. 2. Intelligence & Information Management Timely: Collection. Analysis. Exchange of security-related information. Coordination with: Intelligence agencies. Port authorities. Maritime enforcement bodies. 3. Cybersecurity Focus Dedicated division for: Protecting port IT infrastructure. Safeguarding logistics, cargo handling, navigation systems. Addresses: Ransomware risks. Supply-chain cyber sabotage. Data breaches. 4. Risk-based Security Framework Security measures to be: Graded and vulnerability-based. Tailored to: Trade volume. Strategic location. Port-specific risk profile. How is BoPS Different from Earlier Arrangements? Earlier: Central Industrial Security Force acted as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO). CISF handled: Security assessments. Port security plans. Now: BoPS becomes the nodal regulator and overseer. CISF and other forces remain operational arms. Key shift: From fragmented arrangements → centralised, professional regulation. Why Model BoPS on BCAS? BCAS transformed aviation security by: Clear regulatory authority. Uniform standards. Risk-based screening. Replicating this model aims to: Standardise port security. Improve accountability. Reduce ad-hoc security responses. Strategic Significance 1. National Security Ports are potential entry points for: Terrorists. Arms and narcotics. Dedicated oversight reduces systemic vulnerabilities. 2. Economic Security Disruption of ports can: Paralyse supply chains. Impact inflation and exports. BoPS enhances: Trade reliability. Investor confidence. 3. Maritime & Indo-Pacific Context India’s growing role in: Global supply chains. Indo-Pacific maritime security. Aligns with: Sagarmala. Blue Economy. Maritime Domain Awareness. Governance & Institutional Analysis Positive aspects: Statutory backing ensures authority. Cybersecurity integration reflects modern threat perception. Risk-based approach avoids one-size-fits-all security. Challenges: Coordination with multiple agencies. Capacity building for cyber and maritime specialists. Avoiding regulatory overlap. Way Forward Clear SOPs defining roles of: BoPS. CISF. State maritime police. Invest in: Cybersecurity skills. Port security audits. Integrate BoPS with: Coastal security architecture. Maritime intelligence grid. Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs): Building India’s Future Space Talent Why is it in News?  The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued a Request for Proposal (RfP). Objective: Establish Antariksh Prayogshala (Space Labs) in select Indian academic institutions. Part of India’s broader push to: Strengthen the space technology ecosystem. Create future-ready skilled manpower. Deepen academia–industry–government collaboration. Relevance GS III – Science & Technology Space technology ecosystem. R&D, innovation, and skill development. Academia–industry–startup collaboration. What is IN-SPACe? IN-SPACe: Autonomous body under the Department of Space. Acts as: Regulator. Promoter. Facilitator for non-government entities (NGEs) in space. Role: Enable private sector and academia participation. Provide authorisation, infrastructure access, and funding. What is Antariksh Prayogshala? A first-of-its-kind initiative to create: State-of-the-art space laboratories within academic institutions. Focus: Applied research. Early-stage innovation. Hands-on skill development in space technologies. Target users: Students. Researchers. Startups. Industry partners. Key Features of the Scheme 1. Financial Support IN-SPACe funding: Up to 75% of total project cost. Cap: ₹5 crore per institution. Reduces entry barriers for advanced infrastructure creation. 2. Phased & Region-Balanced Approach Up to 7 academic institutions selected. One lab proposed in each geographical zone. Ensures: Balanced regional representation. Pan-India talent development. 3. Two-Stage Selection Process Stage 1: Screening based on eligibility criteria in the RfP. Stage 2: Detailed proposal evaluation. Ensures: Institutional readiness. Long-term sustainability. What Will These Space Labs Do? Provide: Hands-on training in space systems. Access to advanced testing and simulation tools. Enable: Satellite subsystems development. Launch vehicle technologies. Space applications (navigation, EO, communication). Function as shared innovation spaces: Academia + industry + startups. Why This Initiative Matters ? 1. Bridging Academia–Industry Gap Traditional issue: Strong theory, weak applied exposure. Antariksh Prayogshala: Aligns curriculum and research with real industry needs. 2. Supporting India’s New Space Ecosystem Complements: Opening of space sector to private players. Growth of space startups. Creates: Skilled workforce for NewSpace companies. 3. Long-Term Strategic Capacity Space is a dual-use domain: Civil + strategic. Skilled manpower is critical for: Space security. Technological sovereignty. Global competitiveness. Link with India’s Space Reforms Post-2020 reforms: Separation of roles: ISRO (R&D). IN-SPACe (promotion & regulation). Antariksh Prayogshala fits into: Space as a knowledge-intensive sector. Transition from mission-centric to ecosystem-centric growth. Challenges & Considerations Ensuring: Faculty capacity and retention. Long-term funding beyond initial grant. Avoiding: Infrastructure without outcomes. Need for: Strong industry mentoring. Outcome-based performance metrics. Way Forward Integrate labs with: National Space Innovation programmes. Startup incubation frameworks. Promote: International academic collaborations. Use labs as feeders for: Space startups. ISRO and private sector R&D pipelines. Agniveers & CAPFs: Enhanced Reservation to 50% Why is it in News? Union Home Ministry decided to increase reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs from 10% to 50% in Group C (constable-level) posts. Immediate notification issued for Border Security Force, with similar amendments planned across all CAPFs. Comes months before the first batch of Agniveers completes 4-year tenure (2026). Marks a policy reversal from the earlier 10% quota announced in 2022. Addresses: Employment concerns post-Agnipath. Political and social backlash seen during 2022 protests and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Relevance GS III – Internal Security CAPF manpower planning. Defence reforms and internal security linkage. Border management and force readiness. GS II – Governance & Public Policy Public employment policy. Adaptive policymaking in response to social feedback. What is the Agnipath / Agniveer Scheme? Introduced in 2022. Short-term military recruitment: Tenure: 4 years. Retention: ~25% absorbed into regular armed forces. Objective: Reduce pension burden. Maintain youthful armed forces. Create a disciplined, skilled civilian workforce. Core challenge: Post-service employment for 75% exiting Agniveers. What are CAPFs? Central Armed Police Forces under Ministry of Home Affairs. Include: Border Security Force Central Reserve Police Force Central Industrial Security Force Indo-Tibetan Border Police Sashastra Seema Bal Assam Rifles Roles: Border management. Internal security. Infrastructure and industrial security. What Has Changed?  Earlier Policy (2022) 10% reservation for ex-Agniveers in CAPFs. Limited age relaxation. Covered only select forces initially. New Policy (2025) 50% reservation for ex-Agniveers in Group C posts. First implemented in BSF constable (GD) cadre. Gradual extension to all CAPFs via amended recruitment rules. Age relaxation: Up to 5 years for ex-Agniveers. BSF tradesmen absorption age raised from 30 → 35 years. Recruitment Mechanics Under New Rules Eligibility: Ex-Agniveers exempted from PST/PET. Must clear written examination like other candidates. Two-phase recruitment: Phase 1: Nodal CAPF recruits 50% ex-Agniveers. Phase 2: Staff Selection Commission (SSC) recruits remaining vacancies (including 10% ex-servicemen). Unfilled Agniveer vacancies carried forward. Rationale Behind the Enhanced Reservation 1. Employment Security Prevents sudden demobilisation of trained youth. Reduces risk of unemployment-driven unrest. 2. Internal Security Needs CAPFs gain: Trained manpower. Disciplined recruits. Reduced training costs. 3. Political & Social Stabilisation Responds to: Violent protests of 2022. Electoral sensitivities highlighted in 2024. Improves acceptability of Agnipath scheme. 4. Continuum of Military Skills Creates a seamless security manpower pipeline: Armed Forces → CAPFs → Civil security ecosystem. Implications & Concerns Positives Improves credibility of Agnipath. Strengthens CAPF manpower quality. Enhances youth confidence in short-term military service. Concerns Reduced open competition for civilians. Potential morale issues among non-Agniveer aspirants. Need for: Transparent implementation. Uniform standards across CAPFs. Governance & Federal Angle Recruitment rules amended under statutory powers of MHA. Highlights: Centre’s role in balancing defence reforms with social stability. Adaptive policymaking based on feedback loops. Conclusion Enhancing CAPF reservation for ex-Agniveers to 50% reflects a strategic correction in the Agnipath scheme, balancing defence manpower reforms with employment security and internal stability. Forest Rights Services Go Digital: National FRA Portal (TARANG)  Why is it in News? The Union Government announced plans to develop a national web portal to take all Forest Rights Act (FRA) processes online. Proposal presented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs at a national consultative workshop. A beta version, named TARANG, has already been developed. The portal will be part of a comprehensive FRA Roadmap, targeted for finalisation by first half of 2026. Objective: Address persistent delays, opacity, and uneven implementation of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. Relevance GS II – Governance & Social Justice Tribal rights and inclusive governance. Role of Gram Sabha. Welfare delivery and institutional reforms. GS III – Environment & Sustainable Development Forest governance. Community-based conservation. Balancing ecology and livelihoods. What is the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006? Official name: Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. Purpose: Correct historical injustice faced by forest-dwelling communities. Beneficiaries: Scheduled Tribes (STs). Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (OTFDs). Rights Recognised under FRA Individual Forest Rights (IFR): Cultivation and habitation. Community Forest Rights (CFR): Grazing. Minor forest produce. Community forest resource management. Habitat & resource-use rights. Existing FRA Implementation Process (Problematic) Multi-layered claim process: Gram Sabha → Sub-Divisional Level Committee → District Level Committee → State Level Monitoring Committee. Key issues: Manual records. Missing legacy data. Delays in claim disposal. High rejection rates. Poor inter-departmental coordination. Result: Uneven recognition of rights across States. Weak livelihood security for forest dwellers. What is the Proposed FRA Portal (TARANG)? A single-window national digital platform for all FRA-related services. Key Components Online Filing & Processing of Claims End-to-end digitisation from Gram Sabha to State level. Digital Title Deeds Secure, tamper-proof records of recognised rights. Legacy Data Repository Central storage of already granted FRA titles. FRA Atlas GIS-based mapping of: Existing recognised forest rights. Potential areas where FRA claims may arise. Geotagging of Forest Rights Accurate spatial demarcation to reduce disputes. Objectives Behind Digitisation 1. Transparency & Accountability Reduces discretionary rejection of claims. Enables real-time tracking. 2. Faster Recognition of Rights Minimises procedural delays. Standardises timelines across States. 3. Livelihood & Welfare Integration FRA records to be used for: Saturation of welfare schemes. Targeted delivery of benefits to forest dwellers. 4. Sustainable Forest Governance Supports community-led forest management. Aligns conservation with livelihood security. Governance & Policy Significance Reinforces Gram Sabha centrality while improving administrative efficiency. Helps reconcile: Forest conservation. Tribal rights. Developmental needs. Enables evidence-based policymaking using spatial data. Concerns & Challenges Digital Divide: Limited internet access in forest regions. Capacity Gaps: Gram Sabhas and local officials need training. Risk of Centralisation: Over-digitisation must not dilute community decision-making. Data Accuracy: Errors in mapping could trigger fresh disputes. Way Forward Hybrid model: Digital backend + offline facilitation at Gram Sabha level. Capacity building: Training for local institutions. Legal safeguards: Ensure digital records do not override community consent. Continuous audit: Independent monitoring of claim acceptance and rejection trends. Conclusion The proposed national FRA portal marks a shift from paper-based recognition to data-driven forest governance, aiming to improve transparency, livelihood security, and sustainable management while safeguarding tribal rights. Winter Session of Parliament 2025  Why is it in News? Winter Session of Parliament (2025) concluded with: Passage of 8 Bills (Lok Sabha). Key structural reforms including: Repeal of MGNREGA Act. Opening of civil nuclear sector. 100% FDI in insurance. Official productivity data released by Om Birla highlighted high legislative productivity, despite concerns over disruptions. Relevance GS II – Polity & Governance Parliamentary functioning and legislative scrutiny. Role of Speaker, Opposition, and debate. What is the Winter Session? One of the three parliamentary sessions (Budget, Monsoon, Winter). Typically held November–December. Functions: Law-making. Executive accountability. Policy debates. Duration and productivity vary based on consensus and disruptions. Legislative Productivity Lok Sabha: Productivity: 111%. Passed 8 Bills. Rajya Sabha: Productivity: 82%. Passed 8 Bills. Interpretation: High throughput, but productivity ≠ quality of debate. Year of Extremes: India’s Near-Permanent Disaster Cycle in 2025 Why is it in News? Report by Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down To Earth revealed that: 331 of 334 days (Jan–Nov 2025) witnessed extreme weather events. Up from 295 days in 2024 and 292 days in 2022. Impact in 2025 4,419 deaths. 17.4 million hectares of crops damaged. 1.8 lakh+ houses destroyed. Signals a new climate normal marked by persistence, not seasonality. Relevance GS III: Climate change. Disaster management. Agriculture and food security. What Are Extreme Weather Events? Definition: Weather events significantly deviating from historical averages. Types observed in India: Heatwaves, coldwaves. Heavy rainfall, floods, cloudbursts. Cyclones, storms, lightning. Landslides. Drivers: Global warming (higher atmospheric moisture, energy). Changing monsoon dynamics. Local factors: deforestation, urbanisation, land-use change. What Makes 2025 Different? 1. Near-Permanent Extremes Extreme events on >99% of days. 9 out of 11 months saw extreme weather every single day. “Normal weather window” is shrinking rapidly. 2. All-Season Extremes Earlier: extremes concentrated in monsoon/summer. Now: Winter floods. February heatwaves. Heatwaves in Himalayan regions. Post-monsoon floods and early coldwaves. Scale of Loss & Damage Human & Economic Impact Deaths increased 47% since 2022. Crop damage rose nearly 9× (2022 → 2025). Lightning & thunderstorms: 1,538 deaths. Floods, landslides, cloudbursts: 2,707 deaths. Agriculture & Livelihoods Monsoon alone damaged: ~11 million hectares (65% of total loss). Erratic rainfall: Simultaneous floods + rainfall deficits. ~20% districts had deficient rainfall despite daily extremes. Regional Patterns: Uneven Burden States Himachal Pradesh: Extreme weather on ~80% days. Highest deaths: Andhra Pradesh (608). Madhya Pradesh (537). Jharkhand (478). Highest crop loss: Maharashtra (8.4 mha). Gujarat (4.4 mha). Karnataka (2.75 mha). Regions North-West India: Highest extreme days (311). Highest deaths (1,459). Central India: 1,120 deaths. Shows mountain + agrarian vulnerability. Records Shattered: Climate Signals February 2025: Warmest in 124 years. First-ever winter heatwave (Goa, Maharashtra). March: Mean max temperature +1.02°C above normal. September–October: Among warmest on record (min temperatures). IMD baseline shift (1991–2020): Even “normal” is now hotter than the past. Seasonal Breakdown: Collapse of Boundaries Winter Extremes on 97% of days. Heavy rain/floods on 51 of 59 days (earlier: ~6 days). Pre-Monsoon Extremes on 99% of days. Heatwaves reached: Himalayan states (HP, J&K, Ladakh). Deaths tripled vs 2022. Monsoon All 122 days saw extremes. Daily floods + lightning. Rainfall paradox: Excess rain + district-level deficits. Post-Monsoon Extremes on all 61 days. Early coldwaves (from Nov 7). Spread across 13 states (vs 2 earlier). Overview 1. From Episodic to Structural Crisis Disasters are no longer “events”. They are systemic features of India’s climate. 2. Regressive Impact Poor, farmers, hill communities: Least contributors. Highest sufferers. Climate risk is now a development risk. 3. Governance Stress Test Disaster response systems face: Overload. Fiscal stress. Data gaps. Relief-centric model is inadequate. Way Forward: From Reaction to Resilience Mitigation Rapid emissions reduction. Align with global ambition (CoP30 and beyond). Adaptation Climate-resilient agriculture. Urban flood management. Heat action plans beyond cities. Governance Reforms Integrate climate risk into: Planning. Infrastructure. Fiscal transfers. Strengthen climate data & attribution science. Equity Lens Protect: Small farmers. Informal workers. Mountain & coastal communities. Conclusion India’s experience of extreme weather on almost every day of 2025 marks a shift from seasonal disasters to a permanent climate emergency, demanding systemic adaptation, climate justice, and resilient development rather than episodic relief.