Content Tribal Day 2025: Building an Inclusive India Through Tribal Empowerment Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat Tribal Day 2025: Building an Inclusive India Through Tribal Empowerment Context & Significance Occasion: World Tribal Day (International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) – Aug 9, declared by UN in 1994 to raise awareness about indigenous peoples’ rights and contributions. India’s Indigenous Population: 10.42 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) population (~8.6% of India’s population; Census 2011). Among 47.6 crore indigenous people across 90 countries. Government Philosophy: “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas” – focus on inclusive development and ensuring no tribal community is left behind. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) , GS 2(Social Issues) Budgetary & Institutional Framework Ministry of Tribal Affairs budget: 2014–15: ₹4,497.96 crore 2024–25: ₹13,000 crore (~3× increase). Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST): Mandates 4.3%–17.45% of budgets in 42 central ministries/departments for tribal development. Funding growth: ₹21,525.36 crore (2013–14) → ₹1,24,908 crore (2024–25) (~5× increase). Covers 200+ schemes across education, health, agriculture, skill development, livelihoods, sanitation. DAPST expenditure (last 5 years): 2020–21: ₹48,084.10 crore 2021–22: ₹82,530.58 crore 2022–23: ₹90,972.76 crore 2023–24: ₹1,03,452.77 crore 2024–25 (Provisional): ₹1,04,436.24 crore Flagship Village & PVTG Programs PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA / Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan) Launched: 2 Oct 2024, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Budget: ₹79,156 crore (till 2029). Coverage: ~63,843 tribal-majority villages & 112 Aspirational Districts. Progress (July 2025): 4 lakh+ pucca houses completed. 26,513 villages with piped water supply. 2,212 villages with mobile connectivity. 282 Anganwadi centres operational. 692 hostels sanctioned. PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) Target Group: 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) (~47.5 lakh people, 19 states/UTs). Budget: ₹24,104 crore. Defining traits of PVTGs: Pre-agricultural tech Low literacy Economic backwardness Declining/stagnant population Key progress (till June 2025): Pucca houses: 90,892 completed (target: 4.90 lakh). Piped water: 6,737 villages covered (target: 19,375). Mobile towers: 901 habitations covered (target: 4,543). Electrification: 92,311 households (target: 1.43 lakh). Governance & Capacity Building Aadi Karmayogi – Responsive Governance Programme Goal: Train 20 lakh grassroots tribal functionaries for better service delivery. Approach: Cascading training via Regional & State Process Labs. Integration: Works with PM JUGA & PM JANMAN to improve convergence, transparency, and participation. Livelihood & Entrepreneurship PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PM JVM) Started: 2021; Implemented via TRIFED. Focus: Tribal entrepreneurship, forest-based livelihoods. Events: 79 artisan melas, 50 exhibitions (2022–25). Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) Structure: Each cluster = 15 SHGs (300 beneficiaries); funding: ₹15 lakh/cluster. Coverage: 4,661 VDVKs sanctioned; 12.8 lakh beneficiaries. Sales: ₹129.86 crore total. Tribal Startups Initiative: Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs (April 2025). Support: ₹50 crore Venture Capital Fund for ST entrepreneurs; tie-ups with IIMs, IITs, IFCI, META. Recognition: Startups from Sikkim & Nagaland awarded for D2C travel services & sustainable agri-tech. Education & Scholarships Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Current: 479 schools, 1.38 lakh students. Planned: 728 schools for 3.5 lakh students. Funding growth: ₹922.39 crore (2020–21) → ₹4,053.87 crore (2024–25). Staffing: 9,075 filled posts out of 38,480 sanctioned. Digital & Skill Initiatives: Smart classrooms, DTH channel, computer labs, Amazon Future Engineer, skill labs. IIT-JEE/NEET coaching partnerships (Avanti Fellows, Tata Motors). Scholarships (2019–20 to 2024–25) Post Matric: 1.01 crore beneficiaries; ₹13,380.86 crore. Pre Matric: 54.41 lakh; ₹1,851.64 crore. National Fellowship: 0.16 lakh; ₹671.41 crore. Top Class Education: 0.22 lakh; ₹283.57 crore. National Overseas Scholarship: 269 students; ₹28.74 crore. Health Interventions National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission (2023–2047): Target screening 7 crore people in tribal areas. Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health at AIIMS Delhi; 15 Centres of Competence in 14 states. Rights & Legal Safeguards Forest Rights Act, 2006: 25.11 lakh land titles distributed to tribals & forest dwellers (till May 2025). NCSTGRAMS: Online grievance redressal; 1,747 cases registered in FY 2025–26 (till Aug 7). Cultural Preservation Tribal Research Institutes (29): Document heritage, languages, folk arts. Funding (2020–25): ₹265.94 crore. Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums (11 sanctioned; 3 completed): Ranchi, Jabalpur, Chhindwara. Festivals: Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (15 Nov). Aadi Mahotsav – national platform; 2025 edition saw 600 artisans, 500 performers, MoUs with corporates & NIFT. Strategic Implications for Inclusive Development Holistic approach: Combining infrastructure, health, education, livelihoods, rights, and culture. Budgetary commitment: Significant long-term scaling of central allocations. Decentralized delivery: PM JUGA & PM JANMAN’s village-level interventions target last-mile connectivity. Integration with Aspirational Districts Programme ensures high-impact targeting in lagging regions. Challenges ahead: Geographic remoteness & dispersed populations. High disease burden (sickle cell). Need for sustainable livelihoods beyond state support. Preservation of culture amid rapid integration. Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat Basics of Millets Definition & Types Small-grained cereals, drought-resistant, adaptable to various soils and climates. Major millets: Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl millet (Bajra), Finger millet (Ragi). Small millets: Little millet (Kutki), Kodo millet (Kodo), Barnyard millet (Sawa), Foxtail millet (Kangni), Proso millet (Cheena). Nutritional Profile High in protein, fibre, vitamins (B-complex), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium). Gluten-free, low glycaemic index → suitable for diabetics and celiac patients. Superior nutritional quality vs wheat & rice → “Nutritious Cereals” / “Shree Anna”. Climate Resilience Requires less water, grows in degraded soils, withstands temperature extremes. Short crop cycle → better fit for climate-smart agriculture. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Agriculture) India’s Global Standing & Production Trends Largest Producer Globally: 38.4% of global millet production (FAO, 2023). Production (2024–25): 180.15 lakh tonnes — ↑4.43 lakh tonnes from previous year. Top Producing States (2024–25): Rajasthan Maharashtra Karnataka Crop-wise share: Bajra (largest) > Jowar > Ragi > Small millets. Policy & Budgetary Support Cultivation Support National Food Security Mission – Nutri Cereals Covers 28 States + UTs of J&K and Ladakh. Includes major & small millets. Assistance: cluster demonstrations, HYV seeds, modern farm machinery, irrigation tools, soil health inputs, farmer training. Umbrella scheme under Krishionnati Yojana: ₹8,000 crore (2025–26). Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM RKVY) Flexible for states’ priorities including millets. Budget: ₹8,500 crore (2025–26). Processing & Value Chain Development PM-FME Scheme Focus: Micro food processing units (incl. millet-based products). Budget: ₹2,000 crore (2025–26). Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) Encourages RTE/RTC millet products with ≥15% millet content (domestically sourced). ₹800 crore outlay (part of PLISFPI) — ₹793.27 crore approved for 29 companies. Linked to ≥10% annual sales growth. Export Promotion APEDA: ₹80 crore (2025–26) for millet exports. Exports (2024–25): 89,164.96 tonnes, worth $37 million. Initiatives: Export Promotion Forum, dedicated millet portal, start-up & research partnerships, branding and market linkages. Research & Development ICAR – Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad Global Centre of Excellence (2023). Focus: HYV seeds, farmer training, value addition, FPO promotion. State collaborations (Odisha, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh). Public Procurement & Distribution Integrated into PM-GKAY and NFSA. States can substitute wheat/rice with millets under PDS upon request. PM-GKAY allocation: ₹2,03,000 crore (2025–26). State-Level Best Practices Andhra Pradesh (APDMP): IFAD-supported drought mitigation via FPOs, minor millet varieties, millet-based recipes. Chhattisgarh Millet Mission (2021): Tribal inclusion, decentralised processing, ICAR-IIMR MoU for Kodo, Kutki, Ragi. Haryana – Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana: Price compensation (up to ₹600/qtl for Bajra), crop diversification. Odisha Millet Mission (2017): Tribal focus, ragi revival, millet in Anganwadi food, Millet Shakti Cafés, incubation centres, ODOP designation. Nagaland – NFSM Nutri-Cereals: Foxtail millet promotion, seed distribution, pest/nutrient management. Millets Mainstreaming Framework Value Chain Stages: Production – HYV seeds, irrigation, training. Storage & Transport – post-harvest loss reduction, better storage. Processing – cleaning, grading, tech adoption (esp. for small millets). Packaging & Branding – nutrition labelling, organic certification, brand building. Distribution – market linkages, exports, FPO collaboration. Consumption – awareness drives, millet-based snacks in govt offices/events. Foundations: Institutional support, finance access, partnerships, policy facilitation, gender inclusion. Visibility: Millets Experience Centre at Dilli Haat. Broader Significance Economic: Diversifies farmer income, reduces crop risk, boosts exports. Nutritional Security: Tackles malnutrition and lifestyle diseases. Climate Adaptation: Low water footprint, heat/drought tolerance. Social Impact: Supports tribal farmers, women’s SHGs, rural entrepreneurship. Key Challenges Ahead Limited processing infrastructure in some regions. Consumer awareness and taste preferences still skewed towards rice/wheat. Need for stronger private sector investment in millet-based product innovation. Post-International Year of Millets momentum must be sustained through continuous policy push.

Content Uttarkashi Tragedy and the Urgent Call for Sustainable Development World court’s advisory opinion boosts climate action Uttarkashi Tragedy and the Urgent Call for Sustainable Development Geographical & Ecological Context Location & Terrain Uttarkashi district lies on the southern slope of the Western Himalaya. Characterised by steep slopes, narrow valleys, and glacially fed rivers like the Bhagirathi. Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) notified in 2012, covering 4,100 sq km between Gaumukh and Uttarkashi. Objective: Restrict unregulated development, preserve ecology, regulate construction, and safeguard river systems. Himalayan Fragility Highly prone to landslides, flash floods, avalanches, and GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods). Climate change amplifies risks due to glacial retreat, permafrost melt, and altered precipitation patterns. Relevance : GS 1(Geography ) , GS 3(Disaster Management ) Practice Question : Examine the role of unregulated infrastructure development in amplifying disaster risks in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, with special reference to the Uttarkashi floods of August 2025.(250 words) Sequence of the August 5, 2025 Disaster Three Major Events in a Short Stretch 1:00 pm – First flood in Dharali (initially suspected as cloudburst; IMD later denied). Swept away houses, hotels, bazaar area, Kalp Kedar temple. 3:00 pm – Second flood downstream of Harsil. 3:30 pm – Third flood submerged Harshil helipad, hindering relief efforts. Casualties & Damage 4 confirmed deaths, 60–70 missing (including 9 Army personnel). Destruction of 20–25 hotels/homestays, shops, apple orchards. Cause (as per scientists like Navin Juyal) Not cloudbursts, but three near-simultaneous avalanches triggered by: Melting snow from rising temperatures. Heavy monsoon rains. Release of debris from cirques (hanging glaciers full of moraines). Avalanches carried ice, boulders, and water down steep deodar-covered slopes into streams. Underlying Structural & Policy Failures Weak Enforcement of BESZ Norms Infrastructural projects (roads, hotels) built in floodplains and on unstable slopes. Government ignored MoEF&CC monitoring committee warnings. Char Dham Highway Expansion Plans to widen the Gangotri highway through BESZ for tourism. High Powered Committee (HPC) Recommendation: Avoid cutting deodar forests. Consider elevated highway closer to river to prevent slope destabilisation. Status: Ignored – 6,000 deodar trees marked for felling. Tourism-Driven Overdevelopment Rapid construction without carrying-capacity studies. Encroachment on river corridors and para-glacial zones. Ignored Precedents Kedarnath flood (2013). Raunthi Gad avalanche destroying Tapovan-Vishnugad HEP (2021). Joshimath land subsidence (2023). GLOF in Teesta Valley (2023). Himachal monsoon landslides (2023–24). Scientific & Climatic Dimensions Climate Change Amplifiers Rising temperatures accelerate snow/glacier melt → more avalanches. Intense monsoon bursts increase flood risk. Hydrological Instability Small streams in Himalayas can swell suddenly, change course, and breach banks. Glacial Morphology Factors Cirques & hanging glaciers act as reservoirs for debris and water. Unstable moraines are prone to collapse under heat + rain stress. Governance & Preparedness Gaps Early Warning Deficiencies Lack of dense automatic weather station network in high altitudes. Inadequate satellite-based real-time monitoring for avalanches & GLOFs. Disaster Response Bottlenecks Constant rain + unstable muck hindered rescue operations. Loss of critical infrastructure (helipads, roads) during disaster slows aid. Policy Disconnect No integration of climate change adaptation into infrastructure planning. Disaster risk assessments often post-facto, not pre-emptive. Key Lessons & Imperatives Respect Mountain Ecology Avoid major HEPs in para-glacial zones. No road widening on slopes >30°. Keep human settlements away from flood-prone streams. Enforce BESZ Regulations No exemptions for tourism or “strategic” projects without environmental clearance. Infrastructure Rethink Elevated roads, slope stabilisation, tunnelling where feasible. Limit tree felling; prioritise native forest conservation. Carrying-Capacity Studies Mandatory before approving any large tourism or urban expansion project. Climate Resilience Measures Expand automatic weather & avalanche detection systems. Satellite + AI-based early warning dissemination to villages. Community-led disaster preparedness training. Policy Integration Link climate change science → hazard mapping → development planning. Apply Supreme Court’s precautionary principle in Himalayan projects. Broader Message The Himalayas are not just tourist backdrops, but a living, fragile system central to India’s water security, biodiversity, and climate stability. Unsustainable development = amplified disaster risks, where natural hazards turn into human tragedies. “Respect the Mountain” is not rhetoric – it’s a survival imperative for people, ecosystems, and the economy. World court’s advisory opinion boosts climate action Background: Role of ICJ & Nature of Advisory Opinions ICJ (International Court of Justice) – principal judicial organ of the UN; also called the World Court. Advisory Opinions: Not legally binding like judgments in contentious cases. Authoritative interpretations of international law → carry significant moral, political, and legal weight. Can generate international pressure on states to align behaviour with legal norms. Example: UK’s eventual handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after ICJ advisory opinion (2019). Context: Small Island Developing States (SIDS), facing existential climate threats, led the UN General Assembly initiative to seek this opinion. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Practice Question : The recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice marks a paradigm shift in interpreting states’ obligations under climate treaties. Critically analyse its potential impact on global climate governance and the Global South–North divide.(250 words) Key Legal Findings of the ICJ States have legal obligations under international law to: Protect the climate system. Prevent significant harm. Cooperate internationally to address climate change. Obligations are universal – transcend politics; states cannot ignore them. Failure to comply has legal consequences, even without binding treaty enforcement mechanisms. Interpretation of Climate Treaties ICJ interpreted UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement as a coherent whole. Integrated best available scientific consensus (e.g., IPCC findings) and COP decisions. Paris Agreement temperature goal: Official: “Well below 2°C” with efforts toward 1.5°C. ICJ interpretation: 1.5°C threshold is the relevant binding benchmark given current science. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): States do not have unfettered discretion. NDCs must reflect “highest possible ambition”. Duty of due diligence → states must take measures reasonably capable of meeting NDCs. Rejection of the argument that NDCs create no binding obligations. Global North–South Divide & Climate Justice Reinforced Common But Differentiated Responsibilities & Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC): Action standards vary based on historical emissions, development level, and national circumstances. Developed countries’ obligations: Legally bound to provide climate finance and technology transfer to developing nations. Applies to both mitigation and adaptation. Financial support obligation interpreted in light of: Temperature goal. Subsequent climate agreements (e.g., COP commitments). Compliance judged on good faith and due diligence standards. Rejection of “Self-Contained Regime” Argument Some states (including India) argued climate treaties operate as a self-contained regime, excluding general international law principles. ICJ rejected this, affirming: Climate obligations also arise from: Customary international law. Other environmental treaties. Law of the Sea Convention. Duties include: Duty to prevent significant harm. Duty of cooperation. Duty of due diligence. Climate change impacts human rights, especially of vulnerable groups. Obligations extend to ensuring a just transition without human rights violations. State Responsibility & Causation ICJ rejected the claim that causation is too hard to prove. Modern science enables attribution: Each state’s historical + current emissions can be calculated. Enables individual responsibility for contribution to climate harm. Withdrawal from climate treaties (e.g., US withdrawal from Paris Agreement under Trump) does not remove obligations under customary international law. Implications for Global South & Strategic Litigation Legal victory for small island states – strengthens accountability mechanisms. Potential to: Bolster climate-related human rights litigation (e.g., Ridhima Pandey v. Union of India). Pressure major emitters to raise ambition. Demand greater climate finance and technology transfer. Challenge disproportionate burden on developing countries. Provides leverage in climate negotiations and disputes. Broader International Legal Significance Climate change framed as cross-cutting legal obligation under multiple regimes, not just environmental treaties. Establishes due diligence + highest ambition as legal standards. Aligns legal interpretation with evolving scientific consensus. Strengthens link between climate action and human rights protection. Supports the development of customary international law on climate obligations.

Content Is the Indian economy perfectly balanced? How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses NH Accident Crisis Was glacial lake breach over Dharali the trigger? Experts find some clues Topra Kalan Diabetes among older Indian adults Russian Oil Discount Narrows for India Is the Indian economy perfectly balanced? “Goldilocks Economy” Definition: An economic condition that is “just right” – moderate GDP growth, low inflation, and favourable monetary conditions. Origin of term: Derived from the “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” fairy tale — not too hot (overheating economy), not too cold (recession), but balanced. Implication: Sustains economic expansion without triggering high inflation or requiring restrictive monetary policy. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) India’s “Mini-Goldilocks Moment” – Official & Market View Finance Ministry claim: Moderate inflation, strong GDP growth, and stable interest rates in 2024-25. GDP growth at 7.6% (FY2024). India’s GDP size: $3.6 trillion (end of FY2024). Analysts’ assessment: Termed it a quarterly ‘mini-Goldilocks moment’. Factors: Peaking interest rates, strong corporate earnings, growth momentum into 2025. Hidden Fault Lines – Why the Label is Misleading A. Inflation – Headline vs. Reality CPI (General): Fell from 4.8% (May 2024) to 2.82% (May 2025) – appears within RBI’s comfort zone. CFPI (Food inflation): Persistently higher than general CPI, e.g.: Oct 2024: CPI 6.21%, CFPI 10.87%. Aug 2024: CPI 3.65%, CFPI 5.66%. Impact: Food ~50% of household consumption for lower-income groups. Volatile food inflation disrupts household budgeting, savings, and nutrition quality. Core inflation relevance: Excludes volatile food & fuel; better captures persistent cost pressures (housing, education, transport). Net takeaway: Low headline inflation masks high volatility in essentials that hit poorer households hardest. B. Real Wages vs. Nominal Wages Nominal wage growth ≠ actual purchasing power gain. 2023: Nominal salary hike 9.2%, real wage growth only 2.5%. 2020: Real wage growth -0.4%, despite nominal growth 4.4%. 2025 projection: Real wage growth 4% vs. nominal 8.8%. Why it matters: Inflation erodes much of the nominal gains. For households, 9% salary hike with 7% inflation = only 2% extra purchasing capacity. ILO & economists’ warning: Stagnant real wages = weak consumption demand → slows broad-based recovery. Result: Growing disconnect between GDP growth and household financial well-being. C. Income Inequality Gini coefficient (taxable income): AY13: 0.489 → AY16: 0.435 → AY23 (forecast): 0.402. Apparent decline, but formal sector data underrepresents inequality in the informal economy. Post-pandemic trend: “K-shaped” recovery – affluent & select industries thrive; lower-income groups stagnate. Wealth concentration: Surge in billionaires alongside stagnant wages for lower tiers. Socioeconomic effects: Risk of reduced social cohesion, constrained access to health & education, and weaker inclusive growth. D. Fiscal Constraints Fiscal deficit path: 6.4% (2022-23) → target 4.4% (2025-26). Revenue deficit: 4% → target 1.5%. Primary deficit: 3% → target 0.8%. Challenges: Absolute deficit levels still high. Public debt-to-GDP: ~81% (2022-23), well above FRBM target of 60%. Implications: Large debt-servicing burden reduces space for social/infrastructure spending. Risk of “crowding out” private investment due to heavy govt. borrowing. Macro Picture – Beyond the Headline Strengths: High GDP growth (7.6%), easing interest rates, declining headline CPI. Positive short-term investor sentiment. Weaknesses: Persistent food price volatility. Weak real wage growth constraining demand. Inequality in income & wealth distribution. High fiscal deficit & debt burden. Structural Risk: Growth benefits concentrated in upper-income groups & select industries. Potential long-term drag on inclusive and sustainable growth. Core Takeaway Goldilocks label risks masking structural vulnerabilities. True economic health depends on: Sustained real income growth across all segments. Reduction in inequality (both income & opportunity). Stabilised essential goods prices. Fiscal consolidation without sacrificing public investment. How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses Groundwater’s Central Role in India Share in water supply: 85% of rural drinking water comes from groundwater. 65% of irrigation water is groundwater-dependent. Why reliance is high: Seasonal monsoon variability makes groundwater a more dependable source. Poor surface water management and storage infrastructure. Perception vs. reality: Historically considered nature’s purest reserve, but now a major source of toxic exposure. Relevance : GS 1(Geography ) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology)   Scale & Nature of Contamination (2024 CGWB Annual Groundwater Quality Report) Nitrates: Found in >20% of samples (from 440 districts). Causes: overuse of chemical fertilizers, leaching from septic tanks. Risk: Blue Baby Syndrome (methemoglobinemia), especially fatal for infants. Fluoride: Excess (>1.5 mg/L) in 9% of samples. Health: Skeletal and dental fluorosis (66 million affected; 230 districts across 20 states). High-prevalence areas: Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. Arsenic: Gangetic belt states: West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam. Exceeds WHO limit (10 μg/L) in many districts; in Bagpat (UP) recorded 40 mg/L (4,000× safe limit). Risks: Skin lesions, cancers (skin, bladder, liver, kidney, lungs), gangrene, neurological issues. Uranium: Found in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan; in Malwa region >WHO limit (30 μg/L). Sources: phosphate fertilizers, excessive groundwater pumping. Health: Chronic kidney damage, organ toxicity. Iron: 13% samples above safe limit. Health: Gastrointestinal issues, developmental disorders. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury): Sources: industrial effluents, mining. Risks: developmental delays, anaemia, immune suppression, neurological damage. Pathogens: From sewage/septic leaks; outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A & E. Real-world Groundwater “Death Zones” Budhpur, Baghpat (UP) – 13 deaths in 2 weeks from kidney failure; linked to industrial effluent contamination (paper & sugar mills). Jalaun (UP) – Petroleum-like fluids in hand pump water due to suspected underground fuel leaks. Paikarapur, Bhubaneswar – Faulty sewage treatment plant led to mass illness in hundreds. Public Health Impacts Chronic diseases: skeletal deformities, neurological decline, cancers, kidney/liver failure. Acute outbreaks: waterborne diseases in peri-urban & rural belts. Children at highest risk: developmental impairment from fluoride, lead, nitrate poisoning. Geogenic + anthropogenic interplay: natural presence of arsenic/fluoride worsened by over-extraction & pollution. Why the Crisis Persists – Structural Gaps Weak legal coverage: Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 barely covers groundwater contamination. CGWB: no statutory enforcement powers. Institutional fragmentation: CGWB, CPCB, SPCBs, Ministry of Jal Shakti operate in silos. Lack of coordinated, science-based interventions. Resource constraints: SPCBs underfunded, lack trained manpower & lab facilities. Regulatory loopholes: Industries operate with minimal oversight, low compliance checks. Poor monitoring: Sparse sampling, no real-time public data, weak health-surveillance integration. Over-extraction link: Falling water tables concentrate contaminants and trigger geogenic toxin release. Key Statistics to Note Fluoride: 66 million affected; 9% of 15,259 samples exceed WHO limit. Nitrate: 56% of districts exceed safe limits; 28% rise in nitrate-toxicity hospital admissions (2018–2023). Arsenic: 1 in 100 in affected regions highly cancer-vulnerable. Uranium: 66% of sampled sites in Malwa region unsafe for children. Reform Priorities Legislative overhaul: Enact National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework with binding enforcement powers. Integrated governance: Merge efforts of CGWB, CPCB, SPCBs into coordinated national task force. Modern monitoring: Install real-time sensors, expand sampling network, public data dashboards. Polluter accountability: Strict effluent standards, mandatory zero-liquid discharge for industries. Health response: Targeted remediation (defluoridation, arsenic removal plants), nutrition programs, alternate safe water supply. Sanitation reform: Upgrade rural/peri-urban sewage systems, regulate septic tank maintenance. Community engagement: Citizen water-testing drives, groundwater literacy campaigns. Bottom Line India’s groundwater crisis has shifted from quantity to quality. It is silent, invisible, and often irreversible in damage. Without urgent, coordinated action, contamination will translate directly into avoidable deaths, disease burden, and economic loss. NH Accident Crisis Scale & Severity of the Issue First 6 months of 2025: Accidents: 67,933 Deaths: 29,018 (≈54.7% of 2024’s total fatalities already reached in half a year) Annual comparison: 2023 → 53,630 deaths in 1,23,955 accidents 2024 → 53,090 deaths in 1,25,873 accidents If 2025 trend continues, fatalities may surpass 58,000–60,000 by year-end — the highest in recent years. Share in national road fatalities: National highways (NHs) account for ~30% of road accident deaths, despite comprising only ~2% of India’s total road network. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Health , Governance) Key Observations from Data Trends High fatality rate: Deaths per accident on NHs are significantly higher than on other roads due to higher vehicle speeds and traffic volumes. Stagnant or worsening safety: Despite safety drives, fatalities on NHs have not seen meaningful reduction between 2023–2024, and 2025’s pace indicates deterioration. Potential under-reporting: Data is based on state/UT inputs to the eDAR portal — while this improves accuracy, actual figures may be higher due to delays or omissions in reporting. Government’s Recognition & Measures Official target: Halve total road accident deaths by 2030, aligning with UN SDG 3.6. Remedial actions (short- & long-term): Road markings, signage, crash barriers, raised pavement markers. Geometric improvements & junction redesigns. Spot widening of carriageways. Construction of underpasses/overpasses. Root cause acknowledged: Road engineering faults identified as a primary factor; Minister Nitin Gadkari has publicly criticised poor quality designs by consultants. Structural Challenges Design flaws: Poor curvature, inadequate shoulder space, abrupt junctions, and faulty merging lanes. Speed & enforcement gap: Lack of effective automated enforcement on speed limits and lane discipline. Mixed traffic hazards: NHs are used by both high-speed vehicles and slow-moving traffic (tractors, two-wheelers, animal carts), increasing collision risks. Infrastructure vs. safety lag: Rapid NH expansion under Bharatmala has outpaced equally robust safety integration. Maintenance gaps: Faded road markings, poor lighting, and potholes persist on certain stretches. Social & Economic Impact Human cost: ~80 deaths/day on NHs alone in Jan–June 2025; many victims in economically productive age groups (18–45 years). Economic loss: India loses 3–5% of GDP annually due to road accidents (World Bank, 2021). Healthcare burden: Overstretching trauma care facilities along major corridors. Ripple effects: Loss of breadwinners, increased dependency ratios, and impact on household incomes. Way Forward – Evidence-Based Solutions Engineering audit: Mandatory independent safety audit before and after NH construction. Speed management: AI-based speed enforcement, variable speed limits based on traffic/weather. Separation of traffic streams: Dedicated lanes for slow-moving vehicles on NHs in high-risk stretches. Black spot elimination: Time-bound removal/redesign of all identified accident-prone spots. Post-crash care: Golden Hour policy with GPS-linked ambulances and trauma centres every 50 km. Community awareness: Targeted campaigns for NH users, particularly truckers and two-wheeler riders. Accountability in design: Penal provisions for consultants/contractors in case of accidents linked to design defects. Was glacial lake breach over Dharali the trigger? Experts find some clues Geographical & Geomorphological Context Location: Dharali village, Uttarakhand, near Kheer Ganga River. Terrain: Glaciated region in upper catchment. Presence of deglaciated valleys bounded by end moraines (glacially deposited sediment ridges). Alluvial fan at Dharali — formed from debris deposition of past floods/landslides. River Characteristics: Steep gradient — increases velocity and destructive potential of floods. Relevance : GS 1(Geography ), GS 3(Disaster Management) Possible Causes of Disaster (Hypotheses from Experts) Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Scenario: Evidence: September 2022 satellite images show past lake formation signatures above end moraine. Meandering stream above end moraine suggests low-gradient, ponding-prone terrain. Deglaciated valley features indicate possible historical impoundment. Trigger: Landslide from end moraine blocking drainage, forming lake; later breach due to glacier mass movement or instability. Outcome: Sudden release of water and debris → flash flood and mudflow. Glacial Snout Detachment: NDMA’s alternative hypothesis: Partial collapse of glacier nose carrying large sediment load downstream. Landslide Reactivation: Landslide 2 km upstream reportedly reactivated, potentially blocking and then breaching river channel. Contributing Factors Geological Vulnerability: Unstable moraines and steep slopes. Past flood and debris flow evidence in Kheer Ganga basin. Anthropogenic Stress: Rapid commercialisation & tourism infrastructure on alluvial fan (unstable landform). Construction of Dharasu–Gangotri highway increasing slope instability and altering drainage. Climate Link: Possible link to glacier retreat and increased meltwater ponding due to warming. Disaster Dynamics GLOF Mechanics: Dam formation (by moraine/landslide) → water accumulation → dam breach. Steep channel → high energy flood with sediment and debris entrainment. Alluvial Fan Vulnerability: Channels can shift during floods, spreading destruction beyond main river course. Floodwaters in steep terrain travel rapidly, giving minimal early warning. Remote Sensing & Investigation Current Effort: NDMA coordinating with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for sharper pre-disaster imagery to confirm lake presence and breach dynamics. Indicators to be checked: Pre-disaster water body size and location. Landslide activity on moraines or adjacent slopes. Glacier snout changes (fracture, retreat). Broader Significance Early Warning Needs: Regular monitoring of high-risk glacial lakes in Uttarakhand using satellites. Mapping of unstable moraines and slope movement zones. Land-use Regulation: Avoiding infrastructure and dense settlements on alluvial fans in Himalayan valleys. Climate Adaptation: Integrating glacial hazard mapping into tourism and highway development plans. Topra Kalan Geographical & Historical Context Location: Topra Kalan village, Yamunanagar district, Haryana; ~14 km from Yamunanagar city and ~90 km from Chandigarh. Historical Significance: Original site of the Delhi-Topra Ashokan Pillar carrying Emperor Ashoka’s moral edicts. Pillar moved to Delhi in the 14th century by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Referenced by Sir Alexander Cunningham (first DG of ASI) and Hiuen Tsang (7th-century Chinese Buddhist scholar) as a major Buddhist activity centre. Relevance : GS 1(Heritage , Culture , History) Recent Discoveries (2024–2025) Artifacts Recovered: Painted Grey Ware (PGW): Typically dated to 1200–600 BCE, linked to late Vedic culture. Black-and-Red Ware, Black-on-Red Ware, Black Ware: Associated with Chalcolithic to early historic phases. Stamped pottery, moulded bricks, beads: Indicates craft specialization and urban organization. Structural Remains: Possible dome-like structure (hypothesized Buddhist stupa). Buried walls, platforms, room-like enclosures in varied orientations, at depths of 4–5 m (dense habitation layers). Shallow wall formations at 0.2–0.8 m depth (later-period constructions). Chronological Insights Estimated Age: Site likely dates back to ~1500 BCE — nearly 3,500 years old. Cultural Sequence: Early occupation with PGW (Late Vedic period). Mauryan-era Buddhist activity (3rd century BCE). Continued habitation into medieval period (Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s relocation of Ashokan Pillar). Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Findings Survey Conducted: January 2025 by IIT Kanpur, led by Prof. Javed Malik. Purpose: Map sub-surface features without excavation. Revealed: Well-planned settlement layout. Multi-layered construction suggesting successive cultural phases. Large, buried architectural elements supporting long-term, organized settlement. Buddhist Connection Evidence supports Topra Kalan as a Buddhist hub in Mauryan times: Hypothesized stupa remains. Historical accounts from Hiuen Tsang describing Buddhist establishments in the region. Link to Ashoka’s moral edicts pillar. Archaeological & Preservation Challenges No Excavation Yet: Site lies under a densely populated village — relocation is complex and sensitive. Local Reports: Residents have unearthed PGW, red ware, and other artifacts during house construction. Risk: Construction without archaeological supervision could damage remains. Tourism & Cultural Heritage Potential Ashoka Edicts Park: 27-acre park in Topra Kalan. Houses a 30-foot Ashoka Chakra replica (India’s largest, recognised by Limca Book of Records, 2020). Proposal: Reconstruction of four ancient stupas at the park to boost Buddhist heritage tourism. Strategic Relevance: Fits into India’s Buddhist circuit tourism initiatives, linking with sites like Sarnath, Nalanda, and Rajgir. Significance of Findings Archaeological Importance: Extends known habitation in Yamunanagar region back to Late Vedic period (~1500 BCE). Strengthens Haryana’s position in India’s early historic and Buddhist heritage map. Cultural Continuity: Shows transition from Vedic settlement to Mauryan Buddhist influence to medieval Islamic period. Policy Implication: Need for non-invasive archaeological methods (e.g., GPR, resistivity surveys) in populated heritage sites. Diabetes among older Indian adults Basics & Context Study Source: Lancet Global Health, based on Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017–2019. Sample Size: ~60,000 adults aged 45 years and above, nationally and state-level representative. Focus: Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes in India’s ageing population. Significance: First large-scale nationally representative survey linking self-reported and measured diabetes prevalence in older adults. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Key Findings – Prevalence Overall Prevalence: ~20% of adults aged ≥45 years had diabetes in 2019. Gender Parity: Men – 19.6%; Women – 20.1% (negligible difference). Urban–Rural Gap: Urban – 30% prevalence; Rural – 15% (2x higher in urban). Regional Variation: Highest rates (age-adjusted): Chandigarh (36.9%), Puducherry (36%), Kerala (36%). Highest absolute numbers: Tamil Nadu (6.1M), Maharashtra (5.8M), Uttar Pradesh (4.7M). Southern States: Higher prevalence; Central & NE States: Lower prevalence. Awareness & Diagnosis Undiagnosed Burden: ~20 million Indians aged ≥45 years had undiagnosed diabetes. Unaware Patients: 40% of diabetics did not know they had the disease. Elderly (60+) Undiagnosed: ~8%. Awareness Rate: ~60% of diabetics knew of their condition. Treatment & Control Treatment Coverage: Once aware, 94% received treatment – a high compliance rate. Control Rates (among those diagnosed): Glycaemic control: 46% Blood pressure control: 59% Lipid-lowering medication use: Only 6% (low, despite cardiovascular risk). Treatment Status: Untreated diabetes: 5% of ≥45 population. Under-treated diabetes: 47% of diagnosed cases. Adequately treated diabetes: 36%. Public Health Implications Epidemiological Transition: Rising prevalence linked to economic development, urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, dietary changes. Screening Gap: High undiagnosed proportion → Need for universal screening in primary healthcare. Awareness-to-Treatment Conversion: Strong (94%) → Campaigns can have significant impact. Control Gaps: Even with treatment, less than half achieve optimal blood sugar control; lipid management grossly neglected. Policy & Programmatic Takeaways Scale-up Priorities: Universal diabetes screening for ≥40 age group. Strengthen NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke). Integrate diabetes detection into Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres. Regional Targeting: Focus on high-prevalence southern & UT regions with preventive interventions. Comorbidity Approach: Combine diabetes care with hypertension & dyslipidaemia management to reduce CVD risk. Health Education: Community-level lifestyle modification awareness – diet, exercise, weight control. Strategic Outlook LASI Wave 2: Will follow up same cohort for better longitudinal insights into detection, treatment, and control trends. Global Context: India is part of the global surge in type-2 diabetes prevalence; WHO and IDF project further increases without intervention. Silver Lining: High treatment compliance post-awareness suggests that the key bottleneck is early detection, not willingness to seek care. Russian Oil Discount Narrows for India Background: Russia’s Oil Discount to India Pre-Ukraine war (pre-Feb 2022): Russian oil’s share in India’s crude imports: ~2%. No significant discount; India primarily imported from Middle East suppliers (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Post-invasion scenario: Western sanctions forced Russia to sell crude at heavy discounts to non-Western buyers. Discount for India peaked at >$12/barrel vs. Middle Eastern grades in 2022-23. Share of Russian oil in India’s imports rose sharply to 35–40%. Savings in FY24: $7–10 billion in oil import bill. Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security ) Recent Change: Discount Erosion 2024-25 levels: Discount narrowed to $2–3/barrel (Morgan Stanley) or ~$2.2/barrel (Nomura). Causes: Increased competition for Russian crude from other Asian buyers. Logistics costs, sanctions enforcement, and Russia’s better access to “shadow fleets” reducing urgency to discount. Impact: Economic advantage to India from Russian oil purchases has reduced drastically. Potential import bill increase if fully replaced: ~$1.5 billion/year (Nomura). Diversification to West Asian/Brazilian crude could raise prices by ~$4–5/barrel, but global oil prices in 2025 are ~$9 lower than 2024 average — cushioning the blow. US Tariff Escalation and Link to Russian Oil Donald Trump’s trade stance: Imposed secondary sanctions-like tariffs on India for Russian oil and defence purchases. Tariff hike: August 1: +25% on Indian goods. August 7: Additional +25% (total 50%). Effective from August 27, 2025. Targeted sectors: Goods categories where India competes with Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China — but India now faces higher tariff barriers (50%) compared to their 19–30% range. Exempted categories (pharma, electronics) form ~50% of India’s $80 billion US goods exports. Global double standards: China imported $56.26 billion worth of Russian oil in 2024; EU imported $25.2 billion in Russian oil — yet US penalties focus on India. Current Indian Import Adjustments Russian oil imports falling: July 2025: 1.6 million barrels/day from Russia — down 24% from June (Kpler). State-run refiners cutting purchases more sharply than private refiners. US crude imports rising: Since May 2025: ~225,000 barrels/day (double early 2025 levels). Potential to scale to 300,000 bpd (2021 highs). Likely diversification sources: Traditional Middle East suppliers (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Latin America (Brazil). USA (light sweet crude, strategic alignment). Economic and Policy Implications Oil import bill: Immediate rise minimal due to low current global prices. Risk: Diversification may push global prices higher, adding ~$1.8 billion to India’s bill for every $1/barrel global price rise. Domestic inflation: Retail pump prices likely to be kept constant by government. Under-recoveries absorbed by public-sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), with possible later government compensation. Fiscal deficit: Nomura sees no major upside risk to FY25 target (4–4.4% of GDP). Strategic Dimensions Geopolitical balancing: Reducing dependence on Russian oil may ease US pressure, open space for better trade terms with US energy exports. But complete halt to Russian oil unlikely due to cost, logistics, and strategic partnership considerations. India–Russia cooperation beyond oil: Ongoing talks on rare earths, critical minerals, aluminium, fertilisers, and railway transport. Areas of advanced tech cooperation: wind tunnel facilities, small aircraft piston engines, carbon fibre, additive manufacturing. Rare earth minerals context: China controls 85–95% of global rare earths; recent Chinese export restrictions have hit Indian automobile production. Diversifying supply from Russia could reduce strategic vulnerability. Risks and Outlook Short-term: Discount erosion removes Russia’s cost advantage. Tariff escalation by US could hit Indian exports by 40–50% in certain categories. Medium-term: Supply diversification feasible with minimal inflationary impact if global prices remain soft. Risk of global price uptick from India’s pivot away from Russia. Long-term: India’s energy strategy will likely involve a multi-supplier basket to balance cost, security, and geopolitics. Greater emphasis on US crude imports and non-Middle East diversification. Continued Russia cooperation in non-energy sectors to maintain strategic ties.