Content Ministry of Railways — Year End Review 2025 Traditional Medicines of India on International Platforms Ministry of Railways — Year End Review 2025 Why in News ? Year-End Review 2025 released by the Ministry of Railways . Highlights transformation in infrastructure, safety, freight capacity, passenger amenities, indigenisation & technology-driven operations, laying groundwork for 2026. Relevance GS-III (Infrastructure, Economy, Transport, Inclusive Growth) Rail infrastructure scale-up — tracks, electrification, bridges, DFCs, MAHSR, corridors Freight productivity & logistics cost reduction; Gati Shakti terminals, PPP, Make-in-India Green transition — near-total electrification, solar stations, road-to-rail modal shift Tech-led safety — Kavach 4.0, AI surveillance, signalling & track modernisation Passenger Services — Expansion, Speed, Inclusivity Vande Bharat 164 services in operation (as of 26 Dec 2025); 15 new trains added in 2025. Vande Bharat Sleeper to redefine overnight long-distance AC travel. Amrit Bharat Trains (Non-AC, affordable comfort) 13 new trains in 2025; 30 services operational. Namo Bharat Rapid Rail 2 services functional — Bhuj–Ahmedabad & Jaynagar–Patna. Special Trains for peak demand 43,000+ trips in 2025 including 17,340 (Maha Kumbh) 12,417 (Summer) 12,383 (Chhath Puja) 1,144 (Holi) Significance: Passenger mobility + festival load management without systemic congestion. Track, Speed & Electrification — Safety + Capacity Backbone Track Commissioning (Apr–Nov 2025): 900+ km new lines. Track Renewal 2025 6,880 track-km rails renewed 7,051 track-km complete renewal 9,277 turnout renewals Long-term expansion (2014–25): 34,428 km new track (8.57 km/day vs 4.2 km/day in 2009–14). Speed Upgrades 130 kmph over 599 km 110 kmph over 4,069 km Electrification 99.2% BG network electrified 14 Zones + 25 States/UTs = 100% electrified Higher than UK (39%), Russia (52%), China (82%). Inference: Mission-mode modernisation + reduced diesel dependence + faster operations. Bridges, ROB/RUB & Level-Crossing Safety 2025: 1,161 ROB/RUBs constructed. 2014–25: 13,600+ bridges, >3× (2004–14: 4,148). 268 manned LC eliminations (2025–26 till Nov). 1,799 bridges rehabilitated in same period. Outcome: Reduced collision risk + smoother road-rail interface. Rolling Stock & Indigenisation LHB Coaches (Apr–Nov 2025): 4,224 units (+18% YoY) ICF: 1,659 | MCF: 1,234 | RCF: 1,331 2014–25: 42,600+ LHB coaches produced (18× over 2004–14). Wagon Production (FY 2024–25): 41,929 — highest in 3 years Jan–Nov 2025: 33,703 wagons. Strategic Impact: Safer trains, higher load capacity, Make-in-India ecosystem. Landmark Connectivity Projects USBRL (272 km) completed — All-weather Kashmir rail link Chenab Arch Bridge (359 m high) — world’s highest. Anji Cable-Stayed Bridge, T-50 longest tunnel. Bairabi–Sairang (51 km, Mizoram) — Aizawl enters rail map 45 tunnels, 55 major bridges; Rajdhani to Delhi flagged off. New Pamban Vertical-Lift Sea Bridge (2.08 km) 72.5 m lift span, 100-yr design life; boosts tourism + future India–Sri Lanka link prospects. High-Speed Rail — MAHSR Progress (Japan Cooperation) Physical progress: 55.63% (Nov 2025) Financial progress: 69.62% | ₹85,801 crore spent Foundations: 412 km, Piers: 405 km, Girder Casting: 344 km, Launching: 330 km Relevance: Tech-transfer, corridor-based urbanisation, high-skill jobs. Freight, DFCs & Logistics Push — Toward 3,000 MT by 2030 India now world’s 2nd-largest freight carrier. DFC Operations (Nov 2025): 403 trains/day on EDFC+WDFC FY25-26 cumulative: 82,718 trains | 64,111 MT-NTKM 1 Billion Tonne freight milestone (FY 2025-26) 4.4 MT/day loading driven by coal, iron ore, cement, containers. Tariff Reform: Flat ₹0.90/tonne-km for cement. 25 Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals commissioned (first/last-mile efficiency). Case Studies First foodgrain rake to Anantnag — 1,384 tonnes. Cement & automobiles to Mizoram via Sairang line. Inference: Lower logistics cost + hinterland market integration. Safety — Historic Low Accident Levels Consequential accidents 2004–14: 1,711 (avg 171/yr) 2024–25: 31 2025–26 (till Nov): 11 Safety Budget: ₹39,463 cr (2013-14) → ₹1,16,470 cr (2025-26). Fog devices: 90 → 25,939 (2014→2025). Kavach 4.0: 738 Rkm, higher accuracy + EI-OFC integration; large-scale rollout planned. CCTV: 1,731 stations | 11,953 coaches. Outcome: Tech-enabled safety + human-error mitigation. Station Redevelopment & Passenger Amenities Amrit Bharat Stations: 1,337 selected; 155 completed. Upgrades: wider concourses, lifts/escalators, modern toilets, F&B courts, OSOP kiosks, Divyang facilities. Solar Adoption: 2,626 stations solar-powered | 898 MW installed (≈70% traction use). Free Wi-Fi: 6,117 stations. RailOne App: UTS tickets, live tracking, e-catering, grievances, taxi/porter. Impact: Urban integration + sustainability + travel convenience. Governance, Digital Reforms & RPF Outcomes Aadhaar-linked ticketing First 15 min booking + Tatkal restricted to verified users. 5.73 cr suspicious accounts deactivated. RPF Operations (2025-till Nov) 376,205 passenger-help cases 17,231 children rescued (Nanhe Faristey) 2,868 lives saved (Jeevan Raksha) 53,607 luggage returns | ₹79.85 cr value AAHT rescues: 978 victims | 292 traffickers arrested NDPS seizures: ₹2,08,52,03,671 | 1,601 arrests Signal: Passenger security + social protection + crime deterrence. PPP-Led Manufacturing & Exports Madhepura (Alstom): 576 of 12,000-HP locos (76 in 2025–26 till Nov). Marhowra (Wabtec): 773 diesel locos; $400 mn export order to Guinea. Dahod (Siemens): 9,000-HP D9 locos, 90% indigenous components. Strategic Payoff: Aatmanirbhar supply chains + export capability. AI & Telecom Modernisation AI-based Intrusion Detection (Elephant Corridors): 141 Rkm (NFR). Video Analytics + FRS at 1,731 stations. Digital VHF radios, Tunnel communications, 67233 Rkm OFC, Coach Guidance: 1,064 stations | Train Boards: 1,449 stations. Effect: Operational reliability + passenger guidance + wildlife safety. Recruitment & Sports 1,20,579 vacancies under recruitment (2024–25 calendar). RPF: 452 SI posts filled; 4,208 constable recruitment ongoing. Sports promotions: Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh (ICC Women’s World Cup 2025). Strategic Significance  Economic: Logistics cost reduction, freight dominance, PPP-led asset creation. Social: Regional inclusion (Kashmir, Northeast), safer mobility, festival traffic management. Technological: Kavach 4.0, AI surveillance, high-speed rail ecosystem. Sustainability: Network electrification, solar stations, modal shift from road. Geostrategic: Border-hinterland connectivity + export-ready rail manufacturing. Gaps & Watch-Points DFC final sections & last-mile linkages pending in some nodes. Cost-time overruns risk in mega projects (HSR, Himalayan works). Freight diversification still coal-heavy — needs container & MSME logistics push. Urban crowding & punctuality challenges on saturated corridors. Kavach coverage still limited vs network size — requires rapid scaling. Traditional Medicines of India on International Platforms Why in News ? MoS (IC) Ayush informed Rajya Sabha about India’s global initiatives to promote Traditional Medicine (TM) through collaborations, MoUs, WHO-partnerships, scholarships, research linkages and export-oriented support under the International Cooperation (IC) Scheme. Relevance GS-II (Health Governance, IR, Global Institutions) Health diplomacy / soft power via Ayush MoUs & collaborations WHO partnership leadership — GTMC Jamnagar, norms & UHC-linked TM policy Global rule-making — ICHI TM module, taxonomy & evidence frameworks Academic diplomacy — Ayush Chairs, training, research networks Scholarships & capacity-building for global practitioners/students Policy Instrument — International Cooperation (IC) Scheme Objective Focus Promote export of Ayush products & services and market development abroad. Support Ayush manufacturers & service providers at international events/platforms. Establish Ayush Academic Chairs overseas, conduct training/workshops/symposia. Sponsor R&D, teaching and institutional collaborations with reputed global entities. Partnerships with UN agencies, esp. WHO for standards, research & policy alignment. Significance: Converts Ayush from cultural heritage to globally mainstreamed health-sector asset. WHO Collaboration — India as Global Hub for Traditional Medicine WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC), Jamnagar, Gujarat First-ever global out-posted WHO Centre for Traditional, Complementary & Integrative Medicine (TCIM). Supports countries in integrating TM with Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Acts as knowledge & evidence hub for standards, safety, efficacy and accessibility. Core Functions Global positioning & leadership on TM. Norms, standards, guidelines, tools & methodologies for evidence and analytics. Creation of TM Informatics Centre — federated databanks & virtual libraries. Capacity-building & training incl. WHO Academy partnerships. Outputs Delivered Benchmark documents (2022) — training & practice standards for Ayurveda & Unani. WHO Terminology documents — Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha (harmonised glossary for integration). ICHI Collaboration (Agreement: 24 May 2025) Development of Traditional Medicine intervention categories & index in the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). First-ever global TM-specific classification module covering Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani. Implication: Embeds Indian TM within global health taxonomies & regulatory science. International Partnerships — Scale & Footprint   Country-to-Country MoUs: 25 (Traditional Medicine & Homoeopathy cooperation). Academic Chairs abroad: 15 (Ayush Chairs in foreign universities/institutes). Institute-to-Institute MoUs: 52 (collaborative research & academics). Ayush Information Cells: 43 cells in 39 countries (public outreach & awareness). Scholarships / Fellowships: Dedicated International Ayush Fellowship/Scholarship for foreign students in Indian Ayush institutions. Strategic Outcomes Knowledge diplomacy • Soft power projection • Research networks • Export ecosystem support. Export & Market Development Dimensions IC Scheme supports: Participation of Ayush firms abroad, branding & certification credibility. Service-sector expansion (clinics, wellness, Panchakarma, education). Recognition of Ayush in global supply chains & regulatory frameworks. Policy Relevance Contributes to services exports, health diplomacy, South-South cooperation, and Aatmanirbhar-led wellness economy. Opportunities & Caution Opportunities Evidence generation → improves clinical acceptability & insurance inclusion. ICHI & WHO-GTMC → opens pathway for global regulation & reimbursement frameworks. Academic chairs & info-cells → sustained knowledge dissemination & talent pipeline. Challenges  Need for high-quality clinical trials & pharmacovigilance. Harmonisation with country-specific regulatory regimes. Avoid over-commercialisation without standards & safety validation.

Content Linked civilisations, a modern strategic partnership A grand vision and the great Indian research deficit Linked civilisations, a modern strategic partnership Why in News ? Chabahar Port long-term agreement (2024–25) revived operational momentum despite earlier sanctions-driven delays; India Ports Global Ltd. advancing terminal operations and multimodal linkages. INSTC revival & Eurasian connectivity push amid Red Sea supply-chain risks and Suez Canal congestion; renewed strategic relevance of the India–Iran–Russia corridor. Energy security recalibration as India weighs diversification beyond Gulf monarchies and reassesses post-sanctions crude sourcing from Iran. West Asia security flux (Israel–Iran tensions, Hormuz Strait vulnerabilities, Afghanistan instability) increasing the strategic salience of Tehran–New Delhi coordination. Relevance GS-II — International Relations / India & its Neighbourhood / West Asia Civilisational ties → cultural diplomacy, soft power Energy security & connectivity geopolitics (Chabahar, INSTC) Strategic autonomy, multipolarity & regional stability Impact of sanctions, great-power competition, maritime chokepoints Practice Questions  “India–Iran ties are shifting from a culture-led relationship to a geo-economic and connectivity-driven partnership.” Examine, with reference to Chabahar Port and the INSTC. (15 marks) Foundational Basics Civilisational Linkages Shared Indo-Iranian linguistic & cultural roots; parallels between Rigveda & Avesta traditions. Persian as court & cultural language in India for >600 years; deep literary-intellectual exchange. Diplomatic Milestone Formal relations: 1947–48; upgraded to Strategic Partnership (2003 Tehran Declaration). Strategic Pillars of the Partnership Energy Security (Core Driver) Before sanctions, Iran was India’s 2nd–3rd largest crude supplier (≈10–13% of imports in 2016–18). Payment mechanisms earlier used: rupee–rial trade via UCO/IDBI, escrow-linked settlements. Post-sanctions reality: imports dropped to near-zero after 2019; raises: Higher freight & risk exposure via alternative suppliers. Loss of access to discounted crude & long-term contracts. Future pathways Resumption under sanction relief; LNG, petrochemicals, upstream investments (ONCG Videsh prospects). Connectivity & Geo-Economics Chabahar Port (Shahid Beheshti Terminal) India’s only overseas port investment; gateway to Afghanistan, Central Asia & Eurasia. Bypasses Pakistan; complements Zaranj–Delaram highway access. INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor) Multimodal India–Iran–Caspian–Russia–Europe route. Evidence from pilot runs: ~40% shorter & ~30% cheaper vs Suez-centric routes (time-cost advantage in dry bulk & general cargo). Strategic payoff: trade resilience + logistics hedging during maritime chokepoint disruptions. Security & Regional Stability Common concerns: terrorism, radicalisation, narcotics trafficking, instability in Afghanistan. Quiet cooperation in maritime awareness, West-Asia crisis management, and evacuation logistics. Hormuz & Arabian Sea security: stability critical for India’s energy lifelines and shipping. Technology, Knowledge & New-Economy Synergies Diversification beyond hydrocarbons: IT services & digital solutions (Indian strength). Nanotechnology, biotech, medical sciences (Iranian research ecosystem). Potential in pharma co-production, tele-medicine, science exchanges. Constraints & Structural Challenges Sanctions & third-party pressures — constrain banking, shipping insurance, technology transfer. Dollar-denominated trade exposure — volatility in settlement channels. Regional rivalries — balancing ties with US, GCC, Israel while engaging Iran. Project delays & execution gaps — episodic progress in Chabahar & rail spurs. Policy Adaptations & Opportunities (Data-Focused) Local-currency trade & escrow clearing to de-risk settlements. Dedicated INSTC logistics windows (rail-port integration, container aggregation). Energy diplomacy mix — partial restoration of Iranian crude under waivers/relief to reduce import concentration risk. Maritime-industrial cooperation — ship repair, port IT systems, coastal security tech. Regional value-chains — fertilizers, petrochemicals, food-grains corridor via Chabahar. Strategic Significance for India Trade diversification + Eurasian access without Pakistan transit. Resilient supply chains in a world of contested sea lanes. Balance-of-power diplomacy in West Asia amid multipolar realignment. Strategic autonomy through multi-vector partnerships. Way Forward Fast-track Chabahar operationalisation (equipment, berth capacity, hinterland links). Institutionalise INSTC timetables, unified tariffs, digital documentation. Re-engineer rupee–rial/alternative clearing to stabilise trade. Expand innovation-driven cooperation (IT-health-science) to reduce oil-dependence. Maintain calibrated diplomacy that protects India’s energy & connectivity interests while managing geopolitical risk. A grand vision and the great Indian research deficit Why in News ? Debate on innovation capacity & Viksit Bharat 2047 goals amid concerns that low R&D intensity may constrain technological leadership and productivity growth. Global comparison alarms — India’s total R&D spend (~0.65–0.7% of GDP) lags far behind innovation economies (US, China, Israel, South Korea). Government push — launch of the ₹1 lakh-crore Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Fund, semiconductor & deep-tech mission announcements, renewed demand for private-sector participation. Relevance GS-III — Economy / Science & Tech / Growth & Development Innovation–productivity link & tech-sovereignty Public vs private R&D funding structure Brain drain, academia-industry disconnect, governance bottlenecks Mission-mode tech programmes, IP ecosystem, deep-tech industrialisation Practice Questions Low R&D intensity is India’s biggest structural barrier to technological leadership and productivity growth. Critically analyse with evidence and reform priorities. (15 marks) Foundational Basics — What is R&D and Why It Matters R&D = knowledge creation → technology → productivity → competitiveness (Schumpeterian innovation-growth link). Strong R&D ecosystems drive: Industrial upgrading & export complexity Strategic tech autonomy & national security High-wage job creation & scientific leadership Global pattern: in advanced economies, industry finances 65–75% of R&D; universities & government play catalytic roles. India’s R&D Performance — The Numbers Research Output Population share ≈ 17.5% of world, research share ≈ ~3% → large capacity-output gap. Patents (WIPO 2023) 64,480 total filings; global rank: 6th; growth: +15.7% (from a low base). Share in global applications: ~1.8% (of 3.55 million). Resident filings per million people: rank ~47 → weak innovation intensity. R&D Spending (GERD as % of GDP) India: ~0.6–0.7% (stagnant / slipping as GDP grows). China: ~2.4% | US: ~3.5% | Israel: ~5.4%+ | Korea: ~4–4.5%. Private vs Public Funding Government-linked sector share ≈ 63.6%; Private industry ≈ 36.4% (inverse of global best-practice pattern). Benchmark Contrast Huawei R&D (2023): CNY 164.7 bn ≈ $23.4 bn → exceeds India’s total national R&D outlay across sectors, signalling under-scale investment. Structural Causes of the Deficit Low private-sector appetite Focus on incremental upgrades, tech-licensing, cost-efficiency—not frontier innovation. Risk-averse capital markets, weak returns to deep-tech investment. Academia–Industry Disconnect Limited joint labs, contract research, tech-transfer offices, incubation pipelines. Research often theoretical, poorly commercialised (“valley of death” problem). Talent Leakage & Ecosystem Gaps Brain drain to better-funded global labs; weak domestic lab infrastructure, salaries, tenure tracks. Bureaucratic Frictions Slow approvals, staggered fund release, compliance overload → disrupts long-horizon projects. Fragmented Research Missions Scattered, small-ticket grants; insufficient mission-scale, outcome-linked programmes in critical tech. Macro-Level Risks if the Gap Persists Slower productivity growth & manufacturing upgrading. Import dependence in semiconductors, electronics, defence & energy tech. Missed opportunities in AI, quantum, advanced materials, biotech, green tech. Reduced export competitiveness & tech sovereignty. Reform Agenda — Data-Focused Policy Priorities Raise GERD to ≥2% of GDP in 5–7 years Public pump-priming + tax credits, weighted deductions, matching grants to push industry share ≥50%. Operationalise the ₹1-lakh-crore RDI Fund effectively Prioritise frontier domains: semiconductors, AI, quantum, clean-energy, space, defence tech. Ensure time-bound disbursal, milestone-based outcomes, independent evaluation. Mission-Mode Innovation Platforms Large, multi-year national missions with program managers, unified roadmaps, and industry co-funding. University Transformation Convert universities into research-intensive institutions: More PhD fellowships, tenure-track research chairs, core labs, shared facilities. Mandatory industry-sponsored centres, co-incubators, IP-sharing frameworks. Strengthen IP Culture Simpler filing, faster examination, commercialisation incentives, revenue-sharing for inventors; robust enforcement. Talent Strategy Global-standard grants, return fellowships, young-PI schemes, and lab-to-startup pathways. Procurement & Demand-Pull Tools Innovation-linked public procurement, sandboxing, advance market commitments in priority sectors. Governance & Delivery Cut approval lags, adopt single-window digital grant management, transparent dashboards. Strategic Payoffs of Reform Technological self-reliance, stronger industrial complexity, higher-value exports. Creation of deep-tech startups, high-skill employment, and competitive manufacturing ecosystems. Alignment with Viksit Bharat 2047 through productivity-led growth rather than factor-driven expansion. Way Forward Set legally-anchored GERD targets with annual glide-path. Incentivise corporate R&D consortia in priority technologies. Build national tech-transfer network linking labs, startups, and industry. Monitor outcomes via patent quality, commercialisation rate, export tech intensity, not volume alone.

Content Celebrating 25th Anniversary: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) First-ever Santhali translation of the Constitution of India  Celebrating 25th Anniversary: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Why is it in News? The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has completed 25 years (2000–2025). As of Dec 2025: 8,25,114 km sanctioned 7,87,520 km completed (~95% progress) Phase-IV (2024–29) launched to connect 25,000 habitations via 62,500 km roads, outlay ₹70,125 crore. Increasing focus on quality assurance, digital monitoring, climate-resilient materials, and maintenance systems. Relevance GS-3 | Infrastructure, Inclusive Growth, Economy Rural infrastructure → farm productivity, labour mobility, logistics efficiency Market integration → agri-value chains, price realisation, rural industrialisation GS-3 | Agriculture & Rural Development Connectivity → input access, storage & mandi linkages Strengthening GrAMs, SHGs, rural services ecosystem Why Rural Roads Matter ? Rural roads reduce market isolation, price distortion, and transport frictions (Michael Lipton, Jeffrey Sachs). Evidence shows: 20–25% rise in agricultural incomes in newly connected villages 10–15% increase in farm-to-market sales Higher school attendance & institutional deliveries PMGSY became a poverty-reduction & mobility-led growth instrument, not just an infrastructure scheme. Evolution of PMGSY — Phases & Strategic Shifts Phase-I (2000): Universal Basic Connectivity Target: connect unserved habitations 1,63,339 habitations sanctioned Phase-II (2013): Consolidation & Upgradation Focus on economic corridors, rural markets, service centres RCPLWEA (2016): Roads in LWE-Affected Districts Coverage: 44 high-intensity LWE districts in 9 States Dual objective: security + development Phase-III (2019): Market-Link Connectivity Target: 1,25,000 km through-routes & major rural links Status (Dec 2025): 1,22,393 km sanctioned 1,01,623 km constructed (83%) Phase-IV (2024–29): Last-Mile Universalisation 62,500 km roads | 25,000 habitations Priorities: NE, Himalayas, Tribal, Aspirational & Desert regions Budgetary & Financial Snapshot FY 2025–26 allocation: ₹19,000 crore Funding model: Centre–State sharing + multilateral assistance support (ADB, WB historically) Shift towards maintenance-linked payments & lifecycle costing Technology, Monitoring & Accountability Reforms OMMAS — Real-time project & financial monitoring QMS App — Geo-tagged inspection reporting GPS-linked Vehicle Tracking (since 2022) — Prevents idle deployment e-MARG — Performance-linked maintenance payments (5-yr DLP) Three-tier Quality Monitoring: Tier-1: Implementing agencies Tier-2: State Quality Monitors Tier-3: National surprise audits Innovation, Sustainability & Climate Resilience Use of eco-materials (as per IRC standards): fly ash, slag, C&D waste, plastic waste, crumb rubber, bio-bitumen, geosynthetics 1.24 lakh km roads built using sustainable technologies (as of Jul 2025) Techniques promoted: Cold-mix, Full Depth Reclamation, green pavements Alignment with SDGs: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11 Impact — Socio-Economic Outcomes Market access & price realisation improved Reduction in travel time & transaction costs Boost to non-farm rural employment Better healthcare & school access Enabled women’s mobility & labour participation Strengthened agri-value chains & logistics integration Regional & Strategic Significance Enhanced governance & mobility in: LWE regions Border & tribal belts Himalayan & NE hill terrains Acts as a force multiplier for security, welfare delivery, disaster response Gaps & Challenges Maintenance backlog in resource-constrained states Variations in construction quality across districts Land & environmental clearance delays in ecologically fragile zones Low integration with public transport & freight ecosystems Climate-induced damage risk in: flood-prone, coastal & hilly regions Way Forward  Lifecycle-based funding + ring-fenced maintenance corpus Integrate PMGSY roads with: rural logistics, e-NAM markets, SHG clusters, OD-connectivity Expand green pavement technologies & resilience standards AI-enabled predictive maintenance Strengthen citizen-audit & social audit frameworks Road-linked rural industrialisation & services corridor strategy Conclusion PMGSY has evolved from a connectivity-expansion programme to a network-consolidation, market-integration, and resilience-driven rural infrastructure mission, making it one of India’s most successful scale infrastructure interventions in 25 years. First-ever Santhali translation of the Constitution of India  Why is it in News? On 25 December 2025 (Good Governance Day), the first-ever Santhali translation of the Constitution of India was released at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Published by the Legislative Department, Ministry of Law & Justice and released by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Coincides with the Birth Centenary year of the Ol Chiki script (1925) developed by Pandit Raghunath Murmu. Marks a major milestone in linguistic inclusion and constitutional accessibility for tribal communities. Relevance GS-2 | Polity & Constitution Linguistic inclusion & constitutional accessibility Strengthening constitutional literacy & citizen participation Supports Articles 29–30 (cultural & educational rights) Role of Legislative Department in legal publications GS-2 | Governance & Democratic Deepening Language-based inclusion → better civic engagement Good Governance & citizen-centric administration Access to law in mother-tongue = trust in institutions Santhali Language & Constitutional Status Santhali included in the Eighth Schedule via the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003. Written in Ol Chiki script (distinct, non-derivative script of tribal linguistic heritage). Linguistic spread: Major presence in Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar Also spoken across tribal belts of eastern and central India Recognized as one of India’s ancient living tribal languages. Why This Translation Matters — Constitutional & Governance Perspective ? Enhances constitutional literacy among tribal communities. Strengthens linguistic justice and cultural dignity (Article 29 — protection of cultural rights). Supports inclusivity in governance & democratic participation. Advances principles of: Access to law in native language Participatory citizenship Decentralised constitutional awareness Institutional & Policy Significance Aligns with: Good Governance & Citizen-centric administration Tribal empowerment & inclusion agenda Eighth Schedule linguistic promotion Supports broader initiatives: Promotion of vernacular legal translations Enhancing justice delivery & legal awareness in rural/tribal regions Symbolic & Socio-Cultural Significance Major representation milestone for Adivasi identity and knowledge systems. Reinforces script-based heritage preservation (Ol Chiki). Encourages: Mother-tongue learning of civic values Inter-generational cultural continuity Deepens State–citizen relationship in tribal regions through language inclusion. Comparative Governance Lens   Democracies with multilingual frameworks show: Higher legal compliance Better civic participation Reduced alienation of minority groups This move strengthens constitutional nationalism rooted in diversity, not uniformity. Critical Issues & Way Forward Need for translations in more tribal and Scheduled languages Training local civic educators & legal volunteers in mother-tongue constitutional literacy Expand: Court judgments & government schemes in tribal languages Digital & audio formats for non-literate communities Build school-level civics resources in indigenous languages Conclusion This initiative represents a landmark step in linguistic inclusion, constitutional accessibility, and tribal empowerment, strengthening democratic participation by enabling citizens to engage with the Constitution in their own language and script.