Content: Inflation and Economic Trends in India India – New Zealand announce launch of FTA negotiations Inflation and Economic Trends in India India’s inflation moderates to 3.6% amid falling food prices, while industrial growth and corporate earnings strengthen, supported by expected RBI rate cuts.These are major findings of the SBI Ecowrap report, published by the State Bank of India’s Economic Research Department. Relevance : GS 3(Economy) CPI Inflation Trends Headline CPI inflation fell to 3.6% in February 2025, a 7-month low, primarily due to a sharp drop in vegetable prices. Food & Beverages inflation declined by 185 basis points (m-o-m) to 3.84%. Vegetable prices saw the steepest fall, with CPI turning negative (-1.07%) for the first time in 20 months. Major contributors: Garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes. Garlic prices declined significantly, possibly due to dietary changes during the Maha Kumbh (shift away from non-vegetarian food). Fruit inflation surged to 14.8%, a 10-year high, due to increased demand during religious fasting periods. Fuel and Light inflation remained in deflation for 18 consecutive months. Core inflation (which excludes food and fuel) crossed 4% for the first time in 14 months, reaching 4.08%. This suggests a stable underlying inflation trend, driven by services and non-food manufacturing. Future CPI Inflation Projections Expected to moderate further to 3.9% in Q4 FY25 and average 4.7% for FY25. Projected range for FY26: 4.0-4.2% (headline CPI) and 4.2-4.4% (core inflation). Monetary policy response: RBI likely to cut rates by at least 75 basis points (bps) in 2025, with reductions expected in April and August. A pause is expected post-August before the next cycle of rate cuts in October 2025. State-wise Inflation Rural inflation remains higher than urban inflation, driven by food price trends and larger food baskets in rural areas (54.2% vs. 36.3% in urban). Highest inflation recorded in: Kerala (7.3%) – Rural: 8.0%, Urban: 4.5%. Chhattisgarh (4.9%) – Rural: 5.6%, Urban: 3.3%. Lowest inflation recorded in: Telangana (1.3%) – Rural: 0.5%, Urban: 1.3%. Delhi (1.5%) – Rural: 2.6%, Urban: 3.5%. Rural inflation continues to outpace urban inflation due to higher food dependency. Rising Imported Inflation Share of imported inflation surged from 1.3% in June 2024 to 31.1% in February 2025. Key drivers: Precious metals, oils, and fats – global price rise impacting domestic inflation. Chemical products – higher import costs passed onto consumers. Energy inflation contribution remained negative, indicating a decline in global oil prices or increased domestic production. Industrial Growth and IIP Expansion Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded by 5.0% in January 2025, the highest in 8 months. Growth drivers: Manufacturing: 5.5% Mining: 4.4% Primary goods: 5.5% Consumer Durables (long-term goods): 7.2% – reflecting demand recovery. Intermediate goods: 5.23% – indicating expansion in industrial supply chains. Consumer Non-Durables (-0.2%) – slight contraction, suggesting weak demand for FMCG goods. Corporate Performance (Q3 FY25) Revenue growth: 6.2% (y-o-y). EBITDA growth: 11% – improved margins. Profit After Tax (PAT) growth: 12% – strong financial performance. Interest Coverage Ratio improved by 20 bps, indicating lower financial stress. Sectoral Trends: Capital Goods, Consumer Durables, FMCG, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals saw strong growth. More than 4000 listed corporates reported improved earnings. Corporate Ex-BFSI (more than 3400 entities) showed revenue growth of 5% and PAT growth of 9%, recovering from previous quarters’ negative growth. Monetary Policy and Corporate Capex Cycle Favorable conditions for a new capital expenditure (capex) cycle due to: Stronger corporate balance sheets. Lower borrowing costs from expected RBI rate cuts. Liquidity improvement and rising investment confidence. EBITDA margins expanded by 44 bps in Q3 FY25, reaching 14.84% (vs. 14.4% in Q2 FY25). Conclusion India’s economic landscape in February 2025 indicates: Moderation in inflation (particularly in food & beverages). Improved industrial production and IIP growth. Strong corporate earnings and balance sheet strength. India – New Zealand announce launch of FTA negotiations Background of India-New Zealand Relations Democratic values & people-to-people ties: Both countries share strong democratic institutions and historical cultural exchanges, including the Indian diaspora in New Zealand. Economic complementarities: India’s large consumer market and New Zealand’s expertise in agriculture and dairy present mutual opportunities. Bilateral trade history: The two nations have engaged in trade and investment discussions previously, but no formal FTA has been signed. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Highlights of the Announcement FTA negotiations launched on March 16, 2025, during a bilateral meeting between Indian PM Narendra Modi and New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon. Objective: Establishing a comprehensive and mutually beneficial FTA to strengthen economic cooperation. Expected Economic & Trade Benefits Market access: Reduction of tariffs and trade barriers to facilitate smoother flow of goods and services. Supply chain integration: Improving trade logistics and connectivity for key industries. Diverse sectoral impact: Agriculture & dairy: New Zealand’s strengths in dairy, meat, and horticulture could find a wider market in India. IT & Services: India’s robust IT and service sectors could benefit from increased New Zealand market access. Education: Potential boost in student exchanges and collaboration in skill development. Tourism: Strengthened economic ties may lead to enhanced tourism flows between the two nations. Challenges & Concerns Agricultural sensitivities: India’s domestic dairy industry may face challenges due to competition from New Zealand’s dairy exports. Tariff asymmetry: Negotiations must address differences in tariff structures to ensure balanced benefits. Regulatory differences: Compliance and standardization of trade rules will be crucial for seamless execution. Geopolitical considerations: Both countries must align trade strategies with broader geopolitical and Indo-Pacific security interests. Strategic & Geopolitical Implications Indo-Pacific engagement: Strengthening economic ties aligns with India’s Act East Policy and New Zealand’s interest in the Indo-Pacific. Diversifying trade partnerships: India seeks to reduce trade dependence on specific countries, while New Zealand aims to expand markets beyond China. Multilateral trade dynamics: The FTA could complement India’s participation in regional economic forums like RCEP and CPTPP. Way Forward Balanced negotiations: Ensuring equitable trade benefits for both nations. Sectoral consultations: Engaging stakeholders from agriculture, services, and technology sectors to address concerns. Regulatory harmonization: Establishing frameworks for dispute resolution, quality standards, and investment protection. Timeline & Implementation: Negotiating a phased implementation to ease the transition for key industries

CONTENT: The Challenges of Public Health Education in India From Insurance-Driven Private Health Care to Equity Rare success The Challenges of Public Health Education in India Public health plays a crucial role in shaping healthcare delivery, as recognized by Article 47 of the Indian Constitution. However, public health education in India faces a crisis due to a mismatch between supply and demand, lack of standardization, and insufficient job opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for a robust public health workforce, yet systemic issues persist. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Practice Question : The challenges of public health education in India stem from systemic gaps in regulation, employment opportunities, and institutional capacity.Discuss the key issues and suggest policy measures to address them. (250 words) Historical & Contemporary Context Colonial Legacy: Public health education in India traces back to British rule, with early efforts confined to medical institutions. Post-Independence: The All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health (1932) and community medicine specializations laid the foundation, but opportunities remained limited. Expansion Phase (2000–2020s): The number of MPH programs surged from one (2000) to over 100 today, largely driven by the National Rural Health Mission (2005). However, job creation has not kept pace, leading to underemployment of public health graduates. Challenges Mismatch Between Supply & Demand More graduates than available jobs; high competition for limited entry-level positions. Public health roles in government shrinking despite increasing disease burden. Private sector prioritizing hospital/business management over public health professionals. Lack of Standardization & Regulation No mandatory regulation by NMC or UGC. Varied curricula and low admission standards due to intense competition. Faculty shortages and inadequate practical training opportunities. Regional Disparities States like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Assam lack adequate public health institutions. Over-concentration of institutions in select urban areas. Funding & Institutional Constraints Development sector and research bodies reliant on foreign grants, which are declining. Limited national health research funding. Policy Implications & Actionable Insights Creation of Public Health Jobs Establish a public health cadre within state governments. Integrate public health professionals into primary and preventive care. Regulatory Reforms A dedicated Public Health Education Council within NMC/UGC to standardize curricula. Mandatory accreditation for MPH programs. Strengthening Practical Training & Institutional Growth Increase public health fieldwork and system integration. Expand public health schools in underserved states. Diversification of Funding Sources Increase domestic funding for public health research. Encourage public-private partnerships for sustainable workforce development. Future Outlook The public health education crisis in India demands urgent structural reforms. Without a balanced approach that integrates regulatory oversight, job creation, and sustainable funding, India risks a surplus of underutilized professionals. The emerging global health landscape necessitates self-reliance, emphasizing local capacity-building over dependence on international aid. From Insurance-Driven Private Health Care to Equity India’s health care system is undergoing a critical transformation with increasing dependence on insurance-driven models like the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). While the scheme aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE) and improve financial protection, it sidelines primary health care (PHC), which is the cornerstone of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Practice Question: Critically analyze the impact of an insurance-driven private healthcare model on universal health coverage (UHC) in India. How can policy reforms ensure equitable access to quality healthcare, particularly for marginalized communities? (250 words Historical and Contemporary Context Evolution of India’s Health Care Approach Bhore Committee (1946): Advocated for a strong PHC foundation with a pyramid-shaped health system focused on preventive care. National Health Policy (1983, 2002, 2017): Emphasized PHC, but funding and implementation gaps led to increased OOPE. Launch of AB-PMJAY (2018): Aimed at providing health insurance for low-income families, covering hospitalisation expenses but shifting focus away from PHC. Current Scenario and Budget Allocations 2025 Budget for AB-PMJAY: ₹9,406 crore, up by ₹2,000 crore, signaling increasing privatisation and insurance dependence. National Health Mission (NHM) Fund Decline: Weakens grassroots health services, affecting rural and informal workforce health coverage. FDI Increase in Insurance (74% to 100%): Encourages private sector growth but raises concerns about affordability and regulatory gaps. Arguments: Strengthening Private Health Care and Financial Protection Reduction in OOPE: Insurance-driven models like AB-PMJAY reduce catastrophic health expenses for the poor. Increased Access to Advanced Treatments: Tertiary care coverage ensures life-saving procedures for low-income groups. Boost to Medical Infrastructure: Private hospitals expand to accommodate insured patients, improving overall health care capacity. Foreign Investment Benefits: Higher FDI in insurance expands the market, increasing competition and coverage rates. Weakening of Public Health Care and Rising Inequality (Critics’ View) Neglect of PHC: Insurance-based funding diverts resources from preventive and community health care. Market-Driven Pricing: Insurance models incentivise private players to increase costs, leading to inflated medical expenses. Exclusion of Informal Sector and Migrants: Many lack awareness or access to insurance, remaining dependent on high-cost private care. Regulatory Deficiencies: Weak consumer protections allow claim denials, high deductibles, and profit-driven health care practices. Policy Implications Impact on Health Care Access and Equity Marginalised Groups Left Behind: The informal workforce, daily wage laborers, and rural populations struggle with access due to digital and insurance illiteracy. Gender Disparities in Coverage: Women, particularly homemakers, often lack individual health insurance, worsening gender health gaps. Outdated Population Data: Lack of an updated Census (since 2011) affects policy planning and benefit distribution accuracy. Lessons from Global Health Models U.S. Experience: Private insurance dominance led to skyrocketing health costs, disparities in coverage, and profit-driven medical practices. Thailand’s Universal Coverage Scheme: Tax-funded model ensures free PHC, reducing OOPE and improving long-term health outcomes. Costa Rica’s Social Security System: Mandatory insurance with strong public investment ensures equity in health services. Way Forward Strengthening Public Health Care Systems Increase PHC Investment: Redirect funds toward preventive care and community health centers. Expand NHM Funding: Revitalize public hospitals and ensure affordable services. Regulate Private Insurance: Set cost-control mechanisms to prevent excessive pricing. Addressing Vulnerable Populations’ Needs Universal Coverage for Informal Workers: Develop a simplified enrollment system for insurance access. Education and Awareness Programs: Improve insurance literacy to ensure informed choices. Climate-Resilient Health Policies: Address emerging health risks due to climate change. Comprehensive Reform for Sustainable Health Care Hybrid Model of Financing: Balance public funding with private sector participation while ensuring equity. Cost Transparency in Insurance: Prevent hidden charges and exclusions that burden patients. Data-Driven Policy Making: Conduct updated Census and Labour Force Surveys to target schemes effectively. Rare success The recent arrest of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a landmark event in global justice. It underscores the ICC’s continuing efforts to hold political leaders accountable for crimes against humanity, despite its structural weaknesses and reliance on state cooperation. However, this arrest remains an exception rather than the norm, highlighting the court’s dependence on political alignments and national interests. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : Critically analyze the role of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in ensuring global justice. Discuss the challenges it faces in executing its mandate and suggest measures to enhance its effectiveness. (250 words) Historical and Contemporary Context Origins of the ICC Established by the Rome Statute in 1998, the ICC was envisioned as a permanent tribunal to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. It emerged in response to limitations of ad hoc tribunals, such as those for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia. Challenges in Execution of Arrest Warrants Since its inception, the ICC has struggled to execute arrest warrants, largely due to the lack of enforcement power. Many high-profile figures, such as Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, have evaded arrest due to political protection. Duterte’s Case and the ‘War on Drugs’ Duterte’s presidency (2016-2022) saw thousands of extrajudicial killings as part of his ‘war on drugs.’ The ICC is investigating crimes from 2011 to 2019, during which the Philippines was a member of the ICC. Despite the country’s withdrawal from the ICC in 2019, the Pre-Trial Chamber upheld jurisdiction over crimes committed while it was a party. Arguments from Multiple Perspectives The ICC’s Role in Global Justice Supporters’ View: The ICC plays a critical role in delivering justice when national systems fail. Its jurisdiction over Duterte despite the Philippines’ withdrawal reinforces international accountability. Past successes, such as the conviction of Congolese warlord Thomas Lubanga, prove its effectiveness. Critics’ View: The ICC disproportionately targets African and weaker states, raising concerns of selective justice. The court lacks enforcement powers, making its judgments largely symbolic. Powerful nations like the U.S. have actively undermined the ICC, limiting its influence. Political Influence and Selective Justice The ICC’s actions are often influenced by geopolitical considerations: Examples: Arrest warrants for Putin (Ukraine war) and Netanyahu (Gaza conflict) remain unexecuted due to global power dynamics. Countries like the U.S. and Israel have refused to recognize ICC jurisdiction, creating a double standard in international justice. In Duterte’s case, his arrest may have been politically motivated, given the tensions between the Marcos Jr. administration and his daughter, Vice-President Sara Duterte. State Cooperation and Enforcement Issues Cases of Non-Cooperation: Sudan’s Omar al-Bashir traveled freely to ICC member states without being arrested. Several European countries have hesitated to act on ICC warrants for fear of diplomatic repercussions. Cases of Successful Cooperation: The arrest of Slobodan Milošević (former Yugoslav President) by Serbia in 2001, under international pressure, demonstrated the ICC’s potential when state cooperation exists. Duterte’s case was made possible by the willingness of the Marcos Jr. government to execute the warrant. Policy Implications and Future Outlook Strengthening ICC’s Enforcement Mechanisms The ICC needs a structured enforcement mechanism, possibly via a UN mandate or regional partnerships. Greater integration with Interpol and international agencies could enhance its operational capacity. Addressing Perceived Bias and Selective Targeting Expanding investigations beyond Africa and weaker nations will improve ICC’s legitimacy. Ensuring uniform application of justice, including cases involving powerful nations, is crucial for credibility. Enhancing State Cooperation Diplomatic incentives for states to execute ICC warrants (e.g., conditional aid, trade agreements) could improve compliance. Encouraging domestic judicial reforms may reduce reliance on international courts. Conclusion The arrest of Rodrigo Duterte represents a rare but significant victory for the ICC. However, its dependency on political alignments and state cooperation remains a fundamental weakness. Unless the ICC addresses its enforcement challenges, strengthens global cooperation, and eliminates selective prosecution, it risks remaining a court of limited influence rather than a true pillar of international justice.

Content: 31 killed in U.S. strikes on Yemen; Houthis hit back Tackling the problem of nutrition Should cancer be a notifiable disease? What is Elon Musk’s Starlink all about? New Bill proposes jail term up to 7 years for using forged passport Centre has approved Chandrayaan-5 mission: ISRO In a 2014 judgment, Supreme Court had favoured ‘linguistic secularism’ Immunising the elderly is crucial for disease prevention, say experts 31 killed in U.S. strikes on Yemen; Houthis hit back Background & Context The U.S. has carried out airstrikes on Yemen’s Houthi-controlled regions, marking the first direct military action under Donald Trump’s administration. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been targeting Red Sea shipping routes and Israeli interests in the ongoing Gaza war. The strikes are part of U.S. efforts to deter Houthi aggression and ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Key Developments Casualties & Damage: At least 31 people killed, including women and children, as per Houthi sources. 101 wounded, mostly civilians. Strikes targeted Sanaa, Saada, Al-Bayda, and Radaa. Houthi Response: Hours after the attack, Houthis claimed they launched 18 missiles and a drone at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and its escorting warships in the Red Sea. They vowed that the U.S. “aggression” will not go unanswered. U.S. Reaction: Trump warned of “overwhelming lethal force” if Houthi attacks continue. He issued a direct threat to Iran, stating that Tehran must immediately end support for the Houthis or face consequences. Iran’s Response: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the strikes, stating the U.S. had “no authority” to dictate Iran’s foreign policy. Geopolitical Implications Escalation Risk: The situation could spiral into a wider regional conflict involving Iran, potentially dragging the U.S. into another Middle Eastern war. U.S. strikes could provoke Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon to retaliate. Impact on Red Sea Trade: Houthi attacks have already disrupted global trade, forcing shipping companies to reroute vessels via longer and costlier paths. Further escalation may destabilize oil markets and increase shipping insurance premiums. U.S.-Iran Relations: The incident puts additional strain on already tense U.S.-Iran relations. Iran may strengthen its support for the Houthis and other proxies in response to Trump’s threats. Tackling the problem of nutrition Context : Budget 2025 and Nutrition Focus While health was not prioritized, Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 received higher allocations. Question: Will these schemes address India’s nutrition crisis effectively? Relevance : GS 2(Nutrition Security) Multidimensional Nature of Malnutrition Beyond food insecurity, nutrition is influenced by culture, caste, and gender. Policy focus is narrow, emphasizing women (reproductive age) and children, ignoring: Women beyond reproductive age, men, and senior citizens. Rising cases of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (NCDs). Key Nutrition Statistics (NFHS-5) 36% of children under five are stunted; only 11% of breastfed children get an adequate diet. 57% of women (15-49 years) are anaemic. 24% of women and 23% of men are overweight/obese; 14% take diabetes medication. Evaluating Poshan 2.0 and Saksham Anganwadi Focus on take-home rations, supplements, and iron/folic acid tablets. Shortcomings: Reinforces regional bias (malnutrition seen as a rural problem). Ignores middle-class dietary habits, NCDs, and urban malnutrition. Need for a Comprehensive Nutrition Agenda Should include: Addressing all population groups, not just maternal and child health. Locally rooted solutions using nutrient-rich indigenous foods. Institutional linkage via Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs). Strengthening HWCs for Nutrition Services Expand coverage to adolescents, elderly, and urban poor. Ensure equitable distribution (currently rural-heavy). Need for dedicated nutrition personnel, as current staff handle multiple responsibilities. Key Success Factors Community Ownership: Engage local elites for awareness and acceptance. Linking Nutrition to Local Cuisines: Promote indigenous, nutrient-dense foods over processed diets. Should cancer be a notifiable disease? Context and Policy Evolution Current stance: The Union government resists making cancer a notifiable disease, citing its non-communicable nature. Shifts in notification policies: 2024: Snakebites made notifiable despite being non-infectious. 1995 (U.S.): Lead poisoning listed as a notifiable disease, setting a precedent for NCD surveillance. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Rationale Behind Disease Notification Primary goal: Control contagious diseases through legal mandates on reporting. Notifiable diseases: Require rapid intervention due to immediate public health risks (e.g., outbreaks, direct transmission). Cancer’s unique nature: Not directly transmissible. Requires long-term management rather than emergency response. Challenges in Making Cancer Notifiable Diversity of Cancer Types Ranges from benign to highly malignant. Diagnosis involves complex and multi-stage identification. Legal mandates may not improve patient outcomes. Privacy Concerns and Stigma Disease notification laws prioritize public health over individual privacy. Cancer still carries stigma, leading to reluctance in seeking treatment. Existing State health laws grant broad powers to local authorities, raising concerns over patient rights. Existing Cancer Surveillance Framework National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) (established 1982) already collects crucial data: Patient demographics, cancer type, stage, treatment, and survival outcomes. Gaps in NCRP coverage:2022 data: 269 hospital-based and 38 population-based registries—insufficient for national surveillance.Hospital-based registries must extend to all district headquarters hospitals.Population-based registries should be established in every district. A Better Alternative: Strengthening Cancer Registries Expanding NCRP ensures comprehensive data collection at tertiary and district-level hospitals. Encouraging voluntary reporting rather than legal mandates avoids burdening physicians and preserves privacy. Improving screening programs enhances early detection and timely intervention. Incorporating private hospitals into NCRP for wider data coverage. What is Elon Musk’s Starlink all about? What is Starlink? Starlink is a satellite-based internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It consists of a low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation of 7,000+ satellites, providing global internet coverage. Requires ground terminals (user equipment) to access the internet. Offers speeds of ~100 Mbps, but latency is higher than wired broadband. Relevance : GS 3(Science , Technology) Starlink’s Utility in India Not beneficial in urban areas where 5G and fiber broadband are faster and more reliable. Key for rural and remote areas, offering connectivity where terrestrial networks are absent. Provides an instant internet solution in areas where infrastructure development is slow. Regulatory Hurdles in India GMPCS Authorisation: Needed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 for satellite communication services. Security Clearance: Ministry of Home Affairs approval pending. Ground Station Regulations: Indian law requires telecom networks to have tapping provisions for security agencies. Spectrum Allocation: Indian government does not favor auctions for satellite spectrum. Jio and Airtel earlier demanded auctions, citing the Supreme Court’s 2012 ruling on scarce resources (2G spectrum case). The government may allocate spectrum directly (common international practice). Trade & Geopolitical Influence U.S. Trade Pressure: Elon Musk has increasing influence in the U.S. government. Potential U.S. lobbying to fast-track Starlink’s entry. India-U.S. Relations: Strong trade ties could influence regulatory decisions in favor of Starlink. Starlink’s entry might be fast-tracked if U.S. pressure intensifies. Recent Developments Airtel & Jio Agreements: Signed distribution pacts despite earlier opposition. Indicates a possible softening stance on satellite broadband. No Official Announcements: Regulatory approvals still pending. Government’s final decision on spectrum allocation remains uncertain. New Bill proposes jail term up to 7 years for using forged passport Context : Provisions of the Bill Stricter penalties for using forged documents Imprisonment: 2 to 7 years Fine: ₹1 lakh to ₹10 lakh Illegal entry without valid documents Jail term: Up to 5 years Fine: Up to ₹5 lakh Mandatory reporting by institutions Hotels, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes must report foreign nationals for tracking overstayers. Airlines and ships to submit passenger and crew manifests at Indian ports. Comprehensive framework The Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025 aims to regulate all immigration-related matters. Repeals four existing laws: The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920 The Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939 The Foreigners Act, 1946 The Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Act, 2000 Significance of the Bill National security: Strengthens immigration control to prevent illegal entry, exit, and overstay. Helps in tracking foreigners to mitigate risks of espionage, terrorism, and other threats. Ease of business and tourism: Simplifies legal framework by replacing multiple outdated laws. Ensures better compliance while reducing bureaucratic hurdles. Legal modernization: Aligns with global best practices in immigration and border security. Introduces stricter penal provisions to curb identity fraud and unauthorized stay. Impact on foreigners in India: Foreigners on long-term visas (more than 180 days) must continue registering with FRRO/FRO within 14 days. Stricter penalties may lead to better compliance with visa rules. Potential Challenges & Criticism Enforcement Issues: Effective implementation requires robust tracking and verification mechanisms. Dependence on multiple agencies (FRRO, police, airlines) could lead to bureaucratic delays. Tourism and business impact: Stricter penalties may discourage foreign investments and tourism if not balanced well. Need for clear guidelines to avoid harassment of genuine travelers. Human Rights Concerns: Possible misuse of the law for targeting specific groups. Need for fair appeal mechanisms to ensure justice.. Centre has approved Chandrayaan-5 mission: ISRO Overview of Chandrayaan-5 Approval The Government of India has officially approved the Chandrayaan-5 mission. Announcement made by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan in Chennai. Marks another significant step in India’s lunar exploration program. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Key Features of Chandrayaan-5 Unlike Chandrayaan-3, which had a 25-kg rover ‘Pragyan’, Chandrayaan-5 will carry a 250-kg rover. Expected to have advanced scientific instruments for enhanced lunar surface studies. Likely to focus on longer operational capability and mobility on the Moon. Strategic Importance Expands India’s capability in robotic lunar exploration. Helps in detailed mineralogical and geological studies of the Moon. Strengthens ISRO’s role in global lunar exploration programs. Link to Chandrayaan-4 & Future Lunar Missions Chandrayaan-4, planned for 2027, is designed to bring lunar samples to Earth. Chandrayaan-5 likely follows Chandrayaan-4, potentially aiding in on-site lunar analysis before sample return missions. Aligns with ISRO’s long-term plans for sustainable lunar exploration. Global Context & Comparisons NASA’s Artemis program also focuses on detailed lunar exploration with future manned missions. China’s Chang’e missions have emphasized both rover exploration and sample return, similar to Chandrayaan-4 & 5. India’s step-wise approach strengthens indigenous space capabilities and future international collaborations. Technological and Scientific Advancements Possible use of nuclear-powered energy sources for extended lunar operations. Integration of AI-based navigation and autonomous decision-making in the rover. Potential use of 3D mapping technologies to study lunar surface anomalies. Economic and Diplomatic Implications Boosts India’s space sector, fostering commercial and research collaborations. Enhances India’s global reputation in space technology, attracting investments in private space enterprises. Strengthens India’s participation in lunar governance and international space policy dialogues. Challenges and Future Considerations Budgetary and funding allocations need to be assessed. Technical challenges in heavy payload deployment and mobility in extreme lunar conditions. Coordination with global space agencies for possible data-sharing or joint missions. Conclusion Chandrayaan-5 is a crucial step in India’s lunar exploration roadmap, with advanced rover capabilities. ISRO’s progressive missions—Chandrayaan-3, 4, and 5—establish a structured approach towards deep-space research. This mission will play a vital role in India’s aspirations for a sustainable lunar presence and future planetary exploration. In a 2014 judgment, Supreme Court had favoured ‘linguistic secularism’ Background & Context The debate over the language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP) remains contentious. A 2014 Supreme Court judgment (U.P. Hindi Sahitya Sammelan vs State of U.P.) upheld the idea of linguistic secularism, emphasizing an accommodative approach to language laws. Relevance : GS 2 (Governance ,Constitution) Key Observations of the 2014 Judgment The court ruled that Indian language laws are not rigid but organic and accommodative. It highlighted that law and language in India evolve organically, ensuring linguistic secularism. The ruling referenced Constitutional expert H.M. Seervai, who explained the Constituent Assembly’s 1949 compromise on language policy. Hindi as an ‘Official Language’, Not a ‘National Language’ Article 343 declared Hindi in Devanagari script as the official language, but not the national language. Rationale: Hindi was not spoken across all parts of India. Though spoken by the largest group, it did not constitute the majority of the population. Other languages (Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati) were also well-developed and had large-speaking populations. Article 351 & Hindi Promotion Article 351 mandates the Union Government to promote Hindi as a medium of cultural expression. However, Allahabad High Court’s 1982 ruling (Sunil K.R. Sahastrabudhey vs Director, IIT Kanpur) clarified that: Hindi is not a national language. The Constitution imposes a duty to promote Hindi but does not grant citizens the right to demand education in Hindi. Protection of Linguistic Diversity (Article 29(1)) Article 29(1) guarantees that every linguistic or cultural group has the fundamental right to conserve its language, script, and culture. This protection applies equally to majority and minority communities. Right to Choose Medium of Instruction State of Karnataka vs Associated Management of Primary & Secondary Schools (SC judgment): Article 19 (freedom of speech & expression) includes a student’s right to choose their medium of instruction at the primary level. The state cannot impose control over language choice in education. Referenced the 1924 U.S. Supreme Court case (Pierce v. Society of Sisters of Holy Names): “A child is not a mere creature of the State.” Implications for National Education Policy (NEP) The SC ruling supports linguistic flexibility, which contradicts concerns of Hindi imposition under the NEP. Language policies should be accommodative rather than coercive, recognizing regional linguistic aspirations. The judgment strengthens the constitutional validity of multilingualism in education. Immunising the elderly is crucial for disease prevention, say experts Context and Significance Elderly vaccination remains underprioritised in India’s public health framework. No dedicated national immunisation schedule exists for the elderly, despite their vulnerability to infections. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Health) Importance of Elderly Vaccination High disease burden: 50% of severe pneumonia cases occur in older adults. Global concern: Pneumonia alone causes 156 million cases worldwide, with 800,000 deaths annually in India. Common preventable diseases: Influenza, pneumonia, hepatitis, shingles, and foodborne infections can be mitigated through vaccination. Vaccine Hesitancy & Awareness Issues Misinformation & complacency: 60% of adults believe other health measures are better than vaccines. 43% feel they are not at risk of falling ill. Need for targeted awareness campaigns to correct misconceptions. Challenges in Elderly Immunisation Cost barriers: Vaccination expenses often deter senior citizens from getting immunised. Lack of vaccine clinics: Dedicated elderly vaccination centres are limited. Health insurance gap: Immunisation is not adequately covered under most insurance plans. Way Forward Developing a national immunisation program tailored for the elderly. Expanding insurance coverage to include vaccinations. Setting up vaccine clinics at hospitals and community centres. Public awareness drives to tackle vaccine hesitancy.