Content : Ministry of Tribal Affairs Reviews Tribal Welfare Schemes in Delhi Mission Amrit Sarovar Ministry of Tribal Affairs Reviews Tribal Welfare Schemes in Delhi In a bid to ensure inclusive growth and empowerment of tribal communities, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs held a comprehensive three-day national review in Delhi. The focus was on assessing ground-level progress and strengthening key initiatives like PM-JANMAN and DAJGUA for holistic tribal development. Relevance : GS 1(Society) , GS 2(Governance) PM-JANMAN: Last-Mile Delivery for PVTGs Launched: 15 Nov 2023, from Khunti, Jharkhand (birthplace of Bhagwan Birsa Munda). Focus: 75 PVTGs, covering 30,000 habitations, targeting ~45 lakh beneficiaries. Comprehensive coverage: Housing, sanitation, water, health, education, nutrition, digital access. Goal: Full saturation by 15 Nov 2025 (150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda). States directed to: Implement village-wise tracking. Ensure Gram Sabha certification post-completion. Report quarterly progress till June 2025. DAJGUA (DhartiAabaJanjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan) Convergence initiative across 17 Union Ministries. Targets 63,843 tribal villages in 549 districts, impacting 5.5 crore+ tribal citizens. Involves 25 integrated interventions—health, education, skill development, livelihoods, etc. States asked to: Fast-track intervention sanctioning. Launch IEC Campaigns & Benefit Saturation Camps. Ensure knowledge-sharing from best-performing districts. EMRS: Elevating Tribal Education Standards Vision: Make Eklavya Model Residential Schools hubs of academic excellence. Key action areas: Qualified teacher recruitment and ongoing training. Infrastructure upgrades: Smart classrooms, libraries, labs. Emphasis on experiential & 21st-century learning. Enhance student welfare and staff support. Progress of EMRS projects in states reviewed closely. Scholarships: Access and Timely Disbursal States directed to: Ensure timely disbursal of pre- and post-matric scholarships. Remove bureaucratic delays. Integrate with National Scholarship Portal (NSP) or link state portals via API. Aim for disbursal at academic year start to maximize impact. Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh (2025): Celebrating Tribal Pride Thematic focus areas: Education & Skill Development Health & Nutrition Entrepreneurship & Livelihoods Tribal Culture, Art, and Language Preservation Infrastructure and Service Delivery Emphasis on a “Whole-of-Government” approach: Inter-ministerial coordination Collaboration with NGOs, TRIs, Corporates, Line Ministries Adi Sanskriti & Adi Vaani: Preserving Tribal Heritage Adi Sanskriti: Creation of Tribal Art Academy, Digital Repository, Tribal Haat. Promotion of tribal arts, rituals, cuisines, and folklore. Adi Vaani: AI-based multilingual translation platform. Aimed at breaking language barriers in governance and education. Focus on low-resource tribal languages for documentation & revitalization. Tackling Sickle Cell Anaemia Mission to eliminate Sickle Cell Disease in tribal areas. Establishment of Centers of Competency: Screening, treatment, capacity building, awareness generation. Way Forward : Ground-Level Execution: District and block-level capacity building prioritized. Saturation Approach: All tribal beneficiaries to receive entitlements. Institutional Mechanism Strengthening: Feedback loops, audits, Gram Sabha verifications. Inter-Ministerial Convergence: Alignment across 17 ministries. Technology Integration: AI (Adi Vaani), digital monitoring (NSP), smart classrooms. Community Participation: Tribal ownership in design, monitoring, and outcomes.  Conclusion This review underscores the transformational shift from scheme–centric to citizen-centric tribal development. The focus is now on:Inclusivity, Technology-enabled governance ,Heritage preservation and outcome-based delivery Mission Amrit Sarovar Context : India faces acute water stress, particularly in rural areas, due to over-extraction of groundwater and degradation of traditional water bodies. Mission Amrit Sarovar (2022) was launched under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav as a community-driven initiative to revive water heritage and ensure sustainability. Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Core Objectives Construct/rejuvenate at least 75 water bodies per district (~50,000 nationwide). Promote community-led water conservation, integrate with livelihood generation. Enhance surface and groundwater availability while reviving traditional water structures. Foster social cohesion and national pride by linking with freedom fighters and national celebrations. Strategic Vision Blend of traditional wisdom and modern technology (remote sensing, GIS). Convergence of ecological restoration, rural development, and cultural revitalization. Develop long-term water assets to ensure resilience against climate-induced water scarcity. Institutional Framework Anchored by Ministry of Rural Development with convergence from 6 other ministries: Jal Shakti, Panchayati Raj, Environment & Climate Change, Railways, Culture, Road Transport. Supported technically by BISAG-N and digitally monitored via amritsarovar.gov.in. Integration with schemes like MGNREGS, 15th Finance Commission grants, PMKSY, etc. Implementation Mechanism Two Prabharis per Sarovar: Panchayat Pratinidhi (citizen supervisor) + Panchayat Officer (monitoring & documentation). Formation of User Groups for ongoing management and maintenance. Representation from SHGs, VWSCs, Van Samitis, Aquaculture practitioners, etc. Users responsible for de-silting, plantation, conservation, and equitable water use. Technological Integration Geo-informatics used in site identification, planning, progress monitoring. Integration of real-time dashboards and mobile-based monitoring at grassroots level. Achievements: Phase I (Apr 2022 – Aug 2023) Target: 50,000; Achieved: 59,492 Amrit Sarovars (ahead of schedule). Participation of: 79,080 Panchayat Pratinidhi, 92,359 Panchayat Officers. 2,203 freedom fighters, 385 martyrs’ families, 69 Padma Awardees. Tree Plantation: 23.5 lakh+ trees (Neem, Peepal, Bargadh, native species). Cultural activities and national celebrations institutionalized at sites. Phase II (Sept 2023–Present) Renewed focus on climate resilience, ecological balance, and inter-generational benefit. 3,182 new sites identified as of April 2025. Emphasis on community engagement and CSR/crowd-sourced participation. State-Wise Performance (Top 5 by March 2025) Rank State No. of Amrit Sarovars Completed 1 Uttar Pradesh 16,630 2 Madhya Pradesh 5,839 3 Karnataka 4,056 4 Rajasthan 3,138 5 Maharashtra 3,055 Community Participation (Jan Bhagidari) 65,285 User Groups formed. People involved from site feasibility to post-use maintenance. Contributions encouraged via: Shramdaan, donation of material, CSR funding. Flag hoisting, event celebrations, and naming after freedom fighters. Economic & Ecological Impact Boosts rural livelihood through: Irrigation, fisheries, duckery, water chestnut cultivation, animal husbandry. Groundwater recharge significantly improved: From 13.98 BCM (2017) to 25.34 BCM (2024). Demonstrates success of community-led conservation in reversing ecological degradation. Case Study Highlight Satellite Basti Pond, Great Nicobar: Rejuvenated for community use, benefitting 200+ villagers. 24 households got employment. Plantation of Neem and native species around the pond. Challenges and Way Forward Ensuring sustainability of Sarovars post-implementation. Need for stronger inter-departmental convergence and capacity building at local levels. Expansion of digital monitoring tools and climate adaptive design in newer phases. Replication of best practices across lagging districts.

Content: Trumponomics deserves to be taken seriously A closer look at strategic affairs and the AI factor Trumponomics deserves to be taken seriously Introduction to Trumponomics: Trumponomics is a set of economic policies championed by U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to revamp the American economy, focusing on manufacturing, tariffs, trade deficits, and national security. Central to Trumponomics is the idea of reshaping America’s economic relationships, particularly with China, by imposing tariffs, protecting U.S. jobs, and addressing trade imbalances. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : Discuss the key propositions of Trumponomics and evaluate its impact on global trade dynamics. How should the world adjust to the economic strategies implemented by the United States under President Donald Trump? (250 words) Key Propositions of Trumponomics: Manufacturing Renaissance in the U.S.: Core Argument: America needs to revive its manufacturing sector, which has been outsourcing jobs to countries like China, leading to a loss of millions of high-wage jobs. Economic & Social Consequences: The offshoring of manufacturing jobs has led to widespread job losses, social issues such as homelessness, rising crime, and drug abuse, particularly in industrial hubs that have transformed into ghost towns. National Security: Relying on imports for vital products (like steel, aluminum, and semiconductors) compromises U.S. national security, especially during crises. Job Quality: Manufacturing remains the only pathway to high-wage jobs for most Americans, contrary to the services sector, which tends to offer low-wage employment. Free Trade vs. Fair Trade: Unfair Competitive Advantage: Trump argues that countries like China engage in unfair trade practices (subsidies, state-owned firms, industrial espionage, and exploitation of cheap labor), undermining American manufacturers. Policy Justification: It is unsustainable for American companies to compete with foreign firms that don’t adhere to free market rules, thus tariffs are necessary to level the playing field. Addressing Trade Deficits: Chronic Trade Deficits: The U.S. consistently runs trade deficits of $500 billion to $1 trillion annually, leading to the acquisition of American assets by foreign nations. The Dollar’s Role: As the world’s reserve currency, the U.S. dollar remains overvalued, contributing to higher imports and reduced exports, aggravating the trade deficit. Economic Correction: Trump argues that the traditional economic theory of trade deficit correction via currency depreciation does not apply to the U.S., due to the unique position of the dollar as a reserve currency. Tariffs as a Tool: Mechanism and Impact of Tariffs: Purpose: Tariffs are intended to raise the cost of imports, reducing the trade deficit and encouraging domestic manufacturing by protecting U.S. industries from foreign competition. Economic Efficiency Concerns: Critics argue tariffs lead to higher costs for consumers and inflation, making the manufacturing sector less efficient. Currency Offset: Trumponomics suggests that tariffs will cause a currency appreciation, which may offset the impact of higher import prices, thereby preventing price hikes for U.S. consumers. Minimal Inflation Impact: Even with a modest inflationary impact (0.3-0.6%), Trumponomics contends that the long-term benefits of domestic manufacturing outweigh short-term costs. Second-Round Effects of Tariffs: Increased Efficiency: Higher input costs due to tariffs could spur U.S. manufacturers to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. Shifting Production: Tariffs may incentivize both U.S. and foreign companies to relocate operations to the U.S., enhancing overall productivity. Signs of Success: Some U.S. companies have already started relocating their operations back to the U.S. in response to tariff policies. The Broader Economic Strategy: Trumponomics is not limited to tariffs; it includes: Tax Cuts: Funding tax cuts using revenues generated from tariffs to alleviate the higher costs for businesses, stimulating investment and growth. Deregulation: Reducing compliance and operational costs for businesses, thus improving their competitiveness. Energy Independence: Increasing domestic oil production to lower energy costs and counteract inflation caused by tariffs. Efficiency vs. Other Economic Goals: Trumponomics challenges the traditional economic focus on efficiency, arguing that national security, job preservation, and trade fairness are equally important. Global Perspective: While critics view Trumponomics as a risky venture, it represents a new economic direction, one that aims to reshape U.S. global economic power. Conclusion: Trumponomics is a bold and controversial economic strategy that blends protectionism with an emphasis on national security and economic sovereignty. The global economic landscape must adapt to this shift, as it fundamentally alters the U.S.’s approach to trade, manufacturing, and foreign policy. Despite its critics, Trumponomics aims to secure American interests in the face of global competition, setting the stage for a long-term transformation of the U.S. economy. A closer look at strategic affairs and the AI factor Overview of the Debate on AI in Strategic Affairs Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): There is growing concern regarding the potential development of AGI, capable of outperforming human cognitive abilities. While the debate on whether AGI is achievable is ongoing, its potential consequences on global security are significant. Current Scholarship: There is a notable lack of scholarship focused on how AI impacts strategic affairs, with the works of Eric Schmidt, Dan Hendrycks, and Alexandr Wang contributing to the conversation. Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Internal Security) Practice Question :Critically analyze the comparison between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and nuclear weapons as presented in recent scholarly works. What are the inherent flaws in applying the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) to AI?(250 Words) Critique of Key Points in the Paper by Schmidt, Hendrycks, and Wang AI Non-Proliferation: The idea of preventing dangerous AI technologies from falling into the hands of rogue actors is crucial, but the mechanisms proposed for this aim deserve scrutiny. Mutual Assured AI Malfunction (MAIM): The comparison between AI and nuclear weapons (Mutual Assured Destruction or MAD) is flawed. MAD is based on the idea of total annihilation, whereas MAIM serves as a deterrence strategy to prevent the development of superintelligent AI. Flaws in Comparison: MAD involves nuclear weapon deterrence, whereas MAIM proposes preemptive destruction of AI projects, a concept that doesn’t align with the nature of AI development. Impact of Diffused AI Projects: AI research is decentralized and distributed, unlike nuclear projects, making the idea of preemptive destruction of AI projects highly impractical and potentially escalating conflicts. Unintended Consequences: Attempting to destroy AI projects could lead to escalation, especially when considering the surveillance limitations of states. Issues with Proposed Strategies for Controlling AI AI Chip Distribution vs Nuclear Materials: The proposal to control AI chip distribution, similar to how nuclear materials are controlled, is problematic. AI models, once trained, do not require ongoing physical resources, which makes it difficult to apply the same control mechanisms used for nuclear materials. Differences in Resource Requirements: Unlike nuclear materials that require physical infrastructure, AI technology can be accessed and distributed more easily, making the enforcement of supply chain controls unfeasible. Assumptions and Speculations in the Paper AI-Powered Bioweapons and Cyberattacks: While AI could theoretically lower the barriers to cyber-attacks and bioweapons, the assumption that these developments are inevitable is speculative. State-Driven AI Development: The paper assumes that AI development will be state-driven, yet the reality is that the private sector is currently at the forefront of AI research, with states merely adopting technologies that have been developed in the private sector. The Imbalance of Historical Comparisons AI vs Nuclear Technology: The paper draws parallels between AI and nuclear weapons, but this analogy is not fitting. AI development, distribution, and deployment differ significantly from the highly centralized and tightly controlled nature of nuclear technology. Ineffective Deterrence: Treating AI as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) or assuming deterrence mechanisms akin to nuclear policies could lead to ineffective policies. The diffusion of AI technology across sectors makes such strategies ineffective. The Need for New Frameworks General Purpose Technology (GPT) Framework: A more appropriate analogy could be the GPT framework, which views technologies as essential tools diffused across sectors, thus strengthening state power. However, AI, especially large language models (LLMs), still has limitations and does not yet fulfill the broader GPT diffusion theory. Limitations of AI: AI is still in a developmental phase and has many constraints that prevent it from being universally applied across different sectors and industries. Way Forward: Further Research: There is a significant need for more academic work that specifically addresses the implications of AI in strategic affairs. Given the potential of superintelligent AI, it is essential to understand its possible impact on national security and global relations. Uncertainty of AGI: One of the critical factors that will influence policymaking is the uncertainty surrounding when and if superintelligent AI will emerge. This uncertainty makes it challenging for states to develop concrete strategies at this stage. Unpredictability of Superintelligent AI: The unpredictability of superintelligent AI’s capabilities means that policymakers must focus on building flexible strategies that can evolve as the technology progresses.

Content: Are Indian startups not scaling up on innovation? Is the once-extinct dire wolf back? How can V2G technology help India’s power sector? Prisons plagued by lack of medical, mental health professionals: report Environment Ministry must roll back order on desulphurising coal plants’ Scientists using James Webb telescope find ‘strongest sign of life’ on alien planet Making primary health care visible, accessible and affordable Are Indian startups not scaling up on innovation? Context : Startups in India are increasingly venturing into deep-tech sectors like AI, blockchain, and electric mobility, which shows a focus on higher-order innovation beyond basic services like grocery delivery. However, despite this interest, many startups face challenges in scaling up their innovations due to higher capital requirements and the early-stage risks involved. Relevance : GS 3(Economic Development) Capital and Risk in Deep-Tech Startups: Deep-tech startups require significant capital in their initial phases, and this is often not available from early-stage funding sources. While government schemes like the Startup India Seed Fund provide some support, they often fall short in meeting the higher funding needs for scaling deep-tech innovations. There is a need for private sector investments to complement initial government funding, especially in high-risk, high-capital sectors. Venture Capital and Innovation: Venture capitalists have shifted focus from e-commerce-driven innovations to deep-tech fields. Investment trends indicate a growing interest in AI, blockchain, and electric mobility, reflecting a broader definition of innovation. Successful innovation, from an investor’s perspective, involves not only the novelty of the technology but also its commercial viability and ability to solve real market needs. Growth of Startups in India: India has seen a significant rise in the number of startups, with thousands of new companies emerging across diverse sectors. This growth has been fueled by government initiatives and increased availability of capital, both equity and debt. While larger companies often attract more funding, there is potential for smaller startups to benefit from increased access to risk capital and a more supportive ecosystem. Challenges in Scaling Startups: One key challenge is the distribution of funding—should government and venture capital focus on a large number of small startups or provide significant support to a few larger ventures that have the potential for large-scale impact? The current model tends to favor smaller amounts of funding across many startups, but larger, more concentrated funding could help scale up the most promising innovations. Barriers to Growth: Bureaucracy and regulatory processes remain a challenge for many startups, hindering their ability to operate smoothly and efficiently. Simplifying administrative processes and ensuring better implementation of supportive policies can help alleviate some of these operational hurdles. Inclusivity in Startups: The initial wave of tech-driven startups primarily catered to urban and upper-middle-class consumers, leading to concerns about inclusivity. To truly scale, startups need to focus on addressing the needs of a broader, more diverse population, including rural and underserved markets. Keys to Success for Startups: Continuous innovation and strong corporate governance are essential for startups aiming to grow and sustain their businesses. Building foundational products that can create lasting value is crucial for achieving long-term success. Success stories like Freshworks, which listed on NASDAQ, show the potential for Indian startups to make a global impact if they scale up effectively. Conclusion: Indian startups are innovating in multiple sectors, but scaling up remains a significant challenge. High capital requirements, access to funding, and bureaucratic obstacles need to be addressed to enable deeper technological innovation and broader market impact. Is the once-extinct dire wolf back? Overview of the Technology: Colossal Biosciences recently announced the successful “resurrection” of the extinct dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) using the genome of the gray wolf (Canis lupus). The company claimed the birth of three pups, genetically modified to closely resemble the dire wolf, a predator that vanished over 12,000 years ago. The genetic editing involved precise alterations across 20 loci in the gray wolf genome to recreate key characteristics such as size and fur color of the extinct species. Relevance : GS 3(Science ,Technology) Scientific Basis and Limitations: The genomes of the two species are 99.94% identical, with only a 0.06% difference. This small genetic gap still corresponds to 1.47 million base pairs. Despite the high genetic similarity, the modified gray wolf pups are not true dire wolves. The genetic edits made are mainly cosmetic, affecting traits like size and fur color, which implies the current animals are more like modified gray wolves than resurrected dire wolves. Genetic reclassification: Some studies suggest dire wolves were not true wolves but part of a distinct evolutionary lineage, adding further complexity to the claim of resurrection. De-Extinction Debate: Ecological Risks: While the idea of bringing back extinct species like the woolly mammoth or dire wolf seems intriguing, the modern environment has drastically changed. Ecosystems today are fragmented and human-altered, making the reintroduction of ancient species potentially harmful. These species might struggle to survive or disrupt existing ecosystems. Ethical and Practical Concerns: There are fundamental issues with whether de-extinct species can thrive in the current world. The ecosystems and ecological roles these species once occupied have evolved, and reintroducing them could lead to unforeseen ecological consequences. Conservation Priorities: The focus should arguably be on preserving existing species rather than focusing resources on reviving extinct ones. Claims of de-extinction could detract from urgent conservation efforts and may influence policymakers to divert attention from protecting endangered species in favor of high-profile projects. The Larger Picture of Conservation: Colossal’s mission aims to “secure the health and biodiversity of the planet” by reintroducing extinct species, but critics argue this could exacerbate environmental issues rather than solve them. Historical evidence shows that species like the dire wolf likely went extinct due to changes in prey availability and climate shifts at the end of the Ice Age. A shift in conservation strategies toward preserving existing ecosystems may be more beneficial in addressing current biodiversity crises than focusing on the resurrection of species no longer adapted to modern conditions. Key Takeaways: Ecological Concerns: Reintroducing extinct species into modern ecosystems could lead to unintended consequences. Genetic Modifications: While Colossal Biosciences’ work is groundbreaking, the genetic modifications made to create “dire wolves” are still far from replicating the original species. Conservation Priorities: Focusing on protecting and restoring current ecosystems and species should take precedence over reviving extinct ones. How can V2G technology help India’s power sector? What is V2G Technology? Definition: Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) is a technology that enables Electric Vehicles (EVs) to send power back to the electricity grid. This is possible when an EV is connected to a bi-directional charger. Functionality: When EVs are idle (not in use), their batteries can act as decentralized energy storage systems. V2G allows for the discharging of stored energy from EVs back to the grid to stabilize supply and demand, especially during peak times. Types: The key uses include V2G, Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), with V2G being the most common for grid support. Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Energy) Global Status of V2G Mature Markets: In regions like the U.K. and the Netherlands, V2G has already been implemented, where EV owners are incentivized to send excess power back to the grid during peak hours. Incentives and Market Mechanisms: In places like California, EV users contribute to grid stability, particularly during fluctuations in renewable energy generation, and are compensated for this service. Distributed Energy: EVs serve as a form of decentralized energy storage, becoming a critical resource for grid support during emergencies or natural disasters. V2G in India: Current Scenario Nascent Stage: While the concept of V2G has gained momentum in mature EV markets, India is still in the early stages of integrating V2G technology into the power grid. Focus Areas: EV charging infrastructure planning is a major priority in response to the growing number of EVs on the roads. Pilot projects are being initiated by Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) for smart charging, with a focus on V2G integration. Challenges: India’s electricity market structure is different from countries like the U.S. and Europe, and is not yet conducive to decentralized solutions like V2G. The current grid system faces challenges due to the variable nature of renewable energy and the imbalance between supply and demand. Key Project: KSEB-IIT Bombay Collaboration Kerala’s EV Adoption: Kerala is seeing rapid adoption of EVs, which has raised concerns about increasing electricity demand, particularly during peak hours in the evening. Project Focus: The KSEB-IIT Bombay project aims to assess the ability of EVs to provide support to the grid, particularly during periods of peak demand when renewable solar energy is unavailable. The collaboration will explore V2G as a means to utilize EVs as decentralized energy resources and ensure a stable supply to the grid. Potential Benefits for India’s Power Sector Grid Stability: V2G can enhance grid reliability by acting as a distributed storage solution. This becomes critical for balancing grid demand, especially during peak hours or when renewable energy generation is low. Renewable Energy Integration: EVs can help integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind by storing excess energy and providing it to the grid when needed, thus reducing the intermittency of renewable power. Support to the Energy Transition: The deployment of V2G could facilitate India’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, supporting both the growing adoption of EVs and the country’s renewable energy targets. Prisons plagued by lack of medical, mental health professionals: report Overview of the Issue: India’s prison system faces severe overcrowding, with the national average occupancy rate exceeding 131%. This leads to a projection of India’s prison inmate population reaching 6.8 lakh by 2030, against a capacity of just 5.15 lakh. The overcrowding exacerbates multiple health challenges, both physical and mental, for inmates. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) Health Staffing Crisis: Mental Health Care Shortage: There is a critical shortage of mental health professionals, with only 25 psychologists for the entire nation’s prisoners. The number of prisoners diagnosed with mental illnesses has nearly doubled from 4,470 in 2012 to 9,084 in 2022, yet the mental health care response remains insufficient. The absence of psychologists and psychiatrists in most states further highlights the disparity in the mental health services available in prisons. Medical Staff Deficiency: The report reveals that 43% of medical officer positions in prisons are vacant. The prescribed prisoner–doctor ratio according to the model prison manual (2016) is 300:1, but the actual national average is 775 prisoners per doctor, far surpassing the benchmark. This lack of adequate healthcare staffing contributes to the worsening health conditions of inmates, especially in overcrowded prisons where basic healthcare services are stretched thin. Overcrowding and Health Risks: Overcrowding not only makes it difficult to provide adequate medical care but also increases the transmission of communicable diseases within prisons. Lack of proper space and sanitation, along with a shortage of healthcare personnel, makes the situation even more dire, increasing the vulnerability of inmates to health issues. Key Gaps in Mental Health and Disability Care: Psychiatric Support: The significant shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists is alarming. As per the India Justice Report, no state or union territory meets the benchmark of one psychologist or psychiatrist per 500 inmates. The country’s prison population (5.7 lakh inmates in 2022) is only supported by 69 sanctioned positions for mental health professionals, of which less than half are filled. This gap in mental health services leads to inadequate care for those suffering from mental health disorders, contributing to worsened conditions and recidivism rates. Disability Support: The report points to a lack of health data regarding prisoners who enter jails with disabilities or develop disabilities during their incarceration. The absence of a robust mechanism to monitor and address the needs of disabled prisoners underlines a broader issue of neglect in providing comprehensive care to vulnerable inmate populations. Long-term Implications: If the prison system does not address the shortage of medical and mental health professionals, the lack of proper care could further degrade the mental and physical health of inmates, potentially worsening recidivism rates. Overcrowded prisons with insufficient healthcare infrastructure may also fuel public health crises, with outbreaks of diseases potentially spilling over into the broader community. Recommendations for Reform: Increase Investment in Healthcare Staffing: Immediate steps should be taken to increase the recruitment of medical professionals, including doctors, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Additionally, training programs to build capacity for dealing with the unique mental health and medical needs of prisoners should be prioritized. Strengthen Health Data Collection and Management: Establishing robust health data systems to track the health conditions of prisoners, especially those with disabilities or mental illnesses, will ensure better-targeted interventions. Address Overcrowding: Addressing the root cause of overcrowding by improving prison infrastructure and exploring alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenders could alleviate some of the health burdens currently experienced in the system. ‘Environment Ministry must roll back order on desulphurising coal plants’ Context: A recent study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser suggests that the Union Environment Ministry should roll back its 2015 mandate requiring all coal-fired power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units. The recommendation is based on India’s coal sulphur content, emissions behavior, and the cost-benefit analysis of FGD installations. Relevance :GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Key Points from the Study: FGD Mandate (2015): All 537 coal-based power plants in India were mandated to installFGD units by 2018 to control Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) emissions. Compliance is extremely poor: only 8% of plants have installed FGDs. Deadlines now extended to 2027-2029 based on plant categories. Cost Implications: ₹1.2 crore per MW to install FGD. For the current 218 GW coal capacity, estimated cost is massive. Would increase freshwater use and power consumption within the plants. Emission Composition: 92% of Indian coal has low sulphur content (0.3%-0.5%). SO₂ disperses due to tall chimneys (220m+) and Indian climatic conditions. Acid rain is “not a significant issue” in India per IIT-Delhi (2024). Environmental Trade-Off: FGD installation (2025-30) would: Cut SO₂ by 17 million tonnes. But emit 69 million tonnes of CO₂ additionally. SO₂ has a cooling effect (masks global warming by ~0.5°C): IPCC insight cited. Arguments for Rollback: Localized emissions impact is limited due to stack height and weather. Huge capital & operational costs, with low marginal gain in Indian context. Resource intensity (water, electricity) contradicts sustainability goals. Emission reduction vs. climate warming acceleration via increased CO₂ is counterproductive. Arguments Against Rollback: SO₂ still a hazardous pollutant, linked to respiratory illnesses. Health externalities (not quantified here) might outweigh costs. Potential rise in imported/high-sulphur coal in future. Sends weak signals on environmental regulation compliance. International commitments under Paris Agreement may require tighter norms.  Policy Implications: A selective FGD mandate for high-sulphur or imported coal-based plants may be more viable. Reassess environment vs. climate trade-offs using region-specific pollution data. Explore alternative technologies or hybrid emission controls. Balance between economic, health, and climate objectives is crucial. Scientists using James Webb telescope find ‘strongest sign of life’ on alien planet Context: Astrophysical Discovery: Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists have detected dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the atmosphere of K2-18 b, a planet 120 light-years away in the constellation Leo. These gases are biosignatures on Earth, typically produced by marine phytoplankton and other microbial life. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) Highlights: Biosignature Detection: DMS and DMDS are only known to be produced biologically on Earth. Their detection in an exoplanet’s atmosphere marks a significant potential sign of extraterrestrial microbial life. Nature of the Exoplanet – K2-18 b: Super-Earth: Mass is 8.6 times that of Earth, diameter is 2.6 times larger. Lies in the habitable zone of its star (where liquid water could exist). Considered a Hycean world – a class of planets with hydrogen-rich atmospheres and water-rich surfaces. Scientific Caution: Researchers emphasize this is not a confirmation of life, but a possible biosignature. Further data and peer verification needed to rule out abiotic (non-living) sources of these gases. Significance: Breakthrough in Astrobiology: Marks a shift towards observational astrobiology — the study of life in the universe through direct observation of planets. Opens avenues for targeted searches for life on exoplanets with similar atmospheric chemistry. Role of James Webb Space Telescope: JWST’s advanced spectroscopic capabilities allow chemical analysis of distant planetary atmospheres. Reinforces the technological leap in space observation. Broader Implications: May influence future space exploration priorities. Could shape astroethics, interstellar communication policies, and planetary protection protocols. Making primary health care visible, accessible and affordable Context The National Health Accounts (NHA) 2021–22 reveal marginal increases in public healthcare expenditure, even as India faces complex public health challenges like NCDs, AMR, and mental health issues. This necessitates reforms for a holistic, trusted, and accessible public health system. Relevance : GS 2(Health ,Governance) Key Issues in India’s Public Health System Emerging Challenges: Rise in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) (60%+ of deaths globally). Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), zoonotic outbreaks, and mental health concerns. Urbanisation, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors affecting health-seeking behaviour. Structural Gaps: Marginal rise in public health expenditure (as per NHA 2021–22). High reliance on private sector for healthcare due to better infrastructure and trust. Persistent out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPHE) though declining. Government Initiatives Ayushman Bharat (2018): Three components— PM-JAY: ₹5 lakh health insurance for economically weaker sections. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAMs): Focus on primary health care through 1.75 lakh+ operational Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) offering holistic care. PM-ABHIM (2021): Strengthening public health infrastructure for long-term resilience. National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS): Based on ISQua benchmarks. Emphasises patient rights, infection control, clinical care, and overall service quality. National Health Mission (NHM): Complements State efforts for rural and urban health care development. Concerns Highlighted Trust Deficit: Public preference for private healthcare due to perceived better quality and consistency. Trust in healthcare affects health-seeking behaviour and service utilisation. Visibility and Experience: Absence of user experience metrics in current data reporting. Need to publicly publish findings to build community confidence. Basic Infrastructure ≠ High Quality: As per Lancet Global Health Commission, merely having physical infrastructure doesn’t guarantee quality. Need systems that are responsive, valued, and outcome-oriented. Way Forward Revise Public Health Standards: Shift focus from Indian Public Health Standards (2007) to NQAS-based upgrades. Build Trust through Transparency: Collect and disseminate user experience and satisfaction data. Enable citizen feedback mechanisms for accountability. Strengthen Primary Healthcare: Expand AAMs with community engagement and continuous care (preventive to palliative). Promote health literacy and behavioural change programs. Integrated, Holistic Approach: Address social determinants of health (sanitation, nutrition, education, environment). Adopt a “One Health” approach for zoonotic and AMR challenges. Increase Public Health Spending: Aim for the National Health Policy 2017 target of 2.5% of GDP on health. Prelims Pointers Catastrophic Health Expenditure (CHO) – WHO defines it as OOPHE >40% of the capacity to pay. PM-JAY – World’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. NQAS – Based on ISQua standards; ensures quality across 8 domains.