Content Arbitration Council Of India (ACI) 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Scheme Arbitration Council Of India (ACI) Legal Foundation Statutory Origin Arbitration Council of India (ACI) is a proposed statutory regulator created through Part IA (Sections 43A–43M) inserted by the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2019 to institutionalise arbitration governance in India. Parent law, Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, is based on UNCITRAL Model Law, promoting party autonomy, minimal judicial intervention, and globally harmonised commercial dispute resolution standards. ACI envisaged as a seven-member body with Chairperson, arbitration experts, and government nominees, aiming to combine domain expertise with regulatory oversight in arbitration governance. Despite statutory mandate since 2019, ACI remains unconstituted, reflecting implementation deficit and raising concerns regarding legal reform credibility and governance accountability. Relevance GS 2 (Polity & Governance) Judicial reforms, ADR mechanisms, institutional arbitration, and legal system efficiency. Rule of law, contract enforcement, ease of doing business, and governance accountability. Balance between regulatory oversight and arbitral independence. Mandate and Functions Core Responsibilities ACI frames policies for grading arbitral institutions, setting quality benchmarks, and professionalising arbitration, similar to models in Singapore and UK arbitration regimes. Recognises professional bodies for accrediting arbitrators, standardising qualifications, ethics, and competency, addressing weaknesses of India’s ad-hoc arbitration culture. Conducts training, workshops, and courses to build arbitration capacity, strengthening legal human capital and supporting knowledge-based dispute resolution ecosystem. Maintains depository of arbitral awards and promotes research, enabling data-driven policy-making and evidence-based arbitration reforms. Reform Context in Indian Arbitration Evolution Since 1996 1996 Act replaced Arbitration Act, 1940, shifting from court-centric litigation to modern arbitration aligned with liberalised economy and global trade requirements. 2015 Amendment introduced Section 29A timelines, neutrality disclosures, and narrowed public policy grounds, improving award enforceability and investor confidence. 2019 Amendment promoted institutional arbitration, introduced confidentiality (Section 42A) and arbitrator immunity, encouraging structured dispute resolution mechanisms. 2021 Amendment removed automatic stay on awards except in fraud or corruption, strengthening enforcement and reducing delay tactics. Linkage with India International Arbitration Centre (IIAC) Institutional Ecosystem India International Arbitration Centre Act, 2019 established IIAC as an autonomous institution to deliver world-class arbitration services and position India as global arbitration seat. IIAC provides empanelled arbitrators, administrative support, and modern facilities at cost-effective rates, reducing dependence on foreign seats like Singapore and London. Adoption by CPSEs — ONGC, GAIL, BPCL (2024–25) institutionalises arbitration in public contracts, improving commercial certainty and reducing litigation burden. Outreach through conferences, debates, exporter webinars, ADR publications reflects policy push toward mainstreaming institutional arbitration. Governance and Administrative Significance Justice Delivery Impact With over 5 crore pending cases in Indian courts, arbitration supports Article 39A goal of speedy and affordable justice. Institutional arbitration ensures transparent appointments, procedural consistency, and rule-based dispute resolution, strengthening trust in commercial justice systems. Predictable dispute resolution improves government contracting, reduces project delays, and enhances administrative efficiency. Economic Relevance Investment Climate Strong arbitration improves contract enforcement, a key factor influencing FDI inflows and cross-border commercial confidence. Global arbitration hubs earn significant legal services revenue; domestic ecosystem can retain high-value dispute resolution expenditure. Faster dispute settlement benefits export sectors, supporting India’s expanding global trade ambitions. Challenges and Criticisms Structural Gaps Non-constitution of ACI weakens reform momentum and creates regulatory vacuum in institutional arbitration quality control. Experts warn of excessive government control in ACI potentially undermining independence and party autonomy, core arbitration principles. Limited trained arbitrators and uneven institutional capacity restrict India’s competitiveness against global arbitration centres. Way Forward Reform Directions Expedite ACI constitution with credible arbitration experts, ensuring functional independence and transparency. Promote mandatory institutional arbitration clauses in major public contracts to reduce ad-hoc arbitration. Expand training, certification, and ethics regulation with global collaborations. Scale online dispute resolution (ODR) and digital arbitration platforms aligned with Digital India reforms. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Types ADR refers to non-judicial mechanisms for resolving disputes quickly, cost-effectively, and with minimal procedural complexity. Recognised under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. 1) Arbitration Dispute decided by a neutral arbitrator or arbitral tribunal. Decision (arbitral award) is binding and enforceable like a court decree. Can be institutional (e.g., arbitration centres) or ad-hoc. Used heavily in commercial and international disputes. 2) Conciliation Neutral conciliator actively suggests solutions and settlement terms. More interventionist than mediation. Settlement agreement has legal status of arbitral award under the 1996 Act. Common in commercial and contractual disputes. 3) Mediation Neutral mediator facilitates dialogue; does not impose a decision. Voluntary, confidential, and party-driven. Outcome becomes binding only if parties sign a settlement. Increasingly used in family, civil, and community disputes. 4) Negotiation Parties directly discuss to reach a mutually acceptable solution. No third-party involvement. Most informal and flexible ADR method. Often first step before formal ADR. 5) Lok Adalats (People’s Courts) Statutory ADR under Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. Focus on compromise and settlement. Award is final, binding, and non-appealable. Effective in reducing judicial backlog. 6) Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) Uses digital platforms, AI tools, and video conferencing. Suitable for e-commerce, fintech, and small-value disputes. Promoted under Digital India and e-Courts initiatives. 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) Scheme Legal–Policy Foundation Scheme Basis Central Sector Scheme on Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs launched in 2020 to collectivise small and marginal farmers, enhance bargaining power, and enable economies of scale in agriculture value chains. Implemented by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare with support of SFAC, NABARD, NCDC, reflecting convergence model combining credit, capacity building, and market linkage support for farmer collectives. FPOs legally registered under Companies Act, 2013 (Producer Company provisions) or Cooperative/Society laws, providing formal institutional identity, limited liability, and democratic member-driven governance structure. Scheme aligns with Doubling Farmers’ Income vision, SDG-1 (No Poverty) and SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) by improving farmer income realisation through aggregation and value addition. Relevance GS 3 (Agriculture & Economy) Agricultural marketing reforms, value chains, and income diversification. Economies of scale, agri-exports, and market-led agriculture transition. Linkages with e-NAM, food processing, and digital agriculture. Core Objectives Functional Goals Promote collectivisation of producers for better input procurement, technology adoption, and market access, reducing dependence on intermediaries and improving farm-gate price realisation. Strengthen post-harvest management, processing, branding, and exports, shifting farmers from subsistence cultivation toward commercial and value-chain oriented agriculture. Facilitate access to institutional credit, as individual smallholders often lack collateral and credit history, but FPOs improve creditworthiness through collective strength. Encourage cluster-based business organisations (CBBOs) to provide professional handholding, business planning, and managerial support for initial 5-year nurturing period. Current Status & Data Latest Figures 10,000 FPOs formed under scheme as of 1 January 2026, marking achievement of major institutional target in farmer collectivisation and rural economic organisation. 56.32 lakh farmers enrolled, indicating large-scale mobilisation of agrarian population into formal producer collectives, critical for structural transformation of fragmented landholding system. 21.96 lakh women farmers enrolled, reflecting significant gender inclusion, improving women’s role in decision-making, income control, and agri-entrepreneurship. 1,175 FPOs with 100% women members demonstrate targeted push toward women-led producer enterprises, aligning with gender empowerment and inclusive rural development goals. Governance & Administrative Significance Institutional Impact FPOs reduce transaction costs, enable bulk marketing, and improve integration with e-NAM and digital agriculture platforms, strengthening market efficiency and price discovery. Support government shift from price support–centric agriculture toward market-led income enhancement, reducing excessive MSP dependency over long term. Promote decentralised rural institutions, strengthening grassroots economic democracy and participatory development consistent with cooperative federalism and local empowerment principles. Economic Significance Income & Market Impact Aggregation through FPOs improves scale economies, lowering per-unit costs of inputs, logistics, storage, and processing, thereby enhancing farmer profitability and competitiveness. Facilitates entry into high-value agriculture—horticulture, dairy, fisheries, organic produce—diversifying income sources and reducing monoculture risk. Enhances export readiness through quality standardisation and traceability, supporting India’s agri-export targets under Agriculture Export Policy, 2018. Social & Ethical Dimensions  Inclusion Value Women-centric FPOs improve financial inclusion, leadership participation, and social status of rural women, contributing to gender equity and household welfare improvements. Collective model reduces vulnerability of marginal farmers against price shocks, climate risks, and exploitative middlemen structures. Challenges & Criticisms Structural Gaps Many FPOs face weak managerial capacity, business planning gaps, and market intelligence deficits, affecting sustainability beyond government support period. Limited access to working capital and risk finance constrains scaling of operations and value-addition activities. Over-reliance on grants risks creating grant-dependent institutions rather than self-sustaining commercial entities. Market linkages often remain localised, limiting integration into national and global value chains. Way Forward Reform Directions Strengthen professional management, agri-business training, and digital literacy for FPO leaders to improve commercial viability. Expand credit guarantee mechanisms and blended finance models to attract private investment into FPO ecosystem. Integrate FPOs with food processing clusters, ONDC, and e-commerce platforms to widen market access. Promote women-led FPO federations to achieve scale, negotiation power, and policy visibility.

Content RBI maintains status quo, conserves policy ammunition Anthropic sends a message to Bengaluru: AI and India’s IT services model RBI maintains status quo, conserves policy ammunition Monetary Policy & Legal Framework Institutional Basis Reserve Bank of India (RBI) operates under RBI Act, 1934; Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) created via 2016 amendment, institutionalising flexible inflation targeting and rule-based monetary policy. MPC consists of 6 members (3 RBI + 3 Government nominees); decisions by majority vote with Governor’s casting vote, ensuring institutional balance between autonomy and accountability. India follows Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) with mandated CPI target 4% ±2% band (2–6%), notified by Government under Section 45ZA of RBI Act. Relevance GS 3 – Economy Monetary policy, inflation targeting, interest rates, liquidity management, capital flows, exchange rate stability. Growth–inflation trade-off, real interest rates, and macroeconomic stabilisation. Role of central banks in managing global spillovers and commodity shocks. Practice Question “In an uncertain global environment, central banks often prioritise policy credibility over short-term growth stimulus.”Discuss in the context of RBI’s recent status quo on policy rates.(250 Words) Current Policy Stance Status Quo Decision RBI kept policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% (Feb 2026), continuing pause since Feb 2023, indicating cautious approach amid global uncertainty and evolving inflation-growth dynamics. Decision reflects strategy to preserve policy space (“policy ammunition”), allowing future rate actions if inflationary or growth shocks emerge domestically or globally. RBI assessment suggests inflation trajectory becoming manageable, reducing urgency for immediate rate cuts while ensuring credibility of inflation targeting framework. Inflation Dynamics Price Stability Context CPI inflation projected ~4% for FY27, aligning with RBI’s medium-term target, signalling relative price stability compared to post-pandemic and Ukraine-war driven inflation spikes. Core inflation softening indicates easing demand-side pressures, while food inflation volatility remains key risk due to climate variability and supply-side shocks. Stable inflation expectations strengthen real interest rate transmission, supporting macroeconomic credibility and currency stability. Growth Outlook GDP Projections RBI projects GDP growth ~7.2% for FY27, reflecting India’s position as fastest-growing major economy, supported by domestic demand, capex push, and services sector resilience. Lower global crude and commodity prices reduce imported inflation and input costs, improving corporate margins and household purchasing power. Potential improvement in capital flows expected if advanced economies like US and EU witness monetary easing cycles. Liquidity & Financial Conditions Liquidity Management RBI previously infused liquidity through CRR adjustments and OMOs, ensuring adequate system liquidity to support credit growth and financial stability. Despite earlier liquidity support, RBI remains cautious as excessive liquidity can rekindle inflationary pressures and asset price bubbles. Balancing liquidity with price stability reflects calibrated monetary management in uncertain global macroeconomic environment. External Sector Considerations Global Linkages US tariff policies and global trade uncertainty affect export outlook, though diversified export basket reduces concentrated vulnerability. Narrower interest rate differentials with US could influence capital flows and exchange rate stability, shaping RBI’s cautious stance. India’s strong forex reserves (historically above USD 600 billion range) provide buffer against external volatility. Governance & Economic Significance Policy Credibility Maintaining status quo signals policy predictability, anchoring investor confidence and financial market stability. Conservative approach protects against premature easing that may destabilise inflation expectations. Reinforces RBI’s reputation as credible inflation-targeting central bank among emerging markets. Challenges & Risks Structural Concerns Food inflation vulnerability due to monsoon variability and climate shocks remains persistent structural risk. Global financial volatility, geopolitical tensions, and commodity price swings could disrupt inflation trajectory. Tight policy for prolonged period may moderate private investment and consumption momentum. Way Forward Policy Priorities Maintain data-dependent monetary policy, avoiding rigid forward guidance amid volatile global macroeconomic environment. Strengthen supply-side measures in food management to reduce structural inflation drivers beyond monetary control. Improve monetary-fiscal coordination to ensure fiscal deficits do not counteract disinflation efforts. Deepen financial markets to enhance smoother transmission of policy rates. Anthropic sends a message to Bengaluru: AI and India’s IT services model Technological & Policy Context AI Disruption Basics Rapid advances in Generative AI (GenAI) are shifting software work from human-coded solutions toward AI-assisted and AI-generated outputs, challenging traditional labour-intensive IT services models. Firms like Anthropic and OpenAI demonstrate AI systems capable of coding, legal review, workflow planning, and analytics, expanding AI from assistance to partial task substitution in knowledge industries. India’s IT sector, built on outsourcing, cost arbitrage, and skilled manpower, now faces structural disruption as AI reduces need for large coding and support teams. Shift marks transition from “services-led digital economy” to “AI-augmented knowledge economy”, demanding policy and workforce adaptation. Relevance GS 3 – Economy & S&T AI-led productivity shifts, automation, and digital economy transformation. Impact on IT exports, employment, and business models. Innovation ecosystem, R&D, and strategic technology capacity. Practice Question “Generative AI may do to IT services what automation did to manufacturing.”Discuss implications for India’s growth and employment model.(250 Words) Economic Significance Growth Model Implications India’s IT-BPM sector contributes ~7–8% of GDP and over USD 200+ billion exports annually, making AI disruption macroeconomically significant for growth, forex, and employment. AI-driven automation may compress billing-hour models, pushing firms toward outcome-based pricing and high-value consulting rather than routine services. Productivity gains from AI can improve margins but may reduce entry-level hiring, affecting India’s demographic dividend utilisation. Stock market reactions, such as IT index declines, reflect investor concerns about medium-term revenue models and competitiveness. Employment & Social Dimensions Workforce Impact Routine coding, testing, and documentation roles face higher automation risk, especially entry-level positions forming bulk of Indian IT recruitment pipelines. However, AI creates demand for AI trainers, prompt engineers, data curators, and domain specialists, shifting skill composition rather than eliminating jobs entirely. Risk of job polarisation—high-skill AI roles grow while mid-skill routine jobs shrink—raising inequality and reskilling urgency. Large-scale reskilling aligns with NEP 2020 emphasis on digital and future skills. Governance & Regulatory Relevance Policy Interface India’s approach under Digital India and IndiaAI Mission seeks to build domestic AI capability, compute infrastructure, and datasets for strategic autonomy. Need for regulatory clarity on AI ethics, liability, and data protection under frameworks like Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Government role shifts toward enabler and regulator, ensuring innovation without harming employment stability or data sovereignty. Strategic & Global Dimensions Competitive Positioning Global AI race led by US and China may reshape digital value chains; India must avoid being confined to low-value segments. Opportunity to position India as hub for responsible AI, multilingual AI, and Global South solutions, leveraging large digital public infrastructure. AI capability increasingly linked with national power, productivity, and strategic autonomy. Challenges & Risks Structural Concerns Skill mismatch between current workforce and AI-driven demand may create short-term unemployment pressures. High dependence on foreign AI models risks technological dependence and data colonialism. SMEs may struggle to invest in AI adoption, widening digital divide within industry. Ethical concerns over algorithmic bias, surveillance, and accountability remain unresolved. Way Forward Reform Directions Scale up AI-focused skilling programs, integrating coding, statistics, and domain expertise through industry–academia collaboration. Incentivise R&D, domestic AI startups, and compute infrastructure to reduce import dependence. Promote human-in-the-loop AI systems ensuring augmentation rather than full automation. Develop clear AI governance framework balancing innovation, ethics, and labour transition support.

Content H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) DEEP TECH START-UPS IN INDIA RBI FRAMEWORK FOR COMPENSATION TO CYBERFRAUD VICTIMS RBI MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE (MPC) & POLICY RATES AGROFORESTRY IN INDIA BLYTH’S TRAGOPAN (Tragopan blythii) H5N1 AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) Context H5N1 avian influenza detected in dead crows in Chennai, prompting Tamil Nadu authorities to issue advisories, strengthen surveillance, and enforce biosecurity, highlighting periodic zoonotic disease risks in urban ecosystems. Detection reiterates need for avian disease monitoring in migratory and urban bird populations, as sporadic outbreaks in India trigger containment protocols under national avian influenza response framework. Relevance GS 2 (Health & Governance) Public health preparedness, zoonotic disease surveillance, One Health approach, Centre–State coordination in epidemic response. GS 3 (Environment & Science) Zoonotic diseases, wildlife–livestock interface, biodiversity–health linkages, biosecurity and pandemic risk management. Scientific Basics Nature of Disease Avian Influenza is a zoonotic viral disease caused by Influenza A viruses of family Orthomyxoviridae, primarily infecting birds but occasionally crossing species barriers to infect humans and mammals. Influenza A viruses are classified by Hemagglutinin (H1–H16) and Neuraminidase (N1–N9) proteins; H5N1 subtype denotes specific antigenic structure influencing virulence, host range, and immune response. Avian influenza viruses are categorised as Low Pathogenic (LPAI) or Highly Pathogenic (HPAI); H5N1 is HPAI, causing systemic infection and high mortality in domestic poultry populations. Wild aquatic birds are natural reservoirs, often asymptomatic, facilitating long-distance virus spread through migratory flyways and creating epidemiological links between continents and domestic poultry. Transmission Mechanism Spread Dynamics Virus spreads among birds via saliva, nasal secretions, and faeces, contaminating shared water bodies, feed sources, cages, and farm equipment in intensive poultry environments. Human infection mainly occurs through direct handling of infected birds, carcasses, or contaminated environments, especially in farms and live bird markets with poor biosecurity. No sustained human-to-human transmission documented, limiting pandemic potential, yet sporadic human infections justify continuous global and national surveillance. Virus survives longer in cool, moist conditions, making wetlands and winter seasons ecologically favourable for persistence and transmission among bird populations. Symptoms & Pathology Clinical Features In birds, infection causes sudden death, respiratory distress, swelling, neurological signs, diarrhoea, and drastic fall in egg production due to multi-organ viral replication. In humans, symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and pneumonia, sometimes progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring intensive care. WHO records indicate around 50% case fatality among confirmed human H5N1 cases globally, though total human infections remain very limited in number. Prevention & Control Biosecurity Measures Culling of infected and exposed poultry remains primary containment method as vaccination effectiveness is limited against rapidly mutating highly pathogenic strains. Farm biosecurity requires controlled entry, sanitation, protective clothing, and routine disinfection, reducing farm-to-farm transmission risks. Safe disposal of carcasses through deep burial or incineration prevents soil and water contamination and secondary transmission. Proper cooking above 70°C destroys virus, ensuring well-cooked poultry and eggs remain safe for human consumption. Institutional & Legal Framework (India) Governance Structure Governed under Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, empowering authorities to enforce quarantine, culling, and movement control. National Action Plan on Avian Influenza guides surveillance, outbreak response, zoning, and farmer compensation to ensure transparency and cooperation. India follows One Health approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health surveillance for zoonotic disease management. Coordination among Department of Animal Husbandry, State Veterinary Services, and Public Health Departments ensures multi-sectoral outbreak response. Economic & Social Significance Sectoral Impact Poultry sector is major source of affordable protein, rural employment, and income diversification, making outbreaks economically sensitive. Outbreaks often cause consumer panic, price crashes, and trade restrictions, directly impacting farmers’ incomes and agri-exports. Compensation mechanisms help ensure early reporting and cooperation from poultry farmers during outbreaks. Environmental Linkages Ecology Dimension Migratory birds along Central Asian Flyway act as long-distance carriers, linking disease ecology across countries and seasons. Wetlands serve as ecological interfaces where wild and domestic birds interact, facilitating viral exchange. Climate variability influences migration routes, congregation patterns, and viral persistence in ecosystems. Challenges Structural Issues Frequent antigenic drift and shift in influenza viruses complicate vaccine development and long-term immunity. Informal poultry markets often lack traceability and biosecurity compliance, increasing outbreak risks. Veterinary infrastructure and rapid diagnostic capacity remain uneven across regions. Misinformation can reduce poultry consumption despite food safety assurances, hurting livelihoods. Way Forward Strategic Measures Strengthen One Health surveillance systems integrating wildlife, livestock, and human disease databases for early warning. Expand district-level veterinary labs and rapid response teams for timely containment. Promote farmer awareness on farm-level biosecurity and early reporting practices. Enhance international cooperation under WHO–FAO–WOAH frameworks for transboundary disease monitoring. DEEP TECH START-UPS IN INDIA Context Current Trigger Government of India issued official definition of “Deep Tech start-up” via DPIIT gazette notification, bringing regulatory clarity to a previously loosely used term amid rising policy focus on technology-driven innovation. Definition gains importance due to ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and increasing public financing support targeted at high-technology and frontier innovation sectors. Relevance GS 3 (Science & Technology) Frontier technologies (AI, quantum, biotech, semiconductors), R&D ecosystem, IP generation, innovation-led growth. GS 3 (Economy) Knowledge economy transition, high-tech manufacturing, startup financing, productivity and export competitiveness. Conceptual & Scientific Basis Meaning of Deep Tech Deep Tech refers to start-ups based on advanced scientific or engineering innovations, producing solutions rooted in new knowledge rather than incremental digital or business-model innovations. Typically operates in frontier domains like AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, semiconductors, space tech, and advanced materials, where breakthroughs rely on scientific research and experimentation. Distinguished from regular tech start-ups by high R&D intensity, strong IP creation, and technology-led competitive advantage rather than platform or service aggregation models. Deep tech innovation often originates from university labs, research institutions, or scientific ecosystems, linking academia, industry, and government research systems. Official Definition Criteria (DPIIT) Qualification Norms A deep tech start-up must focus on new scientific or engineering knowledge, not merely applying existing technologies in commercial or service contexts. Must spend major share of expenditure on R&D, signalling research-driven rather than marketing-driven enterprise structure. Required to own or develop significant intellectual property (IP) and actively pursue commercialisation of that IP. Characterised by long gestation, high capital needs, infrastructure intensity, and significant technical uncertainty, distinguishing it from fast-scaling digital start-ups. Start-up Eligibility Norms Age & Turnover Rules Standard start-up defined as entity less than 10 years old or turnover below ₹200 crore, as per DPIIT norms. Deep tech start-ups receive extended runway, qualifying as start-up for up to 20 years with turnover ceiling of ₹300 crore, acknowledging longer innovation cycles. Recognition requires application and certification by DPIIT, making status rule-based rather than self-declared. Institutional & Governance Framework Regulatory Structure DPIIT is final authority for recognising start-ups and deep tech start-ups, ensuring standardised national classification. Decisions guided by Inter-Ministerial Board of Certification including representatives from DPIIT, Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Department of Biotechnology (DBT). Start-ups are restricted from investing in real estate, speculative assets, or securities unless directly linked to knowledge creation, ensuring focus on innovation. Reflects governance shift toward mission-oriented innovation policy rather than broad-based start-up promotion alone. Policy & Economic Significance Strategic Importance Deep tech critical for strategic autonomy, technological sovereignty, and high-value manufacturing, reducing dependence on foreign technology. Drives productivity, export competitiveness, and high-skilled employment, moving India up the global value chain. Aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, Digital India, and Make in India visions focusing on domestic innovation capacity. Encourages knowledge economy transition, where growth stems from IP, patents, and research-led enterprises. Financing Ecosystem R&D Support Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) oversees ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund to finance emerging technologies and research over seven years. Deep tech start-ups may receive concessional financing at 2–4% interest with tenures up to 15 years, easing capital constraints. Public funding reduces early-stage risk where private investors hesitate due to uncertain and long innovation cycles. Signals state-led catalytic role in high-risk innovation financing. Challenges Structural Constraints Long gestation periods delay revenue generation, creating funding stress and investor hesitation. Limited deep-tech venture capital ecosystem compared to US and China. Weak academia–industry technology transfer pipelines slow commercialisation. Talent shortages in frontier science and interdisciplinary research areas. Way Forward Strategic Measures Strengthen industry–academia collaboration and technology transfer offices in universities. Expand deep-tech focused venture funds and blended finance instruments. Fast-track approval of national deep tech policy for coherent ecosystem support. Promote global partnerships in frontier technologies while safeguarding IP. RBI FRAMEWORK FOR COMPENSATION TO CYBERFRAUD VICTIMS Context RBI proposed framework to compensate online fraud victims up to ₹25,000, targeting small-value digital payment frauds, reflecting regulatory response to rising cybercrime in digital financial ecosystem and UPI expansion. Proposal shifts burden partly to banks and institutions, signalling stronger consumer protection regime amid rapid growth of digital payments, fintech usage, and cashless economy adoption across India. Relevance GS 3 (Economy) Digital payments ecosystem, fintech regulation, financial stability and consumer confidence. GS 3 (Internal Security / Cybersecurity) Cybercrime trends, digital fraud risks, need for cyber resilience and financial data protection. Conceptual & Regulatory Basics Cyber Fraud Meaning Cyber financial fraud involves unauthorised digital transactions through phishing, OTP compromise, social engineering, or malware, exploiting gaps in user awareness, digital hygiene, and platform-level security safeguards. RBI treats digital payment safety as core to payment system integrity, governed under Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, ensuring trust, stability, and consumer confidence in electronic transactions. Key Features of Proposed Framework Compensation Structure Victims of small-value online frauds may receive compensation up to ₹25,000, focusing on frequently occurring low-ticket digital frauds affecting large number of retail users. Both bank and customer share liability, each bearing 15% of transaction value, while RBI-funded Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund covers remaining eligible compensation portion. Example-based approach ensures proportional relief; if fraud loss is below ₹25,000, compensation aligns with defined percentage-sharing formula rather than full unconditional reimbursement. Framework covers cases even where customers inadvertently share credentials, recognising modern fraud complexity and shifting toward victim-sensitive regulatory stance. Institutional Mechanism Governance Framework Compensation financed through Depositor Education and Awareness Fund, created by RBI using unclaimed deposits, primarily aimed at depositor protection and financial literacy promotion. RBI and banks will conduct due diligence checks, ensuring fraud legitimacy and preventing misuse, balancing consumer protection with moral hazard concerns. Framework emphasises shared responsibility model, encouraging both institutional safeguards and consumer vigilance in digital transactions. Economic & Governance Significance Systemic Importance Strengthens trust in digital payments ecosystem, crucial as India leads globally in real-time digital transactions volume, particularly through UPI-driven retail payments revolution. Enhances consumer confidence, supporting government push toward less-cash economy, financial inclusion, and fintech-led innovation. Reinforces RBI’s role as financial consumer protector, not merely monetary authority, expanding regulatory scope in digital finance governance. Social & Ethical Dimensions Citizen Protection Protects vulnerable users like elderly and first-time digital adopters, who face higher cyber fraud risks due to limited digital literacy. Ethical governance principle of fairness and victim protection reflected in partial compensation even when user negligence exists. Challenges & Risks Structural Concerns Risk of moral hazard, where guaranteed compensation may reduce consumer caution and digital hygiene practices. Verification complexity and dispute resolution delays may burden banks and regulators. Fraud detection remains reactive rather than preventive in many cases. Cybercriminal innovation evolves rapidly, outpacing regulatory responses. Way Forward Strategic Measures Strengthen real-time fraud detection systems, AI-driven monitoring, and transaction alerts to prevent frauds before loss occurs. Expand nationwide digital financial literacy campaigns on phishing, OTP safety, and secure banking practices. Improve coordination between RBI, banks, NPCI, and law enforcement for rapid response and fund recovery. Develop clearer liability frameworks for fintech intermediaries and third-party platforms. RBI MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE (MPC) & POLICY RATES Context RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee kept repo rate steady at 5.25% while raising FY26 GDP and inflation projections, indicating cautious optimism about growth alongside evolving inflation dynamics. Decision reflects RBI’s attempt to balance price stability and growth support, amid changing global monetary conditions and domestic demand patterns. Relevance GS 3 (Economy) Inflation targeting, interest rates, liquidity management, monetary transmission, macroeconomic stability. GS 2 (Polity & Governance) Institutional autonomy of RBI, rule-based policymaking, accountability mechanisms. Constitutional–Legal & Institutional Basis Legal Framework Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) established under RBI Act, 1934 (amended 2016) to institutionalise rule-based, transparent, and accountable monetary policy decision-making in India. MPC consists of 6 members — 3 from RBI and 3 government nominees, with RBI Governor as Chairperson holding casting vote in case of tie. India follows Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework with mandated CPI target of 4% ±2% (2–6%), notified by Government every five years. RBI must publish Monetary Policy Report and explain failure if inflation remains outside target band for three consecutive quarters. Repo Rate & Policy Rates Basics Core Concepts Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends short-term funds to commercial banks against government securities, serving as primary monetary policy signalling tool. Changes in repo rate influence lending rates, deposit rates, liquidity, credit demand, and overall economic activity, forming core of monetary transmission mechanism. Other policy rates include Reverse Repo Rate, Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) forming liquidity adjustment framework. Monetary policy stance can be accommodative, neutral, or tightening, depending on macroeconomic priorities. Inflation Dynamics Price Stability Context Inflation projections revised upward for FY26, reflecting evolving food price pressures, energy price trends, and demand recovery. Benign core inflation provides room for growth support, while food inflation remains structurally volatile due to monsoon dependence and supply-side rigidities. Anchored inflation expectations improve real income stability and investor confidence. RBI’s primary mandate remains price stability while keeping growth in mind. Growth Outlook GDP Projections Upward revision in GDP growth projections signals confidence in domestic demand, government capex push, and resilient services sector. India remains among fastest-growing major economies, supported by structural reforms and demographic advantage. Credit growth and private consumption remain key growth drivers. Global slowdown risks and trade uncertainties remain external constraints. Governance & Economic Significance Policy Credibility Predictable rate decisions enhance policy credibility and financial market stability, reducing volatility in bond and equity markets. Supports investment planning and macroeconomic stability. Reinforces RBI’s reputation as credible inflation-targeting central bank. Strengthens rule-based macroeconomic governance. Challenges & Risks Structural Concerns Food inflation sensitivity to climate shocks complicates monetary control. Global oil price volatility impacts imported inflation. Tight policy may moderate private investment. Transmission lags reduce immediate policy effectiveness. Way Forward Strategic Measures Maintain data-driven, flexible policy approach amid uncertainty. Improve food supply management to tackle structural inflation. Deepen financial markets for smoother transmission. Strengthen monetary-fiscal coordination. AGROFORESTRY IN INDIA Context India targets 50 million hectares under agroforestry by 2050, yet financing remains inadequate, with <5% of ₹20 lakh crore annual agricultural credit flowing to agroforestry despite climate and income benefits. Discussions at South Asian Agroforestry & Trees Outside Forests (AF-TOF) Congress 2026 highlighted structural financing gaps, policy awareness deficits, and regulatory hurdles limiting agroforestry expansion across South Asia. Relevance GS 3 (Environment & Climate) Climate mitigation, carbon sequestration, land restoration, sustainable agriculture. GS 3 (Agriculture & Economy) Farmer income diversification, timber imports, agro-based industries, rural resilience. Conceptual & Scientific Basics Meaning of Agroforestry Agroforestry integrates trees, crops, and sometimes livestock on the same land management unit, combining ecological and economic functions to improve productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience. Recognised by FAO as sustainable land-use system that enhances biodiversity, soil fertility, microclimate regulation, and diversified farmer incomes while reducing land degradation. Includes systems like agri-silviculture, silvo-pastoral, and agri-horticulture, depending on tree–crop–livestock combinations suited to agro-climatic zones. Bridges agriculture and forestry sectors, falling under Trees Outside Forests (TOF) category in policy discourse. Policy & Legal Framework Institutional Basis India launched National Agroforestry Policy, 2014, becoming first country with dedicated agroforestry policy, aiming to integrate tree cultivation with farming systems. Policy seeks to simplify felling and transit regulations, improve market access, and promote research, extension, and institutional credit support. Agroforestry aligns with National Forest Policy, 1988 goal of one-third geographical area under tree/forest cover. Linked with schemes like Sub-Mission on Agroforestry (SMAF) under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture. Current Status & Data Key Figures India has nearly 28 million hectares under agroforestry, contributing significantly to tree cover outside traditional forests. Agroforestry systems hold nearly 20% of India’s national carbon stocks, demonstrating climate mitigation potential. India imports over $7 billion worth of wood annually, indicating domestic production gap and livelihood opportunity for farmers. Around 86% Indian farmers are small and marginal, making diversified income sources like agroforestry economically relevant. Economic Significance Livelihood & Trade Impact Agroforestry provides diversified income streams through timber, fruits, fodder, fuelwood, and non-timber forest products, reducing farm income volatility. Reduces import dependence on timber and wood products, improving trade balance and domestic value chains. Long-term tree assets function as natural savings and insurance for rural households. Supports agro-processing and rural industries linked to wood and tree-based products. Environmental & Climate Significance Ecological Benefits Enhances carbon sequestration, supporting India’s NDC commitments under Paris Agreement. Reduces soil erosion, improves soil organic carbon, and enhances water retention. Acts as buffer against climate variability through microclimate regulation and windbreak effects. Studies show agroforestry helps avoid millions of tonnes of GHG emissions annually. Governance & Financial Challenges Structural Constraints Long gestation periods (5–30 years) discourage formal credit as returns are delayed compared to seasonal crops. Land tenure complexities and lack of clear tree ownership rights reduce creditworthiness and farmer confidence. Trees often not accepted as collateral by banks, limiting institutional finance access. Limited farmer awareness about harvesting and transit rules restricts adoption. Way Forward Strategic Measures Develop dedicated agroforestry credit lines with longer repayment cycles matching tree growth periods. Integrate agroforestry with carbon markets and green finance mechanisms for additional revenue streams. Simplify tree felling and transit regulations across states for market confidence. Promote digital traceability and private-sector procurement linkages. BLYTH’S TRAGOPAN (Tragopan blythii) Context Blyth’s tragopan highlighted in conservation discourse as a rare Himalayan pheasant facing habitat loss and hunting pressure, drawing attention to indicator species role in fragile Eastern Himalayan ecosystems. Renewed focus arises from biodiversity reporting and conservation discussions stressing indicator species importance for monitoring mountain ecosystem health, forest integrity, and climate-sensitive habitats in Northeast India. Relevance GS 3 (Environment & Biodiversity) Endangered species conservation, Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot, indicator species concept. GS 3 (Ecology) Habitat fragmentation, climate-sensitive mountain ecosystems, forest ecology. Taxonomy & Biological Basics Species Identity Blyth’s tragopan is a pheasant species (Family: Phasianidae), named after Edward Blyth, characterised by strong sexual dimorphism, elaborate male display features, and cryptic female camouflage for nesting survival. Belongs to genus Tragopan, which includes Satyr, Temminck’s, Western, and Blyth’s tragopans, collectively known for ornate plumage, inflatable throat lappets, and horn-like display structures during breeding. Medium-sized galliform bird; male length 65–70 cm, female about 59 cm, showing size dimorphism alongside colour differences typical of pheasant reproductive strategies. Habitat & Distribution Geographic Range Distributed across Bhutan, Northeast India, northern Myanmar, southeastern Tibet, and Yunnan (China), forming a fragmented Eastern Himalayan and Indo-Burma range. In India, found mainly in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, particularly within undisturbed montane broadleaf forests rich in bamboo and rhododendron understory. Shows altitudinal migration, occupying 1,400 m in winter and up to 3,300 m in summer, responding to snowfall, food availability, and seasonal vegetation patterns. Stronghold populations survive in areas like Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve, indicating importance of large intact forest landscapes for species persistence. Ecological Significance Indicator Role Recognised as an indicator species, reflecting health of Eastern Himalayan montane forests, which are among Asia’s richest biodiversity hotspots and climate-sensitive ecosystems. Presence indicates intact understorey vegetation, minimal disturbance, and high habitat quality, useful for ecological monitoring and conservation prioritisation. As a forest-floor feeder, contributes to seed dispersal and ecological balance, supporting forest regeneration processes. Conservation Status Legal & Global Status Listed as Vulnerable on IUCN Red List, indicating high risk of population decline due to habitat loss and hunting pressures. Included in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, granting highest legal protection in India against hunting and trade. Also listed under CITES Appendix I, prohibiting international commercial trade and recognising global conservation concern. Estimated global population below 10,000 individuals, fragmented across isolated habitats, increasing extinction vulnerability. Threats Anthropogenic Pressures Habitat fragmentation from hydropower projects, road construction, and settlements disrupts forest continuity critical for species survival. Shifting cultivation (jhum) reduces mature broadleaf forests, replacing them with secondary vegetation unsuitable for tragopan nesting and foraging. Hunting for meat, feathers, and cultural uses remains localised threat despite legal protections. Low reproductive rate and secretive behaviour slow natural population recovery. Governance & Conservation Measures Protection Strategies Protected Areas, community reserves, and biosphere reserves form primary conservation framework for tragopan habitats in Northeast India. Community-based conservation models in Nagaland demonstrate local stewardship and reduced hunting pressure through awareness and eco-cultural pride. Surveys and population monitoring needed for evidence-based conservation planning and adaptive management. Awareness campaigns critical to reduce illegal bird trade and bushmeat demand. Way Forward Strategic Measures Expand community-led conservation and eco-tourism, linking livelihoods with species protection to build local incentives. Strengthen habitat protection in Eastern Himalayas through landscape-level conservation planning. Promote scientific monitoring using camera traps and acoustic surveys for better population estimates. Integrate tragopan conservation within biodiversity hotspot and climate adaptation strategies.