Content: NITI Aayog launches the “Fiscal Health Index 2025” in New Delhi India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025 NITI Aayog launches the “Fiscal Health Index 2025” in New Delhi Context: The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025, launched by NITI Aayog, marks a significant milestone in assessing the fiscal health of Indian states. This is part of NITI Aayog’s effort to promote fiscal prudence, transparency, and sustainable economic growth at the sub-national level. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) Features of the FHI: Purpose: The FHI aims to offer a data-driven, comprehensive assessment of the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states. It will serve as an annual report focusing on the fiscal status of states and help inform state-level policy interventions. The report also aims to improve fiscal governance, economic resilience, and national stability. Key Sub-Indices: The FHI is based on five major sub-indices that determine the fiscal health of states: Quality of Expenditure: Examines how efficiently states are utilizing public funds. Revenue Mobilisation: Measures the state’s capacity to raise revenue through taxes and other means. Fiscal Prudence: Assesses the state’s ability to manage its financial resources responsibly. Debt Index: Measures the state’s overall debt position. Debt Sustainability: Evaluates the sustainability of the state’s debt over the long term. Top Performers: Odisha leads the ranking with a score of 67.8, excelling in revenue mobilization and expenditure management. Chhattisgarh and Goa follow with scores of 55.2 and 53.6, respectively. Observations: States like Jharkhand have shown improvement in fiscal prudence and debt sustainability. On the other hand, Karnataka has experienced a decline due to weaknesses in expenditure quality and debt management. Policy Implications: The FHI will act as a tool for fiscal consolidation by promoting transparency and improved resource management. The report helps policymakers make informed decisions to strengthen fiscal resilience. It encourages states to align their fiscal strategies with national objectives and adopt best practices to contribute to India’s goal of becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Annual Publication: The FHI will be published annually, providing valuable data-driven insights into the fiscal health of Indian states. It is designed to assist policymakers by identifying areas requiring intervention and strategic planning to improve fiscal governance. India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse at World Economic Forum 2025 Context: Event: India Pavilion at World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, Davos. Key Theme: “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability.” The discussion at the India Pavilion emphasized India’s transformative achievements in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, showcasing innovations in water conservation, sanitation coverage, and equitable access to drinking water. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance ) Highlights of the Session: WASH Innovations and India’s Role: The session centered on India’s significant progress in the WASH sector, highlighting two flagship initiatives: Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Focused on sanitation, including toilet construction and the elimination of open defecation. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Aimed at providing safe drinking water to rural households. These initiatives have been instrumental in improving sanitation coverage and water access, benefiting millions of rural households and positioning India as a global leader in these areas. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) have led to transformative changes in rural India, improving sanitation coverage and ensuring safe drinking water. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, the percentage of rural households with functional tap water connections increased from 17% in 2019 to 79.66% in 2025. Impact on Time Savings: Rural India has saved 55 million hours daily that were previously spent on fetching water, leading to increased workforce participation, especially among women. Global Recognition of India’s Initiatives: The Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission have garnered global attention as successful models of large-scale, government-led initiatives for improving public health, sanitation, and water access. The WHO has credited India’s efforts in sanitation with having prevented the deaths of 300,000 children under the age of five due to improved hygiene and sanitation practices. Challenges Addressed: Water Scarcity: India faces growing challenges of water scarcity, which is exacerbated by climate change, overpopulation, and unsustainable water use. Climate Resilience: India’s efforts in water conservation are aligned with global needs for climate resilience, especially in regions vulnerable to water scarcity and extreme weather events. Panel Discussions: Water Panel: Focused on global water sustainability, featuring experts from NMCG, UNICEF, and WaterAid, discussing innovative strategies for advancing water management. Sanitation Panel: Highlighted global health innovations in sanitation, featuring experts from the Gates Foundation, Riseberg Ventures, and actor-advocate Vivek Oberoi, focusing on breakthroughs in sanitation technologies. Major Achievements Highlighted: 95 Million Toilets Built: Under the Swachh Bharat Mission, over 95 million toilets were constructed, significantly improving sanitation and hygiene standards across the country. Household Tap Water Connections: The Jal Jeevan Mission reached millions of rural households, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and significantly improving the quality of life in rural communities. India’s Global Leadership: India’s WASH innovations are being recognized as scalable models for other nations grappling with similar water and sanitation challenges. The nation’s emphasis on community engagement, behavioral change, and technology-driven solutions offers a framework for global collaboration in achieving the UNSDGs. Collaborative Efforts for SDGs: The session highlighted the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving progress towards SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It was emphasized that addressing the global water crisis and achieving climate resilience requires collective international action. Conclusions and Global Commitments: The event concluded with actionable insights and commitments from various stakeholders, reinforcing India’s role in global climate action and sustainable development. India’s initiatives in water management and sanitation are aligned with global goals to combat climate change, enhance health outcomes, and improve economic development. Significance: India’s leadership in WASH innovations offers valuable lessons for other countries facing water and sanitation challenges, particularly in developing regions. The Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission are not only addressing immediate needs but also contributing to long-term goals of climate resilience, sustainable development, and gender equality. The World Economic Forum 2025 served as an important platform to amplify India’s contributions to global water sustainability and climate action, encouraging international cooperation and the exchange of ideas.

Content: Foundational values, the journey of the Indian state Further south Foundational Values, The Journey of the Indian State The Birth of the Constitution of India Context of Independence: After nearly three years of debate, the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution, which came into effect in January 1950. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Vision: In his closing address (November 25, 1949), Ambedkar expressed concerns about whether Indians would prioritize national unity over personal or community interests, reflecting his fear of fragmentary forces hindering national progress. Relevance : GS 2(Polity , Governance) Practice Question:Dr. B.R. Ambedkar warned that fragmentary forces could hinder India’s progress. Critically analyze how his concerns are still relevant in contemporary India.(250 Words) Federalism and Constitutional Discourse Debates on Federalism: Lack of ‘Federal’ Terminology: The Constitution does not explicitly mention the word “federal,” yet the distribution of powers between the Union and States has been pivotal in defining India’s federal structure. Tussles Between Centre and States: The conflict between State governments and Governors, simultaneous elections, and fiscal federalism have brought attention to the equitable distribution of power. Multi-lingual and Regional Issues: The debate around neglecting regional languages like Tamil, Marathi, Kannada highlights the complexities of federalism and the struggle for state autonomy. Federalism vs. Unitarism: Ambedkar’s Stance: Ambedkar clarified that the Union has overriding powers in emergency situations, but the functioning of the country is rooted in a federal framework. Judicial Confirmation: Key judgments such as S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994) and Government of NCT of Delhi vs Union of India (2024) have upheld that federalism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution, reinforcing the balance of power between the Union and States. Challenges to Social Democracy Erosion of Liberties: Critics suggest laws like Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) may require careful balance to ensure they do not disproportionately affect individual rights while addressing security and financial crimes. Sedition Law: The continued application of sedition laws raises concerns about the state’s control over political dissent. Social Inequality and Caste: Ambedkar’s Warnings: Ambedkar had warned that without removing social and economic inequalities, democracy could be at risk. Caste System: Despite efforts, caste-based inequalities persist in India. The failure to neutralize caste as a determinant of merit and social success suggests that the social agenda of the Constitution is far from complete. Fraternity: Ambedkar emphasized fraternity to heal divisions, yet the idea of an Indian nation remains elusive due to persistent caste divides. The Need for Constitutional Guardians Defending the Constitution: Criticism of Colonial Influence: There is growing criticism that the Constitution was influenced by colonialism, with suggestions of replacing it with an ‘Indic’ Constitution drawing from Hindu dharmic principles. Counterargument: Such views undermine the efforts of the Constituent Assembly and the vision of Dr. Ambedkar, who crafted the Constitution as a tool to forge a modern, inclusive, and democratic India. Guardianship and Continuity: Plato’s Philosopher-Kings: Drawing from Plato’s Republic, India needs guardians who can defend the Constitution and ensure democratic principles are upheld. This class of guardians should include judges, bureaucrats, politicians, activists, journalists, and citizens. Guardianship in Practice: True guardianship involves prioritizing the nation over personal or sectarian interests. These individuals must serve as custodians of the democratic vision, ensuring constitutional values continue to guide the future of India. The Call to Action: Constitutional Vigilance: Rather than overhauling the Constitution, India must focus on defending its democratic principles. The Constitutional philosophy should remain a living document, evolving through interpretations but rooted in its original purpose. Constitutional Evolution: Reflections for the Future Ambedkar’s Warnings and the Road Ahead: Ambedkar’s vision for India was built on the foundation of liberty, equality, and fraternity, and he cautioned that without resolving inequalities, democracy itself could be endangered. India must confront its social disparities—be it caste, economic, or regional—and foster a sense of unity and fraternity. A Nation on the Path of Progress While India has made significant strides, the journey towards a truly inclusive democracy is ongoing. The Constitution’s guardianship must adapt to the challenges of the present while staying true to its foundational values. Conclusion: The Indian state’s journey, marked by the values enshrined in the Constitution, continues to be a balancing act between unity and diversity, liberty and equality, and constitutional ideals and evolving realities. Further South Historical Significance Iron Age Context in India: Unlike other regions of the world, where the Iron Age succeeded the Bronze Age, South India shows a distinct trajectory. The northern part of India was predominantly in the Chalcolithic (Copper Age) phase when South India was associated with iron. Over 3,000 Iron Age sites in South India indicate its prominence in early metallurgy. Relevance: GS 1(Heritage , History and Culture) Practice Question :What are the major challenges in Iron Age archaeology in South India, and how can they be addressed through coordinated efforts?(250 Words) Chronological Evolution: Conservative estimates place the Indian Iron Age in the second millennium BCE. Recent findings in Sivagalai, Tamil Nadu, push this timeline back to the first quarter of the fourth millennium BCE (around 3000-2500 BCE). Validations were carried out by reputable institutions like Beta Analytic, adding credibility. Scientific Contributions of Tamil Nadu’s Research Key Study: The TNSDA’s report, “Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu,” redefines South India’s contribution to iron metallurgy. Radiometric dating methods provided robust evidence for early iron use in the region. Implications for Iron Metallurgy Studies: Early Tamil Nadu iron use pre-dates the mid-Ganga Valley findings (1800 BCE), highlighting regional variations in technological evolution. Offers a new perspective for studying diffusion versus indigenous development of metallurgy. Global Implications: Strengthens the argument for indigenous innovation in metallurgy within the Indian subcontinent. Encourages re-examining global timelines in relation to South India’s iron antiquity. Challenges and Opportunities in Iron Age Archaeology Need for Specialized Focus: Archaeologists should prioritize “iron–specific” sites over mixed copper–iron sites to improve efficiency. Expanding research beyond Tamil Nadu is essential to understand the broader South Indian Iron Age. Role of Coordination: Tamil Nadu’s archaeological efforts must be complemented by work in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) should lead a unified, pan-regional research initiative. Funding and Incentives: The Tamil Nadu government’s announcement of a $1-million prize for deciphering the Indus Valley script demonstrates a commitment to historical research. Similar incentives can be introduced for Iron Age studies to attract global collaboration. Political and Cultural Dimensions Neutralizing Historical Misuse: The new evidence counters any attempts to distort history for political or ideological purposes. Emphasizes the importance of concrete, credible research to establish historical truths. National Identity: Findings from Tamil Nadu enrich the narrative of India’s ancient technological advancements. Strengthens India’s claim to being an early center of metallurgical innovation. Future Directions Enhanced Methodology: Adoption of advanced dating techniques (e.g., radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence) for more precise timelines. Interdisciplinary approaches combining archaeology, metallurgy, and cultural studies. Public Awareness: Disseminating findings through educational content to foster pride in India’s ancient heritage. International collaboration to enhance India’s representation in global archaeological studies. Broader Context: Explore links between early iron production and socio-political developments, trade networks, and agrarian advancements in South India. Conclusion The discovery of early iron use in Tamil Nadu reshapes our understanding of the Iron Age in India, emphasizing the region’s pioneering role in metallurgy. Collaboration across states and institutions, coupled with innovative research strategies, can unlock further insights into this transformative period of history.

Content: ISRO gearing up for its 100th launch from Sriharikota on Jan. 29 Pralay, India’s first quasi-ballistic missile, to be showcased at Republic Day parade Need to tackle the issue of ‘social media pollution’, says CEC Odisha tops NITI fiscal health index, Chhattisgarh next best Study finds link between smartphone use and mental health of adolescents ISRO gearing up for its 100th launch from Sriharikota on Jan. 29 Context : Event: ISRO is set for its 100th launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Date: Scheduled for January 29, 2025. Mission: Launch of GSLV–F15 with the NVS–02 satellite. Relevance : GS 3(Space ,Technology) Details of the Launch Rocket: GSLV-F15 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Equipped with an indigenous cryogenic upper stage. Designed to place satellites in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Launch Pad: From the Second Launch Pad at SDSC. About the NVS-02 Satellite Series: Second in the NVS (Navigation Satellite Vehicle) series. Purpose: Part of the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) initiative. NavIC Overview Definition: India’s independent Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). Primary Service Area: Covers India and a region extending ~1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass. Ensures strategic autonomy in navigation. Services Offered: Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Open to all users with: Position accuracy: Better than 20 metres. Timing accuracy: Better than 40 nanoseconds. Restricted Service (RS): Encrypted service for authorised users (e.g., military). Technological Advancements in NVS-02 Second-Generation NavIC Satellites: Aimed to augment and replace the existing constellation. Enhanced features ensure continuity and reliability of services. Planned Augmentation: Deployment of five second-generation satellites (NVS-01 to NVS-05) to bolster: Positioning accuracy. Signal strength and coverage. Long-term service continuity. Significance of the 100th Launch Marks a historic milestone in ISRO’s operational journey. Reinforces India’s space ambitions, showcasing: Indigenous technological prowess in rocket and satellite development. Strategic autonomy in critical areas like navigation and communication. Global Context: Highlights India’s position as a key player in: Regional navigation systems. Providing accurate and reliable Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services. Relevance Strategic: Strengthens India’s defence, disaster management, and civil navigation capabilities. Technological: Demonstrates India’s indigenous capacity in advanced satellite and launch vehicle systems. Economic: NavIC’s dual services (SPS/RS) can enable commercial applications, boosting sectors like logistics, agriculture, and telecommunications. Pralay, India’s first quasi-ballistic missile, to be showcased at Republic Day parade Introduction of Pralay: Showcase at Republic Day Parade: Pralay, India’s first indigenous short-range quasi-ballistic missile, will be a centerpiece at the parade. Development Authority: Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security ) Technical and Operational Features: Range: 400 km, enabling effective stand-off strikes. Deployment Flexibility: Suitable for operations along the Line of Control (LoC) and Line of Actual Control (LAC). Configuration: Equipped with a twin-launcher system mounted on an Ashok Leyland 12×12 high-mobility vehicle, ensuring rapid deployment. Significance in Indian Arsenal: Conventional Strike Capability: Pralay is India’s first ballistic missile dedicated to conventional strikes. Enhancing Tactical Edge: Complements existing missiles like BrahMos and Prahaar, broadening the military’s strike capabilities. Deterrence Role: Acts as a strategic deterrent against adversaries, enhancing India’s regional security posture. Procurement and Trials: Development Milestones: Development trials of Pralay are complete, and the Defence Ministry has approved its induction. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) Approval (2023): Sanctioned the procurement of a few hundred Pralay missiles alongside Nirbhay cruise missiles, ensuring a robust inventory for long-range conventional strikes. Comparative System – Nirbhay Missile: Range: 1,000 km, providing extended reach for land-attack missions. Development Status: A derivative version of Nirbhay has undergone recent flight tests, with trials ongoing. Battlefield Integration: Multi-Branch Utility: Designed for deployment by both the Indian Army and Air Force. Battle Surveillance System – Sanjay: Another notable system being showcased, enhancing situational awareness and reconnaissance. Strategic Importance Border Defense: Pralay offers an agile and rapid response option in scenarios of border skirmishes or heightened tensions along sensitive zones like the LoC and LAC. Force Multiplication: The integration of Pralay alongside BrahMos and Nirbhay strengthens India’s tactical and strategic missile force. Indigenous Development: Highlights India’s growing self-reliance in defense manufacturing, aligning with the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. Geopolitical Implications Regional Stability: The missile’s induction signals India’s capability to deter adversaries while maintaining a strategic balance in South Asia. Message to Neighbors: Its deployment capability along both western and northern borders underscores India’s readiness to counter threats from both Pakistan and China. Need to tackle the issue of ‘social media pollution’, says CEC Context: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar highlighted the pressing issue of “social media pollution” during the valedictory address at an international conference of election management bodies. A comparison was drawn between environmental pollution and the spread of fake and misleading narratives on social media. Relevance: GS 2(Social Issues) Highlights: Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) for Social Media: CEC proposed a GRAPmodel, akin to air pollution control measures, to tackle the adverse impact of misinformation on social media. Focus on curbing fake, unverified, and disruptive content that undermines democratic processes. ‘Delhi Declaration 2025’: A collective commitment by 13 election management bodies to uphold free, fair, and inclusive elections. Emphasis on combating challenges like misinformation that threaten electoral integrity. Accountability of Social Media Platforms: Platforms were urged to introspect and takeproactivesteps before the problem escalates further. Criticism of algorithms that amplify confirmation bias by reinforcing existing perspectives without exposing users to alternative viewpoints. Algorithms need to prevent the spread of detectable fake content. Impact of Social Media Pollution: Fake news and misleading narratives disrupt informed decision-making in elections. Social media platforms were likened to contributors of “internal pollution,” which requires urgent corrective measures. Broader Implications: Elections and Misinformation: Spread of fake news can undermine voter confidence and polarize communities, affecting electoral outcomes. Effective regulation is crucial for democratic integrity. Algorithmic Responsibility: Algorithms need redesigning to prioritize transparency and present balanced perspectives. Need for collaboration between regulators, platforms, and tech experts to develop solutions. Comparative Framework: Drawingparallels between environmental and socialmediapollution underscores the gravity of the issue. It highlights the need for similar proactive and multi-stakeholder approaches to mitigate its impact. Possible Solutions: Strengthening Content Moderation: Mandate social media companies to implement robust mechanisms for detecting and flagging fake or harmful content. Graded penalties for platforms failing to address misinformation effectively. Regulatory Framework: Governments and global organizations must create comprehensivelaws and policies for social media accountability. Periodic audits of algorithms to ensure they align with democratic values. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating users about the impact of misinformation and tools to verify content can reduce the spread of fake narratives. Collaboration and Research: Encouraging internationalcooperation to share best practices in addressing misinformation. Investments in research for improving algorithmic transparency and combating disinformation. Odisha tops NITI fiscal health index, Chhattisgarh next best Relevance : Facts for Prelims. Top Performer: Odisha ranked first with an overall index score of 67.8, excelling in fiscal health. Other Top Performers: Mineral-rich states like Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Jharkhand were among the “achievers” category. Front-Runners: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka performed well, showcasing robust fiscal management. Worst Performers: Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Kerala fell into the “aspirational” category, reflecting fiscal instability. Classification: Achievers: Higher capital outlay (up to 4% of GSDP), effective non-tax revenue mobilisation, and low interest payments (up to 7% of revenue receipts).   Front-Runners: High developmental expenditure (up to 73%), consistent growth in tax revenue, and balanced debt management (24% debt-to-GSDP ratio). Fiscal Metrics: Odisha’s Strengths: Debt Index: Top rank with a score of 99.0, reflecting sound debt management. Debt Sustainability: Ranked highest with a score of 64.0. Expenditure Quality: Maintains low fiscal deficits and high capital outlay relative to GSDP. Front-Runner States: Robust tax revenue growth and improved debt sustainability. Significant focus on developmental expenditure. Aspirational States: Struggle with fiscal and revenue deficits. Rising debt burdens and challenges in debt sustainability. Challenges for Aspirational States: Kerala and Punjab: Poor quality of expenditure and low debt sustainability. West Bengal: Issues with revenue mobilisation and debt index performance. Andhra Pradesh: High fiscal deficit and challenges in revenue management. Historical Performance (2014-15 to 2021-22): Top Scorers: Odisha, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh consistently led in fiscal health. Data Source: Metrics derived from Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports. Policy Implications: Focus Areas for Improvement: Aspirational states need reforms in debt management and revenue mobilisation. Enhance quality of expenditure to improve fiscal stability. Insights for Front-Runners: Maintain balanced fiscal policies to ensure long-term sustainability. National Relevance: Understanding fiscal health aids effective policy formulation, aligning with recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission. Study finds link between smartphone use and mental health of adolescents Findings from the Survey Sample Size & Scope: The survey covered 10,475 adolescents (ages 13–17) in the U.S. and India. Core Insight: Mental well–being is inversely proportional to the age of smartphone initiation; the younger the age, the sharper the decline in mental health. Specific Declines: Increased feelings of aggression, anger, and irritability. Symptoms such as hallucinations, unwanted thoughts, and detachment from reality. Broader decline beyond sadness and anxiety, encompassing cognitive and emotional disruptions. Relevance: GS 2(Mental Health) Comparative Trends: U.S. vs. India Rate of Decline: Mental well-being deteriorates at a slower pace in India compared to the U.S. In the U.S., both males and females experience steep declines with earlier smartphone exposure. In India: Females show overall mental well-being deterioration. Males experience selective declines in specific aspects, while others improve. Baseline Mental Well-Being: Indian adolescents (both males and females) exhibit worse overall mental well-being compared to their American counterparts. Indian females with early smartphone exposure report increased sleep and health problems in adulthood. Broader Implications Role of Smartphones: The introduction of smartphones (since 2008) aligns with rising mental health concerns among adolescents globally. Aggression and Anger: Strongly correlated with earlier smartphone exposure in both countries. Gender-Specific Outcomes: Differences in mental health impacts suggest the need for targeted interventions. Addressing the Issue Ed-Tech Solutions: Debate on integrating controlled educational technology (ed-tech) in elementary and middle schools to harness benefits while mitigating risks. Parental Controls: Use of apps that restrict smartphone access for non-educational purposes, allowing safe navigation for academic needs. Policy Interventions: Potential regulations for age-appropriate access to smartphones to prevent early exposure. Awareness Campaigns: Educating parents and adolescents on the potential risks of early smartphone use and promoting healthy screen habits. Expert Views Dr. Tara Thiagarajan, neuroscientist, highlighted: The differential pace of mental well-being deterioration in India and the U.S. The nuanced impact of smartphone use on adolescent females in India, particularly on health and sleep in adulthood. She emphasized the urgent need for solutions that balance technology use with adolescent mental health priorities. Broader Context The findings underscore a global concern over adolescent mental health linked to technological adoption. They prompt deeper discussions on cultural, environmental, and policy-specific factors shaping these trends in India and the U.S.