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Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 11 August 2025

Content Fast-Track Courts in Delhi Fail to Deliver Speedy Justice New Rules for Chemically Contaminated Sites in India How Artificial Intelligence is Tackling Mathematical Problem-Solving India Sets an Example in Asiatic Lion Conservation Plastics Treaty Talks – India Opposes Global Phase-Out Gaza War Stalls IMEC, India’s Key Trade Corridor India’s Agricultural Exports on the Rise Fast-track courts in Delhi fail to fulfil promise of providing speedy justice Basics & Legal Framework FTSC Objective: Expedite trials in rape and POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases. Legal Mandate: Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018 introduced stricter provisions and faster timelines. Supreme Court (July 2019) directive: Any district with 100+ pending POCSO cases must set up an exclusive special court. Implementation: Central government launched FTSCs in August 2019. 725 FTSCs functional in 30 States/UTs, including 392 exclusive POCSO courts. Relevance : GS 2(Judiciary) Targets & Performance Target disposal rate: 165 cases annually per FTSC. Ground reality: As of June 30, 2025: 1,66,882 rape/POCSO cases instituted. Only 2,718 disposed of → extremely low clearance rate. Delhi example: 16 FTSCs (11 for POCSO) still face backlog. Structural Challenges Overloaded Dockets: Fast-tracking one case often delays others due to resource constraints. Insufficient Infrastructure: Lack of adequate judges, prosecutors, and trained staff. Underutilisation of Provisions: Despite legal timelines (2 months for certain cases), delays persist due to procedural bottlenecks. Criticisms Advocate Rebecca John: Calls FTSCs a “political gimmick” — no real capacity to handle volume. Limited benefit when the judiciary is overburdened as a whole. Advocate Shilpi Jain: Notes avoidable delays — many cases could conclude quickly due to fewer witnesses. Victim Impact: Delays prolong trauma and weaken deterrence value of the law. Policy-Level Concerns Justice Delivery Paradox: Speed in select cases may harm balance across the judicial system. Need for Systemic Reform: Increase overall judicial capacity, not just create parallel fast-track mechanisms. Strengthen witness protection, digital evidence handling, and pre-trial processes. What are the new rules on chemically contaminated sites? Background & Context Legislative framework: Notified under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 to fill the legal gap in remediation of chemically contaminated sites. Previous status: India had identification and guidance documents (post-2010), but no binding legal procedure for cleanup of contaminated sites. Scale of the problem: 103 sites identified across India by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Only 7 sites have ongoing remediation work. Many sites date back to periods without hazardous waste management regulations. Relevance : GS 2(Health), GS 3(Environment and Ecology , Science and Technology) Definition of Contaminated Sites As per CPCB: Locations where hazardous and other wastes were historically dumped, causing soil, groundwater, and/or surface water contamination. Health & environmental risk: Exposure can lead to cancer, organ damage, reproductive issues, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. Typical examples: Old landfills and dumps Waste storage/treatment sites Spill sites (industrial accidents) Chemical waste handling/storage facilities Causes & Challenges Historical dumping: Before hazardous waste rules existed (notably before Hazardous Waste Management Rules, 1989). Polluters shut down: Many responsible entities have closed operations or lack financial capacity for cleanup. Complex contamination: Requires expensive, technologically advanced remediation (soil washing, bioremediation, pump-and-treat systems). Evolution of the Legal Framework 2010: Capacity Building Program for Industrial Pollution Management Project launched. Tasks: Inventory of probable contaminated sites – Completed. Guidance document for site assessment and remediation – Completed. Legal, institutional, and financial framework – Pending till 2025. July 25, 2025: Rules notified to operationalise Step 3. Key Provisions of the Rules (2025) a. Identification & Reporting District administration: Prepares half-yearly reports on “suspected contaminated sites.” State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or reference organisation: Conducts preliminary assessment within 90 days. Conducts detailed survey within next 90 days to confirm contamination. b. Assessment Process Measures levels of 189 hazardous chemicals (as per Hazardous & Other Wastes Rules, 2016). If exceeding safe levels: Public notification of location. Restrictions on access to the site. c. Remediation Reference organisation: Drafts a remediation plan. SPCB: Identifies polluter within 90 days. Polluter pays principle: Responsible parties bear cleanup cost. If no polluter or inability to pay → Centre/State fund remediation. d. Liability Civil liability: Cost recovery from polluter. Criminal liability: If contamination caused death/injury → Punishable under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. Exemptions from the Rules Radioactive waste contamination → governed by Atomic Energy Act, 1962. Mining-related contamination → covered under Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957. Marine oil pollution → under Merchant Shipping Act, 1958. Solid waste from dump sites → regulated under Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Notable Omissions & Limitations No fixed remediation timeline: Risk of indefinite delays after identification. Funding ambiguity: No dedicated national remediation fund announced. Technology readiness gap: India’s remediation industry is underdeveloped; dependence on foreign expertise likely. Overlap with other laws: Potential jurisdictional conflicts with waste, mining, and maritime laws. Broader Significance Environmental governance milestone: First structured, legalised process for contaminated site remediation in India. Public health protection: Addresses cancer-causing and toxic chemical exposures. Polluter pays enforcement: Strengthens liability culture in environmental law. Alignment with global norms: Moves India closer to US Superfund model (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act – CERCLA). How artificial intelligence is tackling mathematical problem-solving Background – The International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) Nature of IMO Prestigious, annual, global mathematical problem-solving competition for high school students. Consists of 6 original problems over two consecutive days, each with a 3-hour limit per session (total 9 hours). Problems test creativity, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills rather than advanced formal mathematics. Problems are new and unique — never published before in literature or online. Medal Criteria Gold: Score typically equivalent to solving ~5/6 problems correctly. Silver/Bronze: Lower score thresholds. Grading is strict — a single logical or calculation error invalidates the solution. Relevance : GS 3(Science and Technology) AI’s Entry into IMO 2025 OpenAI’s Announcement Used a general-purpose reasoning model, not specialized or trained for IMO. Achieved Gold medal-level performance under the same time limits as humans. Solutions graded by former IMO medalists hired by OpenAI (led to some disputes over grading accuracy). Announcement made before the competition concluded, which some felt overshadowed human participants. Google DeepMind’s Attempt Used Gemini Deep Think (advanced reasoning model). Participated officially with IMO organisers’ permission. Scored 35/42 points — a confirmed Gold medal score. Solutions praised by IMO graders for clarity, precision, and ease of understanding. Stages of AI Mathematical Capability Development Initial Challenges (ChatGPT launch phase) Frequent hallucinations (fabricated facts). Basic arithmetic mistakes and flawed reasoning. Incapable of reliably solving even moderate-level math problems. First Major Improvement – Agents Models given ability to: Search the web for accurate info. Use Python interpreters to perform calculations and verify reasoning. Result: Dramatic increase in accuracy on moderately hard problems. Second Breakthrough – Reasoning Models Examples: OpenAI o3, Gemini-2.5-pro. Operate like internal monologue models: Consider multiple approaches before deciding. Revisit and refine intermediate reasoning. Restart if necessary. Aim for a logically consistent final answer. Proof Verification Systems Integration with formal proof checkers like the Lean prover. Used to formally verify mathematical proofs for correctness. Example: AlphaProof (Google DeepMind, 2024) — Silver medal equivalent (but took 2 days). Reinforcement Learning with Synthetic Data Models generate and test vast quantities of synthetic problems. Similar to how AI mastered chess by self-play starting only from rules. Broader Implications Research and innovation acceleration: AI can assist in generating approaches, identifying related problems, and verifying solutions at high speed. Formal proof integration can prevent errors in complex, long-term projects. Shift in intellectual benchmarks: Human-only benchmarks like IMO may no longer remain exclusive to humans. Potential need for redefining measures of human achievement. From problem-solving to sustained research: Short-term creativity ≠ long-term research reliability. Research requires sustained error-free progress over months or years — AI integration with proof systems is a step toward this. Ethical & Governance Challenges Timing of announcements: Premature disclosures risk overshadowing human achievements. Fairness in evaluation: Company-appointed graders create conflict-of-interest perceptions. Need for independent verification standards for AI competition results. Motivational impact: Risk of diminishing incentive for human participation if AI dominance becomes the norm. Originality concerns: AI combines known ideas but its capacity for truly novel insights remains debated. India has set an example in lion conservation Background – Asiatic Lion & Its Significance Species: Panthera leo persica – subspecies of the lion, genetically distinct from African lions. Distribution: Once spread across Southwest Asia to eastern India; now confined to Gujarat (Gir National Park & surrounding areas). Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Endangered. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I (highest protection). Ecological Role: Apex predator, keystone species maintaining prey population balance in semi-arid ecosystems. Cultural Importance: Symbol of strength in Indian mythology, national emblem inspiration. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Key 2025 Census Findings Population: 2020 Census: 674 individuals. 2025 Census: 891 individuals (+32% growth in 5 years). Historical Context: 1880s: Fewer than 20 lions survived in Gir due to hunting. Strict protection since 20th century led to steady recovery. Habitat Expansion: Gir → Girnar, Girnar–Barda corridor, Mitiyala, and now Barda Wildlife Sanctuary. Factors Behind Growth Strict Legal Protection: Wildlife (Protection) Act enforcement, anti-poaching patrols. Habitat Management: Grassland restoration, prey base improvement. Community Involvement: Maldhari pastoralists allowed to live in Gir; model of coexistence with lions. Compensation for livestock depredation reduces retaliation killings. Political Will: PM’s directive (2024) to boost lion population and develop Barda as new habitat fulfilled. Conservation Challenges Genetic Bottleneck: Single population increases vulnerability to disease outbreaks (e.g., Canine Distemper Virus in 2018). Habitat Saturation: Growing numbers risk human-lion conflict outside protected areas. Climate Change Impacts: Heavy rains, cyclones in Saurashtra affecting prey base and habitat. Infrastructure Development: Road, rail, and mining projects fragment corridors. Strategic Measures Mentioned by the Minister Habitat Diversification: Development of Barda Wildlife Sanctuary as alternative habitat. Global Alliances: International Big Cat Alliance – covers 7 big cat species across 97 countries. Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) – addresses climate-induced threats. International Solar Alliance – promotes renewable energy in conservation landscapes. Flagship Species Projects: Project Lion, Project Tiger, Project Elephant, Project Dolphin, Project Great Indian Bustard. Comparative Context – Other Big Cats in India Tigers: 58 tiger reserves (up from 47), hosting ~70% of global tiger population. Snow Leopards: Population ~714 in India; conservation ongoing. Cheetahs: African cheetah reintroduction in Kuno NP (Madhya Pradesh). Global Species: Jaguars & pumas in Latin America; emphasis on international cooperation for all big cat species. Governance & Policy Linkages Wildlife Corridors: National Wildlife Action Plan (2017–2031) focuses on landscape-level conservation. Species Recovery Programmes: Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Wildlife Habitats funds Project Lion. Community-Based Models: Eco-development projects (₹189 crore launched) – safari park, interpretation centre, etc., linking livelihoods to conservation. Plastics Treaty Talks – India Opposes Phase-Out Background – What is the Global Plastics Treaty? Origin: Negotiations under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to create the world’s first legally binding plastics treaty, addressing plastic pollution across its life cycle. Mandate: Agreed in 2022 by UN member states to finalise the treaty by end-2024; current Geneva round is in its second and final week before the next meeting in Busan (Nov–Dec 2025). Scope: Covers measures on: Plastic production limits. Phase-out of harmful/single-use products. Waste management improvements. Financing, technology transfer, and international cooperation. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) India’s Stance in Geneva Aligned With: Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iran — largely oil/petrochemical producers. Opposed Provisions: Mandatory phase-out or supply restrictions on primary polymer production. Annexed global product phase-out lists with fixed deadlines (Annex Y). Any article duplicating or overlapping with other international bodies (WTO, WHO). Demanded: No global lists/dates for product bans in the main treaty text. Focus on national discretion and flexibility. Stronger emphasis on finance, technical assistance, and technology transfer to help developing countries meet obligations. Annex Y – Controversial List Contents: Items proposed for global phase-out such as: Single-use plastic bags. Straws, cutlery. Balloon sticks. Microbead-containing cosmetics. India’s Position: Even if domestically some items are already banned, opposes binding global bans as they may limit policy flexibility and ignore local socio-economic contexts. Reasons for India’s Opposition to Global Phase-Out Developmental Concerns: Binding global limits can constrain industrial growth and petrochemical sectors. Economic Impact: Threat to jobs and export competitiveness in plastics/petrochemicals. Technology Gaps: Lack of affordable, scalable alternatives for all banned products. Trade Law Issues: Risk of WTO disputes if treaty obligations conflict with trade rules. Policy Sovereignty: Preference for voluntary/ nationally determined actions over one-size-fits-all mandates. Broader Negotiation Dynamics Pro-Phase-Out Bloc: EU, Mexico, Australia, many African nations – pushing for: “High ambition” treaty. Production caps, life-cycle controls, chemical use restrictions. Opposition Bloc: Major oil/plastics producers – focus on waste management, recycling, and downstream solutions instead of production cuts. Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC): India among those calling for flexibility and national circumstances to dictate timelines. Practical Realities of Porting Global Bans Implementation Challenges: Infrastructure for waste collection and recycling is uneven globally. High transition costs without assured financing. Risk of Non-Compliance: If bans are too rigid, countries may simply fail to implement, undermining treaty credibility. Financing Needs: Grants/loans for waste management systems. R&D support for biodegradable and alternative materials. Technology transfer without prohibitive IP barriers. Implications for India Short Term: Maintains flexibility in domestic policy. Protects economic interests of plastics and petrochemical industries. Medium to Long Term: If the global market shifts towards reduced plastic use, India may face trade barriers on plastic exports. Will eventually need to scale up alternatives and recycling capacity to remain competitive. Environmental Trade-Off: Slower global phase-out means continued plastic leakage risks. India’s domestic bans and EPR policies still play a key role in mitigation. Way Forward – Balanced Approach India’s Negotiation Levers: Advocate phased targets tied to finance & tech transfer. Support capacity-building commitments before imposing production caps. Push for differentiated obligations for developed vs. developing countries (CBDR principle). Domestic Strategy: Strengthen enforcement of current single-use bans. Incentivise industry shift to sustainable alternatives. Enhance recycling infrastructure under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Gaza War Stalls IMEC, India’s Key Trade Corridor IMEC Overview Announced at G20 2023 to connect India–Middle East–Europe via two corridors (Eastern maritime + rail, Western maritime + European rail). Aims to cut India–Europe transit time by ~40% vs Red Sea route. Includes trade, digital, electricity, hydrogen links; tariff & insurance standardisation; job creation; emission reduction. Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure) Structure Eastern leg: India’s west coast → UAE ports → freight rail across UAE–Saudi–Jordan → Haifa (Israel). Western leg: Haifa → Greece/Italy ports → European rail network. Pre-war Political Window Arab–Israel normalisation (Saudi expected to join). Geo-economic gains took precedence over Palestine issue. Enabled multi-state cooperation with EU, Gulf, and India. Gaza War Impact 61,000 killed in Gaza; deepened Arab public opposition to Israel. Saudi–Israel normalisation stalled; Jordan–Israel ties at historic low. Political legitimacy for Israel-linked corridor collapsed. Red Sea attacks disrupted shipping, raising insurance and freight costs. Operational Constraints Post-war Western leg politically blocked; transit rights unavailable. Higher marine insurance premiums in conflict zone. Delay in tariff harmonisation, financing, and customs integration. Investor confidence weakened. Current Feasibility Eastern leg viable due to India–UAE–Saudi ties (e.g., UPI integration). Western leg uncertain until Middle East stability restored. Corridor now a “day-after” plan, contingent on political resolution. Strategic Stakes for India Diversifies away from Suez chokepoint. Strengthens Gulf–India–EU value chains. Enhances India’s role in global connectivity diplomacy. Policy Priorities for India Fast-track Eastern leg with binding UAE/Saudi agreements. Create multilateral corridor insurance pool. Keep technical work alive for Western leg without political linkage. Upgrade west-coast ports & logistics for immediate readiness. Maintain backchannel diplomacy with Israel, Jordan, EU. Risks Political: Prolonged conflict freezes Western leg. Economic: Security costs make IMEC uncompetitive. Technical: Fragmented standards slow interoperability. Mitigation Modular implementation; risk-sharing finance models. Early standard-setting; customs digitalisation. Security cooperation in Red Sea & Arabian Sea. India’s Agricultural Exports on the Rise Context & Background India’s trade composition: Merchandise exports are currently flat or declining, but agricultural exports are showing resilience and growth. Significance: Agriculture trade surplus is one of the few areas where India consistently exports more than it imports, contributing positively to the trade balance. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy , Agriculture) Current Performance FY 2024–25 (Apr–Jun): Agri exports: $13.44 billion (up 5.84% YoY from $12.69 billion). Agri imports: $9.12 billion. Trade surplus in agriculture: $4.32 billion. Full FY 2023–24: $43.74 billion exports, slightly higher than $43.71 billion in FY 2022–23. Key Drivers of Growth Strong segments: Marine products, coffee, fruits & vegetables, basmati rice, and buffalo meat. Falling segments: Oilseeds, non-basmati rice, oilmeals, wheat. Government policy impact: Ban/restrictions on exports of certain commodities (rice, wheat, sugar) to manage domestic inflation and food security. Removal of such restrictions can directly impact export volumes. Trade Composition Top 5 export items (Apr–Jun 2024–25):Marine products – $4.05B (24.05% share).Basmati rice – $1.94B (14.45% share).Non-basmati rice – $1.63B.Spices – $1.45B.Buffalo meat – $0.79B. High growth items: Fruits & vegetables (+13.79%), spices (+9.49%), marine products (+19.45%). Declining items: Oilmeals (-12.25%), oilseeds (-8.57%), processed fruits & vegetables (-2.96%). Global Market Dynamics Global food price trends: UN FAO Food Price Index shows a decline from 2019–20 highs, reducing export value growth rates. Geopolitics & tariffs: US presidential trade policy (especially potential Trump return) could impose a 50% tariff on marine products, affecting $3.5B worth of exports. Brazil and other competitors could capture Indian market share in key commodities like frozen shrimp. Competition: Vietnam, Ecuador, and Indonesia are strengthening positions in seafood exports; Brazil in agri commodities. Domestic Factors Affecting Exports Inflation control measures: Export bans/restrictions on rice, wheat, sugar reduced outward shipments. Production trends: Shift in cropping patterns and yields affect exportable surplus. Logistics & port capacity: Growth in marine exports is tied to port infrastructure efficiency. Trade Surplus Trends Agriculture trade surplus decline: From $27.7B in FY 2013–14 to ~$5.9B in FY 2023–24 due to faster growth in imports. Rising imports of vegetable oils, pulses, and fruits are eroding the surplus. Import pressures: Dependence on edible oils (palm, soybean, sunflower) remains high. Seasonal fruit imports (apples, pears, citrus) and pulses (lentils, chickpeas) fill domestic supply gaps. Risks Ahead US tariff uncertainty: Could hit $3.5B marine exports heavily. Global demand slowdown: Economic weakness in importing nations may reduce demand. Commodity price volatility: Weather events (El Niño, monsoon variability) can affect yields and prices. Policy unpredictability: Sudden export bans hurt long-term buyer trust. Strategic Implications for India Need for diversification: Reduce dependence on a few commodities like marine products and basmati rice. Value addition: Increase processed and branded food exports to capture higher margins. Trade agreements: Secure preferential market access with major buyers to counter tariff threats. Import substitution: Focus on domestic oilseed and pulse production to reduce import dependency. Sustainability: Align exports with climate-resilient farming to maintain long-term competitiveness.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 08 August 2025

Content Tribal Day 2025: Building an Inclusive India Through Tribal Empowerment Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat Tribal Day 2025: Building an Inclusive India Through Tribal Empowerment Context & Significance Occasion: World Tribal Day (International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples) – Aug 9, declared by UN in 1994 to raise awareness about indigenous peoples’ rights and contributions. India’s Indigenous Population: 10.42 crore Scheduled Tribe (ST) population (~8.6% of India’s population; Census 2011). Among 47.6 crore indigenous people across 90 countries. Government Philosophy: “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas” – focus on inclusive development and ensuring no tribal community is left behind. Relevance : GS 1(Society ) , GS 2(Social Issues) Budgetary & Institutional Framework Ministry of Tribal Affairs budget: 2014–15: ₹4,497.96 crore 2024–25: ₹13,000 crore (~3× increase). Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST): Mandates 4.3%–17.45% of budgets in 42 central ministries/departments for tribal development. Funding growth: ₹21,525.36 crore (2013–14) → ₹1,24,908 crore (2024–25) (~5× increase). Covers 200+ schemes across education, health, agriculture, skill development, livelihoods, sanitation. DAPST expenditure (last 5 years): 2020–21: ₹48,084.10 crore 2021–22: ₹82,530.58 crore 2022–23: ₹90,972.76 crore 2023–24: ₹1,03,452.77 crore 2024–25 (Provisional): ₹1,04,436.24 crore Flagship Village & PVTG Programs PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA / Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan) Launched: 2 Oct 2024, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Budget: ₹79,156 crore (till 2029). Coverage: ~63,843 tribal-majority villages & 112 Aspirational Districts. Progress (July 2025): 4 lakh+ pucca houses completed. 26,513 villages with piped water supply. 2,212 villages with mobile connectivity. 282 Anganwadi centres operational. 692 hostels sanctioned. PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) Target Group: 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) (~47.5 lakh people, 19 states/UTs). Budget: ₹24,104 crore. Defining traits of PVTGs: Pre-agricultural tech Low literacy Economic backwardness Declining/stagnant population Key progress (till June 2025): Pucca houses: 90,892 completed (target: 4.90 lakh). Piped water: 6,737 villages covered (target: 19,375). Mobile towers: 901 habitations covered (target: 4,543). Electrification: 92,311 households (target: 1.43 lakh). Governance & Capacity Building Aadi Karmayogi – Responsive Governance Programme Goal: Train 20 lakh grassroots tribal functionaries for better service delivery. Approach: Cascading training via Regional & State Process Labs. Integration: Works with PM JUGA & PM JANMAN to improve convergence, transparency, and participation. Livelihood & Entrepreneurship PM Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PM JVM) Started: 2021; Implemented via TRIFED. Focus: Tribal entrepreneurship, forest-based livelihoods. Events: 79 artisan melas, 50 exhibitions (2022–25). Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) Structure: Each cluster = 15 SHGs (300 beneficiaries); funding: ₹15 lakh/cluster. Coverage: 4,661 VDVKs sanctioned; 12.8 lakh beneficiaries. Sales: ₹129.86 crore total. Tribal Startups Initiative: Dharti Aaba TribePreneurs (April 2025). Support: ₹50 crore Venture Capital Fund for ST entrepreneurs; tie-ups with IIMs, IITs, IFCI, META. Recognition: Startups from Sikkim & Nagaland awarded for D2C travel services & sustainable agri-tech. Education & Scholarships Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) Current: 479 schools, 1.38 lakh students. Planned: 728 schools for 3.5 lakh students. Funding growth: ₹922.39 crore (2020–21) → ₹4,053.87 crore (2024–25). Staffing: 9,075 filled posts out of 38,480 sanctioned. Digital & Skill Initiatives: Smart classrooms, DTH channel, computer labs, Amazon Future Engineer, skill labs. IIT-JEE/NEET coaching partnerships (Avanti Fellows, Tata Motors). Scholarships (2019–20 to 2024–25) Post Matric: 1.01 crore beneficiaries; ₹13,380.86 crore. Pre Matric: 54.41 lakh; ₹1,851.64 crore. National Fellowship: 0.16 lakh; ₹671.41 crore. Top Class Education: 0.22 lakh; ₹283.57 crore. National Overseas Scholarship: 269 students; ₹28.74 crore. Health Interventions National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission (2023–2047): Target screening 7 crore people in tribal areas. Bhagwan Birsa Munda Chair of Tribal Health at AIIMS Delhi; 15 Centres of Competence in 14 states. Rights & Legal Safeguards Forest Rights Act, 2006: 25.11 lakh land titles distributed to tribals & forest dwellers (till May 2025). NCSTGRAMS: Online grievance redressal; 1,747 cases registered in FY 2025–26 (till Aug 7). Cultural Preservation Tribal Research Institutes (29): Document heritage, languages, folk arts. Funding (2020–25): ₹265.94 crore. Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums (11 sanctioned; 3 completed): Ranchi, Jabalpur, Chhindwara. Festivals: Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (15 Nov). Aadi Mahotsav – national platform; 2025 edition saw 600 artisans, 500 performers, MoUs with corporates & NIFT. Strategic Implications for Inclusive Development Holistic approach: Combining infrastructure, health, education, livelihoods, rights, and culture. Budgetary commitment: Significant long-term scaling of central allocations. Decentralized delivery: PM JUGA & PM JANMAN’s village-level interventions target last-mile connectivity. Integration with Aspirational Districts Programme ensures high-impact targeting in lagging regions. Challenges ahead: Geographic remoteness & dispersed populations. High disease burden (sickle cell). Need for sustainable livelihoods beyond state support. Preservation of culture amid rapid integration. Shree Anna for Shreshta Bharat Basics of Millets Definition & Types Small-grained cereals, drought-resistant, adaptable to various soils and climates. Major millets: Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl millet (Bajra), Finger millet (Ragi). Small millets: Little millet (Kutki), Kodo millet (Kodo), Barnyard millet (Sawa), Foxtail millet (Kangni), Proso millet (Cheena). Nutritional Profile High in protein, fibre, vitamins (B-complex), minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium). Gluten-free, low glycaemic index → suitable for diabetics and celiac patients. Superior nutritional quality vs wheat & rice → “Nutritious Cereals” / “Shree Anna”. Climate Resilience Requires less water, grows in degraded soils, withstands temperature extremes. Short crop cycle → better fit for climate-smart agriculture. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ) , GS 3(Agriculture) India’s Global Standing & Production Trends Largest Producer Globally: 38.4% of global millet production (FAO, 2023). Production (2024–25): 180.15 lakh tonnes — ↑4.43 lakh tonnes from previous year. Top Producing States (2024–25): Rajasthan Maharashtra Karnataka Crop-wise share: Bajra (largest) > Jowar > Ragi > Small millets. Policy & Budgetary Support Cultivation Support National Food Security Mission – Nutri Cereals Covers 28 States + UTs of J&K and Ladakh. Includes major & small millets. Assistance: cluster demonstrations, HYV seeds, modern farm machinery, irrigation tools, soil health inputs, farmer training. Umbrella scheme under Krishionnati Yojana: ₹8,000 crore (2025–26). Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM RKVY) Flexible for states’ priorities including millets. Budget: ₹8,500 crore (2025–26). Processing & Value Chain Development PM-FME Scheme Focus: Micro food processing units (incl. millet-based products). Budget: ₹2,000 crore (2025–26). Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) Encourages RTE/RTC millet products with ≥15% millet content (domestically sourced). ₹800 crore outlay (part of PLISFPI) — ₹793.27 crore approved for 29 companies. Linked to ≥10% annual sales growth. Export Promotion APEDA: ₹80 crore (2025–26) for millet exports. Exports (2024–25): 89,164.96 tonnes, worth $37 million. Initiatives: Export Promotion Forum, dedicated millet portal, start-up & research partnerships, branding and market linkages. Research & Development ICAR – Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR), Hyderabad Global Centre of Excellence (2023). Focus: HYV seeds, farmer training, value addition, FPO promotion. State collaborations (Odisha, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh). Public Procurement & Distribution Integrated into PM-GKAY and NFSA. States can substitute wheat/rice with millets under PDS upon request. PM-GKAY allocation: ₹2,03,000 crore (2025–26). State-Level Best Practices Andhra Pradesh (APDMP): IFAD-supported drought mitigation via FPOs, minor millet varieties, millet-based recipes. Chhattisgarh Millet Mission (2021): Tribal inclusion, decentralised processing, ICAR-IIMR MoU for Kodo, Kutki, Ragi. Haryana – Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana: Price compensation (up to ₹600/qtl for Bajra), crop diversification. Odisha Millet Mission (2017): Tribal focus, ragi revival, millet in Anganwadi food, Millet Shakti Cafés, incubation centres, ODOP designation. Nagaland – NFSM Nutri-Cereals: Foxtail millet promotion, seed distribution, pest/nutrient management. Millets Mainstreaming Framework Value Chain Stages: Production – HYV seeds, irrigation, training. Storage & Transport – post-harvest loss reduction, better storage. Processing – cleaning, grading, tech adoption (esp. for small millets). Packaging & Branding – nutrition labelling, organic certification, brand building. Distribution – market linkages, exports, FPO collaboration. Consumption – awareness drives, millet-based snacks in govt offices/events. Foundations: Institutional support, finance access, partnerships, policy facilitation, gender inclusion. Visibility: Millets Experience Centre at Dilli Haat. Broader Significance Economic: Diversifies farmer income, reduces crop risk, boosts exports. Nutritional Security: Tackles malnutrition and lifestyle diseases. Climate Adaptation: Low water footprint, heat/drought tolerance. Social Impact: Supports tribal farmers, women’s SHGs, rural entrepreneurship. Key Challenges Ahead Limited processing infrastructure in some regions. Consumer awareness and taste preferences still skewed towards rice/wheat. Need for stronger private sector investment in millet-based product innovation. Post-International Year of Millets momentum must be sustained through continuous policy push.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 08 August 2025

Content Uttarkashi Tragedy and the Urgent Call for Sustainable Development World court’s advisory opinion boosts climate action Uttarkashi Tragedy and the Urgent Call for Sustainable Development Geographical & Ecological Context Location & Terrain Uttarkashi district lies on the southern slope of the Western Himalaya. Characterised by steep slopes, narrow valleys, and glacially fed rivers like the Bhagirathi. Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) notified in 2012, covering 4,100 sq km between Gaumukh and Uttarkashi. Objective: Restrict unregulated development, preserve ecology, regulate construction, and safeguard river systems. Himalayan Fragility Highly prone to landslides, flash floods, avalanches, and GLOFs (Glacial Lake Outburst Floods). Climate change amplifies risks due to glacial retreat, permafrost melt, and altered precipitation patterns. Relevance : GS 1(Geography ) , GS 3(Disaster Management ) Practice Question : Examine the role of unregulated infrastructure development in amplifying disaster risks in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem, with special reference to the Uttarkashi floods of August 2025.(250 words) Sequence of the August 5, 2025 Disaster Three Major Events in a Short Stretch 1:00 pm – First flood in Dharali (initially suspected as cloudburst; IMD later denied). Swept away houses, hotels, bazaar area, Kalp Kedar temple. 3:00 pm – Second flood downstream of Harsil. 3:30 pm – Third flood submerged Harshil helipad, hindering relief efforts. Casualties & Damage 4 confirmed deaths, 60–70 missing (including 9 Army personnel). Destruction of 20–25 hotels/homestays, shops, apple orchards. Cause (as per scientists like Navin Juyal) Not cloudbursts, but three near-simultaneous avalanches triggered by: Melting snow from rising temperatures. Heavy monsoon rains. Release of debris from cirques (hanging glaciers full of moraines). Avalanches carried ice, boulders, and water down steep deodar-covered slopes into streams. Underlying Structural & Policy Failures Weak Enforcement of BESZ Norms Infrastructural projects (roads, hotels) built in floodplains and on unstable slopes. Government ignored MoEF&CC monitoring committee warnings. Char Dham Highway Expansion Plans to widen the Gangotri highway through BESZ for tourism. High Powered Committee (HPC) Recommendation: Avoid cutting deodar forests. Consider elevated highway closer to river to prevent slope destabilisation. Status: Ignored – 6,000 deodar trees marked for felling. Tourism-Driven Overdevelopment Rapid construction without carrying-capacity studies. Encroachment on river corridors and para-glacial zones. Ignored Precedents Kedarnath flood (2013). Raunthi Gad avalanche destroying Tapovan-Vishnugad HEP (2021). Joshimath land subsidence (2023). GLOF in Teesta Valley (2023). Himachal monsoon landslides (2023–24). Scientific & Climatic Dimensions Climate Change Amplifiers Rising temperatures accelerate snow/glacier melt → more avalanches. Intense monsoon bursts increase flood risk. Hydrological Instability Small streams in Himalayas can swell suddenly, change course, and breach banks. Glacial Morphology Factors Cirques & hanging glaciers act as reservoirs for debris and water. Unstable moraines are prone to collapse under heat + rain stress. Governance & Preparedness Gaps Early Warning Deficiencies Lack of dense automatic weather station network in high altitudes. Inadequate satellite-based real-time monitoring for avalanches & GLOFs. Disaster Response Bottlenecks Constant rain + unstable muck hindered rescue operations. Loss of critical infrastructure (helipads, roads) during disaster slows aid. Policy Disconnect No integration of climate change adaptation into infrastructure planning. Disaster risk assessments often post-facto, not pre-emptive. Key Lessons & Imperatives Respect Mountain Ecology Avoid major HEPs in para-glacial zones. No road widening on slopes >30°. Keep human settlements away from flood-prone streams. Enforce BESZ Regulations No exemptions for tourism or “strategic” projects without environmental clearance. Infrastructure Rethink Elevated roads, slope stabilisation, tunnelling where feasible. Limit tree felling; prioritise native forest conservation. Carrying-Capacity Studies Mandatory before approving any large tourism or urban expansion project. Climate Resilience Measures Expand automatic weather & avalanche detection systems. Satellite + AI-based early warning dissemination to villages. Community-led disaster preparedness training. Policy Integration Link climate change science → hazard mapping → development planning. Apply Supreme Court’s precautionary principle in Himalayan projects. Broader Message The Himalayas are not just tourist backdrops, but a living, fragile system central to India’s water security, biodiversity, and climate stability. Unsustainable development = amplified disaster risks, where natural hazards turn into human tragedies. “Respect the Mountain” is not rhetoric – it’s a survival imperative for people, ecosystems, and the economy. World court’s advisory opinion boosts climate action Background: Role of ICJ & Nature of Advisory Opinions ICJ (International Court of Justice) – principal judicial organ of the UN; also called the World Court. Advisory Opinions: Not legally binding like judgments in contentious cases. Authoritative interpretations of international law → carry significant moral, political, and legal weight. Can generate international pressure on states to align behaviour with legal norms. Example: UK’s eventual handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after ICJ advisory opinion (2019). Context: Small Island Developing States (SIDS), facing existential climate threats, led the UN General Assembly initiative to seek this opinion. Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Practice Question : The recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice marks a paradigm shift in interpreting states’ obligations under climate treaties. Critically analyse its potential impact on global climate governance and the Global South–North divide.(250 words) Key Legal Findings of the ICJ States have legal obligations under international law to: Protect the climate system. Prevent significant harm. Cooperate internationally to address climate change. Obligations are universal – transcend politics; states cannot ignore them. Failure to comply has legal consequences, even without binding treaty enforcement mechanisms. Interpretation of Climate Treaties ICJ interpreted UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement as a coherent whole. Integrated best available scientific consensus (e.g., IPCC findings) and COP decisions. Paris Agreement temperature goal: Official: “Well below 2°C” with efforts toward 1.5°C. ICJ interpretation: 1.5°C threshold is the relevant binding benchmark given current science. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): States do not have unfettered discretion. NDCs must reflect “highest possible ambition”. Duty of due diligence → states must take measures reasonably capable of meeting NDCs. Rejection of the argument that NDCs create no binding obligations. Global North–South Divide & Climate Justice Reinforced Common But Differentiated Responsibilities & Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC): Action standards vary based on historical emissions, development level, and national circumstances. Developed countries’ obligations: Legally bound to provide climate finance and technology transfer to developing nations. Applies to both mitigation and adaptation. Financial support obligation interpreted in light of: Temperature goal. Subsequent climate agreements (e.g., COP commitments). Compliance judged on good faith and due diligence standards. Rejection of “Self-Contained Regime” Argument Some states (including India) argued climate treaties operate as a self-contained regime, excluding general international law principles. ICJ rejected this, affirming: Climate obligations also arise from: Customary international law. Other environmental treaties. Law of the Sea Convention. Duties include: Duty to prevent significant harm. Duty of cooperation. Duty of due diligence. Climate change impacts human rights, especially of vulnerable groups. Obligations extend to ensuring a just transition without human rights violations. State Responsibility & Causation ICJ rejected the claim that causation is too hard to prove. Modern science enables attribution: Each state’s historical + current emissions can be calculated. Enables individual responsibility for contribution to climate harm. Withdrawal from climate treaties (e.g., US withdrawal from Paris Agreement under Trump) does not remove obligations under customary international law. Implications for Global South & Strategic Litigation Legal victory for small island states – strengthens accountability mechanisms. Potential to: Bolster climate-related human rights litigation (e.g., Ridhima Pandey v. Union of India). Pressure major emitters to raise ambition. Demand greater climate finance and technology transfer. Challenge disproportionate burden on developing countries. Provides leverage in climate negotiations and disputes. Broader International Legal Significance Climate change framed as cross-cutting legal obligation under multiple regimes, not just environmental treaties. Establishes due diligence + highest ambition as legal standards. Aligns legal interpretation with evolving scientific consensus. Strengthens link between climate action and human rights protection. Supports the development of customary international law on climate obligations.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 08 August 2025

Content Is the Indian economy perfectly balanced? How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses NH Accident Crisis Was glacial lake breach over Dharali the trigger? Experts find some clues Topra Kalan Diabetes among older Indian adults Russian Oil Discount Narrows for India Is the Indian economy perfectly balanced? “Goldilocks Economy” Definition: An economic condition that is “just right” – moderate GDP growth, low inflation, and favourable monetary conditions. Origin of term: Derived from the “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” fairy tale — not too hot (overheating economy), not too cold (recession), but balanced. Implication: Sustains economic expansion without triggering high inflation or requiring restrictive monetary policy. Relevance : GS 3(Indian Economy) India’s “Mini-Goldilocks Moment” – Official & Market View Finance Ministry claim: Moderate inflation, strong GDP growth, and stable interest rates in 2024-25. GDP growth at 7.6% (FY2024). India’s GDP size: $3.6 trillion (end of FY2024). Analysts’ assessment: Termed it a quarterly ‘mini-Goldilocks moment’. Factors: Peaking interest rates, strong corporate earnings, growth momentum into 2025. Hidden Fault Lines – Why the Label is Misleading A. Inflation – Headline vs. Reality CPI (General): Fell from 4.8% (May 2024) to 2.82% (May 2025) – appears within RBI’s comfort zone. CFPI (Food inflation): Persistently higher than general CPI, e.g.: Oct 2024: CPI 6.21%, CFPI 10.87%. Aug 2024: CPI 3.65%, CFPI 5.66%. Impact: Food ~50% of household consumption for lower-income groups. Volatile food inflation disrupts household budgeting, savings, and nutrition quality. Core inflation relevance: Excludes volatile food & fuel; better captures persistent cost pressures (housing, education, transport). Net takeaway: Low headline inflation masks high volatility in essentials that hit poorer households hardest. B. Real Wages vs. Nominal Wages Nominal wage growth ≠ actual purchasing power gain. 2023: Nominal salary hike 9.2%, real wage growth only 2.5%. 2020: Real wage growth -0.4%, despite nominal growth 4.4%. 2025 projection: Real wage growth 4% vs. nominal 8.8%. Why it matters: Inflation erodes much of the nominal gains. For households, 9% salary hike with 7% inflation = only 2% extra purchasing capacity. ILO & economists’ warning: Stagnant real wages = weak consumption demand → slows broad-based recovery. Result: Growing disconnect between GDP growth and household financial well-being. C. Income Inequality Gini coefficient (taxable income): AY13: 0.489 → AY16: 0.435 → AY23 (forecast): 0.402. Apparent decline, but formal sector data underrepresents inequality in the informal economy. Post-pandemic trend: “K-shaped” recovery – affluent & select industries thrive; lower-income groups stagnate. Wealth concentration: Surge in billionaires alongside stagnant wages for lower tiers. Socioeconomic effects: Risk of reduced social cohesion, constrained access to health & education, and weaker inclusive growth. D. Fiscal Constraints Fiscal deficit path: 6.4% (2022-23) → target 4.4% (2025-26). Revenue deficit: 4% → target 1.5%. Primary deficit: 3% → target 0.8%. Challenges: Absolute deficit levels still high. Public debt-to-GDP: ~81% (2022-23), well above FRBM target of 60%. Implications: Large debt-servicing burden reduces space for social/infrastructure spending. Risk of “crowding out” private investment due to heavy govt. borrowing. Macro Picture – Beyond the Headline Strengths: High GDP growth (7.6%), easing interest rates, declining headline CPI. Positive short-term investor sentiment. Weaknesses: Persistent food price volatility. Weak real wage growth constraining demand. Inequality in income & wealth distribution. High fiscal deficit & debt burden. Structural Risk: Growth benefits concentrated in upper-income groups & select industries. Potential long-term drag on inclusive and sustainable growth. Core Takeaway Goldilocks label risks masking structural vulnerabilities. True economic health depends on: Sustained real income growth across all segments. Reduction in inequality (both income & opportunity). Stabilised essential goods prices. Fiscal consolidation without sacrificing public investment. How groundwater contamination is fuelling chronic illnesses Groundwater’s Central Role in India Share in water supply: 85% of rural drinking water comes from groundwater. 65% of irrigation water is groundwater-dependent. Why reliance is high: Seasonal monsoon variability makes groundwater a more dependable source. Poor surface water management and storage infrastructure. Perception vs. reality: Historically considered nature’s purest reserve, but now a major source of toxic exposure. Relevance : GS 1(Geography ) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology)   Scale & Nature of Contamination (2024 CGWB Annual Groundwater Quality Report) Nitrates: Found in >20% of samples (from 440 districts). Causes: overuse of chemical fertilizers, leaching from septic tanks. Risk: Blue Baby Syndrome (methemoglobinemia), especially fatal for infants. Fluoride: Excess (>1.5 mg/L) in 9% of samples. Health: Skeletal and dental fluorosis (66 million affected; 230 districts across 20 states). High-prevalence areas: Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh. Arsenic: Gangetic belt states: West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam. Exceeds WHO limit (10 μg/L) in many districts; in Bagpat (UP) recorded 40 mg/L (4,000× safe limit). Risks: Skin lesions, cancers (skin, bladder, liver, kidney, lungs), gangrene, neurological issues. Uranium: Found in Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan; in Malwa region >WHO limit (30 μg/L). Sources: phosphate fertilizers, excessive groundwater pumping. Health: Chronic kidney damage, organ toxicity. Iron: 13% samples above safe limit. Health: Gastrointestinal issues, developmental disorders. Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury): Sources: industrial effluents, mining. Risks: developmental delays, anaemia, immune suppression, neurological damage. Pathogens: From sewage/septic leaks; outbreaks of cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A & E. Real-world Groundwater “Death Zones” Budhpur, Baghpat (UP) – 13 deaths in 2 weeks from kidney failure; linked to industrial effluent contamination (paper & sugar mills). Jalaun (UP) – Petroleum-like fluids in hand pump water due to suspected underground fuel leaks. Paikarapur, Bhubaneswar – Faulty sewage treatment plant led to mass illness in hundreds. Public Health Impacts Chronic diseases: skeletal deformities, neurological decline, cancers, kidney/liver failure. Acute outbreaks: waterborne diseases in peri-urban & rural belts. Children at highest risk: developmental impairment from fluoride, lead, nitrate poisoning. Geogenic + anthropogenic interplay: natural presence of arsenic/fluoride worsened by over-extraction & pollution. Why the Crisis Persists – Structural Gaps Weak legal coverage: Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 barely covers groundwater contamination. CGWB: no statutory enforcement powers. Institutional fragmentation: CGWB, CPCB, SPCBs, Ministry of Jal Shakti operate in silos. Lack of coordinated, science-based interventions. Resource constraints: SPCBs underfunded, lack trained manpower & lab facilities. Regulatory loopholes: Industries operate with minimal oversight, low compliance checks. Poor monitoring: Sparse sampling, no real-time public data, weak health-surveillance integration. Over-extraction link: Falling water tables concentrate contaminants and trigger geogenic toxin release. Key Statistics to Note Fluoride: 66 million affected; 9% of 15,259 samples exceed WHO limit. Nitrate: 56% of districts exceed safe limits; 28% rise in nitrate-toxicity hospital admissions (2018–2023). Arsenic: 1 in 100 in affected regions highly cancer-vulnerable. Uranium: 66% of sampled sites in Malwa region unsafe for children. Reform Priorities Legislative overhaul: Enact National Groundwater Pollution Control Framework with binding enforcement powers. Integrated governance: Merge efforts of CGWB, CPCB, SPCBs into coordinated national task force. Modern monitoring: Install real-time sensors, expand sampling network, public data dashboards. Polluter accountability: Strict effluent standards, mandatory zero-liquid discharge for industries. Health response: Targeted remediation (defluoridation, arsenic removal plants), nutrition programs, alternate safe water supply. Sanitation reform: Upgrade rural/peri-urban sewage systems, regulate septic tank maintenance. Community engagement: Citizen water-testing drives, groundwater literacy campaigns. Bottom Line India’s groundwater crisis has shifted from quantity to quality. It is silent, invisible, and often irreversible in damage. Without urgent, coordinated action, contamination will translate directly into avoidable deaths, disease burden, and economic loss. NH Accident Crisis Scale & Severity of the Issue First 6 months of 2025: Accidents: 67,933 Deaths: 29,018 (≈54.7% of 2024’s total fatalities already reached in half a year) Annual comparison: 2023 → 53,630 deaths in 1,23,955 accidents 2024 → 53,090 deaths in 1,25,873 accidents If 2025 trend continues, fatalities may surpass 58,000–60,000 by year-end — the highest in recent years. Share in national road fatalities: National highways (NHs) account for ~30% of road accident deaths, despite comprising only ~2% of India’s total road network. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Health , Governance) Key Observations from Data Trends High fatality rate: Deaths per accident on NHs are significantly higher than on other roads due to higher vehicle speeds and traffic volumes. Stagnant or worsening safety: Despite safety drives, fatalities on NHs have not seen meaningful reduction between 2023–2024, and 2025’s pace indicates deterioration. Potential under-reporting: Data is based on state/UT inputs to the eDAR portal — while this improves accuracy, actual figures may be higher due to delays or omissions in reporting. Government’s Recognition & Measures Official target: Halve total road accident deaths by 2030, aligning with UN SDG 3.6. Remedial actions (short- & long-term): Road markings, signage, crash barriers, raised pavement markers. Geometric improvements & junction redesigns. Spot widening of carriageways. Construction of underpasses/overpasses. Root cause acknowledged: Road engineering faults identified as a primary factor; Minister Nitin Gadkari has publicly criticised poor quality designs by consultants. Structural Challenges Design flaws: Poor curvature, inadequate shoulder space, abrupt junctions, and faulty merging lanes. Speed & enforcement gap: Lack of effective automated enforcement on speed limits and lane discipline. Mixed traffic hazards: NHs are used by both high-speed vehicles and slow-moving traffic (tractors, two-wheelers, animal carts), increasing collision risks. Infrastructure vs. safety lag: Rapid NH expansion under Bharatmala has outpaced equally robust safety integration. Maintenance gaps: Faded road markings, poor lighting, and potholes persist on certain stretches. Social & Economic Impact Human cost: ~80 deaths/day on NHs alone in Jan–June 2025; many victims in economically productive age groups (18–45 years). Economic loss: India loses 3–5% of GDP annually due to road accidents (World Bank, 2021). Healthcare burden: Overstretching trauma care facilities along major corridors. Ripple effects: Loss of breadwinners, increased dependency ratios, and impact on household incomes. Way Forward – Evidence-Based Solutions Engineering audit: Mandatory independent safety audit before and after NH construction. Speed management: AI-based speed enforcement, variable speed limits based on traffic/weather. Separation of traffic streams: Dedicated lanes for slow-moving vehicles on NHs in high-risk stretches. Black spot elimination: Time-bound removal/redesign of all identified accident-prone spots. Post-crash care: Golden Hour policy with GPS-linked ambulances and trauma centres every 50 km. Community awareness: Targeted campaigns for NH users, particularly truckers and two-wheeler riders. Accountability in design: Penal provisions for consultants/contractors in case of accidents linked to design defects. Was glacial lake breach over Dharali the trigger? Experts find some clues Geographical & Geomorphological Context Location: Dharali village, Uttarakhand, near Kheer Ganga River. Terrain: Glaciated region in upper catchment. Presence of deglaciated valleys bounded by end moraines (glacially deposited sediment ridges). Alluvial fan at Dharali — formed from debris deposition of past floods/landslides. River Characteristics: Steep gradient — increases velocity and destructive potential of floods. Relevance : GS 1(Geography ), GS 3(Disaster Management) Possible Causes of Disaster (Hypotheses from Experts) Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Scenario: Evidence: September 2022 satellite images show past lake formation signatures above end moraine. Meandering stream above end moraine suggests low-gradient, ponding-prone terrain. Deglaciated valley features indicate possible historical impoundment. Trigger: Landslide from end moraine blocking drainage, forming lake; later breach due to glacier mass movement or instability. Outcome: Sudden release of water and debris → flash flood and mudflow. Glacial Snout Detachment: NDMA’s alternative hypothesis: Partial collapse of glacier nose carrying large sediment load downstream. Landslide Reactivation: Landslide 2 km upstream reportedly reactivated, potentially blocking and then breaching river channel. Contributing Factors Geological Vulnerability: Unstable moraines and steep slopes. Past flood and debris flow evidence in Kheer Ganga basin. Anthropogenic Stress: Rapid commercialisation & tourism infrastructure on alluvial fan (unstable landform). Construction of Dharasu–Gangotri highway increasing slope instability and altering drainage. Climate Link: Possible link to glacier retreat and increased meltwater ponding due to warming. Disaster Dynamics GLOF Mechanics: Dam formation (by moraine/landslide) → water accumulation → dam breach. Steep channel → high energy flood with sediment and debris entrainment. Alluvial Fan Vulnerability: Channels can shift during floods, spreading destruction beyond main river course. Floodwaters in steep terrain travel rapidly, giving minimal early warning. Remote Sensing & Investigation Current Effort: NDMA coordinating with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for sharper pre-disaster imagery to confirm lake presence and breach dynamics. Indicators to be checked: Pre-disaster water body size and location. Landslide activity on moraines or adjacent slopes. Glacier snout changes (fracture, retreat). Broader Significance Early Warning Needs: Regular monitoring of high-risk glacial lakes in Uttarakhand using satellites. Mapping of unstable moraines and slope movement zones. Land-use Regulation: Avoiding infrastructure and dense settlements on alluvial fans in Himalayan valleys. Climate Adaptation: Integrating glacial hazard mapping into tourism and highway development plans. Topra Kalan Geographical & Historical Context Location: Topra Kalan village, Yamunanagar district, Haryana; ~14 km from Yamunanagar city and ~90 km from Chandigarh. Historical Significance: Original site of the Delhi-Topra Ashokan Pillar carrying Emperor Ashoka’s moral edicts. Pillar moved to Delhi in the 14th century by Sultan Firoz Shah Tughlaq. Referenced by Sir Alexander Cunningham (first DG of ASI) and Hiuen Tsang (7th-century Chinese Buddhist scholar) as a major Buddhist activity centre. Relevance : GS 1(Heritage , Culture , History) Recent Discoveries (2024–2025) Artifacts Recovered: Painted Grey Ware (PGW): Typically dated to 1200–600 BCE, linked to late Vedic culture. Black-and-Red Ware, Black-on-Red Ware, Black Ware: Associated with Chalcolithic to early historic phases. Stamped pottery, moulded bricks, beads: Indicates craft specialization and urban organization. Structural Remains: Possible dome-like structure (hypothesized Buddhist stupa). Buried walls, platforms, room-like enclosures in varied orientations, at depths of 4–5 m (dense habitation layers). Shallow wall formations at 0.2–0.8 m depth (later-period constructions). Chronological Insights Estimated Age: Site likely dates back to ~1500 BCE — nearly 3,500 years old. Cultural Sequence: Early occupation with PGW (Late Vedic period). Mauryan-era Buddhist activity (3rd century BCE). Continued habitation into medieval period (Firoz Shah Tughlaq’s relocation of Ashokan Pillar). Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Findings Survey Conducted: January 2025 by IIT Kanpur, led by Prof. Javed Malik. Purpose: Map sub-surface features without excavation. Revealed: Well-planned settlement layout. Multi-layered construction suggesting successive cultural phases. Large, buried architectural elements supporting long-term, organized settlement. Buddhist Connection Evidence supports Topra Kalan as a Buddhist hub in Mauryan times: Hypothesized stupa remains. Historical accounts from Hiuen Tsang describing Buddhist establishments in the region. Link to Ashoka’s moral edicts pillar. Archaeological & Preservation Challenges No Excavation Yet: Site lies under a densely populated village — relocation is complex and sensitive. Local Reports: Residents have unearthed PGW, red ware, and other artifacts during house construction. Risk: Construction without archaeological supervision could damage remains. Tourism & Cultural Heritage Potential Ashoka Edicts Park: 27-acre park in Topra Kalan. Houses a 30-foot Ashoka Chakra replica (India’s largest, recognised by Limca Book of Records, 2020). Proposal: Reconstruction of four ancient stupas at the park to boost Buddhist heritage tourism. Strategic Relevance: Fits into India’s Buddhist circuit tourism initiatives, linking with sites like Sarnath, Nalanda, and Rajgir. Significance of Findings Archaeological Importance: Extends known habitation in Yamunanagar region back to Late Vedic period (~1500 BCE). Strengthens Haryana’s position in India’s early historic and Buddhist heritage map. Cultural Continuity: Shows transition from Vedic settlement to Mauryan Buddhist influence to medieval Islamic period. Policy Implication: Need for non-invasive archaeological methods (e.g., GPR, resistivity surveys) in populated heritage sites. Diabetes among older Indian adults Basics & Context Study Source: Lancet Global Health, based on Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), 2017–2019. Sample Size: ~60,000 adults aged 45 years and above, nationally and state-level representative. Focus: Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of diabetes in India’s ageing population. Significance: First large-scale nationally representative survey linking self-reported and measured diabetes prevalence in older adults. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Key Findings – Prevalence Overall Prevalence: ~20% of adults aged ≥45 years had diabetes in 2019. Gender Parity: Men – 19.6%; Women – 20.1% (negligible difference). Urban–Rural Gap: Urban – 30% prevalence; Rural – 15% (2x higher in urban). Regional Variation: Highest rates (age-adjusted): Chandigarh (36.9%), Puducherry (36%), Kerala (36%). Highest absolute numbers: Tamil Nadu (6.1M), Maharashtra (5.8M), Uttar Pradesh (4.7M). Southern States: Higher prevalence; Central & NE States: Lower prevalence. Awareness & Diagnosis Undiagnosed Burden: ~20 million Indians aged ≥45 years had undiagnosed diabetes. Unaware Patients: 40% of diabetics did not know they had the disease. Elderly (60+) Undiagnosed: ~8%. Awareness Rate: ~60% of diabetics knew of their condition. Treatment & Control Treatment Coverage: Once aware, 94% received treatment – a high compliance rate. Control Rates (among those diagnosed): Glycaemic control: 46% Blood pressure control: 59% Lipid-lowering medication use: Only 6% (low, despite cardiovascular risk). Treatment Status: Untreated diabetes: 5% of ≥45 population. Under-treated diabetes: 47% of diagnosed cases. Adequately treated diabetes: 36%. Public Health Implications Epidemiological Transition: Rising prevalence linked to economic development, urbanisation, sedentary lifestyles, dietary changes. Screening Gap: High undiagnosed proportion → Need for universal screening in primary healthcare. Awareness-to-Treatment Conversion: Strong (94%) → Campaigns can have significant impact. Control Gaps: Even with treatment, less than half achieve optimal blood sugar control; lipid management grossly neglected. Policy & Programmatic Takeaways Scale-up Priorities: Universal diabetes screening for ≥40 age group. Strengthen NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke). Integrate diabetes detection into Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres. Regional Targeting: Focus on high-prevalence southern & UT regions with preventive interventions. Comorbidity Approach: Combine diabetes care with hypertension & dyslipidaemia management to reduce CVD risk. Health Education: Community-level lifestyle modification awareness – diet, exercise, weight control. Strategic Outlook LASI Wave 2: Will follow up same cohort for better longitudinal insights into detection, treatment, and control trends. Global Context: India is part of the global surge in type-2 diabetes prevalence; WHO and IDF project further increases without intervention. Silver Lining: High treatment compliance post-awareness suggests that the key bottleneck is early detection, not willingness to seek care. Russian Oil Discount Narrows for India Background: Russia’s Oil Discount to India Pre-Ukraine war (pre-Feb 2022): Russian oil’s share in India’s crude imports: ~2%. No significant discount; India primarily imported from Middle East suppliers (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Post-invasion scenario: Western sanctions forced Russia to sell crude at heavy discounts to non-Western buyers. Discount for India peaked at >$12/barrel vs. Middle Eastern grades in 2022-23. Share of Russian oil in India’s imports rose sharply to 35–40%. Savings in FY24: $7–10 billion in oil import bill. Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security ) Recent Change: Discount Erosion 2024-25 levels: Discount narrowed to $2–3/barrel (Morgan Stanley) or ~$2.2/barrel (Nomura). Causes: Increased competition for Russian crude from other Asian buyers. Logistics costs, sanctions enforcement, and Russia’s better access to “shadow fleets” reducing urgency to discount. Impact: Economic advantage to India from Russian oil purchases has reduced drastically. Potential import bill increase if fully replaced: ~$1.5 billion/year (Nomura). Diversification to West Asian/Brazilian crude could raise prices by ~$4–5/barrel, but global oil prices in 2025 are ~$9 lower than 2024 average — cushioning the blow. US Tariff Escalation and Link to Russian Oil Donald Trump’s trade stance: Imposed secondary sanctions-like tariffs on India for Russian oil and defence purchases. Tariff hike: August 1: +25% on Indian goods. August 7: Additional +25% (total 50%). Effective from August 27, 2025. Targeted sectors: Goods categories where India competes with Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China — but India now faces higher tariff barriers (50%) compared to their 19–30% range. Exempted categories (pharma, electronics) form ~50% of India’s $80 billion US goods exports. Global double standards: China imported $56.26 billion worth of Russian oil in 2024; EU imported $25.2 billion in Russian oil — yet US penalties focus on India. Current Indian Import Adjustments Russian oil imports falling: July 2025: 1.6 million barrels/day from Russia — down 24% from June (Kpler). State-run refiners cutting purchases more sharply than private refiners. US crude imports rising: Since May 2025: ~225,000 barrels/day (double early 2025 levels). Potential to scale to 300,000 bpd (2021 highs). Likely diversification sources: Traditional Middle East suppliers (Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE). Latin America (Brazil). USA (light sweet crude, strategic alignment). Economic and Policy Implications Oil import bill: Immediate rise minimal due to low current global prices. Risk: Diversification may push global prices higher, adding ~$1.8 billion to India’s bill for every $1/barrel global price rise. Domestic inflation: Retail pump prices likely to be kept constant by government. Under-recoveries absorbed by public-sector oil marketing companies (OMCs), with possible later government compensation. Fiscal deficit: Nomura sees no major upside risk to FY25 target (4–4.4% of GDP). Strategic Dimensions Geopolitical balancing: Reducing dependence on Russian oil may ease US pressure, open space for better trade terms with US energy exports. But complete halt to Russian oil unlikely due to cost, logistics, and strategic partnership considerations. India–Russia cooperation beyond oil: Ongoing talks on rare earths, critical minerals, aluminium, fertilisers, and railway transport. Areas of advanced tech cooperation: wind tunnel facilities, small aircraft piston engines, carbon fibre, additive manufacturing. Rare earth minerals context: China controls 85–95% of global rare earths; recent Chinese export restrictions have hit Indian automobile production. Diversifying supply from Russia could reduce strategic vulnerability. Risks and Outlook Short-term: Discount erosion removes Russia’s cost advantage. Tariff escalation by US could hit Indian exports by 40–50% in certain categories. Medium-term: Supply diversification feasible with minimal inflationary impact if global prices remain soft. Risk of global price uptick from India’s pivot away from Russia. Long-term: India’s energy strategy will likely involve a multi-supplier basket to balance cost, security, and geopolitics. Greater emphasis on US crude imports and non-Middle East diversification. Continued Russia cooperation in non-energy sectors to maintain strategic ties.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 07 August 2025

Content 67 and Rising: India’s Financial Inclusion Gains Momentum    National Handloom Day 2025 67 and Rising: India’s Financial Inclusion Gains Momentum    What is Financial Inclusion? Definition: Financial inclusion refers to providing affordable financial services—banking, credit, insurance, pensions, and investments—to all individuals and businesses, especially underserved groups. Why It Matters: Enables inclusive economic growth, reduces poverty, increases resilience to financial shocks, and supports entrepreneurship and productivity. Global Recognition: UN SDGs: Identified as a key enabler in 7 out of 17 goals (e.g., poverty reduction, gender equality, decent work). World Bank: Monitors progress via Global Findex Database. Relevance : GS 2 ( Governance, Inclusive Growth, Government Schemes), GS 3(Indian Economy) India’s Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index) – Key Data (2025) FI-Index Value (2025): 67.0 ↑ from 64.2 in 2024 and ↑ 24.3% since 2021 (baseline year). Index Scale: 0 (no inclusion) to 100 (complete inclusion). Index Components (97 indicators): Access (35% weight): Infrastructure availability – bank branches, ATMs, PoS, digital platforms. Usage (45% weight): Actual use of services – credit, savings, insurance, UPI. Quality (20% weight): Financial literacy, consumer protection, service equity. PMJDY – The Foundation of Financial Inclusion Total Beneficiaries (Aug 2025): 55.98 crore Women Account Holders: >55% of total. Key Features: No minimum balance, ₹1 lakh accident cover, ₹10,000 overdraft, Rupay card. Outreach: 13.55 lakh Bank Mitras (banking correspondents). 107 Digital Banking Units (DBUs) functional (Dec 2024). Campaign Drive (July 2025): 6.65 lakh PMJDY accounts opened in 1 month. Over 10 lakh KYC updates. 99,753 outreach camps held. Key Support Schemes – Multi-Sectoral Expansion a. Social Insurance Schemes Scheme Coverage Premium Benefit PMSBY 50.54 crore (2025) ₹20/year ₹2 lakh (accidental death) PMJJBY 23 crore ₹436/year ₹2 lakh (natural death) b. Pension Scheme Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Subscribers: 7.65 crore (April 2025) Corpus: ₹45,974.67 crore Women subscribers: ~48% Monthly pension: ₹1,000–₹5,000 (based on contributions) c. Credit Enablement – MSMEs & Women Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY): Loans sanctioned: 53.85 crore Amount sanctioned: ₹35.13 lakh crore (as on Aug 2025) Target groups: Women, minorities, first-time entrepreneurs New Initiative: Tarun Plus – ₹10L–₹20L loans for repeat borrowers Stand-Up India Scheme: Total amount sanctioned: ₹61,020.41 crore (as on Mar 2025) Focus: SC/ST/women entrepreneurs in greenfield ventures d. Digital Empowerment – UPI Revolution UPI Transactions (June 2025): Volume: 18.39 billion Value: ₹24.03 lakh crore Share in India’s digital transactions: 85% Global Contribution: ~50% of world’s real-time payments e. Women Empowerment – Mahila Sammriddhi Yojana Target: Economically weak women Loan: Up to ₹1.4 lakh to SHGs Disbursement: ₹72,859 lakhs (till Mar 2025) f. Agriculture Credit – Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Operative accounts: 7.72 crore farmers Outstanding loan: ₹10.05 lakh crore (Dec 2024) ↑ from ₹4.26 lakh crore (2014) Purpose: Working capital, marketing, household needs, farm maintenance Policy Frameworks – Strategic Anchors a. National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI 2019–24) Objectives: Universal financial access within 5 km radius Basic financial bouquet: savings, credit, insurance, pension Livelihood & skill linkages Financial literacy through AV modules Grievance redressal and consumer protection b. National Strategy for Financial Education (NSFE 2020–25) 5C Approach: Content: Curriculum & training material Capacity: Build intermediaries’ capabilities Community: Leverage local networks Communication: Mass outreach Collaboration: Multi-stakeholder effort Recent Campaign – 2025 Financial Saturation Drive Timeline: July–September 2025 Objective: Reach every Gram Panchayat/ULB to: Open new PMJDY accounts Enrol in PMSBY, PMJJBY, APY Conduct re-KYC Raise awareness on digital fraud, grievance redressal Progress (July 2025): 6.65 lakh accounts opened >10 lakh KYC re-verifications ~1 lakh outreach camps held Outcomes and Impact – India’s Financial Inclusion Landscape (2025) FI-Index reflects: ↑ access and use of banking and digital services ↑ quality via financial literacy and protection Inclusivity gains: Women, rural households, small entrepreneurs, unorganised sector Reduced informal credit dependency, esp. in agriculture and MSMEs Massive digital transformation through UPI and DBT architecture Challenges Ahead Sustainability of Usage: Moving from mere account ownership to active usage Digital Divide: Regional, gender-based, and rural-urban disparities Financial Literacy: Low awareness of rights, fraud risks, grievance redressal Cybersecurity: Rising frauds as digital penetration increases Conclusion India’s rising Financial Inclusion Index (67 in 2025) reflects a robust shift from access to active usage and quality, driven by digital innovation (like UPI), targeted schemes (PMJDY, APY, MUDRA), and grassroots campaigns for saturation and literacy. The transformation is structural and inclusive—bridging rural-urban, gender, and class divides—laying the foundation for equitable, resilient, and participatory economic growth. National Handloom Day 2025 Background & Significance Historical Roots: Tied to the Swadeshi Movement launched on 7th August 1905, promoting indigenous industries like handloom as tools of economic resistance. Institutionalisation: 7th August declared National Handloom Day in 2015, first celebrated in Chennai. Objective: Celebrate handloom heritage. Recognise contributions of artisans. Promote ‘Vocal for Local’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Relevance : GS 1( History , Heritage) 11th National Handloom Day 2025 A. Venue & Awards Date & Venue: 7th August 2025, Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Dignitary: President of India. Awards Distributed: Sant Kabir Awards (5): ₹3.5 lakh, gold coin, Tamrapatra, shawl, certificate. National Handloom Awards (19): ₹2 lakh, Tamrapatra, shawl, certificate. B. Theme-based Innovation: Handloom Hackathon 2025 Date: 4th August at IIT Delhi. Theme: “DREAM IT; DO IT” Stakeholders: Ministry of Textiles, NDC, FITT, IIT-D. Objective: Tech-enabled, design-led solutions for traditional problems. C. Public Engagement Initiatives 1–8 August 2025: Week-long Celebration Know Your Weaves Campaign: Venue: National Crafts Museum, New Delhi. Activities: Live demos, storytelling, natural dye workshops. Weaves like Banarasi, Chanderi, Kanchipuram, Pochampally. Youth engagement through quizzes, installations. Saree Festival: Janpath Haat (116 weaves). Fashion Shows: Vastra Veda – regional handloom showcases. Naad – fusion of music and handloom narratives. India International Hand-woven Expo: Dates: 7–9 August at Bharat Mandapam. Buyers–Sellers meet for global promotion. Sectoral Overview: Economic & Social Context A. Employment & Livelihood Largest cottage industry in India. 4th Handloom Census (2019-20): 35.22 lakh households, >35 lakh artisans. Women comprise 72% of weavers – vital for rural women’s empowerment. B. Cultural Relevance Carries stories of heritage, identity, and ecology. Made using eco-friendly, low-capital, and sustainable methods. Popular weaves: Banarasi, Kanjeevaram, Chanderi, Bomkai, Paithani, Jamdani, etc.   Global Recognition & Export Performance A. India’s Global Handloom Standing 95% of the world’s handwoven fabric is from India. Unique due to living craft traditions + commercial viability. B. Exports (FY 2024-25): Country Export Value (₹ crore) USA ₹ 331.56 UAE ₹ 179.91 Netherlands ₹ 73.88 France ₹ 66.14 United Kingdom ₹ 65.6 C. Product Categories (Share in Total Export): Made-ups (Curtains, linen): 42.4% Floor coverings: 40.6% Clothing accessories: 12.7% Fabrics: 4.3%  Government Schemes: Financial & Policy Support A. Key Schemes Scheme Objective NHDP Cluster development, marketing, skill building Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS) Yarn subsidy, freight reimbursement MUDRA Loans 6% interest rate, margin money, online portal Handloom Mark & India Handloom Brand Certification & branding of authentic products Small Cluster Development Programme Up to ₹2 crore/cluster for tools, looms etc. B. NHDP Performance Parameter 2014–24 2024–25 (so far) Clusters Sanctioned 715 79 Funds Released (₹ crore) 533.17 85.99 Beneficiaries Covered 2.16 lakh 12,221 Marketing Events 2316 177 Products under GI Act 73 31 C. Social Security Measures PMJJBY, PMSBY, MGBBY schemes. Awardee weavers (60+ years): ₹8,000/month support. Children of weavers: Scholarships up to ₹2 lakh/year. Modernisation, Digitisation & Capacity Building Initiative Description Skill Upgradation Eco-dyeing, design innovation, e-commerce skills Hathkargha Samvardhan Yojana Govt bears 90% cost of new looms Workshed Scheme ₹1.2 lakh units; 100% subsidy for marginalised Producer Companies 163+ companies formed to improve market access indiahandmade.com & GeM 1.8 lakh onboarded on GeM; 2418 sellers on IndiaHandmade GI Tagging: Preserving Design Identity 104 handloom products registered under GI Act (1999). Seminars, workshops conducted for awareness and registration. Critical Appraisal Strengths: Deep cultural roots + global market edge. Inclusive (women-dominated, rural employment). Eco-friendly production. Supported by strong institutional frameworks (NHDP, RMSS). Challenges: Competition from powerlooms & cheap imports. Lack of awareness among youth & modern consumers. Low income levels despite high skill. Fragmented supply chains, weak marketing. Way Forward Design-Led Innovation: Expand hackathons, design schools in clusters. Market Expansion: Strengthen exports via trade pacts, fashion weeks. Digital Push: Strengthen platforms like indiahandmade.com. Social Media Campaigns: Influence-driven marketing to attract youth. Integrated Value Chains: Cooperatives, logistics, branding under one roof. Financial Literacy & Credit Access: Strengthen Mudra, SHG linkages. Education: Include handloom heritage in school & design curriculums. Conclusion National Handloom Day 2025 exemplifies India’s renewed commitment to blending heritage with innovation, honouring the artisans, and building a self-reliant handloom ecosystem. It reflects a strategic vision of “economic empowerment through cultural pride.” As India celebrates its weaving traditions, the focus is shifting from preservation to transformation, from craft to commerce.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 07 August 2025

Content Decoding China — the lessons for a vulnerable India Sleeping disasters Decoding China — the lessons for a vulnerable India Central Argument The exodus of over 300 Chinese engineers from iPhone 17 manufacturing sites in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is not administrative, but a deliberate geo-economic maneuver. China is actively impeding India’s rise as a global manufacturing competitor through human capital withdrawal, resource weaponisation, and informal trade restrictions. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(Indian Economy) Practice Question : China’s economic statecraft increasingly hinges on geo-economics, not geopolitics. In this context, critically examine China’s multi-pronged strategy to contain India’s manufacturing rise and its implications for India’s strategic autonomy.(Answer in 250 words) China’s Strategic Calculus: Geo-economics as Statecraft Human Capital Withdrawal Chinese engineers at Foxconn are: Experts in precision assembly, production line efficiency, and troubleshooting complex systems. Their removal is: A strategic effort to disrupt the tacit transfer of technology to India. Aimed at stalling India’s manufacturing learning curve at a critical juncture. Mineral and Equipment Controls Rare earth elements (REEs) restricted: Gallium, Germanium, Graphite. Export restrictions imposed on: Rare earth magnets – critical for EVs and electronics. Capital equipment – precision machines for electronics, solar, and heavy industries. Trade curbs are informal, executed via: Verbal orders, administrative delays. Outcome: plausible deniability but real disruption of Indian supply chains. Deeper Strategic Intent China’s economic strategy is: Not just competitive, but existentially defensive. India is seen as a potential challenger to China’s export hegemony, especially in electronics. China’s export economy: Supports critical state functions: military, domestic stability, pensions. Is under stress due to: Aging population, declining consumption. Real estate crash, excessive industrial capacity. China’s Economic Vulnerabilities Domestic Instabilities Demographic stress: Aging population due to one-child policy. Labour force shrinking. Economic imbalance: Weak domestic consumption. Massive overcapacity. Financial pressure: Rising social spending burdens. Relies on export surpluses to maintain internal equilibrium. Export Weaponisation China’s $1 trillion+ trade surplus masks: Desperation for foreign revenue. Use of low pricing and supply gluts (e.g., BYD EVs) to: Undermine rivals. Protect global market share. Why India is Targeted India’s policy push via PLI schemes, Make in India, friend-shoring by the West is: Perceived by China as geostrategic encroachment. Seen as a threat to its export monopoly. Withdrawal of engineers is part of: A multi-front containment strategy to delay India’s industrial breakout. Strategic Weaknesses in India’s Manufacturing Vision Structural Deficits India lacks: Advanced manufacturing capacity. Sufficient control over semiconductors, precision machinery, critical minerals. The ecosystem is still at “screwdriver level” of basic assembly. Bureaucratic & Infrastructure Bottlenecks Policy execution gaps, logistics constraints, and regulatory delays undermine: Scalability. Ease of doing business in high-tech manufacturing. International Dynamics and Ironies US Tariffs on India: Recent 50% tariffs on Indian exports (electronics/EVs). While China gets temporary exemptions despite higher Russian oil imports. This reflects: The fragile nature of India’s alignment with Western powers. A reminder that strategic autonomy is indispensable. Broader Lessons for India China’s Dominance is Structural, Not Opportunistic China controls: Global value chains. Capital equipment manufacturing. Raw material refining (REEs). Even economic flaws like overcapacity are being weaponised (e.g., price suppression). India Must Focus Inward External blockades and trade curbs cannot be wished away. India must: Develop indigenous capacity in high-tech components. Build resilient supply chains (esp. semiconductors, REEs). Invest in human capital, R&D, and skilling. Strategic self-reliance, not dependency, is the ultimate lesson from China’s tactics. Sleeping disasters Context and Immediate Trigger Disaster Site: Dharali town, Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand (elevation: ~8,600 ft). Event: Sudden deluge of water, debris, and silt from Kheer Ganga river. Casualties: At least 4 confirmed deaths, 60+ feared washed away, including Indian Army personnel. Date: August 6, 2025. Cause (Official Narrative): Categorized as a ‘cloudburst’ by state officials. Relevance : GS 3(Disaster Management ) Practice Question : Disasters in the Himalayas are no longer ‘natural’. Critically analyse the institutional, infrastructural, and climatic roots of recurring flash floods in the region, with specific reference to the Uttarkashi deluge of August 2025.(Answer in 250 words) Technical Clarification: What is a Cloudburst? IMD Definition: ≥10 cm rainfall/hour over ≤10 sq. km area. Issue in Diagnosis: No Doppler Weather Radar at that altitude → IMD cannot confirm event. Rainfall was likely prolonged and intense (30 cm over 24 hours), not sudden. Loose use of the term ‘cloudburst’ enables state authorities to project the event as unforeseeable or inevitable. Deeper Causes and Scientific Dynamics Terrain Vulnerability: Himalayas = geologically young, fragile, and tectonically active. Steep slopes + loose regolith = prone to erosion and landslides. Hydrological Chain Reaction: Continuous rain → saturation of soil → weakening of slopes. Gravity + rain-induced seepage → mass wasting (movement of debris, rocks, and water). Anthropogenic Triggers: Infrastructure pressure (roads, dams, hydro projects, hotels). Debris from construction accumulates in rivers/valleys → acts as latent explosives when rain arrives. Riverbed mining, deforestation, and encroachment reduce natural absorption and increase runoff. Systemic Governance Failures Misclassification Advantage: Labeling as “cloudburst” → absolves liability. Promotes ritualistic response: official condolences, media visuals, token ex-gratia (~₹4 lakh/family), no structural mitigation. Disaster Normalisation: Repeated events (Joshimath sinking, Chamoli flash flood, Kedarnath 2013) treated as isolated — no cumulative learning. Infrastructure-Climate Disconnect: Policy inertia in integrating climate change risk into infrastructure approval and location planning. Lack of debris clearance mechanisms even after earlier events. Climate Change Linkage Empirical Pattern: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events in Indian Himalayas: IMD and MoES studies: >25% increase in cloudburst-like events over 40 years. IPCC AR6: Himalayan region among climate hotspots for monsoon variability. Climate-Induced Feedback Loops: Warmer atmosphere → holds more moisture → more intense rainfall episodes. Warming → glacial melt → increased river volume + sediment load. Combined with infrastructure debris, this creates runaway siltation risk. Recommendations and Way Forward Immediate Actions Post-Relief Phase Audit: Identify silt chokepoints along rivers and tributaries. Remove debris at critical junctions (e.g., confluences, bends, narrow valleys). Deploy Temporary Retaining Infrastructure: Check dams, silt traps, and controlled flow diversions. Structural and Policy Interventions Meteorological Infrastructure: Install high-altitude Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs). Expand AWS (Automatic Weather Station) network in vulnerable zones. Himalayan Zoning Laws: Enforce land-use restrictions in fragile zones. Create eco-sensitive zone buffers around rivers and streams. Silt Budgeting and Mapping: Annual siltation mapping using LiDAR + satellite. Develop vulnerability index for each Himalayan district. Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM): Coordinate silt monitoring across entire river systems from glacier to plain. Involve agencies like CWC, GSI, NRSC in pre-monsoon mapping. Infrastructure Climate Auditing: Mandate climate risk assessments for all major hill infrastructure. Make disaster impact modeling part of DPR (Detailed Project Report) process. Community Early Warning Systems: Leverage local knowledge + tech (radio, SMS, sirens). Conduct mock drills and public awareness campaigns.

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 07 August 2025

Content Trump raises U.S. tariffs on Indian imports to 50% More women than men deleted from Bihar’s electoral rolls What is the potential of biochar? What is the status of the ‘recall’ vote in Taiwan? Aadhaar face ID can ensure exam ‘transparency’: Centre Trump raises U.S. tariffs on Indian imports to 50% Basics of Tariffs & Trade Policy Tariff Definition: A tariff is a tax imposed by a country on the import of goods and services. It increases the cost of foreign goods, making domestic products more competitive. Ad valorem tariff: A percentage of the value of the good (e.g., 25% of the product’s value). Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Principle: WTO principle mandating non-discriminatory tariff treatment among member countries. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations ), GS 3 (Indian Economy) Background: U.S.–India Trade Tensions Historical Tensions: Under Trump’s presidency (2017–2021), the U.S. removed India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in 2019. India’s tariffs on tech and agricultural imports were long criticized by the U.S. Current Trigger: India’s purchase of oil from Russia, seen by the U.S. as indirectly supporting Moscow amid sanctions. Executive Order 14066 (March 2022): Declared U.S. “national emergency” over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, basis for this trade action. Key Details of the New Tariffs Initial Tariff: 25% ad valorem duty on Indian imports (effective immediately from Thursday). Additional Tariff: Another 25% (total 50%) to take effect 21 days later. Total Impact: 50% tariff on Indian goods entering U.S. markets — a significant trade barrier. Legal Justification Cited by U.S. Executive Order 14066 (2022): Enables tariff measures as national security/emergency actions due to Russian aggression. U.S. Argument: India’s continued oil imports from Russia undermine Western sanctions. Labelled India as a violator of “collective economic pressure” campaign on Russia. India’s Response MEA Statement: Tariffs termed as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable”. Cited hypocrisy: EU and U.S. continue trading with Russia in other sectors. Highlighted previous Western encouragement of Indian-Russian trade (including oil). Diplomatic Tone: Firm but non-retaliatory, focused on dialogue and defending sovereignty in trade. India’s Oil Trade with Russia – Key Data Pre-Feb 2022: India imported <2% of its oil from Russia. Post-Ukraine War: Imports surged to 30%+, making Russia India’s top crude supplier. Why?: Deep discounts offered by Russia amid Western sanctions. Global Context: EU and G7 imposed oil price cap and shipping bans. India not party to these sanctions, continued trade based on national interest. Implications for India Trade & Economy: Could affect key Indian exports to U.S. (pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery). May reduce export competitiveness in U.S. markets. Uncertainty in bilateral trade negotiations (e.g., Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), India-U.S. TPF talks). Diplomacy: Further strains India-U.S. relations ahead of U.S. elections and India’s strategic balancing between Russia and the West. Could complicate Quad dynamics and broader Indo-Pacific cooperation. WTO Violation? India’s options at WTO limited as national security exceptions are hard to challenge post-Ukraine war. Tariff hikes bypass multilateral frameworks, using executive orders. Geopolitical Analysis Strategic Autonomy: India maintains independent foreign policy, refuses to join Western sanctions against Russia. U.S. Election Calculus: Trump may be using India as a soft target to project foreign policy strength. Double Standards: India points to ongoing U.S.–Russia trade in non-oil sectors as evidence of selective targeting. What Could India Do? Diplomatic Push: Use Track-I and Track-II diplomacy to reverse or mitigate tariff impact. Diversify Markets: Boost trade with EU, ASEAN, Africa to reduce U.S. dependence. Retaliatory Tariffs?: Possible under WTO norms but may escalate conflict. WTO Dispute Mechanism: File complaint, though national security-based tariffs are hard to reverse. Conclusion This move marks a critical moment in India-U.S. economic ties, with: Rising geopolitical pressures Weaponization of trade policies Strategic tests for India’s non-alignment and multipolar diplomacy India must balance its strategic autonomy, economic interests, and global alliances carefully. More women than men deleted from Bihar’s electoral rolls Context: Basics of Electoral Roll Revision Electoral Roll: A list of eligible voters in a constituency, maintained by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Special Intensive Revision (SIR): An exercise undertaken periodically to ensure accuracy in the electoral rolls — involves addition of new voters and deletion of ineligible ones (deaths, duplicate registrations, migration, etc.). Purpose: To ensure a clean, updated, and accurate database of electors for upcoming elections (possibly linked to Bihar Assembly polls or general elections). Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Electoral Reforms) Key Numbers from the August 2025 Draft Electoral Rolls Category Jan 2025 Roll Aug 2025 Roll Net Deletion % Decrease Male Electors 4.07 crore 3.82 crore ~25 lakh ~6.1% Female Electors 3.72 crore 3.41 crore ~31 lakh ~8.3% More women (by ~6 lakh) were deleted from the rolls compared to men. Female deletion rate (8.3%) exceeds male deletion rate (6.1%) District-Wise Gender Disparity In 37 out of 38 districts, more women were deleted than men. Example: Gopalganj district: Women: ↓ from 10 lakh to 8.21 lakh (−17.8%) Men: ↓ from 10.37 lakh to 9.23 lakh (−11%) Gender gap in deletion rate: 6.8 percentage points Largest disparity in the state Official Reasons for Deletion (per Election Commission) Deaths Duplicate registrations Permanent migration out of Bihar Untraceable or shifted addresses Evaluating Each Deletion Factor 1. Deaths Male and female death rates in Bihar have remained nearly equal over past 5 years (except COVID years). Hence, cannot explain a significantly higher deletion rate among women. 2. Out-Migration Men dominate long-distance migration from Bihar: For every 100 male migrants in India: 31.4 inter-state, 65.6 intra-state For every 100 female migrants: Only 7.2 inter-state, 92.6 intra-state Hence, more male deletions should have occurred, not female. 3. Duplicate/Untraceable Entries Expected to affect both genders equally and form a smaller share of deletions. Most Plausible Explanation: Gender Gap in Self-Enumeration SIR relies on households filling and submitting self-enumeration forms. Female literacy rate in Bihar (2019–21): 55% — lowest in India Male literacy: ~76% Low literacy among women may have: Led to incorrect or incomplete form submission Resulted in more involuntary deletions of female electors Administrative bias or procedural flaws in verifying women’s entries cannot be ruled out. Additional Observation from Voting Patterns In some districts where more women than men voted in Jan 2024, women still faced more deletions. Implies: Men had migrated out but retained their names on rolls (possibly due to better form-filling). Women were more present but were removed more, likely due to self-enumeration and literacy issues. Broader Implications 1. Electoral Disenfranchisement Risk Millions of eligible women may be disenfranchised due to procedural and literacy barriers. 2. Question on Electoral Equity Raises issues of systemic gender exclusion in electoral processes. 3. Need for Electoral Literacy Interventions Especially targeted toward low-literacy women in rural Bihar. ECI and civil society must collaborate to ensure fair access to registration and correction processes. Related Governance & Policy Linkages Article 326 of the Constitution: Ensures universal adult suffrage without discrimination. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) & SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions): Ensure inclusive decision-making and participation. Election Commission’s SVEEP initiative (Systematic Voter’s Education & Electoral Participation): Needs strengthening in women-dominated, low-literacy regions. Digital Divide: Online self-enumeration may further alienate women with limited tech access. Way Forward Audit the SIR process: Independent review of deletion patterns and procedural compliance. Door-to-door verification, especially for vulnerable groups like women, elderly, disabled. Re-verification drive: To restore names wrongly deleted, especially in districts with high deletion disparity. Focused voter education campaigns: Leveraging ASHA workers, SHGs, Anganwadi workers. Simplify forms & provide support during form filling in regional languages. What is the potential of biochar? What is Biochar? Definition: Biochar is a carbon-rich, stable form of charcoal produced via pyrolysis (thermal decomposition in absence of oxygen) of organic material like agricultural waste and municipal solid waste. Nature: Porous, black solid, with high carbon content (up to 80–90%) and alkaline pH. Stability: Remains in soil for 100–1,000 years, making it a long-term carbon sink. Relevance : GS 3(Energy Security , Science ) What are the byproducts of biochar production? Key Byproducts: Syngas (Synthesis Gas): Mixture of CO, H₂, CH₄ — energy-rich and combustible. Bio-oil: Liquid fuel with energy density similar to crude oil. Quantitative Estimates (India): Syngas: 20–30 million tonnes/year. Bio-oil: 24–40 million tonnes/year. Together, these can generate 8–13 TWh of electricity (~0.5–0.7% of India’s annual generation). Fossil Fuel Offsets: Coal: Replaces 0.4–0.7 million tonnes/year. Diesel/Kerosene: Offsets 12–19 million tonnes (~8% of production). Emission Reduction: Cuts >2% of fossil-fuel-based emissions. How can these byproducts generate electricity and fuels? Electricity: Syngas can be used in gas turbines or internal combustion engines to produce power at small or grid scale. Co-firing syngas with natural gas or coal is feasible in hybrid plants. Fuels: Bio-oil can be refined into transport fuels, used in industrial boilers, or blended with fossil fuels. Helps in reducing diesel/kerosene imports, aiding energy security. Circular Economy: Converts agricultural and organic waste into value-added energy products, reducing landfill burden. How can biochar help the construction sector? Applications in Construction: Added to cement and concrete to: Improve thermal insulation. Enhance durability and water retention. Reduce carbon footprint of concrete (~8% of global CO₂ emissions). Eco-bricks: Biochar can be used in compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEBs) or fired bricks to lower embodied carbon. Carbon-negative Building Materials: Incorporating biochar creates materials that store more carbon than emitted during production. Why is biochar underrepresented in carbon credit systems? Lack of Recognition: Not formally recognised as a verifiable CO₂ removal technology in many carbon markets. Absence of standardised protocols for MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, Verification). Technical Complexity: Varying properties due to different feedstocks and pyrolysis conditions make quantification difficult. Fragmented Policy Landscape: No integrated policy framework connecting agriculture, waste management, energy, and climate sectors. Business Model Constraints: High upfront costs. Lack of viable producer–user linkages and private financing. Limited awareness among investors, farmers, and startups. How should large-scale adoption of biochar be enabled? Policy and Regulatory Measures: Recognise biochar in India’s carbon market (2026): Define biochar as a carbon removal pathway. Issue carbon credits for its application in agriculture, waste-to-energy, and construction. Integrate into existing schemes: National Bio-Energy Mission, Crop Residue Management Schemes, and State Climate Action Plans. Research & Innovation: Invest in R&D: Create region-specific feedstock standards. Develop low-cost pyrolysis units suitable for Indian villages. Standardise MRV frameworks for biochar lifecycle carbon capture. Rural Deployment & Job Creation: Village-scale biochar units: Potential to create 5.2 lakh rural jobs. Engage Panchayats, FPOs, and SHGs as production and distribution nodes. Market Development: Awareness campaigns for: Farmers (soil health and yield benefits). Startups and investors (carbon credits, fuel substitutes). Promote Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Carbon Finance Platforms. Agricultural Co-benefits: Increases soil fertility by enhancing water/nutrient retention. Reduces fertilizer need by 10–20%. Improves crop yield by 10–25%. Related News and Context Indian Carbon Market (ICM): Launch scheduled for 2026, with a focus on carbon removal credits alongside avoidance credits. National Bio-Energy Programme (2021-26): Incentivising biomass and waste-to-energy projects, under which biochar can be included. International Reference: IPCC AR6 (2022) lists biochar among “low-risk” carbon dioxide removal (CDR) options. EU Biochar Certification standards (EBC) adopted in 15+ countries. Mission LiFE and SDG 13 (Climate Action): Biochar aligns with India’s commitments under Paris Agreement and LiFE lifestyle campaigns. Conclusion: Why Biochar Matters Multisectoral Gains: Climate mitigation, waste management, soil regeneration, energy security, job creation, and construction innovation. Science-backed, scalable, inclusive: With right enablers, biochar can contribute to Net-Zero 2070 targets and decentralised green growth. What is the status of the ‘recall’ vote in Taiwan? India-Taiwan Relations: Current Status No formal diplomatic ties (India follows One-China policy). But ties have improved unofficially in areas like: Trade (over $8 billion bilateral trade in 2024) Semiconductors (MoUs on supply chain collaboration) Education and skilled manpower exchange Strategic cooperation in Indo-Pacific forums (without directly naming China) Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Why India Should Watch This Closely Taiwan’s internal democratic assertion is a counter-narrative to China’s authoritarian model. The Bluebird Movement’s emphasis on constitutionalism and civil protests resonates with India’s democratic ethos. Taiwan is a potential partner in: Semiconductor self-reliance (India’s ₹76,000 crore chip mission) Critical technology partnerships (under Quad, India-Japan-Taiwan synergies) Countering Chinese aggression in Indo-Pacific India-Taiwan: Strategic Sensitivities Recall movement accused KMT of pro-China leanings → underscores Taiwan’s vulnerability to Beijing’s influence. India faces similar subversion risks in border regions and digital disinformation → lessons in safeguarding democracy from internal manipulation. India must navigate Taiwan ties cautiously, balancing: Its strategic autonomy Relations with USA-Japan bloc Managing China’s retaliation (e.g., border tensions, economic coercion) Democracy, Recall, and India: Institutional Comparison Feature Taiwan India Recall Law Citizens can recall legislators via direct vote (under 3-tier process) No recall provision at Centre/State; only anti-defection law and party whip mechanism Legislative Gridlock Yes, due to divided govt (Executive ≠ Legislature) Rare, as Indian Parliament usually follows majoritarian model Popular Protest Movements Bluebird Movement (2024–25), Sunflower (2014) Anna Hazare’s Lokpal protest (2011), CAA-NRC protests (2019), Farmer Protests (2020–21) Voter Engagement Direct recall voting at constituency level Representative model; no provision for mid-term citizen-triggered removal Judicial Independence Under Threat KMT laws undermined judiciary Similar concerns raised in India (e.g., Ordinance on Judicial Appointments, use of ordinances bypassing Parliament) Key Lessons for India Need for balanced checks and balances: Taiwan’s crisis shows what happens when legislature is misused; India must protect parliamentary deliberative integrity. Citizen-driven accountability vs Political manipulation: India lacks a recall option, but can explore local governance-level reforms (e.g., reintroducing recall at panchayat level). Civil society’s role: Taiwan’s Bluebird shows how mass protest can protect constitutional values — akin to India’s history of public-led reform movements. China Angle: Strategic Parallels KMT seen as Beijing’s proxy → similar concerns in India’s context over: Chinese funding of Indian startups and digital apps Cross-border propaganda campaigns Security breaches via telecom, drones, and ports India should study Taiwan’s model of: Legislative oversight of foreign influence Tech-based surveillance laws Civil society pushback against authoritarian infiltration Political Polarisation: Indian Comparison Taiwan’s recall vote intensified party polarisation (DPP vs KMT). In India: Polarisation often deepened by electoral tools (e.g., defections, Governor’s role in hung assemblies). But no direct electoral mechanism exists for citizens to remove sitting MPs/MLAs mid-term. Opportunities for India’s Foreign Policy India can: Quietly support Taiwan’s democratic resilience under its Act East Policy. Expand economic engagement (esp. semiconductors, electronics, green energy). Promote people-to-people ties: academic, tech exchanges, spiritual tourism. Showcase India as a democratic counterweight in Indo-Pacific architecture. Risks if India Overplays Taiwan Card China may retaliate through: LAC military pressure (as seen in Galwan 2020) Trade curbs on pharma, electronics Cyberattacks and espionage Hence, India must adopt a “strategic ambiguity + silent support” approach for now. Conclusion: Why Taiwan’s Recall Vote Matters to India Shows strength of democratic institutions under pressure Warns against legislative overreach and institutional imbalance Illustrates citizen power in constitutional enforcement Provides India with a strategic example to: Deepen democratic norms Engage smartly in Taiwan-China affairs Strengthen its own internal checks against authoritarian drifts Aadhaar face ID can ensure exam ‘transparency’: Centre Aadhaar Authentication: A process wherein a resident’s Aadhaar number, along with biometric (fingerprint/iris/face) or demographic data, is submitted to UIDAI for verification. Returns a “Yes/No” response to confirm identity. Aadhaar Face Authentication: Uses facial recognition by matching the user’s live face image with their photograph in the UIDAI database. Involves a “liveness” check to prevent spoofing using photos/videos. Useful where fingerprints/iris fail (e.g. aged, manual laborers). SWIK Rules (2020 & 2025 Amendment): SWIK = Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge. Under these rules, government/private organisations can apply for permission to use Aadhaar-based authentication for “good governance” purposes. 2025 amendment clarified procedural vetting through UIDAI and portal-based application via the SWIK Portal. Relevance : GS 2(Governance, Education) KEY OBJECTIVES Combat Impersonation in competitive exams (e.g. SSC, RRB). Reduce fraud in welfare delivery (e.g. DBT schemes). Improve accuracy in identity verification (e.g. attendance, recruitment). Strengthen accountability of authorities via transparent processes. Enable access to digital services for those with worn-out biometrics. RECENT DEVELOPMENTS (As of August 2025) Ministry of Electronics and IT to Parliament: Facial authentication to boost transparency in competitive exams. Aims to build aspirant trust and enhance administrative accountability. Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) & Staff Selection Commission (SSC): Already authorized to use Aadhaar face authentication for exam candidates. Sports Authority of India (SAI) – August 2025: Approved to use face authentication for: Verifying athletes, coaches, staff under schemes like Khelo India, TOPS, and NCOEs. Processes include registration, attendance, and DBT payments. EPFO Circular (July 2025): Aadhaar Face Authentication now mandatory to generate Universal Account Numbers (UANs). India Post Payments Bank (July 2025): Adopted face authentication for its services. Framed as supporting Digital India and Financial Inclusion. UIDAI’s push: Promoting face and iris authentication to support: Elderly and laborers with damaged fingerprints. Inclusion of underserved sections. SWIK Portal Performance: Around 1–6 proposals approved per month. Cumulative: 312 Union and State organisations approved since 2020. GOVERNANCE & POLICY IMPLICATIONS Transparency & Accountability: Real-time face verification discourages impersonation, especially in exams and recruitment. Greater public trust in examination processes and welfare systems. Inclusion: Ensures access for elderly, disabled, and workers who suffer biometric degradation. Supports DBT, digital identity, and service delivery. Privacy Concerns: Use of facial recognition raises questions on data security, consent, and surveillance. Requires robust data protection frameworks and UIDAI compliance. Legal Framework: Use of Aadhaar (especially biometric) tied to Section 4 and 8 of Aadhaar Act, 2016, amended via Aadhaar & Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019. Voluntary use stressed post Puttaswamy (2018) privacy judgment. CHALLENGES & CRITICAL ISSUES Authentication Failures: Though facial authentication helps, it still faces tech limitations (lighting, quality, camera resolution). Infrastructure gaps in rural/low-income areas. Consent & Voluntariness: Concerns that authentication might be de facto mandatory, violating privacy norms. Surveillance Risk: Potential for misuse or overreach of facial recognition tech if not regulated properly. Need for Oversight: UIDAI vetting helps but independent audits and citizen grievance redress mechanisms are essential.

Daily PIB Summaries

PIB Summaries 06 August 2025

Content Central Vista Project A Joyous Homecoming: India’s Sacred Buddhist Relics Return After 127 Years Central Vista Project Context & Background Launched: 2020 Location: New Delhi (spanning India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhavan) Executing Agency: Central Public Works Department (CPWD) Architect: HCP Design Planning & Management Pvt. Ltd. (led by Bimal Patel) Supervising Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Estimated Cost: Approx. ₹13,500 crore (as per public statements) Relevance : GS 2 ( Polity & Governance ), GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure & Environment) Constitutional & Governance Significance Democratic Symbolism: New Parliament building represents the “temple of democracy”. From Rajpath (symbol of colonial authority) to Kartavya Path (citizen-centric governance).   Governance Rationality: Integration of 51 Ministries into 10 Common Central Secretariat (CCS) buildings. Elimination of dispersed office spaces rented across Delhi → improves inter-ministerial coordination. Promotes e-governance via tech-enabled modular buildings. Key Infrastructure Components Component Function Status (as of Aug 2025) New Parliament 888 Lok Sabha seats, 384 Rajya Sabha seats Completed Kartavya Path Civic space, ceremonial avenue Redeveloped Kartavya Bhawan CCS building for key ministries To be inaugurated (Aug 6, 2025) VP Enclave Official Vice President residence & office Completed National Museum Conversion of North & South Blocks into museums Planned CCS 1, 2, 6, 7, 10 Common Secretariat buildings Under Construction Administrative Gains Efficient Resource Use: Reduces annual expenditure on government building rentals (~₹1,000+ crore/year). Faster Decision-Making: Ministries in close physical proximity = enhanced synergy and productivity. Digital Governance Hub: Buildings equipped with smart tech, high-speed networks, and security systems. Environmental Impact & Sustainability Green Features: 40,573 trees to be planted; no existing trees cut. Redevelopment of Kartavya Path added 197 new trees (now 4,087 vs earlier 3,890). Use of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste for material recycling. Energy Efficiency: Kartavya Bhawan to save 30% energy and generate 5.34 lakh kWh annually. Promotes non-motorised transport and public transport integration. EIA Compliance: All sub-projects cleared via rigorous Environmental Impact Assessments. Cultural & Social Benefits Public Space Expansion: National Museum, IGNCA, lawns, India Gate plaza → redesigned for public use. Democratisation of Space: 80,000 sq.m. of historic office space repurposed for citizens. Tourism & Heritage: Redesigned Kartavya Path integrates pedestrian walkways (16.5 km) and canal restoration. Economic & Strategic Dimensions ‘Made in India’ Focus: Indigenous materials and crafts used across structures – boosts local artisans and MSMEs. Employment Generation: Thousands of direct and indirect jobs created across construction, design, and engineering sectors. Long-Term Fiscal Prudence: Cuts high maintenance and rental costs of outdated buildings. Criticism & Debates Timing Criticism: Project launched amid COVID-19 pandemic; called “misplaced priority” by some civil society groups. Transparency Issues: Debates on lack of Parliamentary approval and limited public consultation. Heritage Conservation vs Modernisation: Concerns raised on altering the historical character of Lutyens’ Delhi. Alignment with Key Government Initiatives Initiative Alignment with Central Vista AatmaNirbhar Bharat Use of indigenous designs and materials Digital India Tech-enabled governance structures Swachh Bharat Mission C&D waste management; green energy systems Ease of Living/Govt. Integrated public and government spaces Smart Cities Mission Intelligent infrastructure in administrative design Prelims Pointers Architect: Bimal Patel Executing Body: CPWD under MoHUA Location of new Parliament: Adjacent to old Parliament Total Ministries: 51 in 10 CCS Buildings Renamed Road: Rajpath → Kartavya Path Conclusion: The Central Vista Project is not merely an architectural makeover; it is an institutional reimagination of India’s governance structure — combining administrative efficiency, sustainability, heritage conservation, and citizen participation. It exemplifies India’s march towards becoming a 21st-century governance hub aligned with the vision of a New India. A Joyous Homecoming: India’s Sacred Buddhist Relics Return After 127 Years Context & Background Event: Return of sacred Piprahwa Buddhist Relics to India in July 2025, after 127 years. Discovery: In 1898, by British engineer William Claxton Peppé at Piprahwa Stupa (Siddharthnagar, Uttar Pradesh), near ancient Kapilavastu, homeland of Lord Buddha. Contents: Included bone relics (believed to be those of Buddha), crystal caskets, gold and gemstone ornaments, and a sandstone coffer. Colonial Loss: These sacred relics were taken abroad during the British era; part of them resurfaced in Sotheby’s auction (Hong Kong, May 2025). Repatriation: India intervened diplomatically; relics were returned via a public-private partnership between Ministry of Culture and Godrej Industries Group. Relevance: GS I( Indian art & culture, religious heritage), GS II (Cultural diplomacy) Historical & Cultural Significance Buddha’s Relics: Physical remains of Gautama Buddha hold spiritual and ritualistic sanctity; enshrined post-Mahaparinirvana (483 BCE) by disciples. Piprahwa Inscription: Inscription in Brahmi script on relic casket confirms enshrinement by Sakya clan (~3rd century BCE). Excavation Timeline: 1898: Discovery by Peppé. 1971–77: ASI-led excavation unearthed 22 sacred bone relics in steatite caskets. Preservation: Some relics have been stored at the National Museum, New Delhi; others were in international possession until now. Reasons for Relevance in Current Times Post-Colonial Cultural Assertion: Part of global trend to reclaim artefacts from colonial-era looting (e.g., Kohinoor, Parthenon Marbles). Buddhist Revivalism: Strengthens India’s Buddhist identity for both domestic harmony and international influence. Policy Alignment: Reflects PM Modi’s vision of “Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi” – fusing economic progress with cultural restoration. Cultural Sovereignty: Enhances India’s global standing as authentic custodian of Buddhist heritage. India’s Buddhist Heritage: Strategic & Civilizational Importance Civilizational Role: Birthplace of Buddhism. Associated sites: Lumbini (Nepal), Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, Kushinagar. Spread of Dhamma: Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BCE): Propagated Dhamma through edicts, missionaries. Growth of Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana traditions across Asia. Swadesh Darshan – Buddhist Circuit: Development of pilgrimage infrastructure. Key sites: Kapilavastu, Sarnath, Kushinagar, Vaishali, etc. Boosts cultural tourism, regional economy, and pan-Asian Buddhist consciousness. Cultural Diplomacy & Soft Power Strategic Use of Buddhist Diplomacy: India leverages Buddhist heritage to strengthen bilateral ties with Buddhist-majority nations. Key Recent Cultural Exhibitions: Thailand (2023): 26-day relic display in 4 cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Krabi). 4 million+ visitors – deepening spiritual ties. Vietnam (2024): Held during UN Vesak celebrations. Displayed in 4 cities – 17.8 million attendees. Mongolia (2022): Sacred relics showcased on Buddha Purnima. Symbolic of reviving Indo-Mongolian religious ties. Impact: Reinforces India’s status as “Cultural and Spiritual Anchor” of Asia. Projects India as protector of Buddhist dharma globally. Facilitates soft diplomacy rooted in shared civilizational values. Events & Initiatives to Promote Buddhist Heritage A. Global Buddhist Summit 2023 Theme: Universal Values, Peace & Sustainability. Inaugurated by PM Modi; participation from major Buddhist nations. Emphasized India’s leadership on global ethical and spiritual issues. B. Asian Buddhist Summit 2024 Theme: Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia. Participants from 32 countries; 160 international delegates. Highlighted cultural synergy and peace-oriented diplomacy. C. Annual Commemoration of Key Buddhist Festivals: Vesak Day (Buddha Purnima): Celebrates Birth, Enlightenment, and Mahaparinirvana. PM Modi’s 2017 visit to Sri Lanka and 2021 keynote during global celebrations emphasized India’s commitment. Ashadha Purnima (Dhamma Day): Commemorates Buddha’s first sermon at Sarnath (Turning of the Wheel of Dharma). 2025 Celebration: Global monastic participation at Mulagandha Kuti Vihara, Sarnath. Abhidhamma Day: Symbolizes Buddha’s descent from Tavatimsa Heaven to Sankisa (Uttar Pradesh). 2024 Event: Held in New Delhi; attended by 1,000+ delegates from 14 countries. Linguistic & Scriptural Preservation Pali Language: Declared a Classical Language in October 2024. Language of Theravada scriptures; key to preserving Tipitaka and Buddhist philosophical thought. Facilitates academic research and scriptural conservation. Conclusion The return of Piprahwa relics is a momentous civilizational milestone, symbolizing: Post-colonial restoration of cultural pride. Reassertion of India’s Buddhist leadership on the global stage. Moral responsibility to reclaim sacred heritage. This initiative exemplifies India’s aspiration to become a Vishwa Guru by blending spiritual depth, diplomatic maturity, and cultural stewardship.

Daily Editorials Analysis

Editorials/Opinions Analysis For UPSC 06 August 2025

Content India’s presence amid a broken template of geopolitics The technocratic calculus of India’s welfare state India’s presence amid a broken template of geopolitics Background: Geopolitics in Flux Post-COVID, Post-Ukraine, Post-Gaza world is no longer defined by a unipolar U.S.-led order. The multipolar reality is fractured, transactional, and interest-driven. Major realignments are occurring: Russia-China entente vs. NATO-EU-U.S. bloc. Global South asserting independence (e.g., BRICS+). Institutions like the UN, WTO, and IMF increasingly marginalised or bypassed. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question : “In a world of fractured alignments and shifting power centres, India’s passive strategic posture risks geopolitical marginalisation.” Examine this statement in light of Operation Sindoor and recent global developments. Suggest a roadmap to recalibrate India’s foreign policy doctrine.(250 Words) Operation Sindoor: The Strategic Reality Check Operation Sindoor (April 2025): India’s retaliatory strike after the Pahalgam terror attack. Key Data Points: 3 terrorists killed were Pakistani, affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba. The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed responsibility — now designated as FTO & SDGT by the U.S. Geopolitical Fallout: U.S. President Trump hosted Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir post-strike — a diplomatic snub to India. Despite decisive military response, India struggled to control the narrative internationally. Strategic Imbalance: India vs. Major Powers India-U.S. Relations: Allies or Unequals? Trump’s Policies: Imposed 25% tariffs even as NISAR satellite (India-U.S. venture) launched. Threatened more tariffs on Russian oil imports, despite U.S. itself buying: $1.2B in Russian uranium $1.6B in Russian fertilizers in 2024. Called for U.S. firms to leave India and hire only Americans. Growing Insensitivity: U.S. praised Pakistan’s counter-terror efforts despite cross-border terrorism. Backed regime change in Bangladesh, targeting pro-India Sheikh Hasina. In Myanmar, U.S.-EU support to anti-junta forces is destabilising India’s northeast. EU’s Contradictions: Rules for India, Exemptions for Itself Sanctioned India’s Vadinar Refinery (Rosneft-linked) for importing Russian oil. Yet, Europe imported 51% of Russian LNG in 2024 (Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, Spain — all continued imports). India-EU FTA (BTIA) talks suffer due to: Carbon Border Tax (CBAM) Digital services restrictions Stringent IP demands China’s Assertiveness in the Neighbourhood China’s Trilateral Proposal (June 2025): Attempted to formalise China-Pakistan-Bangladesh alliance in Kunming. Bangladesh refused, but India alerted. Strategic Moves: Reopening of WWII airbase at Lalmonirhat near Siliguri Corridor. Support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Mandarin renaming of Arunachal Pradesh locations. Control bid over Dalai Lama succession. Construction of mega dam on Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra headwaters). Squeezing of Indian supply chains (e.g., APIs, rare earths, fertilizers). Strategic Resets Needed India’s “Wait and Watch” stance is obsolete. Post-Galwan and Pahalgam, India must recalibrate strategic assumptions. Need to act in global conflicts if it expects reciprocity (e.g., Israel-Gaza, Ukraine, Iran). Silence on global crises leads to marginalisation. Assertive diplomacy is necessary to punch India’s weight. Institutional Responses & Multilateral Leverage What India Is Doing: Bilateral push: Seeking a U.S.-India trade deal to salvage ties before Quad Summit. India-UK CETA concluded, pressurising EU. Multilateral outreach: BRICS 2026 hosted by India – platform to reclaim leadership of the Global South. SCO, East Asia outreach – necessary after missing RCEP. What India Must Do: Use platforms to: Advocate for multipolarity. Promote global South cooperation (e.g., G-20, BRICS). Challenge Western double standards on sanctions and trade. Why Passive Economic Focus Alone Is Risky “In a fragmenting world, geopolitics shapes economics, not the other way around.” MYTH: Staying neutral and growing economically will insulate India. REALITY: Tariffs, sanctions, tech restrictions, supply chain dependencies will increasingly be dictated by political alignments. Countries must invest geopolitically to secure economic and technological growth. Road Ahead: Strategic Recommendations Area Recommendation Diplomacy Reclaim narrative control; build issue-based coalitions (e.g., oil security, terrorism) Trade Finalise FTA with U.S.; balance EU talks with reciprocal pressure Neighbourhood Strengthen BIMSTEC, BBIN; counter China in Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal Security Expand intelligence & military capabilities beyond borders; reimagine Indo-Pacific strategy Global Conflicts Take moral & strategic positions — especially in Middle East, Indo-Pacific Technology Build indigenous capacity in semiconductors, AI, rare earths, APIs Energy Diversify imports; push for global south energy coalition Conclusion: India can no longer afford strategic reticence in a recalibrated global order shaped by coercion, alignments, and transactional diplomacy. To protect its core interests and secure a rightful place on the global stage, India must match economic ambitions with assertive, value-driven, and multi-aligned geopolitical engagement. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes. The technocratic calculus of India’s welfare state Understanding the Indian Welfare State Definition: A welfare state seeks to protect and promote the economic and social well-being of its citizens, guaranteeing minimum standards of income, health, housing, education, and employment. Constitutional Backing: Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV) — Articles 38, 39, 41, 42, 47. Historical Context: 1950s–1990s: Rights and entitlements were moral claims; delivery was bureaucratic. Post-2000s: Rights-based legislations (e.g., MGNREGA 2005, NFSA 2013). Post-2014: Rise of digital-first, DBT-based targeted welfare — Aadhaar-led. Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Schemes) Practice Question : “The transition from rights-based entitlements to algorithm-driven welfare reflects a deeper technocratic shift in India’s welfare state.” Critically examine this shift in light of its implications on democratic accountability, transparency, and citizen agency.(250 Words) India’s Digital Welfare Infrastructure: The Scale Component Data Point Aadhaar Enrolments 1.35 billion+ (UIDAI, 2025) Schemes linked to DBT 1,206 schemes under 53 Ministries (GOI, 2025) Direct Transfers ₹34.8 lakh crore transferred since 2013 Grievance Portals 36 State/UT portals; CPGRAMS as central node Schemes like PM-KISAN Covers 11 crore+ farmers with ₹6,000 annually E-SHRAM Portal 29 crore+ unorganised workers registered The Technocratic Shift: Key Features What is Technocracy? Rule by experts, data, and algorithms rather than elected representatives or deliberative processes. Emphasises efficiency, auditability, and scale over empathy, context, or participation. Manifestations in India: Aadhaar-based Identification: Biometric verification replaces local knowledge. DBT Architecture: Transfers funds directly to beneficiaries via Aadhaar-seeded bank accounts. Centralised Grievance Portals: CPGRAMS and state variants handle complaints algorithmically. Welfare Portals: E-SHRAM, Jan Soochna, PM-SYM work with predefined data filters. What Are We Losing? The Democratic Costs From Rights to Metrics: Shift from “who needs help and why” → “how do we reduce leakage and maximise speed”. From Citizens to Beneficiaries: Homo Sacer (Agamben): Citizens reduced to biometric identities devoid of agency. Auditable Beneficiary: Human suffering becomes measurable data, not deliberative input. From Political Accountability to Algorithmic Insulation: Technocratic tools obscure who is responsible for exclusion errors, beneficiary fraud, or denied entitlements. Game-Theoretic Insight: Why Politicians Love Algorithms Theory: In polarised systems, politicians avoid blame by offloading tough decisions to neutral-seeming systems. Implication in India: Cross-party consensus on DBT expansion. No significant opposition to Aadhaar, despite SC’s dissenting voices (e.g., Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, 2018). Fiscal Contraction and Policy Hollowing Social Sector Spending: Dropped from 21% (2014–2024 avg) → 17% in 2024–25 (BE). Impact on Key Sectors: Welfare for minorities, nutrition, employment, labour dropped from 11% pre-COVID → 3% post-COVID. Contradiction: Rhetoric of “socialistic state” vs. rollback in funding. RTI Regime in Crisis: A Democratic Red Flag Pending RTI Cases: 4.1 lakh+ (as of June 2024) Vacancies: 8 posts of Chief Information Commissioners unfilled. Impact: Weakens transparency. Shields technocratic decisions from scrutiny. Undermines citizens’ right to know and appeal. Conceptual Anchors: Key Thinkers to Understand This Shift Thinker Concept Relevance to Indian Welfare State Jürgen Habermas Technocratic Consciousness Data replaces public reasoning Michel Foucault Governmentality Surveillance > empowerment Giorgio Agamben Homo Sacer Biometric ID reduces personhood Jacques Rancière Democracy = visibility “Who is seen and heard?” Nassim Taleb Antifragility Systems must resist failure under stress Problems of Over-centralisation CPGRAMS: 30+ lakh grievances resolved (2022–24) — but often visibility without accountability. Converts citizen voice into a ticket, not a political challenge. Erosion of Frontline Discretion: Field workers (ASHA, anganwadi, panchayat officials) have reduced decision-making roles. Loss of Local Reflexivity: Gram Sabhas, traditional deliberative forums side-lined. Path Forward: Towards Democratic Antifragility A. Short-term Measures Bias audits of algorithms in DBT and grievance redress. Codify “Right to Explanation” — per UN Human Rights Council recommendations. Offline fallback mechanisms for citizens without digital access. B. Medium-term Reforms Platform Cooperatives: Local SHGs and panchayats as tech intermediaries (e.g., Kudumbashree model, Kerala). Community-based Audits: Institutionalise social audits, local feedback loops. C. Long-term Vision Democratic Anti-fragility: Build systems that absorb feedback, accommodate dissent, and evolve under stress. Citizen as Co-Governor: Not a data-entry, but a voice in shaping welfare. Conclusion: A Caution and a Call India’s digital welfare revolution is impressive in scale, but risks producing a silent, depoliticised, audit-friendly citizen. For Viksit Bharat, welfare must be participatory, accountable, and resilient. Efficiency must not replace empathy, and data must not erase deliberation. Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed here are based on the original article published in THE HINDU and do not reflect the official stance of Legacy IAS Academy. This content is provided solely for Academic purposes

Daily Current Affairs

Current Affairs 06 August 2025

Content Flash Floods in Uttarakhand Eighty years on from Hiroshima How should money laundering be tackled? Trump says he will hike tariff on India ‘over next 24 hours’ India may change stance amid U.S. tariffs, EU sanctions over Russian oil Ayush Ministry and FSSAI release a list of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ food preparations U.S. trade deficit with nine countries higher than that of India DBT helped deactivate 4.08 cr. fake, inactive LPG connections: Puri Flash Floods in Uttarakhand Basic Understanding of Flash Floods Flash Floods are sudden, intense floods caused by heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, or glacial lake outbursts (GLOFs), usually within 6 hours of precipitation. In mountainous terrains, such as Uttarakhand, they occur due to: Steep slopes increasing runoff velocity. Poor drainage due to rapid urbanisation. Glacial melt and river swelling due to climate anomalies. Relevance : GS 3( Disaster Management) Geographic and Climatic Context of Uttarkashi Location: Uttarkashi district lies in the upper Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, prone to flash floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Altitude: Dharali town affected in this case is located at 8,600 feet. River Systems: Kheer Ganga is a tributary in the upper Bhagirathi basin, which eventually feeds into the Ganga. Monsoon Activity: Heavy rainfall during July–September increases vulnerability. Tourist Footfall: Uttarkashi is a critical stretch of the Char Dham Yatra, increasing exposure to disaster risks. The August 2025 Flash Flood: Event Summary Date & Time: Afternoon of August 5, 2025, around 1:45 PM. Trigger: Torrential rains caused river swelling and sudden flooding of the Kheer Ganga. Most affected area: Dharali town – a tourist hub with hotels and markets. Casualties: 4 confirmed dead. 60–70 people feared trapped, including 9 Army personnel. Destruction: Complete washing away of market areas. Residential buildings, hotels, and people swept away. Entire town turned into a sludge-filled riverbed. Rescue and Relief Operations Agencies involved: Indian Army State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Rescue Data: 120 people rescued in initial hours. 20 rescued by Army within first 3 hours. Medical Relief: Separate hospital wings activated. Medical teams, oxygen, and medicines on alert. Shelter: Relief camps set up by district administration. Wider Impact and Follow-Up Warnings Sukhi Top: Another flash flood reported here later the same day; no casualties, but sharp river swelling observed. Travel Advisory: Tourism and trekking activities in Uttarkashi remain suspended. Weather Forecast: IMD prediction of continued heavy rain for next few days. High risk of secondary floods, landslides, and road blockages. Structural Causes and Broader Vulnerabilities Ecological Fragility: Uttarakhand lies in Zone V (highest seismic zone) and is highly susceptible to ecological disasters. Anthropogenic Pressures: Haphazard construction, especially in riverbeds. Unchecked tourism and infrastructural overload. Deforestation and encroachment on drainage lines. Climate Change: Rising frequency of extreme weather events in the Himalayas. Disrupted monsoon patterns and glacial retreat exacerbate risks. Past Precedents Year Event Death Toll Impact 2013 Kedarnath Flash Floods ~5,700+ Worst Himalayan disaster in recent memory 2021 Chamoli Glacier Burst ~200 Hydro project destruction 2023 Joshimath Land Subsidence – Town declared sinking zone Way Forward: Policy and Resilience Measures Disaster Preparedness: Strengthen early warning dissemination in remote Himalayan villages. Community-led resilience planning and mock drills. Ecological Planning: Ban on construction within 200m of rivers in fragile zones. Promote eco-tourism with capped footfalls. Monitoring Infrastructure: Install AI-based water-level sensors across rivers. Drone surveillance in trekking routes during monsoon season. Capacity Building: Empower local Panchayats under DM Act 2005. Invest in mountain-specific disaster research. Eighty years on from Hiroshima Historical Context: What Happened in 1945 On August 6, 1945, the U.S. dropped a uranium-based atomic bomb (“Little Boy”) on Hiroshima at 8:15 a.m., killing approx. 70,000 people instantly. By the end of 1945, at least 70,000 more had died due to injuries and radiation sickness. On August 9, a second bomb (“Fat Man”), plutonium-based, was dropped on Nagasaki, killing 40,000 on the first day. Total fatalities from the two bombings by end of 1945: approx. 1,40,000 to 2,00,000. Relevance : GS 1(World History ) Who Are the Hibakusha? “Hibakusha” means “bomb–affected people” — survivors of the atomic bombings. Their testimonies helped build the global moral and ethical case against nuclear weapons. They faced official suppression initially during American occupation of Japan — effects of the bombs were denied or downplayed. U.S. Brig. Gen. Thomas Farrell falsely declared that those affected had all died and there were “no continuing effects.” Relief centers were shut; 50,000 more died by year-end without understanding the cause. Castle Bravo & the Turning Point in Nuclear Awareness In 1954, a U.S. hydrogen bomb test (Castle Bravo) in the Marshall Islands went awry — twice as powerful as expected. A Japanese fishing boat, Fukuryu Maru, was 86 miles from ground zero and got covered in radioactive fallout. All crew members fell sick from acute radiation — bringing public attention to the delayed and invisible dangers of radiation. This incident became a critical moment in linking radiation sickness with nuclear weapons in Japan’s public consciousness. Rise of Anti-Nuclear Movements Survivors organized under Nihon Hidankyo (Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations) in 1956. They began global campaigns to educate the world about the humanitarian impact of nuclear warfare. After decades of advocacy, Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 — 70 years after the Castle Bravo fallout incident. The Norm of Non-Use: Definition & Reality Despite the expansion of nuclear powers (from 1 in 1945 to 9 today), no nuclear weapon has been used in warfare since 1945. This “norm of non-use” is not enshrined in law but is a powerful informal norm shaped by: ▸ Humanitarian narratives (Hibakusha testimonies) ▸ Deterrence theory (Mutual Assured Destruction) Legal instruments regulate testing and proliferation — not use: ▸ NPT (1968): Prevents spread of nuclear weapons; encourages disarmament “in good faith.” ▸ CTBT (1996): Bans all nuclear explosive testing. ▸ Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (2017): Prohibits use but not signed by any nuclear-armed state. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 1996 ruled that nuclear use is generally contrary to international law, though it did not declare an outright ban. The Changing Nature of Nuclear Threats Cold War arsenals were large and centralized; today’s arsenals are smaller but more sophisticated. Shift towards tactical, “useable” nuclear weapons — designed for battlefield use, not large-scale deterrence. Modernization trends include: ▸ Smaller-yield warheads ▸ Precision delivery systems ▸ Faster, more responsive command and control systems Erosion of Norms in Today’s Conflicts Russia’s nuclear threats during the Ukraine conflict have undermined the nuclear taboo. During India’s Operation Sindoor (2025), PM Modi declared India would not tolerate nuclear blackmail — indicating nuclear signaling in regional conflicts. The line between conventional and nuclear conflict is increasingly blurred, heightening the risk of escalation or miscalculation. Why This Matters Today: Key Takeaways The norm of non-use has held for 80 years, but is under strain from: ▸ Rising geopolitical tensions (Russia–NATO, Indo–Pak, U.S.–China) ▸ Modernization and evolving nuclear doctrines ▸ Erosion of global arms control treaties and norms Over 13,000 nuclear weapons still exist globally (as of 2023), with 90% held by the U.S. and Russia. Public awareness is fading — often revived only by accidents like Castle Bravo or active conflict threats. Complacency is dangerous: even “limited” nuclear use would have devastating humanitarian and ecological consequences. Moral vs. Strategic Logic Moral argument: Led by Hibakusha and peace activists emphasizing human cost and long-term radiation effects. Strategic argument: Based on deterrence theory — fear of retaliation prevents use. It remains contested which factor (ethics or deterrence) has been more effective in preserving the norm of non-use. Final Reflection Hiroshima and Nagasaki were not just acts of war — they marked the beginning of an age of existential danger. Survivors’ testimonies, once silenced, are vital reminders of the risks. As nuclear rhetoric and modernization increase, reaffirming and reinforcing the nuclear taboo is crucial for global security and human survival. How should money laundering be tackled? What is Money Laundering? Money laundering refers to the process of making illegally obtained money appear legal or “clean.” As per Section 3 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, it involves concealing or projecting criminal proceeds as untainted property. It often funds illegal activities including terror financing, corruption, and organized crime. Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security)   Three Stages of Money Laundering: Placement: Illicit cash is introduced into the financial system (e.g., depositing small sums into various accounts — “smurfing”). Layering: Funds are moved through complex transactions to hide their origin (e.g., shell companies, offshore accounts). Integration: Money re-enters the economy as apparently legitimate through investments in real estate, businesses, or luxury goods. About PMLA, 2002: Enacted in line with UN resolutions to prevent money laundering and confiscate tainted property. The Act puts the burden of proof on the accused, not the prosecuting agency. Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), not an FIR, is sufficient to initiate proceedings (SC upheld in Vir Bhadra Singh v. ED, 2017). Enforcement and Conviction Data: Between 2015 and 2023, ED initiated 5,892 cases under PMLA. Only 15 convictions have been secured — a conviction rate of approximately 0.25%. Signals poor outcomes in securing justice despite rising investigations. Issues with Implementation: Rising number of cases indicates growing financial crime or overreach in enforcement. Supreme Court in Vijay Madanlal Chaudhury v. Union of India (2022) clarified: A “scheduled offence” is necessary to initiate prosecution under PMLA Section 3. But property can be attached even without a criminal case being registered — leading to misuse. Misuse of PMLA: A Cause for Concern Critics allege political misuse of PMLA to target dissenters and opposition leaders. The law allows ED vast discretionary powers with minimal judicial oversight. ED is not bound to share the ECIR with the accused, limiting defense preparation. Global Context: The ‘Laundromat’ Model Origin: Term derived from laundromats used by US crime syndicates to legitimize illicit earnings. A laundromat refers to shell networks that: Clean dirty money, Evade taxes, Hide ownership, Fund illicit operations. International Case Studies: China’s Overseas Operations In April 2023, the US FBI arrested two operatives in New York linked to China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS). They were charged with acting as agents for the Chinese government and obstructing justice. Highlights how covert financial operations can blend with political espionage. In contrast, countries with stronger economic ties with China (e.g., Mongolia, Serbia) have shown little public action on such covert programs. Suggests that national security concerns can be sidelined for geopolitical convenience. Global Financial Action: FATF & DTAA Financial Action Task Force (FATF): International watchdog on money laundering and terror financing. Recommends robust enforcement, transparency, and global cooperation. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA): India has signed DTAAs with ~85 countries. Facilitates tax info exchange, helps track illegal cross-border flows. But DTAA enforcement and cooperation gaps remain. Economic Impacts of Money Laundering: Weakens financial institutions by encouraging non-transparent transactions. Fuels inflation and distorts asset prices due to excess illicit liquidity. Undermines monetary policy and economic integrity (SC in P. Chidambaram v. ED, 2019). Key Takeaways: While legal mechanisms under PMLA exist, their implementation suffers from low conviction rates, procedural opacity, and allegations of misuse. Strengthening ED’s accountability, judicial oversight, and adherence to FATF norms is essential. Global cooperation through FATF and DTAA must be institutionalized beyond paperwork to tackle transnational laundering networks effectively. Trump says he will hike tariff on India ‘over next 24 hours’ WHAT’S HAPPENING? Donald Trump, in a 2025 interview with CNBC, accused India of being a bad trading partner and threatened to impose “very substantial” tariffs within 24 hours. His primary criticism: India’s high tariff regime and continued imports of Russian crude oil despite Western sanctions. India responded sharply, calling the remarks “unjustified and unreasonable,” pointing to the West’s own continued trade with Russia. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) TRADE TARIFFS – A SIMPLE EXPLANATION Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods. High tariffs make foreign goods expensive, protecting domestic industries but potentially reducing foreign trade. Trump alleges India imposes the highest tariffs in the world, making it hard for U.S. goods to compete in India. DONALD TRUMP’S KEY ALLEGATIONS “India is the highest tariff nation”: He claims India imposes higher import duties than any other country. “We do very little business with India”: Trump argues the U.S. exports little to India due to these high tariffs. “They buy a lot from us, but we don’t buy from them”: He implies an imbalanced trade relationship. “They are fueling Russia’s war machine”: Trump criticizes India’s purchase of discounted Russian crude oil post-Ukraine war. TRUMP’S POLICY SIGNALS He indicated raising tariffs on Indian imports from 25% to a higher, unspecified rate. Suggested such trade penalties would be punishment for India’s continued economic engagement with Russia. Linked India’s crude oil imports to undermining Western efforts to isolate Russia. INDIA’S RESPONSE – STRONG AND DATA-BACKED Called the targeting of India “unjustified and unreasonable.” Emphasized trade with Russia is a “vital national compulsion” for energy security. Pointed to hypocrisy in the West’s own trade with Russia: The U.S. continues importing: Uranium hexafluoride (for nuclear industry) Palladium (used in EVs) Fertilizers and chemicals EU continues trade in: Fertilizers Mining products Iron & steel Machinery and transport equipment STRATEGIC AND GEOPOLITICAL UNDERPINNINGS India maintains strategic autonomy: continues balancing ties with both the West and Russia. Western countries, especially during wartime, want allies to align more closely with sanctions regimes. Trump’s approach reflects economic nationalism—penalizing partners who don’t align with U.S. foreign policy objectives. TRADE DATA INSIGHT As of 2024 (latest available): U.S. is one of India’s largest trading partners (bilateral trade of over $128 billion). India imports significant quantities of crude oil from Russia (exceeding 1 million barrels/day in 2023–24). India imposes average tariffs of around 17%, higher than developed countries (e.g., U.S. ~3.4%), but consistent with other emerging economies. PREVIOUS TENSIONS UNDER TRUMP (2016–2020) Trump terminated India’s benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in 2019. Tensions over price caps on medical devices, e-commerce restrictions, and agricultural access. A limited trade deal was negotiated but not finalized before his term ended. ECONOMIC SECURITY VS. GEOPOLITICS India defends Russian oil purchases as essential to maintaining price stability and energy access for 1.4 billion people. Also strategically diversifying sources while increasing clean energy investments. India’s diplomatic stance: multiple Western countries continue buying from Russia when it suits their national interest. CONCLUSION International trade is deeply influenced by domestic policy, geopolitical interests, and global energy needs. The U.S.–India trade relationship has historically been strong but contentious on tariffs and market access. Trump’s rhetoric often escalates tensions but may not always translate into long-term policy changes. India is asserting itself more confidently on the global stage, pushing back against perceived double standards. India may change stance amid U.S. tariffs, EU sanctions over Russian oil Context: India, Russia, and Global Energy Geopolitics Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations (especially the U.S. and EU) imposed sanctions to curtail Russian oil revenues. India, as the world’s 3rd-largest oil importer, ramped up discounted purchases of Russian crude to meet energy needs and stabilize inflation. Russian crude’s share in India’s imports rose from <2% in 2021 to over 35% by early 2023. India defends these purchases as necessary for national interest and economic stability. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(Energy Security) MEA’s Latest Statement: A Clearer, Assertive Tone The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued its strongest defense yet of Russian oil imports. Asserted India will take “all necessary measures” to protect its energy and economic interests. Marked a tonal shift from earlier low-key responses to Western criticism post-2022. Trigger: Threats from U.S. President Donald Trump Trump accused India of selling Russian oil for “massive profits” while ignoring Ukrainian deaths. Threatened “substantial” new tariffs on Indian goods, in addition to a 25% global tariff that kicks in soon. This echoes previous U.S. actions: In 2018–19, India had to reduce oil imports from Iran and Venezuela due to U.S. secondary sanctions. Then too, U.S. tariffs (e.g., on steel, aluminum) created tensions in trade ties. India’s Response to U.S. & EU: Calling Out Double Standards The MEA pointed out: Both U.S. and EU continue to buy Russian energy, fertilizers, minerals, and steel. No similar penalties imposed on China, the largest buyer of Russian oil (about 2 million bpd in 2024). Unstated hypocrisy: Western silence on their support for Israel amid Gaza war (over 60,000 deaths), while moralizing over Ukraine. India’s Strategic Options Ahead Maintain Status Quo Continue Russian oil imports, possibly increasing them. Absorb sanctions while pushing for FTAs with EU, U.S., UK to reduce friction. Diversify Energy Partners Accelerate FTA talks with: GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union), Australia, New Zealand. ASEAN-India Trade pact revision or re-entry into RCEP may be explored. Secure alternate suppliers: Iraq, Saudi Arabia, UAE, U.S., Brazil. Retaliatory Counter-Measures Delay trade talks: India-EU BTIA (Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement), U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum. Slow down cooperation in nuclear energy, defence, critical minerals. Leverage India’s strategic role in Indo-Pacific, Quad to extract concessions. Broader Implications Shift in diplomatic posture: From submissive (e.g., Iran/Venezuela episode) to assertive realpolitik. Rise of multipolar diplomacy: India signals it will not be bullied into Western strategic camps. Watchpoint: Will this impact India-U.S. ties in Quad, Indo-Pacific vision, and high-tech cooperation? Data Snapshot (as of 2024-25 estimates) India’s monthly Russian crude imports: ~1.3–1.5 million barrels/day. Russia is India’s top oil supplier, followed by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Discounted rates on Russian Urals crude saved India ~$5-6 billion in 2023. India’s exports to U.S.: ~$80 billion/year; imports from U.S.: ~$60 billion/year (2023-24). India-EU BTIA talks ongoing since 2007; trade with EU ~$115 billion/year. Conclusion India’s statement marks a growing confidence in shaping its own energy diplomacy and foreign policy — one rooted in pragmatism, national interest, and global multipolarity. It signals that India is willing to push back against perceived Western hypocrisy while keeping its strategic options open across economic and geopolitical fronts. Ayush Ministry and FSSAI release a list of ‘Ayurveda Aahara’ food preparations What is Ayurveda Aahara? Ayurveda Aahara refers to food items formulated based on principles of Ayurvedic nutrition, emphasizing balance (doshas), seasonality (ritucharya), and natural ingredients. These foods are meant to support preventive health, long-term wellness, and sustainable living by integrating traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern dietary preferences. Relevance : GS 1(Culture , Heritage)   Who released the list and why? The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush, released the categorized list. Objective: To mainstream Ayurveda-based dietary practices and give clarity to food businesses and consumers under the legal framework of the Food Safety and Standards (Ayurveda Aahara) Regulations, 2022.  Legal and Regulatory Context Ayurveda Aahara is governed under the FSSAI’s 2022 regulations, which legally recognize foods described in authoritative Ayurvedic texts. The new list is issued under Note (1) of Schedule B and draws from classical Ayurvedic texts listed in Schedule A of the regulations. This brings legal backing and standardized labeling for Ayurveda-based food products. Key Features of the New List Identifies Category A products (standardized Ayurveda Aahara) that follow prescribed recipes, ingredients, and processes. Examples likely include items such as churnas, lehya, medicated ghee, herbal decoctions (kwath), etc., but tailored for food use, not drugs. Businesses (FBOs) can apply to add new items, provided they submit references from Schedule A texts. Implications for Stakeholders For Consumers: Boosts trust by ensuring scientific and regulatory validation of traditional recipes. Promotes informed consumption of health-supportive, herb-based foods aligned with Ayurveda. For Food Businesses: Provides legal clarity and market expansion opportunities in the health/nutrition segment. Enables standardized production, labeling, and advertising within FSSAI guidelines. For Government: Aligns India’s traditional knowledge with modern food safety laws and WHO recommendations on integrative medicine. Socio-Health Relevance Rising demand for preventive health, immunity-boosting foods, and sustainable eating post-COVID has expanded Ayurveda’s appeal. Ayurveda Aahara is projected to complement India’s nutraceutical and wellness industry, which is expected to reach $100 billion by 2025 (as per Ayush Ministry projections). Way Forward FSSAI will continue to expand the approved list based on stakeholder inputs and evidence from Ayurvedic texts. Supports India’s larger goals of soft-power diplomacy, global wellness leadership, and Atmanirbhar Bharat in the AYUSH sector. U.S. trade deficit with nine countries higher than that of India Basics of Trade Deficits and Tariffs A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports to a specific country. Tariffs are import taxes imposed by a country to protect domestic industries or penalize perceived unfair trade practices. Higher tariffs can make imported goods more expensive, reducing competitiveness in the market. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) U.S. Trade Deficit Landscape (2024) According to data analyzed by Rubix Data Sciences: The U.S. had a trade deficit of $49.5 billion with India in 2024 — ranking India 10th among its top trade deficit countries. Other countries with a larger U.S. trade deficit than India include: Mexico: $175.9 billion Vietnam: $129.4 billion Germany: $87.9 billion Ireland: $87.2 billion Taiwan: $76.4 billion Japan: $72.3 billion South Korea: $69.9 billion Italy and Switzerland (implied but not stated) Disproportionate Tariffs on India Despite a lower trade deficit, the U.S. levies a 25% tariff “plus penalties” on Indian imports — the 3rd highest among its top deficit partners. Only China (30%) and Canada (35%) face higher U.S. tariffs than India. Other countries with higher deficits than India face lower or similar tariffs: Vietnam, Japan, Germany, etc., all have lower than 25% tariffs. Mexico, despite a 3.5x larger trade deficit, faces the same 25% tariff.  Implication: The U.S. trade stance toward India appears disproportionately harsh relative to the scale of the trade imbalance. India-U.S. Diplomatic Tensions The Indian Ministry of External Affairs called former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff targeting “unjustified and unreasonable.” These tariffs are seen as a pressure tactic on India amid wider geopolitical frictions — including energy trade with Russia. U.S. Criticism of India’s Russian Oil Imports vs. Global Trends Trump criticized India for buying oil from Russia, linking it to ongoing civilian casualties in Ukraine. However, independent data (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, Dec 2022–June 2025) shows: EU bought 51% of Russia’s LNG exports — the largest buyer. China: 21% of Russian LNG; Japan: 18%. For pipeline gas: EU: 37% of Russia’s exports China: 30% Türkiye: 27% For crude oil: China: 47% India: 38% EU: 6% Türkiye: 6%  Insight: India is not the top energy buyer from Russia — both the EU and China consistently top Russian energy import charts. Key Takeaways India faces the 3rd highest U.S. tariff among top trade deficit countries despite being 10th in deficit size. U.S. criticism of India’s Russia policy ignores EU’s significantly higher Russian energy imports. DBT helped deactivate 4.08 cr. fake, inactive LPG connections: Puri DBTL (PAHAL) Scheme Launched: January 2015 by the Government of India. Objective: To transfer the LPG subsidy amount directly to the bank accounts of beneficiaries, promoting transparency and reducing leakages. Key Principle: LPG is sold at market price; subsidy is later reimbursed to eligible consumers via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Relevance : GS 2(Governance , Schemes) Core Features All LPG cylinders are sold at non-subsidised prices. The eligible subsidy amount is transferred directly to consumers’ bank accounts. Applies to both existing customers and new beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Key Achievements (as of July 1, 2025) 4.08 crore duplicate, fake/non-existent or inactive LPG connections have been blocked, suspended, or deactivated. Enabled identification and removal of: Ghost connections (non-existent). Multiple connections under one name. Inactive or unverified users. Helped curb misuse and diversion of subsidised LPG for commercial use. Role of Technology & Verification Aadhaar-enabled DBT authentication: Allows real-time, accurate, and cost-effective beneficiary identification and de-duplication. Ensures only eligible citizens receive the subsidy. Biometric authentication: Public sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been directed to complete biometric Aadhaar authentication of all PMUY and PAHAL beneficiaries. As of July 1, 2025, 67% of PMUY beneficiaries have undergone biometric verification. Common LPG Database Platform (CLDP) A centralised database used to: Identify and eliminate duplicate or fake connections. Use parameters like Aadhaar number, bank account, ration card, address, and name for cross-verification. CLDP supports targeted delivery and enhances database accuracy across agencies. Special Focus on PMUY (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) New PMUY beneficiaries must complete biometric Aadhaar authentication before receiving LPG connections. Ensures subsidies are targeted at intended poor households, mainly women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Impact on Governance & Welfare Delivery Promotes: Transparency. Accountability. Financial inclusion (through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts). Aids in rationalising subsidy expenditure. Strengthens India’s overall social safety net and welfare delivery mechanisms. Broader Significance DBTL is a global case study in the use of fintech and digital identity for subsidy reform. Forms part of India’s JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) based governance.

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